around for a few days, and then signed on with the Coker spread when its foreman was in town looking for hands.

We thanked Lopez and turned to leave.

"Would you mind if I came along with you?" he asked as he stood up from his chair. "The Coker spread is in San Miguel County, and that is my jurisdiction."

Charley and I looked at each other. We didn't anticipate taking the local law with us on our mission. Things were now getting a bit more complicated.

"But this is a federal matter," I began.

Lopez waved his hand as if to erase my words. "They're still in my county, and I know the country out that way."

"Things could get ugly," Charley interjected. "You sure you want to come?

We may be goin' up fool'...

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