ds that perfectly well. I came only to look out
for my friends."

Girard knew what manner of man Yeager was. He intended to save his life
if it could be done. This would be possible only if Culvera could be
made to feel that it would cost too much to punish him.

"It is claimed that you attempted the life of General Pasquale once."

"Nothing to that. I was a prisoner, condemned to be shot in the morning.
He came to my cell and offered me my life if I would knife Culvera in
the back. I couldn't see the proposition. But I got a chance, knocked
him down, tied him up, and slipped out in his serape. Then I made my
getaway on the horse he had left for me in case I came through with the
knifing."

Instantly Culvera knew the story to be true. It cannot be said that he
was grateful to Yeager, but the edge of his resentment against him was
dulled.

"Sounds like a plausible story, doesn't it?" he suggested ironically.
"Why should Pasquale want the death of his friend, his lieutenant, the
man who was closest to him among all his followers?"

"Send for Juan Garcia. He was on sentry duty that night. Ask him as to
the facts," the cowpuncher proposed.

Girard turned to his host and spoke to him in a low voice. "General,
this man has a good reputation at home. He has a host of friends in
Arizona. I believe he is speaking the truth. Perhaps General Pasquale
may have been too hasty. Let us send for all the witnesses and make a
thorough investigation of the charges against him. I shall be called to
Washington after I have wired my report. The President, no doubt, will
question me. Make it possible for me to tell him that under the rule of
General Culvera a regime begins that is founded on justice for all."

Culvera was far from a fool. He had lived in the United States and
understood something of the temper of its people. The fall of Huerta
was potent proof that no ruler could survive in Mexico if the
Government at Washington was set in opposition to him. After all, the
life of Yeager was only a small matter. Why not use him as a pawn in the
game to win the approval of the big Republic to the north?

With his most engaging smile Ramon offered his hand to Captain Girard.
"You are right. Pasquale was a child, a creature of moods, of foolish
suspicions and tempestuous passions. Perhaps this man tells the truth.
It may be he has been condemned unjustly. You and I, my friend, shall
sit in judgment on him. If he be guilty, we shall con