"Well, Jim?"
The man came to the point with characteristic directness. "He has been waylaid, Phyl. We found his hat and the place where they ambushed him."
"Is he——" Her voice died at the word, but her meaning was clear.
"I don't think it. Looks like they were aiming to take him prisoner without hurting him. They might easily have shot him down, but the ground shows there was a struggle."
"And you came back without rescuing him?" she reproached.
"Phil and I were unarmed. I came back to get guns and help."
"And Phil?"
"He's following the trail. I wanted him to let me while he came back. But he wouldn't hear to it. Said he had to square his debt to Larry."
"Good for Phil!" his sister cried, eyes like stars.
"Is Brill still here?" he asked.