The small guide looked in bewilderment at the thirty dollars, and then broke into a dance which was quite as vigorous if not so skillful as Jet's performances with the minstrel company.
"How did it happen you got here in the nick of time?" Jet asked after Jim had ceased his contortions.
"When I received your letter telling me you were coming into the woods it was enough to show you would want assistance. I never thought for a moment you'd be able to bag the whole gang, but only counted on saving them from cutting your throat. Not being well enough to walk very handily I brought a couple of friends along, and now we've got force enough to take our men back."
"How did you happen to find me?"
"We heard at the village that a couple of boys, one a stranger, had come this way, and we started on chances. Last night we camped this side of the first carry, and was striking for the upper lake when the reports of your weapon gave us a clew. It was easy to tell that the shots were not fired by hunters, and we rounded up your friend Sam on general principles."
While this conversation was being carried on Harvey's companions released the prisoners from the bonds which had been put on by the boys, and shackled them in much more secure and less painful fashion.
Then Jim remembered that none of his party had breakfasted, and he cooked the remainder of the provisions at once, when all hands joined in the meal.
Harvey had already examined Jet's wound, and pronounced it a trifling one, more painful than dangerous.
The ball was extracted, the arm bandaged properly, and fastened in a sling, the detective saying, when the work was finished:
"You'll come around all right in a week or two with care, and that I'll guarantee you shall have in abundance."