These important instructions delivered, the bandit-chieftain, with Cole at his side, led the way back to their tent, avoiding the square.
During the walk, the new arrivals were briefly made aware of the incidents of the day, especially of the exclamation as Jesse's beard was started from its place that caused them so much anxiety.
"At a rough guess, I should say it was young what's-his-name," vouchsafed Cole.
"Young Rozier, you mean," interposed Clell. "That's my idea, too."
"Time will tell," said the bandit-chieftain, irritably, for the annoying lack of positive assurance was getting on his nerves. "But there's one thing sure and that is the sooner we drop the subject the better. Some one may overhear us."
So dark was it as they reached the camp-ground that they easily gained their tent by skirting the park without being seen.
Cole and Texas had taken their supper on the train so there was no need of rekindling a fire and the reunited bandits stretched out on blankets like the spokes of a wheel, their heads forming the hub that they might be near enough together to converse in low tones.
When the shooting up of Chouteau and their uneventful journey from there to the Springs had been narrated, the men fell to discussing their next move.
That the health resort was none too safe a place for them, all were agreed but that was the only point on which they did agree.
Frank was for striking to the north, into regions unknown to them and where, in consequence, there would be less chance of their being recognized.