"That must be it," said Jack with relief. "Well, come on."
Before they could get into motion, however, Bob uttered a warning whisper.
"Listen," he said. "I heard a horse stumble behind us on the trail."
They listened breathlessly a moment, but no further sound was heard.
"Keep your guns handy," whispered Jack. Whenever the three were together he took command. "Don't fire without cause, however," he whispered. "If there is someone behind us, it may be another traveller."
Again came the sound of a horse stumbling. All heard it distinctly. Jack peered into the darkness and called firmly:
"Who are you?"
"Challenge him in Spanish, why don't you?" muttered Frank.
Before Jack could repeat his challenge, however, a familiar voice replied:
"That you, Jack? This is Tom."