“You honored your word,” Pritchard said to Ruiz. “You did what you said you were going to do and led us to the ranch. I’ll keep my word, too. I give you back your life. You’re free to go.” He retrieved Ruiz’s revolver from Ditch’s saddlebag and extended it to the Mexican.

“I will not leave,” Ruiz said. “These men, who I have done business with, I believed were only rustlers of cattle. I have learned from you that they are men who rape and murder. I will not go. I will stay and help you fight them.”

“You sure you want to do that?” Ditch asked. “Between the Triple B hands and the Mex soldiers, there must be fifty men down there.”

“No matter what you may think of me, Señor Ditch,” Ruiz said, “I am a man of honor. I will fight. Besides,” he accepted his revolver and looked at Pritchard, “I owe your friend my life.”

“It’s your funeral,” Pritchard said.

“Let’s get to it,” Franchard said.

They emptied two sets of saddlebags from the packhorse and transferred the cases of dynamite into them. Franchard fixed what he said was an approximately one-minute fuse to each bag. They also packed bottles of whiskey. Then they set out distributing .44 ammunition and loading cartridges into belts, which each man crisscrossed over his chest. They finished by taking a drink of water and checking their guns. Ditch, Franchard, and Ruiz took rifles. Ruiz was forced to borrow Pritchard’s, since he didn’t have one of his own.

They left their horses tied at the crest and made their way down to the ranch on foot. There was no moon, for which all were grateful. It was easy going, since they had the lights in the windows of both the ranch house and bunkhouse to guide them.

Ruiz led them at an oblique angle to their destination, using the corral full of horses as cover. They took their time, pausing to stop, watch, and listen at regular intervals. Pritchard was gratified to find Rusty in the corral, and elbowed Ditch when he recognized the big Morgan.

When they were fifty yards from the ranch house, the guard changed. Another Mexican soldier and cowhand came out of the bunkhouse and replaced the two who’d been standing watch.

Franchard held their party in place until the soldier and cowboy lit cigarettes, which they knew would temporarily ruin their night vision. Once they’d fired up, they advanced again. Before the pair of guards finished smoking, they passed the corral.

Franchard and Ditch paired up, taking the saddlebags. Pritchard partnered with Ruiz. Each pair separated and took off in different directions.

Franchard and Ditch went around to the far side of bunkhouse. The Ranger captain stood watch with both rifles while Ditch took the bags and crawled under the wooden foundation.