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friends of the Kid. Whatever they knew they were keeping to themselves. To save his visit from being a total loss, Poe went to a restaurant and ate a good meal. He had had no food except a pocket sandwich since leaving Roswell.

Poe left Fort Sumner in the middle of the afternoon, starting eastward. A few miles out, he cut across country westward to the Las Vegas Road on which Rudolph's ranch was located. He arrived at Rudolph's at sundown, presented Garrett's note, and was cordially received.

After supper the two men sat on the porch in casual conversation. Poe's first mention of Billy the Kid had a marked effect upon his host. Rudolph fidgeted in his chair and tried to change the subject.

"I've heard," remarked Poe relentlessly, "the Kid's been in hiding in Fort Sumner ever since his escape."

"No truth to that," snapped Rudolph with notable perturbation. "Such a report is silly. The Kid's too shrewd to be caught lingering around here with a price on his head and posses hunting him everywhere."

Poe played cautiously a little longer and then, following Garrett's advice, laid his cards on the table.

"Sheriff Garrett," he said, "is waiting for me now near Fort Sumner. We have reason to believe the Kid is there. Garrett has sent me to you for definite information as to the Kid's hiding place. I'd like the straight truth from you."

"I know nothing about the Kid," Rudolph protested, his excitement changing to downright alarm. "I can't tell you a thing. If the Kid was around here and I told you where he could be found, my life wouldn't be worth a penny. But I don't believe he's around Fort Sumner. You can set that report down as a lie."