We 'll have to have more men--Wasson if I can get him--and equipment for a hard ride.

Come on, Jack." They waded the river, and ran through the town, shouting their discovery to the marshal and his posse as they passed.

Twenty minutes later Hamlin stood before the Colonel, hastily telling the story.

The latter listened intently, gripping the arms of his chair.
"Shot from behind, hey ?" he ejaculated, "and his clothing stolen.
Looks like a carefully planned affair, Sergeant; sending that fellow through to Ripley was expected to throw us off the track.

That 's why they were so careless covering their trail; expected to have several days' start.