"Of course, with the understanding, Captain, that you will see that we are properly protected?"
"You shall be. Of course there may be occasions when you will be going on alone. You will expect that. Generally we shall be somewhere in the vicinity. When we are all away it will mean that your enemies are also away."
"The man Tucker is safe behind the bars, is he not?"
"He was at last accounts," smiled the captain. "I am sorry Jones knows what happened to Dunk. I had hoped to keep him in ignorance of that until we had rounded up the rest of the gang. However, what's done cannot be undone."
"Where is your horse?" asked Tad.
"A little way down the creek. He's all right. Don't worry about him."
"By the way, when shall we see your men?" asked the professor.
"You should see some of them soon now. They know where I am, and a half dozen or so will be riding this way before morning, I think."
"You will remain with us to-night, of course?" urged Tad.
"If you insist," smiled the Ranger captain.