"You are right," returned Van, "and ever since we have started we have been chasing a murderer."
"I think I'll be the means of stoppin' this chase of yours, Van," said the mate. "I'll give it ter ye plain, right now, that I am goin' ter shoot Doc Clancy ther first time I git ther chance. I can't help it, whether you like it or not; he's earned his fate a dozen times since I've known him, an' it's got ter be done."
Our hero said nothing to this. He saw that the speaker meant what he said, and so he concluded to let things take their own course.
When he came to think over the matter, he concluded that Lank Edwards was about right. If Doc Clancy was killed, the murder of his uncle would be avenged, and that would settle it.
The party rode on in silence for the best part of an hour, scarcely exchanging a word until the edge of the forest was reached.
They beheld a long, level plain before them, which was dotted here and there by small groups of trees.
The trail of the two villains was before them, but although they looked carefully over the plain, they could not see a moving object.
As the sun was scorching hot, they concluded to rest until toward evening. A long ride under the rays of the blazing sun might prove fatal to them, the doctor said.
Selecting a cool, shady spot by the side of a small rivulet, the horses were turned upon the luxuriant grass, and the party prepared to take the rest they were so much in need of.
Thus far all hands had enjoyed remarkably good health, but it was owing to the medicines carried by Dr. Pestle.