He even threatened to visit his fury upon Fred Whitney, who had shown such punctilious regard for his parole, for it would seem that under the circumstances he would have been warranted in staying behind with his friends.
But before taking so rash a step, the cooler judgment of the leader came to his rescue--He placed a high value on Duke Vesey, who had been associated with him in several dangerous enterprises, and he knew that any harm done to Sterry would recoil on him, just as the grim Capt.
Asbury had threatened.
After prolonged discussion with Cadmus and others, it was decided to offer to exchange Sterry for Vesey.

The proposition was accepted, and the exchange faithfully made, though considerable more delay was involved.
But while it was under way Inman learned of Jennie Whitney's flight toward the Big Horn Mountains.

Keener of wit than Larch Cadmus, he suspected the truth at once, though he knew nothing of the proximity of the stockmen.
Before making the attack and attempt to burn the building he sent out two of his best mounted men in the direction taken by her, to investigate.

They did so with such skill that neither Budd Hankinson nor any of the stockmen suspected them.

They returned with news of the approach of a body too powerful for them to think of combating.