“Yes, that must be the truth of the matter,” put in Andy. “It’s too bad!”
“What’s it all about, anyway?” questioned the tavern-keeper curiously.
In a few brief words Andy explained matters, while not only the tavern-keeper, but also the others in the place, listened with deep interest.
“Any reward offered for catching the rascal?” questioned one of the men present, a brawny individual—evidently a mountaineer.
“Yes,” returned Matt quickly. “How much shall we offer, Andy?” he asked in a whisper.
“Twenty-five dollars would not be too much,” returned his partner. “It is quite a sum to us, I know, but I guess we would rather have our turn-out back a dozen times over.”
“We will give twenty-five dollars in cash for the return of our horse, wagon and goods,” said Matt, in a voice loud enough for all to hear.
“Twenty-five dollars in cash!” repeated several, and it was plain to see that this offer was regarded as quite liberal.
“What kind of a looking turn-out is it?” was next asked.