“Is there a stranger aboard?” inquired the scout, starting up.
“Yes.”
“Ah! That will be De Bray. And Little Cayuse?”
“I can’t see him.”
The scout’s brow clouded.
“His orders were to come in with to-day’s stage,” said he, “and Little Cayuse never disobeys orders. You’re right, Jim, something surely has gone wrong.”
With that, the scout hurried from the room, through the deserted Alcazar and out into the street, Gentleman Jim following curiously.
CHAPTER XXII.
LETTER, RING, AND LOCKET.
The sides of the mountain-wagon were splintered in several places, and the only one of the wagon’s four passengers who did not show any visible signs of wear and tear was the mild-faced stranger who sat in front with Chick Billings.
Billings had bound a handkerchief around his head, over the bruise made by the butt of Lawless’ revolver, and Hotchkiss wore a bandage around his arm, while Pete was similarly decorated at the shoulder.