The boost was necessary, and was given; following which the old scout was firmly lashed in the saddle. At Buck’s orders a reata was put about his neck, the loose end of which Buck took over when he had mounted. Then, revolver in hand, Buck gave the word to ride north.
“Take it easy, boys,” he ordered. “No hurry.”
His strategy became only too apparent to friend and foe alike. Any shots from ambush would draw an instant bullet into the body of Jake Harper; the menace of the rope and Buck’s drawn revolver were entirely obvious.
Buck himself rode in the van, Jake Harper a little in front. Behind, the Running Dog men spread out, the extra horses crowding up in the rear. As they wound out on the way, Jake Harper perceived how he was being used, and he sent a booming roar of command at the empty spaces around, where he knew his men were hidden.
“Fire into ’em, boys! Shoot! Don’t ye mind me! Shoot!”
No response was made. None could be made; the Circle Bar outfit dared not call the silent bluff that Buck was running. Well they knew that the bluff would be backed up.
Without a shot being fired, without an enemy being sighted, the Running Dog men rode off in peace. After them, undoubtedly, would trail Harper’s men, but it would take some time for the latter to collect and follow.
Immediately upon reaching the highway, Buck halted and lifted a hand.
“I want two of you boys to take all the spare hosses and ride on to the Circle Bar. Fire her, barns and all, and kill your beasts gettin’ there. It’s got to be done quick. Harper’s outfit will likely foller your trail. Four stays here to hold ’em up half an hour, no more. The rest goes with me.”
Two of the men at once gathered in the lines of the spare horses, waved an adios, and went north at a gallop. To the four who announced themselves as ready to hold up the pursuit, Buck gave a few brief words.