“Díaz came to power as a champion of liberal principles such as municipal democracy and no reelection. But now that he has assumed the presidency it’s become clear his main concerns are internal stability and foreign investments. While I agree that a law-and-order program is desperately needed to counteract the depredations of the bandits, he has at least taken measures to put an end to the outlawry.”

“The Rurales are nothing more than legalized bandits! Most of them were notorious outlaws themselves until Díaz drafted them into his paramilitary force.”

“Perhaps, but you must admit that they are far better trained and paid than the reluctant men conscripted into the army by force. And if they were bandits, they know how to find the bandits.”

“Yes.” Brandon looked up, suddenly alert. “They would certainly know how to find another notorious bandit. You’ve given me an idea, Sam.”

Murdock’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“I hope it’s not what I think it is. If you send men after Steve Morgan, he will come after you. Personally, I wouldn’t want to risk it. Besides, what of Virginia? Your daughter does not deserve to have her father hunt down her husband as if he were a criminal.”

“Steve’s activities have not always been legal, and my daughter is far too well aware of that. She was warned. I begged her not to come to Mexico, to go back to England or at least stay in the United States. If she chose not to listen to me, then she will have to face the consequences, as the rest of us are forced to do on occasion.”

“William, I cannot compel you to listen to me, but I will offer this advice. Don’t provoke Steve Morgan. He can be as dangerous as a tiger.”

“Even tigers can be caged, Sam.”

“That’s true, but I’m not at all certain I’d want to be around if this particular tiger got loose.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Sam,” he said, a genial smile replacing his brief frown. “And you’re right, of course. It would be too awkward. Will you be in El Paso much longer?”

“No, I’m just here checking on some of my cattle investments. The last Indian raid decimated a great deal of my herd. I’m thinking of moving the herd farther north for a while, to a friend’s ranch in New Mexico.”

Conversation moved to cattle and the price of beef on the hoof at the markets. By the time Brandon left for his own hotel, he was fairly satisfied that Steve Morgan would not be a problem much longer.