“Them footprints certainly must ha’ been his’n,” said Ira, as he fell to examining the tracks.
“Whose? Neal’s?” asked Alison innocently. “It was he who brought me here, you see, and he has gone home for some warm things.”
“You don’t mean Neal Jordan? He got back?”
“Yes, he came this morning and rode out to meet me. Neither of us had even a blanket, so I am waiting for him to come back with something I can wear home. I didn’t prepare for a norther.”
“That so?” Bud had been listening attentively. “Well, you had precious little sense, the two of ye, to come away without ary blanket.”
“You are right, but it was so pleasant when I left I had no idea we should have such weather before I could get home.”
“Got a fire in there, hev ye?” said Ira. “Well, you need it to-day. We was caught same as you. We was making for home when we see that blamed Mexican.”
“Yes, and we’ll lose him sure, though he was footin’ it,” said Bud. “I move we go on and don’t waste no more time jawin’ about it.”
“You’re surely not going to face this norther. I don’t think he can be worth that,” said Alison.
“We ain’t sugar nor salt, and I reckon we’ve faced northers before,” said Bud. “It’s the first time we’ve come on one of them fellows and we mean to git somethin’ out of him. Sorry we can’t keep you company, but I reckon you’re safe till Neal comes.”