“How shall we prevent it?”
“We can do it, if we’re careful. You’ll remember that when you went over this route last, you come upon places where you could see for a mile or more, ’cause the trail was straight and broad, while there are others where you can’t see more’n a hundred yards. Them that I’ve named last is where we must overhaul ’em.”
“That sounds well, Vose,” said the captain, “but I am unable to see how you are going to manage so as to bring that about.”
“While you’re getting the animals ready, I’ll take a look ahead.”
This was not in the nature of an explanation, but the three willingly did their part. Vose disappeared almost instantly, and, though they took but a few minutes to prepare their animals for the resumption of travel, he was back among them, the expression of his face showing that he brought news of importance.
“They ain’t fur off,” he said.
“How far?” asked the captain.
“I can’t say anything more than that we’re purty close to ’em. Let’s push on!”