“They’re there now, Hamp?” went on Jerry.
“Naw, not now. When I left only Buffler Bill, Wild Bill, the gal an’ Perry was thar. The Dutchman, the ole juniper of a trapper an’ the little Injun had left fer a call on Dinkelmann. When Dunbar pulled out, I pulled out, too.”
The fact that Dunbar had “pulled out” aroused considerable interest in Lige and Jerry.
“Why did Dunbar leave, and where did he go, Hamp?” demanded Jerry.
“Dunbar pulled out fer Hackamore ter be gone two or three days. He’s gone arter cowboys ter help run the ranch, arter supplies, an’”—here a snarling laugh came from Hamp’s bearded lips—“ter git a diming ring fer his wife.”
The hunchback slapped his clawlike hands.
“I’d reckoned on taking the first fall out of Perry,” said he, “but events are shaping up so Dunbar is to get it. That’s all, Hamp.”
“Hit the bunk house,” said Lige; “no range work for you, Hamp, till to-morrow. Keep mum about what you’ve done, too. There’s twenty pesos in gold for you, if I learn you haven’t said a word about the work you’ve done.”
Hamp mumbled something under his breath, turned and shuffled out.
“We’re getting along in fine shape, Lige,” crowed the hunchback. “It won’t be long till you get part of your revenge now. We’ll take care of Dunbar first.”