I was told to give the lieutenant."

Hunk Smith leaned from the box-seat. "Mebbe Pop's driving him over
himself in the buckboard," he volunteered. "Pop often takes 'em over
that way if they miss the stage."

"That's how it is, of course," cried Crosby. "He's on his way now in
the buckboard."

Hunk Smith surveyed the troopers dismally and shook his head. "If he
runs up against the Red Rider, it's 'good-by' your pay, boys," he
cried.

"Fall in there!" shouted Crosby. "Corporal Tynan, fall out with two
men and escort these ladies to the fort." He touched his hat to Miss
Post, and, with Curtis at his side, sprang into the trail. "Gallop!
March!" he commanded.

"Do you think he'll tackle the buckboard, too?" whispered Curtis.

Crosby laughed joyously and drew a long breath of relief.

"No, he's all right now," he answered. "Don't you see, he doesn't
know about Patten or the buckboard. He's probably well on his way to
the post now. I delayed the game at the stage there on purpose to
give him a good start. He's safe by now."

"It was a close call," laughed the other. "He's got to give us a
dinner for helping him out of this."