“By streakin’ out o’ hyar quick as possible.”
“Do you propose our taking to the timber, and lying hid till they go past?”
“No. Our better plan ’ll be to go on to the Mission, an’ get thar soon’s we kin.”
“But we may meet them in the teeth?”
“We must, ef we take the main road up tother side—pretty sure to meet ’em. We shan’t be sech fools. I’ve thought o’ all that, an’ a way to get clear of the scrape.”
“What way?”
“That road we kim in by, ye see, leads on’ard up the bank this side. I reckin’ it goes to the upper crossin’, the which air several miles above the buildin’s. We kin take it, an’ foller it without any fear o’ encounterin’ them beauties. I’ve sent Jupe and Harkness to bring up the hosses. Ned’s tother side the tree in charge o’ Bosley.”
“You’ve arranged it right. Nothing could be better. Take the trail up this side. I can trust you for seeing them safe into their father’s arms—if he still live.”
Woodley wonders at this speech. He is about to ask explanation, when Clancy adds, pointing to the elder sister—
“I want a word with her before parting. While you are getting ready the horses—”