The news of the plucky fight that Grace and Hippy had made, and their capture of four highwaymen, had been carried to town by the deputy’s assistant, and throngs stood on the main street awaiting the arrival of the party. Occasionally there was a cheer from a group of enthusiasts, but generally the townspeople were silent, curiosity being their leading emotion.
“Girls, I think it might be advisable for you to go on to the hotel! You look all fagged out,” suggested Grace. “Run along, and I will be over there as soon as we have disposed of our prisoners.”
Elfreda, Nora, Anne and Emma quickly separated themselves from the outfit, Ike Fairweather, accompanied by Grace and Hippy, heading for the jail. The sheriff came out to meet them as they rounded up their horses before the jail entrance. He strode straight to the bandit that Grace, while crouching under the stagecoach, had shot in the leg.
“Hulloa, Con,” greeted the officer. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you. I’ve got a nice little room ready for you. You may find it a bit cramped, but it is the best we have in the house to-day.
“Ah! I see you have some familiar faces with you,” added the sheriff, directing a swift, appraising glance at the other prisoners. “A fine bunch of brave men you are to let yourselves get caught by a party of women. Who are you?” he demanded, wheeling on Hippy.
“I am Lieutenant Wingate, Sheriff. This is Mrs. Grace Harlowe Gray who got the drop on these fellows when all the rest of us were helpless.”
“Glad to meet you, Mrs. Gray,” greeted the sheriff, removing his hat and stepping forward to shake hands with the Overton girl. “I’m Jim Collins, sheriff of this county. So you did this little job, eh? You don’t look it for a little bit, but you’ve delivered the goods, and that’s the answer. My hat is off to you. Do you know who you have here?” he questioned, pointing to the bandit with the wounded leg.
“No, sir, I do not.”
“He is Con Bates, one of the few real bandit leaders left in this part of the west. He’s a bad man, Miss, and I couldn’t begin to express to you how pleased I am to get my paws on him.”
“Who are the others?” asked Grace.