“‘Pooty queek you say lot, but not now. Jes’ now you do lak I say.’ The cold nose of the gun accented this order.
“In a few strides the two men, Captive and Captor, were over beside one of the hobbled horses.
“‘Now tek rope f’om saddle,’ said Tally. The prisoner obeyed, though reluctantly.
“‘You mek leetle noose,’ continued the Guide. This was done, then Tally added: ‘You sleep him ofer two han’s lak bracelet, eh?’
“The Indian covered the man with his gun while giving the rope a twitch that tightened it securely, around the wrists of the outlaw. Then he bound his feet likewise.
“‘Now I eat an’ give my hones’ fren’s, the hosses an’ burrors, some grub; nex’ we plan what to do, eh?” As he outlined his actions, the Indian deftly opened the pack where he had stored the feed. He gave the animals each a good drink of water; then hastily thinking and deciding, he gave each a small measure of oats from the panniers. Then he took a loaf of camp-bread, and a cold, fried trout left from breakfast, and ate quickly. Bill watched greedily, but the guide had no idea of wasting good food on worthless villains.
“After Tally had had a long drink from the spring near by the spot where the camp had been started, he carefully smothered every vestige of the camp fire. Then he glared over at Bill.
“‘Da’s what yuh forget to do down th’ trail. Mebbe he’em mek big blaze ef I not fin’ he’em. Coyotes lak you-all burn down more God Amighdy’s fine trees ’en the Creeador grow up again in a hunerd years. Mebbe you lak feel how fire tas’es to some fine tree, eh?’
“Tally knew the value of a rest to his beasts of burden, so, after they had finished their oats and had had a half hour’s quiet relaxation, he decided to back-trail the way he had come. He made sure that not a spark of the fire remained alive, then he went for Ben who had been left tied to the tree. He led him to the clearing, but Bill groaned aloud when he saw his pal was in the same plight as himself. The Indian made Ben put a foot in the stirrup, “Fine! he’em all right. Now clim’ up saddle on dat beeg hoss,” ordered Tally.
When Ben, hands, feet and body, was secured there, Tally went back to Bill and drove him over to get up behind his pal. How the rascal managed to sit upon the shiny rump of the animal was a wonder.