However, Ward Lancaster was the leader of the expedition, and he was the last one who should attempt to gainsay any command of his.
A few minutes brisk ride brought them to the grove in question; and on the very edge of the timber, the eyes of all were gladdened by a sight of fresh tracks of horses.
“What I expected,” remarked Lancaster, as his grey eyes sparkled with pleasure. “The rest of the dogs waited him.”
“How many of them?”
“Only a half dozen; don’t you see where their horses have gnawed the bark off the trees? Six of ’em.”
“I swan we ought to be able to manage them, without difficulty,” remarked Swipes. “Just foller ’em up, sail in a dash around: that’s my advice.”
“It wouldn’t do,” replied Fred with a shake of the head, while Lancaster did not deem it worth while to notice the Yankee’s ignorance.
“Why not? I tell you, my friend, that’s just the thing, and jingo, I claim the credit of originating that’ere idea. Like all of mine it’s rather hefty.”
“It is about the most foolish plan that could be proposed,” said Fred, a little anxious to take some of the conceit out of the fellow, “and is the one which would be sure to be the death of the girl, we hope to rescue.”
“What’s that?” he demanded in amazement.