Harding glanced back as he came to the end of the cañon, but saw that the road-agents and their fair prisoner had already disappeared.
Then the lash descended upon the backs of the startled horses and the team was sent along at a pace that was dangerous indeed.
But Harding could only find vent for his pent-up feelings by rapid and reckless driving, and never before had the distance between the Dead Line and Last Chance been covered in the time in which he made it.
Notwithstanding his delay at the Dead Line, he went thundering up the valley half an hour ahead of time, and when he drew rein before the hotel his horses were reeking with foam and panting like hard-run hounds, while his face was white, his eyes ablaze with anger and indignation, and his teeth set firmly.
"Great God! Harding, what has happened?" cried Landlord Larry in alarm.
Throwing the mail at the feet of the surprised landlord, Harding leaped to the ground and said hoarsely:
"Come, I wish to speak to you."
He led the way into the office and then told the whole story.
"We will mount a hundred men and go in pursuit at once," cried Larry.
"What! do you forget his threat?"