"Two troopers and their horses came in on the freight train. I expect they're looking for Mr. Leyland."
"Ah," said Jardine. "Somebody has given the lad away."
"Bob," said Margaret and her eyes sparkled.
Jardine knitted his brows. "Maybe, but I dinna ken; Bob hasna been around for long. Did the troopers saddle up?"
"When I left, they were cinching on their camp truck. I thought they'd soon start. Mr. Leyland can't come down the valley and Deering's not with him. Where is he to go?"
"If he could make Green Lake, Peter would put him on the Mission trail."
"He cannot make Green Lake," Margaret rejoined. "He doesn't know the bench country and must start in the dark."
"Jimmy must start soon. If he stays, the troopers will get him," Jardine agreed, and indicated his cut foot. "Somebody must warn the lad, but I canna gang."
Margaret tried to brace up, for she had not reckoned on her father's lameness. The strange thing was, Jardine had walked some distance to round up his cattle. She must, however, weigh this again. Speed was important and Jimmy was her friend; in fact, she had begun to think him her lover.
"You could ride the cayuse and carry the packs. If Mr. Leyland was not loaded he could make a good pace."