"If I never get any worse, I'll be satisfied. I'm a marked man, you know. Some day, when my gun sticks in the holster, I may get mine."
"Come back to camp with us. Surely you are not going on to-night?"
"Thank you, but I must be getting on. I've got to be at the camp by daylight."
"If you think there is danger of your being attacked, we will ride with you," said Tad.
"No, pard, I'm better off alone. I'll know enough to dodge them now."
"Speaking of danger, you don't suppose these men will come back and visit our camp, do you?" asked the professor.
"No, I don't think so. But were I in your place I think I'd put out my fire and set a guard for the rest of the night. It's always a safe thing to do. They won't touch you in the daytime; in fact, I think those fellows will be hiding. We'll set a couple of men on their trail just as soon as I get to camp; now that I know where the trail starts. They know I know, and that's what makes me think they won't let the grass grow under their feet."
"I am glad to hear you say so," answered Professor Zepplin. "I am afraid we should not have mixed up in this affair at all, though naturally I am pleased that we have been able to be of some service to you when you might have been killed."
"And some others with me," answered the Ranger grimly. "Well, so long.
I'll talk with you to-morrow."
"Good night and good luck!" called the boys.