She gathered that some danger threatened her from Dalton's gang, and that Jim's absence from Wanabeen was known at Barker's Creek.
She thought but little of herself, all her anxiety was for Willie and Jim Dennis's property.
Where was Constable Doonan? That was her first thought, for she knew he would help her, and the arm of the law was strong. In such a district it was a hard matter to know where the mounted police are to be found.
Constable Doonan was stationed at Swamp Creek, but he might not be there, and there was no time to lose.
She thought for a few moments, and then sent Willie to tell Dixon she wanted him. She knew she could trust Silas Dixon, although he was a surly, misanthropical sort of man.
Dixon came, and growled out something about being interfered with in his work, and that he wished the boss was at home and there was no women to meddle with him.
'So do I wish he was here,' said Sal, 'for danger is at hand. You must ride to Swamp Creek and seek out Constable Doonan, and if he is not there you must find him.'
'Easier said than done,' was his answer.
'But you must find him, Silas. There is danger!' And she related what the black gin from Barker's Creek had said.
'Whew,' whistled Silas, 'Dalton's lot, eh! They have left us alone for a good number of years, and now the scoundrels are breaking out again. I'll go, and I'll find Doonan. I owe Dalton one, as many another good man round here does.'