"Yes."
"I'll give you fifty dollars to let me ride one in the Run."
"I can't risk it," said Jed. "I'll need them to work my farm."
The man moaned softly and went on to offer the next person with a horse or mule fifty dollars to ride it in the Run.
"He'll get nothing," Pete said. "There isn't a saddle animal for sale or rent the length of the border. What time is it, Jed?"
"Five minutes to twelve. We'd better get ready."
Jed turned to kiss his wife, and he tried to be very calm. But his hands were trembling, and tears lurked in his eyes. He smiled at his children.
"Be good, and help your mother," he bade.
Then Pete and Jed swung into their saddles as a great hush descended on the border. All eyes were on the soldier who was to give the signal for this section. He had stopped riding back and forth and was waiting. His revolver was in his hand. As soon as the officer who was timing it ordered the soldier nearest him to do so, that soldier would give the signal. All the rest would pick it up and it would resound clear around the border.