Merry shuddered a bit, for he fancied he knew the sort of sleep meant by the old fellow.
Cimarron Bill would receive his answer in the morning. It would be a great surprise to him, and would please him not at all.
More than two miles had been traversed when they came, in a deep gully, upon old Joe's horse.
"No keep him so near," said the Indian. "Bring him here to have him ready to-night. You ride."
Frank did not fancy the idea of riding, but the old fellow insisted, and Merry finally mounted. So they passed through the silent night, Joe leading for a time.
"Did you get the package off all right?" Merry asked.
"Him go," said Joe. "No worry."
"Joe, I don't know how I can repay you; but anything I have in this world is yours. You want to remember that. Take what you want that belongs to me."
"Joe him not need much. He soon go off to the long hunt."