His face seemed a shade paler.
"Was jest comin' out of the store," yelled Stevens.

"Run plumb into a rancher--who knowed me.

He opened up with a rifle.

Think they'll chase us." They covered several miles before there were any signs of pursuit, and when horsemen did move into sight out of the cottonwoods Duane and his companion steadily drew farther away.
"No hosses in thet bunch to worry us," called out Stevens.
Duane had the same conviction, and he did not look back again.

He rode somewhat to the fore, and was constantly aware of the rapid thudding of hoofs behind, as Stevens kept close to him.