“The herd, Pop’s herd, has jest been stampeded an’ scattered into the foothills, and Pop’s been shot. The fellers thet stampeded the herd give him his’n. They aire bringin’ him in now,” answered the rider excitedly.
Bindloss snatched up his rifle and bolted from the door. His cowpunchers already were in their saddles.
“Grace, if I am not needed here, I’ll go, too,” urged Tom.
“Yes, do,” answered Grace Harlowe. “Tell Jim-Sam to stay. Be careful, Tom.”
“Safety first,” called back the Overland Rider as he dashed out after the rancher. “Jim-Sam, I hold you responsible for the safety of this place while we are away.”
“Come on if you’re going with me,” shouted Bindloss.
“I’m with you,” answered Tom, and in an incredibly short time the party was thundering down the valley.
CHAPTER XIII
AN OVERLANDER IS MISSING
The vigil of the Overland girls lasted through the night. Along towards morning Lieutenant Wingate’s breathing became more natural and his heart action better.
“I am inclined to think that he will regain consciousness soon,” announced Miss Briggs. “If he does, it is not a fracture of the skull. Have courage, Nora,” she added in answer to the appealing look from Mrs. Wingate, who had sat holding the wounded man’s hand all night long.