In their exploration, they found out that they had not helped honest emigrants but the Half-breeds, and that the women were more likely to be their captives than their wives and children. They had been carried almost too far in their love for humankind, and the border law that colour must defend its own colour.
It is only fair to the Yager to admit that, even on learning that he had defended mongrels he was not sorry. He did not trouble himself any farther about them, but still thought of their prisoners.
Such was the state of things four days after the Crows had been beaten off. Some forty trappers, hunters, and the Scotch Canadians were actively cleaning up their firearms, and packing several days' provisions, all in anticipation of an expedition.
It was about midday, and the remains of deer meat and broken biscuit denoted that dinner had not long been finished.
"How are you getting on, boys?" demanded Jim, who had been busied in the same way as the others.
"First-rate, all ready!" replied one for the troop.
"That's the prime article! Now then, put out your feet! We must camp down tonight, a goodish stretch from here."
"You mean business?" inquired a Scot.
"Decided busy business," was the reply; "come this nightfall, we shall know jest whar we are located."
"But Bill and the Californian left us, as usual, at sunrise; whar 'bouts do we gather 'em in?"