"As to your right, however, to arrest and hold a Mexican citizen, there may be some question.
I shall have to satisfy myself on this point before I can release you." "Why, I'll be wholly frank with you," Tom Reade offered.

"This fellow, Gato, is a rascal whom I had occasion to thrash.

In revenge for the humiliation he has given me to understand that he would kill me.

Last night he held us up at the point of his rifle.
Our servant, Nicolas, threw a stone that bowled Gato over.

Then, for our own safety, we tied him up and brought him with us." "Why was it necessary to your safety, senor, since you had the fellow's rifle and his ammunition?
You see, I have gained this much from your friend." "Why was it necessary ?" Tom repeated, wonderingly.