An instant the girl thought of defying both the notorious outlaw who had spurned her and his minion. A slash of her bowie-knife would sever the bonds of the scout at her back and then she could cover both Red and Pedro with her six shooters.
The thought of having the desperado in her power and the pleasure it would be to humble him by forcing an apology from his lips proved irresistible, and stealthily she dropped her hands to the pistol butts.
Pedro, however, was watching her intently, and as he saw the movement, leaped upon her, catching her wrists in his powerful hands.
"No you don't, my lady!" he hissed. "Hey, Red, this she-devil was going to shoot you."
"I'm not surprised. The Landons never were strong on gratitude," returned the bandit. "Hurry and take away her shooting irons so she won't have another chance, and then transfer the prisoners as I told you."
These words were spoken by Rogers without taking the trouble even to turn his head, and his utter indifference to her contemplated act of treachery effected Rose as nothing else could have done.
"Oh, Red, forgive me! Forgive me!" she sobbed. "I didn't mean to quarrel with you. The excitement of your breaking out of jail and our escape from the troopers have been too much for my nerves. I know you were a friend to daddy—and you've been to me. Please for——"
"Bah! Cut it out," interrupted the outlaw, savagely. "You've showed your real nature. It's lucky for me you did. Now that I know you, I can make my plans accordingly."
Even the scouts were amazed at the bitterness of this reply, and they awaited with many misgivings the next move of their strange captor.
That he was doing something, they could all see from the motion of his right arm, but not until it suited his pleasure did they learn what it was.