He lies
under the stars, wrapped in his blankets. Lagunitas, once more!
Up before day, filing through light forest and down the passes of
the foothills, the command threads its way. Valois calls his leading
subordinates together. He arranges the visit to the ranch. He
sends a squad of five to ride down the roads a few miles, and meet
any scouts or vedettes of the other Southern party. Valois directs
his men where to rejoin him. He points out, a few miles ahead, a
rocky cliff, behind which the rolling hills around Lagunitas offer
several hidden approaches to the rancho. Cautiously leading his men,
to avoid a general alarm, he skirts the woods. The party rides in
Indian file, to leave a light trail only.
Before the frowning cliff is neared, Valois' keen eye sees his
scouts straggling back. They are galloping at rapid speed, making
for the cliff. The whole command, with smoking steeds, soon joins
the scouts. With them are two of Love's outriders. The bandits
are near at hand. For the scouts, riding up all night from Love's
body, have taken the main road. Within ten miles they find several
dead men--the ghastly handiwork of Joaquin. Their breathless report
is soon over. Detaching ten fresh men, with one of the news-bearers,
to join Love and bring him up post-haste, Maxime Valois orders every
man to prepare his girths and arms for action.
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