CHAPTER XXI
Harboro and Sylvia were taking leave of Wayne and Valdez. Their horses had been brought and they were in their saddles, their horses’ heads already in the direction of Eagle Pass. Valdez was adding final instructions touching the road.
“If you’re not quite sure of the way I’ll get some one to ride in with you,” said Wayne; but Harboro would not listen to this.
“I’ll not lose the way,” he declared; though there remained in his mind a slight dubiousness on this point. The moon would be down before the ride was finished, and there were not a few roads leading away from the main thoroughfare.
Then, much to Harboro’s surprise, Runyon appeared, riding away from the corral on his beautiful dun horse. He overheard the conference between Harboro and the others, and he made himself one of the group with pleasant familiarity.
“Ah, Harboro, must you be going, too?” he inquired genially; and then: “If you don’t mind, I’ll ride with you. It’s rather a lonely road at this hour, and I’ve an idea I know the way better than you.”
Harboro’s eyes certainly brightened with relief. “It’s good of you to offer,” he declared heartily. “By all means, ride with us.” He turned toward Sylvia, plainly expecting her to second the invitation.
“It will be much pleasanter,” she said; though it seemed to Harboro that her words lacked heartiness. She was busying herself with the little package at her pommel—old Antonia’s rebozo.