The girls exchanged frightened glances.
“What do you think, Jim?” Virginia asked.
“I think, I know,” he corrected himself, “those riders we heard were the bandits we’ve been runnin’ across ever since we came on this trip. I think they’ve got Miss Valerie just as they’ve probably got yore other friend.”
“You mean--Gale?” Carol asked in a whisper.
“I shore do and unless we do something mighty prompt there’s no tellin’ what’ll happen.”
Tom had hastily thrown his saddle on his horse and now he led the creature into the circle of firelight. In his hand he carried his revolver. Gravely he handed it to Virginia.
“You might need it before I get back,” he said.
“But you----” Virginia protested.
“I’ll get another,” he said calmly. “You’ll stick to the camp, Jim?” he asked turning to the cowboy.
“I can’t do nothin’ until you and yore Dad come,” Jim replied. “One wouldn’t have a chance against a couple of those fellows.”