As he rode along, there came to him the sound of distant firing and shouting. Involuntarily he drew up and listened for a while.
“They have captured the retreat, and the Trail Bandits are no more, for that is the wild Texas yell of victory,” he muttered.
Then, dashing the spurs into the flanks of his horse, he rode on like the wind.
CHAPTER XX.
THE FLIGHT.
The third night after the departure of the vigilantes rolled around, and the settlers in the valley were becoming anxious regarding their friends, for no word had come from them since they struck the bandits’ trail. Mary Hale’s beautiful eyes were dimmed with tears as she bade her father good night, for she dreaded evil to Captain Dash, whom she loved with all the fervor of her heart.
Hardly had she reached her room, when there was a loud knock upon the hall door of the cabin, and Judge Hale called out:
“Well, what is it?”
“News from the vigilantes, judge,” said a voice, outside.