“We are headed for your camp, but it’s quite a hike and a hard one. If you get leg-weary, stop and rest a bit. How’d they get you?”
“I went to sleep just outside the camp, and I think I must have got a clump on the head. Ouch!” Hippy had lifted a hand to his head, and felt there a bump as big as an egg. “I guess I did get a clump. It’s a wonder I’m not dead. When is it, to-day or to-morrow?”
“It’s the day after,” was the half humorous reply.
“Please tell me how you found me?” asked the Overlander.
“Ham White got in touch with some people I know. They got word to me, and gave me the tip. The same people saw the gang that got you heading for the pass where you were taken, so I made for that place as soon as I got the word from White. I was lucky; I might have had to hunt the whole state over for you. The gang made a bad play when they picked you up. We’ve got a line on them now.”
“Who is we?” interjected Hippy.
“All of us,” was the noncommittal reply. “Don’t speak so loudly. It isn’t safe yet.”
That walk Hippy Wingate never forgot. Every step sent shooting pains through his head and legs. He stumbled frequently, but every time the grip of the stranger tightened on his arm, and he was kept on his feet.
“When you get to camp, tell your people to watch out. Some of the gang are still out on trail. I reckon they aren’t out for any good, and they may be planning to rush your camp and get the rest of your party.”
“Why do they want us?” wondered Lieutenant Wingate. “Is it robbery?”