remarked the third man, running rapidly out of the road and in the
shadow caused by a tree.

"They can't keep up that gait for ever," said Bill Braymer. "I'm goin'
to foller 'em on foot, if it takes all night; I'll get even with em for
that hoss they've done me out of."

"I'm with you, Bill," remarked Pete Williamson, "an' mebbe we can
snatch _their_ hosses, just to show'em how it feels."

The third man lifted up his voice. "I 'llow I've had enough of this here
kind of thing," said he, "an' I'll get back to the settlement while
there's anything for me to get there on. I reckon you'll make a haul,
but--I don't care--I'd rather be poor than spend a counterfeiter's
money."

And off he rode, just as the younger Williamson, with refreshed horse,
dashed up, exclaiming:

"No signs of him back yonder, but there's blood-tracks beginnin' in the
middle of the road, an' leanin' along this way. Come on!"

And away he galloped, while his brother remarked to his companion:

"'Ef _he_ should have luck, an' get the reward, you be sure to tell him
all the good things I've said about him, won't you?"

Jim Williamson rode rapidly in the direction of the wagon until, finding
himself alone, and remembering what had befallen his companions, he
dismounted, tied his horse to a tree, and pursued rapidly on foot. He