“It can’t be that Strubell and Lattin are on friendly terms with Rickard?” suggested Herbert.
“I might think so, after what we have just seen, though it seems cruel to suspect them of anything like that. Mr. Lord has known them for years, and says two more honest men never lived.”
“You are brighter than I am, Nick; what is your theory?”
“Well, it is clear that Strubell and Lattin had the choice of shooting down Rickard when I drove him into camp, or of letting him go. They knew it was of no use to ask a pledge of him in payment for their kindness, for he wouldn’t regard any promise as binding; so, not willing to treat him as he deserved, perhaps they took the fellow for what he was, and then let him go.”
“You may be right, but the explanation doesn’t amount to much, and doesn’t satisfy me.”
“Nor me either. I would like to hear yours.”
“I haven’t any. They are hard at it now!”
The Texans were talking more excitedly than ever, but did not forget to keep their voices so low that no stray word reached the ears of the puzzled youths.
The conference, however, speedily reached its conclusion. Their talking ceased, and, bringing their horses to a standstill, they waited for the boys and the pack horses to join them.