“Who says so?”
“Felix Cottle for one—”
“His word is worth nothing. He is—”
“He tells the truth.”
“Right you are,” said a voice from behind; and turning, the two beheld the guide, who had just ridden up.
“Back already?” exclaimed Oliver.
“Yes; and all O. K.,” replied Cottle with a knowing wink. “Collared my man on the fly.”
“Cottle!” cried Colonel Mendix, changing color.
“Yes; just in time to see you get your deserts,” with a short, dry laugh. “Reckon we are square now, Colonel.”
“What do you mean?”