The eyes of officer and soldier met.
"Do you suppose he could have told her?" the former asked in sudden suspicion.
"That would be my theory, sir. But it is useless to speculate. We have no proof, no means of forcing her to confess. The only thing for us to do is to trail those fugitives. I need another man—a scout—Wasson, if he can be spared—and rations for three days."
The Colonel hesitated an instant, and then rose, placing a hand on Hamlin's arm.
"I 'll do it for Miss McDonald, but not for the money," he said slowly. "I expect orders every hour for your troop, and Wasson is detailed for special service. But damn it, I 'll take the responsibility—go on, and run those devils down."
Hamlin turned to the door; then wheeled about.
"You know this man Dupont, Colonel?"
"Only by sight."
"Any idea where he used to run cattle?"
"Wait a minute until I think. I heard McDonald telling about him one night at the club, something Mrs. Dupont had let slip, but I did n't pay much attention at the time. Seems to me, though, it was down on the Canadian. No, I have it now—Buffalo Creek; runs into the Canadian. Know such a stream?"