“Oh, somewhere near a month ago,” was the reply. “He has given the officers a great chase, if he is a mite of a fellow.”
The Rambler lay off the sand island, and close to it, for the water was deep on one side, for an hour before any movement was seen on shore. The Mexicans above had evidently taken shelter from the scorching sun, believing that they would be able to intercept the boat if she started up stream, for no one was in sight on shore opposite the old anchorage. It was very hot on deck, and King and Clay sought the cabin, resolved to there await some signal from Case.
Presently Captain Joe’s head showed above the natural levee, and then the body of the white bulldog lifted over the elevation, shot swiftly to the water line and swam off to the Rambler, Clay and the deputy watching to see that he was not followed from the shore.
“Now, what do you think that means?” Clay asked, as Captain Joe gave the deck a liberal sprinkling and took his place in front of the boy, regarding him with watchful and anxious eyes. “He wants something.”
“He wants us to go ashore with him,” King interpreted. “He’s found the boys, and they are in trouble. Now, what about leaving the boat?”
“We might as well make the Mexicans a present of it,” Clay answered.
“That’s true!” King replied. “Well, you can do more with the boys and the dog than I can, so you would better go with him. I’ll do the best I can to defend the Rambler, if an attack is made.”
Clay was uncertain as to the correct course to pursue. While he did not doubt the honesty of the deputy sheriff, he realized that he was out in quest of a fugitive for whose arrest a large sum of money was offered. The boy understood that the officer would adopt almost any selfish plan that promised success to his official undertaking.
He believed that he would even requisition the Rambler and sail away with it if he should by chance find, or get, the fugitive on board during the absence of the owners. There would be need of his sailing away instantly, too, for the Mexicans were reckless and vicious, and out after the same reward!
Just how King might get Durand on board during his absence he had not the slightest idea. In fact, he considered such a thing as utterly impossible, and yet he found himself actually considering such a possibility in reaching out for reasons why he ought not to leave the Rambler in the sole charge of this stranger.