“Not supposing that you would care for such work, we did not even think of you in that connection. If, however, you really wish to go with us we shall be very glad to have you.”
“I’m your man.”
“That is fine. Of course, you understand that we shall pay you, and before we start we must decide upon a price that will be perfectly satisfactory to you. I would suggest that you get under way about two o’clock this afternoon, and we will follow you a couple of hours later. Make camp at Squaw Valley. There is plenty of room there for a camp. Two horses should be enough to draw the wagon. Our camping outfit is at the railroad station. Have you a wagon?”
“Yes, a covered one thet will be just the thing for you. Can sleep in it if you like.”
“We shall sleep in our tents. All provisions and the like we shall send to you some time before you leave.”
The hearing that afternoon, attended by the entire Overton outfit, was of short duration. Grace gave her testimony briefly and to the point. What she was most concerned about was whether or not it would be necessary for her to return for the trial of the bandits, and she was relieved to learn that it would not, and that Ike Fairweather would be the witness who would appear against the prisoners at the trial at the fall term of court.
Before leaving the court, Grace was complimented by the judge for her part in capturing Con Bates and his fellow highwaymen. Sheriff Collins accompanied her from the court room.
“I’ll have an eye on you while your party is in this neck of the woods,” he volunteered. “What shall I do with the rifles I promised you?”
“If not too much trouble, please send them to Mr. Fairweather’s stable before two o’clock this afternoon. He is to drive our wagon for us and will pack the rifles with the other equipment. Is there ammunition for the rifles or shall I purchase some?”
“Get fifty rounds for each rifle, and, Miss, it’s my hunch that you will do well not to pack the rifles away so deep that you can’t reach them in a hurry,” advised Mr. Collins.