"I'm taking you out of your way, gentlemen, and I think I'd rather go alone."
"Well, all right," said Hunter; "but you've got to take my gun. That whelp would resk his salvation to get even with you."
"I know it," said Westerfelt, putting the revolver into his pocket; "but he'll not try it to-night."
"No, I think he's gone fer good," said Longfield. "I guess he'll make fer Texas."
At a point where two roads crossed a few yards ahead of them, Westerfelt parted with the three men. They went back up the mountain, and he rode slowly homeward.
When he was in sight of the stable, he saw Washburn coming towards him on horseback.
"Hello! Did they hurt you, Mr. Westerfelt?" he asked.
"They never touched me."
"My Lord! how was that?"
"I told them I had nothing to do with the arrest; three of them were old friends of my father's, and they believed me. Did you find her—did you find Miss Harriet?"