"Nobody goes there unless he has a very good reason for going. Iss it not so? No harm iss done where none iss meant," said Arenberg, in a tone half of apology and half of inquiry. Middleton laughed and took another puff at his cigarrito. "Certainly no harm has been done," he replied. "You are right, also, in saying that no one goes into the West unless he has an excellent reason. I have such a reason. I want to look for something there." Phil and the German exchanged glances. They, too, wished to look for something there. So! Here was a third man seeking to embark upon the great journey. But it was no business of theirs what he sought, however curious they might feel about it. Phil took another look at Middleton. Surely his was a good face, a face to inspire trust and courage. "We wish to go across Texas and New Mexico, also," he said, "but we’ve been delaying until we could form a party." "You’ve two at least," said Middleton, "and you now have the chance to make it three. Why not do so?" "We will," said Arenberg. "It iss a case where three are company, and two are not so much. Our firm is now Middleton, Bedford, Arenberg & Co." "Do not put me first," said Middleton. "We must all be on exactly the same plane. But I hope, friends, that you trust me as much as I trust you. I think I know truth and honesty when I see them." "We do!" said Phil and Arenberg together and emphatically. The three shook hands, and that single act bound them into a solemn compact to stand by one another through all things. They did not waste words. Then the three went into the town, walking about among the inns and on the levee to hear the gossip of New Orleans, and to learn what chance there was of a large party going into the West. On the way Middleton told them of some things that he had learned. He was not sure, but a large wagon train might start soon for Santa Fé, in the far Mexican land of New Mexico. It was to be a trading expedition, carrying much cloth, metal goods, and other articles of value to this, the greatest of Mexico’s outlying posts. "It will be a numerous train," said Middleton, "perhaps too numerous, as it may arouse the suspicion of the Mexicans. The relations of the States and Mexico are none too good. There is trouble over Texas, and who can tell what will happen a thousand miles in the depths of the wilderness?" "Nobody," said Arenberg. "Who should know better than I?" He spoke with such sudden emphasis that Middleton opened his mouth as if he would ask a question, but changed his mind and was silent. "Then it is your opinion, Mr. Middleton," said Phil, "that we should join this train?" "If nothing better offers. All such expeditions are loosely organized. If we should wish to leave it we can do so." "It iss well to keep it in mind," said Arenberg. "No harm can be done where none iss meant."