They talked the situation over for a while. Finally Bart rose and strolled off by himself, Gallup calling after him to look out and not go so far that he could not find his way back.
Hodge was gone almost an hour. His friends were growing alarmed, when he came racing back to them, his face flushed with excitement and his eyes flashing.
"Come, fellows!" he cried, his voice thrilling them. "I've got something to show you! We're wanted mighty bad by a friend of ours who is in trouble!"
They were on their feet.
"Who in thutteration be you talkin' abaout?" asked Gallup.
"Perchance you mean Frank?" said Ready.
"You bet your life!" said Bart. "Make sure your rifles are in working order! Leave the horses right where they're picketed. Leave Jim with them. He'll look after them, if he awakes."
For Whisky Jim continued to sleep soundly through all this.
So they seized their weapons and prepared to follow Bart.