"I had not intended to leave till to-morrow," said Mr. Mayberry, "but since you have told me you are anxious that your friends should be informed of your safety, I must start this evening in order to reach a settlement from which I can telephone to the Harkness ranch."
Rob's heart sank. Mr. Mayberry had not said "we." The boy had hoped it would be possible for him to go along. The Indian agent saw his manifest disappointment and hastened to reassure him.
"I would gladly take you," he said, "but it is too arduous a trip for even Ranger to carry more than one. You will be safe here till I return with the troops. I will come by here with an extra horse, and, if possible, with your friends, and then we will ride together on the Moquis."
A shrill whinny suddenly sounded outside.
"Hullo, what's the matter with Ranger?" exclaimed Mr. Mayberry, springing up, followed by Rob.
Outside the hut the boy saw a strange sight. The splendid horse was gazing about him apprehensively, and stamping the ground impatiently. His nostrils were dilated, showing red inside, and his whole appearance was one of intense nervousness.
"What's the matter with him?" asked Rob, noting in a swift glance that Mr. Mayberry's face had become suddenly clouded.
"Well," said Mayberry succinctly, "there are only two things which make him act like that—Indians and bears—and I reckon there are no bears about right now.
"But Ranger scents danger," he went on. "I am certain of it. Old horse, you'll have to carry double, after all."