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Possibly Pete's assurance, as contrasted with the bashfulness and timidity of the old Mexican's nephew, had something to do with Montoya's immediate friendliness. In any event, the visit ended with an invitation to Pete to become a permanent member of the sheep-camp, Montoya explaining that his nephew wanted to go home; that he did not like the loneliness of a herder's life.

It would appear that much of Montoya's second-hand information came from another Augustinian, Francisco de Arboleda, who had once been a student of Luis de Leon's, and had been entrusted by the prisoner with the delicate mission of collecting from certain theologians in Seville opinions favourable to Luis de Leon's views upon the Vulgate. This very sensible precaution scandalized Montoya.

Pete was generally liked in the towns where he occasionally bought provisions. He was known as "Montoya's boy," and the townsfolk had a high respect for the old Mexican. One circumstance, however, ruffled the placid tenor of his way and tended to give him the reputation of being a "bronco muchacho" a rough boy; literally a bad boy, as white folks would have called him.

Adios, señors." Pete thought that this was rather tame but still Montoya's manner was decidedly business-like. No one controverted him not even the storekeeper, who was the loser. A small crowd had assembled. Excitement such as this was rare in Laguna.

Every suffering puncher in the outfit had been thrown and clipped, including the foreman, and even the cattle inspector. Rumor had it that the boys from the Blue intended to widen their scope of operation and clip everybody. Old Montoya's name was mentioned by another rider from the T-Bar-T. Andy who was lying beside Pete, just within the circle of firelight, nudged him.

Pete flushed and glanced down at the half-concealed weapon beneath his arm. "Tied her on with string ain't got no shoulder holster," Pete explained in an offhand way. "What you do with him?" The old Mexican's deep-set eyes twinkled. Pete studied Montoya's face. This was a direct but apparently friendly query. Pete wondered if he should answer evasively or directly.