“I'm pretty certain you're lying whatever you say,” observed Rogers.
“Well, sir, I've fooled people telling them the truth,” retorted Raymond. “But that was their own fault.”
“I reckon maybe that's so,” said Rogers.
“This is a mighty one-sided conversation anyway you look at it,” said the deserter pleasantly, and smiling without offence. “No, sir, I'm telling you God Almighty's truth, they are Mormon missionaries going back to the States.”
“Well, whatever they are, I sha'n'. want you any more; you can travel back to 'em as fast as you like; but look here, you see that none of them don't stray in the direction I'm going.” And the Californian moved off up the pass.
“Good luck, Mr. Rogers!” the deserter called after him, and then he began leisurely to climb the ridge.
When Rogers reached the camp he saw that the mule had been found and that the teams were made up and ready to start.
“What's kept you so long?” asked Stephen.
“I was following what I took to be old piebald's trail,” answered Rogers.
At first he had been undecided as to whether or not he should tell the others of his encounter with Raymond; but he had finally determined to say nothing of this meeting. Silent and preoccupied he took his place in one of the wagons, seeking some excuse for Raymond's presence so close at hand, beyond that which the deserter had himself given.