“Precisely,” agreed Jed, coolly. “One of you men hold these horses, will you?”
The sheriff clambered to the seat and struck another match.
“The wagon’s empty,” he announced.
“I thought so,” said Jed, mounting beside him. “They took out th’ chest an’ then turned th’ rig loose.”
“And where are they?”
“They’re somewhere ahead openin’ that box. I’ll ride on with my men. You turn th’ wagon around an’ foller with as many as she’ll hold.”
“All right,” agreed the sheriff, and Jed sprang to horse again.
“Come on, boys,” he called, and set out up the road at a sharp gallop.
Mile after mile they covered, but without finding any sign of the fugitives. At last, Jed dismounted and again examined the road.