“Hello, old chap!” cried Hippy jovially.
The Overlanders crowded around Captain Tom Gray joyously.
“How are you, White!” greeted Grace’s husband, as soon as he could free himself from the welcome of Grace, Nora and Emma. “I have been looking forward to meeting you, and I knew, from what I had heard, just the sort of man you would be—I mean as to looks,” added Tom, grinning. “The men on the range are looking forward to seeing their—”
A warning look from the guide checked Tom.
“I will explain later,” whispered the guide.
“I thank you for sending for me,” bowed Tom, with ready resourcefulness. “I knew that the need must be urgent or you would not have done so.”
“Yes. I have a double responsibility—a moral and a physical one, and I felt that I had no right to go farther until I had consulted with Mrs. Gray’s husband. We are heading for trouble, in fact we have already been having it.”
“Tell me about it. I know some of the facts, but I want them at first hand.”
“Miss Briggs knows the story. I suggest that she relate the story of her experiences, which will give you the slant I want you to get. I suppose you know of the kidnapping of Lieutenant Wingate and Stacy Brown?” asked the guide.
“The bare facts only. J. Elfreda, you seem to be the pivotal point on this journey. Grace is holding my hand so tightly that I shall have to ask her to give me a chance to listen to you,” answered Tom laughingly.