"It could get him a promotion."

"It could get him killed, too. But he thinks it's more a job for a truant officer than a cavalryman. He said to Deneen, 'Sir, isn't bringing an old Indian back more a task for the reservation agent?' "

"Did you tell Bowers what it's all about?"

"He didn't ask me."

Flynn shook his head. "It doesn't make sense."

"You ought to be used to that; you've worked for Deneen before," Madora said. "His naming Bowers doesn't make sense…though he must have a reason. But it's plain why he's sending you."

"Why?"

"You know as well as I do. He wants to make you quit again. You've done it twice before. Maybe he thinks one more will finish you for good."

"What do you think?" Flynn asked.

"I don't blame you for anything you did before. Deneen's Department Adjutant…with more weight than you got. When he says dance, you dance, or else go listen to a different tune. I wouldn't blame you too much if you backed out of this one. Only I think it can be done. I think you just might be able to drag Soldado Viejo-the old Indian, as the kid calls him-back to San Carlos."

"Two of us?"

"Two make less noise."

"Give me a better reason."

"Because I taught you what you know. And I'll give you one more," Madora added. "Because you might be mad enough to do this one just so you can throw it back in Deneen's face."

Flynn smiled. "You sound like you want to go."

"Maybe I should."

"Maybe you volunteered"-Flynn was still smiling-"but they said it wasn't something for an old man who looked like he was standing in a hole."

Madora shook his head. "I was wrong. You'll last down there about a day and a half."

"I've lasted ten years so far…plus three in the war when I didn't see you around."

"I was watchin' the frontier for you sword-clickin' bastards back East."