"That's what gets me. I don't understand it at all. They must have
caught sight of me as I was riding out. They surely didn't know I
had Dunk with me or they wouldn't have begun shooting at me. They'd
have tried to pot the pony in the legs and get me afterwards, though
I might have stood them off till daylight."
"Bad, very bad!" muttered the professor.
"I call it very good, sir. Those fellows have had a fright that will
keep them going for some hours yet. They think it is the Rangers that's
chasing them and they'll be hiking for cover at the rate of some miles
an hour."
"You are sure you are not badly hurt?" asked the professor anxiously.
"If I never get any worse, I'll be satisfied. I'm a marked man, you
know. Some day, when my gun sticks in the holster, I may get mine."
"Come back to camp with us. Surely you are not going on to-night?"
"Thank you, but I must be getting on. I've got to be at the camp by
daylight."
"If you think there is danger of your being attacked, we will ride with
you," said Tad.
"No, pard, I'm better off alone. I'll know enough to dodge them now."
"Speaking of danger, you don't suppose these men will come back and
visit our camp, do you?" asked the professor.
"No, I don't think so. But were I in your place I think I'd put out
my fire and set a guard for the rest of the night. It's always a safe
thing to do.
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