About two hours before day they came face to face with the landlord and his companion.
"Where have you fellers been?" demanded Tom Collins.
"I don't know that it's any of your business," was the landlord's reply, "but I don't mind sayin' that we went out to see if thar was any Injuns in sight. For one, I didn't take any stock in that young Ute's story."
"Wa'al," said Collins, "there's plenty of better men than you—and I'm one of 'em, that do believe the Ute. Now what have you done with Badger and Shirley?"
"They left us 'bout dark; if you want them you must hunt 'em for yourself. I ain't no one's dog," growled the landlord.
"The man that had you for his dog might count on bein' bit, but I reckon we ken find out all we want without yer help. Go back to the Gulch and pack yer traps, for it's my 'pinion it'll be very hot there in a day or two for dogs of your breed," said Collins as he shook his bridle and rode on.
Meantime Sam, ignorant of the doings of friends and foe, kept watch on the summit of the rock.
He was completely "played out," and it was only by a strong effort of will and a constant change of position that he kept from sinking down and going to sleep like his companions.
As soon as the gray dawn began to make distant objects visible Sam awoke Ike and Wah Shin.
Sleep had only brought a temporary cessation from the pangs of hunger, but the brave fellows made no complaint.