The wound of the surgeon was looked to at the first halt made, and it was found not to be dangerous, though severe.
On they went until after noon, when the chief said:
“I wish to divide here. You have your pay, men, for the work you have done, so go your separate ways, and I will go mine, taking my prisoner with me. The odd horses we will turn loose, and that there may be seven separate trails going in as many directions, I will go on foot, and the surgeon can ride the horse I had.”
Thus the men parted on the trail, the Surgeon Scout mounted on the best horse, which was led by Silk Lasso Sam.
The outlaw chief appeared to have a direct purpose in view, and to know the country thoroughly, for he kept steadily on, the Surgeon Scout seemingly indifferent to what was going on.
Toward sunset he came to a good spot for a camp, and was just coming to a halt when a horse and rider appeared in sight. The chief started and dropped his hand upon his revolver, as though to stand at bay, when the Surgeon Scout said sternly:
“Hold! do not fire upon a woman.”
“My God, I had nearly done so, for I could hardly see her through the foliage.”
“It is your sister.”
“Yes.”