Tom Clifton flushed. He realized that his actions hadn’t been altogether wise.
“Yes, smugglers,” went on Teddy Banes, in his imperturbable way. “They hear what you say. They see six big, strong boys. They get scare, maybe.”
“And I’m afraid the rest of the crowd did some hollering, too,” laughed Dick Travers. “I know I said the same thing myself. Everybody thinking Jed was a deserter worked us up a bit, I can tell you.”
“And we had determined to do everything possible to learn the true facts,” put in Sam Randall, quietly.
“Smugglers take no chances.” Banes was speaking again. “The men say: maybe these boys for us make trouble. They come too near where we work. But we fix ’em.”
“Banes’ explanation is undoubtedly correct,” interrupted Sergeant Erskine. “Of course, at that time, none of these cowpunchers was even suspected. They probably talked it over and decided upon a plan which they thought would speedily drive you back to civilization. Several of them followed on your trail and were responsible for the dreadful night alarms. But the men did not know that you are seasoned veterans of the plains.”
The sergeant’s eyes twinkled humorously, and the entire crowd joined in the laugh which followed.
“How about that man who attacked me, sergeant?” asked Tom.
“We have also a very ready explanation for that.” The officer stroked his iron-gray moustache reflectively. “From your description Private Ashe immediately came to the conclusion that he was one of the cowpunchers who had seen your party at the Cree village, and also overheard what was said in regard to Jed.”
“Great Cæsar!” murmured Tom.