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"I--declare," burst out Bo, when she could not eat anyNell, the black horse you rode is the prettiest I ever saw"

Ranger, with the other ani the little brook Packs and saddles had been removed The ht Yet Helen could not cast off uneasiness Roy ht have been deep, and careless, with a irls' anxiety, but Dale see he did not absolutely ot forty miles to ride before dark"

Helen preferred to rest, but Bo walked about, petting the horses and prying into the packs She was curious and eager

Dale and Roy talked in low tones while they cleaned up the utensils and packed the

"You really expect Anson 'll strike

"I shore do," replied Roy

"An' how do you figure that so soon?"

"How'd you figure it--if you was Snake Anson?" queried Roy, in reply

"Depends on that rider froh it's likely I'd seen them wheel tracks an' hoss tracks made where we turned off But supposin' he does"

"Milt, listen I told you Snake met us boys face to face day before yesterday in Shon An' he was plumb curious"

"But he missed seein' or hearin' about me," replied Dale

"Mebbe he did an' mebbe he didn't Anyhat's the difference whether he finds out this ht if Anson holds up the stage?"

"Wal, he'd have to shoot first, which ain't likely John an' Hal, since thet shootin'-scrape a year ago, have been sort of gun-shy Joe et riled But I reckon the best we can be shore of is a delay An' it'd be sense not to count on thet"

"Then you hang up here an' keep watch for Anson's gang--say long enough so's to be sure they'd be in sight if they find our tracks this mornin' Makin' sure one way or another, you ride 'cross-country to Big Spring, where I'll caestion Then without more words both men picked up ropes and went after the horses Helen atching Dale, so that when Bo cried out in great excite standing straight up on his hind legs and pawing the air Roy had roped hi him into camp