"Do any of yo' greasers speak our language?"
"Then I have to tell you, seh, that I am Captain McCalmont, and my outfit is the Robbers' Roost gang of outlaws." He was bending down over his son.
"I asked no question, my friend," said Lord Balshannon, "we never question a guest."
"You make me ashamed, seh. I came with a passel of lies, to prospect around with a view to doing you dirt."
Balshannon chuckled, and I saw by the glint in his eye that he was surely enjoying this robber. "You'll dine with me?" said he.
Captain McCalmont looked up sharply to see what game the patrone was playing.
"You will notice, Captain," said the boss, "that my house is like a deadfall trap. Indeed--ah, yes, only one door, you see."
For answer the robber unbuckled his belt and let it fall to the ground. "Take my gun," he said. "Do you suppose I daren't trust you, seh?"
A servant had brought the brandy, and McCalmont rubbed a little on his son's face, then poured a few drops between his teeth. Presently the lad stirred, moaning a little.
"No, Mistah Chalkeye Davies," answered the robber, "not until this gentleman knows some more, a whole lot more. Here, Curly," he whispered, "wake up, bo'."
The lad opened his eyes, clear blue like the sky, and smiled at his father. "Air you safe, dad?" he whispered.
The hold-up was squatting back on his heels, looking out across the desert. "Don Rex," said he, "I had a warning sent to Sheriff Bryant that I was coming down to lift all yo' hawsses. My wolves tracked Bryant's rider to Lordsburgh, where he wired to you. You came running, and had all yo' hawsses rounded up convenient for me, in the stable-yard of this house. I thank you, seh."
"My good man, I'll bet you an even thousand dollars," said the patrone, "that you don't lift a hoof of my haw--_remuda_."
"It's a spawtin' offer, and tempts me," answered the outlaw. "Oblige me by taking my gun from the ground here and firing three shots in the air."
The patrone took the gun, and at his third shot saw a man ride out from behind the bastion on our right. McCalmont waved to him, and he came, putting a silk mask over his face as he rode, then halted in front of us, shy as a wolf, gun ready for war.
"Young man," said McCalmont, "repeat to these gentlemen here the whole of yo' awdehs fo' the day. Leave out the names of the men."