“It shore does.”
Hippy suggested, instead, that he be permitted to ride back to town for assistance, but Grace objected to this.
“The prisoners need medical attention, and we shall have to go on short rations as it is, so we have no time to lose. We will tie the four men on two horses and tie the pair of horses together; Mr. Fairweather can lead the animals; you, Hippy, will walk alongside of them and I will bring up the rear.”
“What if one of the bandits drops off and gives us the slip?” questioned Hippy.
“I shall see to it that he doesn’t get far,” answered Grace significantly.
“Huh!” grunted Ike. “I thought the lieutenant was givin’ me a fairy story ’bout your doin’s in the war. Jedgin’ from what I’ve seen to-night I reckon he hasn’t told the half of what there is to tell. Why, lady, if you was to live out here you’d be sheriff of the county at the next election. I reckon I know of one vote you’d get.”
“Thank you. Then you approve of my plan?” asked Grace.
“From the ground up.”
“And you folks?” she questioned, turning to her companions.
All nodded their heads in approval.