“Why not?” Quest asked quickly. “It’s only three quarters of an hour’s ride, is it?”
“Maybe not,” the other replied, “but as it’s eight now, your chances ain’t looking lively. Kind of overslept, haven’t you?”
Both men glanced once more at their watches. Then Quest thrust his back with a little oath.
“Our watches have been set back!” he exclaimed. “The Hands again!”
For a moment they looked at one another, dumbfounded. Then Quest moved towards the corral.
“Say, is there any quicker way to the depot?” he enquired of the cowboys.
They heard his question indifferently.
“Fifty dollars,” Quest continued, “to any one who can take me by a quicker route.”
One of them rose slowly to his feet.
“Waal,” he observed, “fifty dollars would come in kind of handy. Yes, I reckon I can cut off a mile or two for you.”