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Tascosa. I have news for you. I know what you're here for."

This mysterious fellow was talking in riddles. Poe wondered if his misfortunes might not have unhinged his mind.

"But I'd be killed if it was ever found out I told you," Graham added. "You must give me your word you'll never mention my name."

Poe promised secrecy.

Graham looked in all directions to make sure no one was in sight.

"All right," he said. "Here it is. Billy the Kid is in Fort Sumner!"

The words gave Poe a thrill.

"What makes you think that?" he asked.

"Listen. You know the Dedrick boys? They have been friends of the Kid for years. The Kid used to hang out at their ranch over in the Bosque Grande country. Whenever he came to White Oaks he made their livery stable his headquarters. Last night, when I had gone to bed in the haymow, I overheard Sam and Dan Dedrick speaking about the Kid. They know where he is. They said he has been in White Oaks since his escape at Lincoln."

Poe smiled incredulously.

"I'm telling you what they said," insisted Graham. "Believe it or not. The Kid, they said, has been right here in White Oaks. They kept him hid in their livery barn several days. What do you think of that? And you walking past the barn a dozen times a day and within a few feet of him. Ever since he killed his guards and got away, the Kid, the Dedricks said, has been hanging around Fort Sumner. Expects to skip to Mexico some time soon. But he hasn't gone yet. He's in Fort Sumner now."