DeWitt turned to Porter and Newman.

"Friends, perhaps she is being taken care of!" he said. "Perhaps that
devil is trying to keep her health, at least. God! If nothing worse
has befallen her!"

He stopped and drew his wrist across his forehead. Something like
tears shone in Jack's eyes, and Porter coughed. John turned to the
Mexican and grasped the little fellow's hand.

"My boy," he said, "you'll never regret this day's work. If you have a
señorita you know what you have done for me!"

The Mexican looked up into DeWitt's face seriously.

"I have one. She has a dimple in her chin."

John turned abruptly and stood staring into the desert while tears
seared his eyes. Billy hastily unpacked and gave Carlos and his burro
the best that the outfit afforded.

"Can the salt-boy stay on with the sheep while you come with us?" asked
John DeWitt. "I'll pay your boss for the whole flock if anything goes
wrong." He wanted the keen wit of the herder on the hunt.

The Mexican nodded eagerly.

"I'll stay!"