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 "That's the system here, sir," added Stub's father. "I am an American citizen, and was brought in by the Injuns, from outside territory; and I can't leave without a permit. I'm close watched—but I've still got my old rifle; and give me two hours' start and I'll not ask for any other passport."

"When I reminded His Excellency that my unintentional trespass was not to be compared with his, when he dispatched five hundred troops far into the Pawnee country, well within the territory of the United States, he had no reply," pursued Lieutenant Pike. "However, I am to dine with him this noon, and march soon thereafter, to meet an escort under that Lieutenant Melgares below."

"You will find Don Facundo Melgares to be a very pleasant gentleman, señor," spoke Lieutenant Bartholomew.

"He spent a great deal of time and money looking for me," Lieutenant Pike grimly laughed. "He might as well have stayed here, for I should never have yielded to him, north of the Red River; not while I had a man left. I understand that Doctor Robinson, whom the governor mentioned, also has been sent south."

"That is possible, señor."

The lieutenant shrugged his shoulders.

"And I suppose my sergeant and the other men