“If there were ten million Swagmen out there who could help me accomplish my goals, rest assured that I would hire them all.” said Santiago. “However, it has been my experience that truly competent criminals are almost as rare as truly competent heroes.” He stood up suddenly. “But where are my manners? Here it is evening, and you haven’t eaten yet. Come into the house.”

Cain stood up and followed him inside. “I’m not really hungry,” he said. “Watching Father William demolish a ten-pound bird can kill anyone’s appetite.” He grimaced. “I’m surprised he left the bones.”

Santiago laughed. “I know the feeling.” He paused. “Well, at least let me offer you a drink to celebrate your joining us.”

Cain nodded his assent, and they walked to the living room, where Jacinto was sitting on a couch, reading one of Santiago’s books.

“Have you heard the news?” Santiago asked him. “Sebastian has decided to stay with us.”

“I know,” replied Jacinto. “Father William told me when he dropped him off a few minutes ago.”

Santiago walked over to his bar and studied the array of bottles. “Something special,” he muttered, half to himself. Suddenly his face lit up. “Ah! The very thing.” He reached up and grabbed a bottle. “Korbellian whiskey,” he said, displaying the label. “It’s made from a plant very similar to barley that they have growing up the sides of their mountains. There’s nothing else quite like it.” He poured out three glasses and began passing them around. “What do you think of it?” he asked as Cain took a tentative sip.

“Unusual,” replied Cain. He took another taste. “Interesting, though. I think I like it.”

“You think you like it?” laughed Santiago. “Sebastian, you’ve been on the Frontier too long.”

Cain downed his drink and held out his glass for a refill. “I’ll need another to make up my mind.”

“Happy to,” said Santiago, filling his glass again. “But be careful. It packs quite a wallop.”

Cain finished the second, and suddenly, for the first time in years, felt a little light-headed. “I see what you mean.” He grinned. “I think I’d better quit while I’m ahead.”

“Good,” said Santiago. “I like a man who knows his own limitations.”

“Maybe you should suggest that to Father William the next time he comes to dinner,” said Jacinto sardonically.

“As far as his capacity to put away food is concerned, the man has no limitations that I’ve been able to discern,” replied Santiago. He shrugged. “Well, I suppose bounty hunters, like revolutionaries, come in all shapes and sizes.”

“I suspect that his size gives him an added advantage,” said Jacinto.

“Oh?” asked Cain, interested. “What is it?”

“He looks like he’s too slow and fat to draw those laser pistols of his. It breeds overconfidence in the enemy.”