“I thought I heard a shot,” said Bart. “Didn’t know but you were in trouble, and that brought me out hot-foot.”
Hodge was ready for anything.
“You did hear a shot,” said Frank. “It was fired by Gunnison Bill.”
“Gunnison Bill? Why, he’s dead!”
“You are right; he is dead now; but we did not leave him dead in the timber over yonder, as we fancied.”
“Didn’t? What has happened, Merry? Tell me as quick as you can.”
But Bart could scarcely believe the story Frank had to tell.
“You met Mescal there?” he exclaimed joyously; “and you have the message?”
“Safe in my pocket,” said Frank. “I shall read it to-night.”
“I told Delores I would go out and see what the shot meant. He remained to guard Felicia. Let’s return and let him know there is no danger.”