“It’s all right,” said Cain, sitting down and looking out over the vast expanse of farmland. “I’ll be staying.”

“I’m delighted to hear it.”

“You knew it all along.”

“Yes, I did,” admitted Santiago. “But I’m glad that you know it, too. We can use you, Sebastian.”

“Sooner than you think,” replied Cain. “The Swagman says that the Angel will be here in two or three more days.” He paused. “It might be a good time to select a target and go off on a raid.”

“Somewhere far away?” asked Santiago with a smile.

“The farther the better.”

“I thank you for the thought, Sebastian, but Safe Harbor is my home. I don’t propose to run away from it at the first sign of danger.”

“Is it the first sign?” asked Cain. “The Swagman told me that half a dozen bounty hunters had made it this far.”

“He was wrong,” said Santiago. “The actual number is four—and if I didn’t run from them, you may rest assured that I won’t run from the Angel. Besides,” he added, “would you want to serve a leader who flees from his enemies?”

“I don’t suppose it’s any worse than serving a leader who’s got a death wish,” said Cain seriously.

“Believe me, Sebastian—it will take more than the Angel to kill Santiago.” He gazed at the horizon and sighed contentedly. “Look at that sunset. Isn’t it glorious?”

“If you say so.”

“I do.” Santiago turned to Cain. “I assume the Swagman is staying on Safe Harbor?”

Cain nodded.

Santiago chuckled. “He’s not as inspiring as the sunset, but he’s every bit as predictable. What did he offer you to kill me—a third of his profits in addition to the reward?”

“Half.”

Santiago looked amused. “Well, why not? He doesn’t intend to pay you anyway.”

“I know,” replied Cain. He paused. “How did you ever get mixed up with him in the first place?”

“The same way you did, I suspect. He had something that I needed.”

“What?”

“Certain business contacts.”

“And he asked to join your organization in exchange for them?”

Santiago shook his head. “That was my idea.”

“Why?” asked Cain, puzzled.

“Some men have a lean and hungry look about them,” replied Santiago. “If you’re going to have any dealings with them, it makes sense to put them where you can keep an eye on them.”

Cain smiled ironically. “If that’s your criterion for employment, I’m surprised you don’t have a standing army of ten million.”