For the first time since the Overlanders had known him, Ham White lost his composure. He steadied himself in a moment. Leaping to the steps of the store he shouted to the villagers that were still thronging the streets.
“Men!” he said. “These splendid young women have helped to save your town and your women and children. One of the young women, Miss Briggs, is missing. She must be found, and I want you men to form a searching party. Get your breakfasts, but never mind anything else. If you are men, which I believe you to be, you won’t have to be urged. I’ll tell you what to do. Will you go?”
“Yes!” The answer was a shout. And Hamilton White smiled.
The guide directed the girls to steady themselves, and eat. As for himself, he wanted nothing to eat except what he could carry with him and munch on his way. White sent one searching party down each side of the creek, heading the party on the left side himself, with Lieutenant Hippy Wingate leading the party on the right.
“Do not worry if we aren’t back as quickly as you might hope for, as we shall be looking for stock—for our horses—at the same time,” he urged.
“Oh, Hamilton, do be careful of yourself,” begged Emma as the men were starting away. “I shall demonstrate for you all the time you are away.”
Grace linked an arm in Emma’s.
“My dear, how long have you known Mr. White?” she asked gently.
“It seems as though I have always known him,” answered Emma dreamily.
“As a matter of fact, you have known him less than a week. It is true we took him on the recommendation of the banker at Cresco, where we made our start for the Cascade Range of Washington State, and we know him to be a man of intelligence, a brave, resourceful fellow, but there is still something about him that I do not understand. I don’t believe he is what he represents himself to be, but, if we should ever go out again, he is the man I should like to have lead us. Just the same, that is no reason why you should be so forward. Emma, well-bred girls are not supposed to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Be a good fellow, which you are, but be dignified,” admonished Grace smilingly.