He had a suspicion that constantly grew upon him that there might be a rescue of the prisoner attempted.
Did not Bonnie Belle know something, he wondered, of this intended requisition from the governor, and had she not prepared for the rescue when the opportunity offered?
Might she not meet the detectives on the way with their prisoner, and with unlimited money at her command gain by strategy and bribery what could not be done by force?
So argued the scout, and that was why he wished to go on the trail of the coach.
He rode rapidly until out of sight of the fort. Then he dismounted, gave his horse a drink of water at a stream, tightened his saddle-girths, and, looking at his watch, said:
“Just two hours since Ned left. That means, as he drives, all of twelve miles from this point. I should overtake him about Deep Dell Brook or a little beyond, only I do not wish to get close enough to be seen by them.”
Mounting, he put his horse into a swinging canter and held him to it for miles, when he reached the country where the hills grew steep and long.
Two hours after leaving the fort he halted for a short rest and said:
“The coach is about six miles ahead now, I take it, if Ned is on schedule time.”
Again he resumed his way and held on until he descended into Deep Dell Brook.