Again Kars made a sign, but this time in the negative.
"I don't think it," he said.
"Right. I'll be on the trail in an hour."
The factor turned to the Padre.
"Say, just rouse out the boys while I get other things fixed. There isn't a minute to waste."
He waited for no reply, but turned at once to Kars and Bill.
"Maybe you fellers'll keep your outfit right here. There's the women-folk. It's in case of—accident?"
"I'll join you, and leave Bill, here, with the Padre and the outfit." Kars' suggestion came on the instant.
But Murray vetoed it promptly. He shook his head.
"It's up to me," he said curtly. Then he became more expansive. "You've had yours. I'm looking for mine. I'm getting out for the sake of the women-folk. That's why I'm asking you to stop right here. You can't tell. Maybe they'll need all the help we can hand them. I've always figgered on this play. Best act my way."