“I had rather hoped for something more meaningful,” said Silent Annie. “I would hate to think that we had misjudged you.”

“Misjudged me?” repeated Cain.

“We’ve been waiting for you, Mr. Cain, ever since Santiago told Geronimo Gentry to start you off on the trail that eventually led you to Safe Harbor.”

“Let me get this straight,” said Cain, confused. “Are you saying that Santiago wanted me to find him?”

“That is precisely what I am saying.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“Believe whatever you want,” said Silent Annie with a shrug. “How do you think you got here, after all those years of virtually no progress?”

He stared at her and said nothing.

“I shouldn’t imply that he made it easy for you,” she continued. “That wouldn’t have served his purposes. But he did make it possible; he decided to give you the initial impetus.”

“Why?”

“He’s been studying you for a long time, Mr. Cain,” continued Silent Annie. “Ever since you came out to the Frontier.”

“Still why?”

“Because he studies everyone.”

“But he doesn’t allow everyone to find him.”

“No,” she replied. “You are only the second.”

“Who was the first?”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Silent Annie. “He’s dead now.”

“What about Father William?” asked Cain.

“What about him?”

“He found Santiago.”

“You’re wrong, Mr. Cain,” replied Silent Annie. “He’s not hunting for Santiago.”

“Then what’s he doing here?”

“I’m not sure you’d believe it if I told you,” she said.

“Perhaps not,” agreed Cain. “But why don’t you tell me anyway, and let me make up my own mind?”

“He’s here to protect Santiago.”

“From me?” asked Cain skeptically. “Then why didn’t he take me on when he had the chance?”

“He’s not worried about you.”

Cain was silent for a moment. “The Angel?” he asked at last.

She nodded. “He’ll be here before too much longer.”

“I take it that he’s gotten this far without any help from Santiago.”

“That is correct.”

“And that Santiago doesn’t want to be found by the Angel?” continued Cain.

“I doubt that he’s given it any thought whatsoever,” replied Silent Annie. “Protecting him is Father William’s idea, not his.”

“Why would Father William help a man with a price on his head?” asked Cain.

“That’s what I hope to show you before you meet Santiago,” said Silent Annie, finishing her tea and pouring herself another cup.

“Where does Moonripple fit into all this?”

“She’s just a very pleasant little barmaid, nothing more.”

“But she knew Santiago was on Safe Harbor,” he pointed out.

“So did everyone else you spoke to this morning.”

“And no one’s tried to turn him in for the reward?”

“Actually, five or six people have,” said Silent Annie. “You’ll find them buried in various cemeteries around the planet.”