"Why, yes," was the reply. "You didn't think I was going to leave so soon, did you?"
"No, I didn't think so. But funny things is happenin' jest about now."
"What was the matter in the cave?"
Wild asked the question in an indifferent way, but he was really anxious to hear, for he had no idea that Arietta had made her escape.
He had heard the shot, too, and he was eager to find out what it all meant.
"Yer want ter know what was ther matter in ther cave, eh?" asked Snivel, looking at the boy and scowling. "Well, I don't know as it will do any hurt ter tell yer. Ther gal got away from us—that's what was ther matter."
"Is that so? Who fired the shot I heard?"
"One of your pards, I s'pose."
"Did it hit any one?"
"I reckon it did. Another of our men got laid out. Oh, this is only makin' it all ther worse fur you, Young Wild West. You don't stand no livin' show, so there's no use in thinkin' yer do."