He might be able to get his friend away from Mexican bandits, but not from a Texas sheriff.
The next words of the leader settled every doubt on the question the boy was puzzling over.

Although they showed that Fremont was in immediate peril of his life, the watcher was in a measure relieved at the knowledge they brought him.

So long as Fremont was held a prisoner by those who were breaking and not enforcing the law in doing so, there was hope of rescue.
"Nestor," the Englishman said, thrusting his bewhiskered face into that of Fremont, "tell me where the papers are, and I'll set you free in an instant." "I know nothing about the papers you speak of," was the reply.

"I have never had them in my possession." The renegade whispered with his companions for a moment.

Jimmie could not hear what was being said, but the soldiers seemed to be insisting on some point which the leader was not quite certain of.