"In the first place," said Dan Baxter, "perhaps we had better give some directions to that man on the launch."
"What kind of directions?"
"We want to go straight down the river for the present."
"He'll take you down. I told him not to go near either shore."
"Is he to be trusted?"
"Sure. He'll do anything I tell him to."
"Very well, then, that is settled. In the second place, tell me if I am right. You are both wanted for stealing sixteen horses over at a place called Kepples."
"Who told you we took sixteen horses?"
"I read about it in the papers a couple of days ago."
"Well, the report is true. I don't deny it."