You better stay up here till spring." They rode steadily till daylight, and then Delmar said: "Now I think you're perfectly safe, for this reason: These cusses know you came into the country with Pratt, and they'll likely ride over and search the Cannon Ball settlement.

I'll ride around that way and detain 'em awhile and make 'em think you're hiding out, while you make tracks for upper country.

You keep this river trail.

Don't ride too hard, as if you was runnin' away, but keep a steady gait, and give your horse one hour out o' four to feed.

Here's a little snack: don't waste time, but slide along without sleeping as long as you can.
"You'll come in sight of the mountains about noon, and you'll see a big bunch o' snowpeaks off to the left.