Bindloss said they had been discussing the situation, and that not only for their sakes, but for the sake of his business in the Coso Valley, something must be done to check the outlawry that had been going on and that was getting worse.
“Have you appealed to the law?” asked Miss Briggs.
The rancher laughed, but without mirth.
“The sheriff has been after this gang for three months, but that’s as far as the law has ever got. The law has never caught up with the gang. There’s some fellow with a head bossing that gang, and they ought to be getting rich judging from the stock they’ve stolen from me.”
“If you wish to make a drive and try to clean them up perhaps we can assist you,” offered Tom.
“I’ve been thinking of that,” replied Bindloss reflectively. “I don’t reckon, though, that I want you folks to get mixed up in it, for somebody is sure to get hurt,” he added.
“It occurs to me that someone already has,” observed Miss Briggs wisely. “You must remember that, having lost one of our party and one guide, we are not wholly disinterested spectators, and should Stacy not get back, we probably shall organize a drive on our own hook.”
“What are your plans, Bindloss? What have you in mind?” asked Tom Gray.
“’Bout that matter? I can’t do anything till we get finished with the round-up. When that’s done we’ll turn some of our cowpunchers loose, letting Pete lead them, for Pete is a natural leader and can shoot, and he knows the mountains better than any other fellow on the range. In the meantime, if Sam gets fit, we will ask him to scout and see if he can find the hang-out of the ruffians. It will be a ticklish job, but I suppose it can be done. Miss Briggs, when do you think the old man will be able to start?”
“He should lay up for a week, but I do not believe it will be possible to hold him that long,” replied Elfreda.