In horror, Mrs. Bowser listened to her friend’s excited recital of the events of the night before.
But, when Sandy announced his intention of taking Pinky and riding to the Sangammon swamps for the purpose of rejoining the band of avengers, she refused to permit him.
“What, leave us two women alone and unprotected?” she exclaimed. “Shame on you for thinking of such a thing, Sandy! Who knows but that terrible white raider, learning that all the men from the Double Cross and the Star and Moon ranches are chasing him, may come back and burn our buildings, too?”
In vain the foreman protested he had received orders from Bowser to follow, if possible, declaring that the greatest safeguard against further raids was to capture the raider.
Mrs. Bowser was adamant, however, and in her position Mrs. Hawks ably backed her up.
Giving up the idea for the moment, Sandy went back to the horse corral, taking Pinky with him.
“What’s to be done?” demanded the latter, when they were safe from being overheard.
“I’m going!” declared the foreman, with emphasis. “You sneak into the bunkhouse and pack some grub for our saddlebags. Better put in a good supply because the others will probably be running short. I’ll catch a couple of the best ponies and make ’em ready. When you’ve stowed the grub, come on out here. We’ll mount and ride up to the ranchhouse. Seeing that we’re determined to go, anyhow, the women will probably give their consent.”
“And if they don’t?”
“We’ll just ride away.”