“Not an ounce.”
“No money?”
“This ain’t after pay time, as you know, so no money goes East on this run.”
“Well, I believe you, but I shall search your old hearse, all the same.”
He called to his followers, and they completely surrounded the coach. Then he began the search personally.
“What is in these boxes in the rear boot?”
“Weapons sent to Colonel Buck from the fort sutler; he ordered them.”
“They are treasure. Give me your hatchet.”
The driver passed it down, and, knocking open the boxes, the chief said:
“Good! repeating rifles and revolvers—just what I need; yes, and ammunition, too, with bowie knives and belts. Ah! here are a couple of fine saddles and bridles, too, and a roll of superb serapes. Why, Jack, I am in luck, especially as a decoy letter I wrote got Miss Fallon into my power, though I regret to see that her father is not along. Miss Fallon, the letter from your lawyer I forged. It has done its duty.”