"Did you learn anything about the thieves?"
"No."
"What's the use of wasting time over the boy?" snapped Frank. "He doesn't look as though he knew enough to tell whether the mare was stolen or not. Let him go on his way."
"Not much," returned Jesse, noting the look of relief that had appeared in Fred's eyes at his brother's words. "We'll take him with us.
"Take your place beside me, boy. All ready, men."
Three or four miles the posse rode in silence, then, rounding a turn in the highway, they caught sight of a farmhouse and buildings which the supposed miners were told were Consollas'.
Increasing their speed, the posse galloped along when all at once a shrill neigh sounded from the woods beside them and directly a horse broke through the underbrush and stopped with its head over the fence.
"That's the roan! That's Consollas' mare!" cried several voices at once.
Amazed, the great outlaw ordered a halt, then demanded:
"Are you sure?"