Laura laid her hand upon his rein.
"Where are the others?" she asked.
"French and two deputies from the township are about a mile behind," Quest
replied. "They've had trouble with their horses."
"Don't get off," Laura continued quickly. "Craig has escaped, riding
towards the Mexican frontier. Lenora is following him. He's gone in that
direction," she added, pointing. "When you come to the river you'll have
to hunt for the bridge."
Quest frowned as he gathered up his reins.
"I was afraid they'd try something of the sort," he muttered. "Tell the
others where I've gone, Laura."
He galloped off into the darkness. Behind, there were some growls from the
little group of cowboys, none of whom, however, attempted to interfere
with him. Long Jim stood up and gazed sullenly southwards.
"Cookie'll make the bridge all right," he remarked. "If the girl catches
him, she can't do anything. And that last guy'll never make it. Whoop!
Here come the rest of them."
The Inspector, with two deputies, rode suddenly into the camp. The
Inspector paused to speak to Laura. Long Jim's eyes sparkled as he saw
them approach.
"It's old Harris and fat Andy," he whispered. "We'll have some fun with
them."
The older of the two deputies approached them frowning.
"Been at your games again, Long Jim?" he began. "I hear you declined to
hand over a criminal who's been sheltering on your ranch? You'll get into
trouble before you've finished."
"Got the warrant?" Jim asked.
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