I head up on top where I have a good view of Michael as he leaves us at the root cellar and circles back to meet up with Jonathan Soames.
He trots out making a long circle so that he comes up on Soames from behind just as they come through the notch below me.
“Hallo, the rider!” Michael shouts, trotting up the trail behind Soames.
Soames stops and looks back.
“It’s Don Miguel, do I not recognize you Señor? Señor Soames is it?”
“Oh, yes,” says Soames. “Señor Don Miguel, approach.”
Michael walks his horse closer. “Good morning Señor, I thought the hat was familiar. How are you this fine afternoon?”
“Good, good. What brings you out this way, Don Miguel?”
“I am looking for my niece, she has, how you say? Ah, pulled the disappearing act once again. Do you have children, Señor Soames?”
“No I do not.”
“They can be a trial, but a wonderful trial, I assure you. In my culture, children are our legacy. We hope they work through the wild years and mature into solid persons,” says Don Miguel. “But the wild years, ay yi yi, they can be difficult.
“I am so sorry to bore you with my trivial life. How is it you are on paseo out here, Señor?”
“I am indeed out for a ride, admiring the country. Paseo, as you say. I have some friends to visit on down the trail.”
“Then we can ride companionably together for a few miles, yes?”
“Certainly, you may find these gentlemen interesting. They too are searching for treasure or souvenirs as are you.”
“Ah, tesoro. The lure of treasure is a great temptation even to the most esteady of men. I look forward to meeting your friends,” says Don Miguel.
I lower my rifle and crawl away from my lookout. Then I mount up and lope off to join the others.
Cowgirl Thrillers Page 38