Francisca had just started down the stairs of the hacienda when she heard the sound of many horses and the shouting of men. Moving quickly down the stairs to the door, she met her mother in the hallway. “They have returned,” said Carmen to her daughter.
The two women rushed into the yard as the band of vaqueros, led by Hernando Batista, rode into sight. Francisca became anxious when she failed to see Crow or LeRue. Hernando and Carlos dismounted in front of the hacienda, as the rest of the men headed to the corral. Carmen greeted Hernando with a hug and a kiss on his now bearded, dusty cheek. Carlos seeing the concern on his sister"s face said, “Crow and LeRue are trying to track one of the bandits that got away.”
“They have gone alone?” Francisca asked.
Hernando responded, “They have S
