“Wait; I’m coming too!” Laura exclaimed.
Lenora shook her head.
“You must stay here and tell them about it,” she insisted. “I shall be all right.”
She galloped off while Laura was still undecided. Almost at that moment she heard from behind the welcome sound of horses’ feet in the opposite direction and Quest alone galloped up. Laura laid her hand upon his rein.
“Where are the others?” she asked.
“French and two deputies from the township are about a mile behind,” Quest replied. “They’ve had trouble with their horses.”
“Don’t get off,” Laura continued quickly. “Craig has escaped, riding towards the Mexican frontier. Lenora is following him. He’s gone in that direction,” she added, pointing. “When you come to the river you’ll have to hunt for the bridge.”
Quest frowned as he gathered up his reins.
“I was afraid they’d try something of the sort,” he muttered. “Tell the others where I’ve gone, Laura.”
He galloped off into the darkness. Behind, there were some growls from the little group of cowboys, none of whom, however, attempted to interfere with him. Long Jim stood up and gazed sullenly southwards.