Mr. Willett and Hank Tims were still under guard, for the promised proof of their innocence was not at hand; but Si Brill and Collins, now the most prominent men in the camp, felt that the end they hoped for was very near.
Ulna, after being refreshed with food, kept his eyes open, and he was the first to discover that Badger, Shirley and the others had left Hurley's Gulch.
He at once sought out Collins and said to him:
"I saw the four men ride away."
"But men are ridin' away and a-ridin' in all the time," said Collins, who not being at all suspicious saw no harm in the act.
"True, Collins; but I am sure these men mean harm to Sam Willett."
"Nonsense."
"It is the truth."
"But you left Sam in the hands of them onary 'Paches, didn't you?"
"Yes."