"Not a whit; we are peaceful travelers who pursue our journey without molesting any man who does not seek a brawl. We shall go forward at whatever cost."
Now it was that I believed a fight would be begun in a twinkling, and my rifle was raised, ready to do my share, when we heard the trampling of horses' hoofs in the distance.
"There is some treachery afoot," Master Howell said in a low tone. "These fellows have kept us in conversation until the remainder of the party can come up. It would be useless to oppose an overwhelming force."
"True," Master Hunter added, and then, as if seized by a sudden thought, he added in a low tone to me, who sat nearest him, "You two lads may perchance escape and carry to our companions of the association the information of our trouble. Back your horses off till you are partially screened by the trees, and then ride at full speed."
"There are four of us, and each one ready to give a good account of himself," Sidney said, much as if he was eager to take part in a fray where blood must inevitably be spilled.
"Do not stop to argue, lad. It is necessary the Regulation know that our passage is barred by some treachery of Edwards and Fanning, and you must carry the news."
I remembered what my father had said, and pulled my horse back, step by step, until he was amid the bushes that bordered the road on either side.
The strangers gave but little heed to my maneuvers, probably because they believed that a lad like me was of but little importance as compared with the deputies—I had no doubt but that they were acquainted with the purpose of Masters Howell and Hunter—and, therefore, I was soon partially screened from view.
Sidney delayed until a party of horsemen numbering four or five came into view, and then he wheeled around suddenly, riding at full speed past me as a couple of pistol balls whistled by his head.
I joined him, as may be supposed, and we rode at a sharp pace for a mile or more, when we pulled up as if by common consent.