“What d’you think of little Miss Spitfire?” he asked his companions. “I’ll be sort of sorry to see her leave, I’m gettin’ so used to her!” Then, changing his tone, he added:
“As far as slingin’ lead goes, we got two men who are experts in that line. They come from—well, not from around here, at any rate. An’ if yore old man wants to try a little gun play, we’re all set. In fact, anxious! I ain’t forgot the fact that he rode all the way over to Hawley just to see that we got ours. Nor we ain’t forgot—some other things, too. So let him come on.” His eyes narrowed. “But if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll bring an army when he arrives, ’cause if we start shootin’, it ain’t goin’ to be safe fer himself nor fer them two brothers of yours, either!”
Turning on his heel, he walked up the trail, his heavy colt swinging at his side. Belle felt a shudder pass over her.
How much longer were they to be kept in the lonesome place with only a fierce old woman as a companion? How long?
CHAPTER XXI
The Reckless Rider
Dusk had settled over Thunder Canyon. A cool breeze blew down from the mountains, and the five horses sniffed it gratefully. They had carried their riders far that day, over a trail which stiffened their leg muscles and dulled their eyes, from demanding constant attention to its treacherous unevenness. But they had done their work well, and now they were near the end of their journey.
Teddy, who was riding ahead, turned in the saddle.
“How much further?” he asked of Nick.
“Not much. You’ve kind of forgot this path, ain’t yuh? Well, it’s a long time since I been over it myself, but I’m thinkin’ Gravestone Falls is just ahead. Right, Gus?”