“Since she was eight years old,” Cable answered. “Since the day I first set foot in this valley.”

“Well, now-” The hint of a smile altered the man’s gaunt expression. “You wouldn’t be Cable, would you?”

Cable nodded.

“Home from the wars.” The man still seemed to be smiling. “Luz’s mentioned you and your family. Her brother too. He tells how you and him fought off Apaches when they raided your stock.”

Cable nodded. “Where’s Manuel now?”

“Off somewhere.” The man paused. “You been to your place yet?”

“We’re on our way.”

“You’ve got a surprise coming.”

Cable watched him, showing little curiosity. “What does that mean?”

“You’ll find out.”

“I think you’re changing the subject,” Cable said mildly. “I asked you what happened to John Denaman.”

For a moment the man said nothing. He turned then and called through the open door, “Luz, come out here!”

Cable watched him. He saw the man’s heavy-boned face turn to look down at him again, and almost immediately the Mexican girl appeared in the doorway. Cable’s hand went to the curled brim of his hat.

“Luz, honey, you’re a welcome sight.” He said it warmly, and he wanted to jump up on the platform and kiss her but the presence of this man stopped him.

“Paul-”

He saw the surprise in the expression of her mouth and in her eyes, but it was momentary and she returned his gaze with a smile that was grave and without joy, a smile that vanished the instant the man with one arm spoke.

“Luz, tell him what happened to Denaman.”

“You haven’t told him?” She looked at Cable quickly, then seemed to hesitate. “Paul, he’s dead. He died almost a year ago.”

“Nine months,” the man with one arm said. “I came here the end of August. He died the month before.”