After spending a fruitless hour in their search, Buffalo Bill and Nomad returned to town, as night was at hand.
On the way to the pass and back, they talked much of what had happened, each presenting many theories for discussion. One of the things they particularly discussed was the statement of Jackson Dane, that the two road agents who had done the work had been Juniper Joe and his new wife.
“Ef Dane didn’t act so quare hisself, some deependence might be put in what he said,” averred Nomad.
“Very true,” the scout assented; “the difficulty lies just there.”
“Ef he wanted to be frank and aboveboard wi’ ye, why didn’t he make some mention of thet gal, Vera Bright?”
“She may have no connection with the thing at all; in fact, I don’t see how she could have.”
“So, thar ye air; jest whar ye was before,” said Nomad.
The lights of the town were glimmering across the rocky slopes as they approached; and night had come.
“What ye goin’ to do to-night?” Nomad asked.