Ed, the shepherd, was armed with a pistol, and Jack and Harvey were similarly supplied.
"I've got some cooked mutton and some bread close here," said Ed; "and I guess we ought to take it with us, as we shall be hungry before morning."
Jack made no objection, and having put the provisions in a bag, he slung it over his shoulder.
The stage was in the middle of the narrow roadway and the horses were cropping the rich grass which grew by the side.
Lying on the road was the body of the dead stage-driver, who had been shot through the heart.
Jack saw something white on a seat of the stage, and springing up on the wheel, seized it.
It was a handkerchief, and embroidered in one corner was the name, "Lena V."
"Hello!" cried Jack.
"What's up?" asked Harvey.
"My dear Dick," replied Jack, "there is somebody besides Vasquez in this outrage."