"Jest lay in the hills," Ike soothed. "Leastwise we'll lay thar 'til I can send word to that smart Joe Parker. Goin' to tell him, I am, that I know who stuck up the Cressman bank. Goin' to tell him that, when Bucky comes into the hills, he'll find that man tied to a tree. I reckon Parker'll swap for that."
"If he doesn't," Jeff said suddenly, "you can offer more. Pete killed Johnny Blazer!"
"He did?" Ike's eyes glowed eagerly. "Now I know I got me a swap! Come 'long, Pete."
Herding his captive, he started for the door. Suddenly he stopped and ordered, "Wait thar!"
Pete stood still. Ike glided to Jeff, sliced the bonds that tied his hands, and bent to whisper, "Gimme five minutes, peddler—jest five minutes an' kiss Granny fer me."
"I will," Jeff promised, "and I'll tell her that you'll deliver one to her yourself in a few days."
He waited ten minutes before stooping to untie his feet. He rose, and before freeing Barr he glanced out of one of the small windows.
The first hint of dawn was in the sky and the horizon was endless. He had found binding ties in these hills, but somehow he had found limitless freedom, too.