There were harsh and angry cries from the other men.
“I’ll write to her to sell enough of the gems to get a thousand dollars, and to pay it over only after I’m released.”
“Well, you don’t! We has all them emeralds, or we has your life!”
“Crack away!” said Clayton defiantly. “If you kill me, remember that you won’t get anything.”
CHAPTER XXXVII.
SETTING A TRAP.
While they were still talking, Black John made his appearance, riding up in such furious haste that his horse was white with foam. He had circled the pursuers and got ahead of them.
“Git a move on ye!” he commanded.
“But, see here,” said Toby Sam, “does you understand ther situation? This feller didn’t have the emeralds at all, but the girl’s got ’em, and she’s on the stage; so we’re figurin’ about sendin’ a man to the railroad, and tryin’ to open up negotiations with her, and sorter trade him to her fer the emeralds. We reckon it may work.”
Black John answered, with an oath:
“She didn’t go on the stage, but jumped out; and now she’s with Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Bill, and that old trapper, and they’re follerin’ your trail.”