“This time he is not going to let them out of his sight one minute until they are sentenced and on their way to a federal prison,” Janet said.
“How does he propose to catch them?” Gale asked, sitting astride the banister.
“A little while ago,” Janet said, her voice a confidential whisper, “a rider came from across the valley somewhere. He says one of the bandits was seen about five miles on the other side of Coxton.”
“Only seen!” Valerie echoed.
“Is that all?” Gale added. “I thought they at least had the three of them tied to a tree or something.”
“Let me finish!” Janet said. “He also said that they have Pedro--he fell off his horse and hurt himself--or something,” she added vaguely. “Anyway they’ve got him.”
“Let’s hope they keep him,” Val said heartily. “Why doesn’t the Sheriff go get him?”
“He is,” Carol interrupted. “He and his men are getting their horses ready now. We’re going, too,” she continued. “We coaxed and coaxed until Mr. Wilson said we might ride along if we didn’t get in the way. Everybody’s going,” she added.
“Well, I’m not!” Val said positively. “Everybody can go that wants to. I’m staying right here!”
“Oh, Val,” Janet began coaxingly.