"I think Inman will order us to send them out, so as to prevent harm to them."
"If they were Sioux or Crows they might launch burning arrows and fire-balls; but they can't do that, and will have to run some risk in getting the flames under way."
"There are signs of a storm, and if the night proves dark it will be much in their favor and against us."
"Suppose they fire the stables," suggested one of the men.
"They are too far off to place us in danger, unless a strong wind should blow directly this way."
"Well, boys," said Capt. Asbury, hopefully, "the thing isn't through yet. I think Inman will give us another message before opening the ball, so you may rest easy until he makes his next move."
Meanwhile Hawkridge had managed to deliver the little twist of paper, placed in his hand by Vesey. Inasmuch as the matter had been managed with so much care, he deemed it right that no one should see the transfer to his friend.
Sterry was surprised and glanced down at the object, but, quick to catch on, closed his palm again and took part in the conversation. It was some minutes before he gained a chance to examine the contents unobserved. When he did so, they proved so important that he called Hawkridge and the captain aside and showed the letter to them. Each read it in turn, the contents being as follows:
"FRIEND STERRY: You acted square with me, and I will do the same
with you. Inman doesn't expect you folks to accept his terms, for
if you do it will be good-by to yourself and Capt. Asbury. It
would suit me very well to see him go, as he will if we get a
chance at him, but I can't bear the idea of anything bad happening
to you after the way you stood by me last night when that Asbury
meant to shoot me.
"So my advice is this: Get out of where you are and leave as fast
as you know how. Queer advice, you'll think, but I'll show you how
you can follow it. A friend of mine, whom we can both trust, and
I, will be on watch to-night at the stables. It looks as if it is
going to be as dark as a wolf's mouth.
"It won't do to move before 10 o'clock. When everything is ready I
will light a cigarette and flirt the match around my head once, as
if to put it out. That will mean that the way is open. Steal out
of the back door and dodge to the stables; your mare will be
ready, and when another chance opens you can make a break. No one
can overtake you, and I don't think it will be suspected who you
are.
"If you succeed, I hope you will have sense enough to stay out of
Wyoming, at least until this flurry is over. If you are detected
while trying to reach the stables you can dart back, for I don't
think anyone will shoot at you, since we have orders not to do
that until after you folks begin the rumpus.
"Inman means to set fire to the house to-night. He won't be able
to hold back the boys much longer. When ready, he will send word
and ask the two ladies to come out to him, where he will hold them
beyond reach of fire and bullet. He expects there will be the
hottest kind of shooting, and it will be a bad thing for you
folks. Capt. Asbury may as well make his will, for I'm not the
only one that will lay for him.
"Don't forget my directions. It will not be before 10 o'clock, and
may be a little later. Don't let any one see this, and don't drop
a hint to Asbury. It is meant for your good, and you will act like
a sensible man.
"D.V."