“Mercy! What’s that?” cried Nora.
“The coyotes have scented the fresh meat,” answered White. “They will all be here soon, and some other beasts, too. Are you folks game for a sight that will thrill you—that will show you the savagery of nature let loose?” he asked quickly.
“Yes!” agreed the Overlanders eagerly. They did not know what he proposed to do, but were ready for anything that he might suggest as a diversion.
“Get your belongings, blankets, and such things as you don’t care to lose. We men will get the horses, and—”
“Oh, have a heart!” begged Stacy. “What! Ride at this time of night? I prefer to stay in camp.”
“You may,” agreed the guide.
Stacy sat down and regarded the preparations sourly, but when he saw that his companions really were going to leave him, he ran for his pony and his equipment. It was but a short time later that the party filed out of camp, leading their horses, stepping out at a brisk walk, for White was in some haste.
After proceeding several hundred yards from the camp, the guide halted.
“Tie your stock, and tie them securely, for we shall have to leave them here alone for a time,” he directed.
This having been done, the party gathered together, waiting for Ham White to direct them what to do next.