“Yes, and I believe we are going after cattle; but to-morrow will tell, as the corrals and grazing grounds are on the headwaters of the San Juan, and that is the way we are pointed now, and we must reach there before two more camps.” The same style of conversation and guesswork the other scouts indulged in, and still the chief said nothing as to their destination, and all decided that it was to the corrals to drive back cattle. But that night, when they went into camp, Buffalo Bill said, after all had had supper: “Pards, I have had nothing to say as to our mission, as there was little to tell you. But, as we strike the government corrals at noon to-morrow, I wish to say that we are to get there a large herd of cattle, and a band of a hundred or more horses.” “Yes, we supposed that was what we were going for, chief,” said Texas Jack. Buffalo Bill smiled, and replied: “Colonel Carr thought it best for me not to tell you my purpose until we neared the corrals, and then, if any of you wished to back out, you could remain there, and I could find other men in your places; but I think I picked those men who will stand by me.” “Just try us!” cried Texas Jack, and the other men all cried out in the same vein. “Now, though we are going to get cattle and horses, we drive them south instead of north, and I tell you plainly that we are going to a pleasant valley where I am to turn ranchero, and you are to be my cattlemen. “That I do this for other motives than posing as a ranchero, you may all be certain, and that there will be hot work ahead of us I feel very confident. “Does any man wish to remain at the corrals?” The response to this question of Buffalo Bill was so earnest that he knew he had nothing to fear from any one of his riders. CHAPTER XXXIII. THE HACIENDA. After an uneventful journey, Buffalo Bill rode up to the little inn where he had before halted, and was greeted by the same Mexican landlord, whom he had not particularly fancied. Speaking English well, the landlord recognized the handsome scout, and said in a way that was meant to be hospitable, but which was full of curiosity: “Ah, señor, you again come this way--is your stay to be short, as before?” “On the contrary, Señor Riel, I am here to stay.” “Ah, señor! you like the Silver Lake Valley, then?” “Very much.” “You are a gambler, perhaps, señor, or you have no business?” “Oh, no, I am a ranchero, and have come to settle down the valley, near the lake.” “You amaze me, señor, for there is no ranch to sell there.” “There is one unoccupied, and may be for sale. I shall take possession of it, herd my cattle in the surrounding country, and, when the owner appears, will pay him what is just. Now, tell me, Señor Riel, if the padre is at home---- Oh, I see him there now,” and Buffalo Bill walked rapidly away to where a small, dark-faced man was standing, dressed as a Mexican priest.