He had set out with the
intention of ruining the Moon Valley herd, and killing all who attempted
to resist him, but his courage had failed him.
Ted saw hope in this, if the boys would only arrive on time.
He thought over the conversation he had heard the night before on the
arrival of Woofer and his companion at the cabin, with regard to his own
fate. Evidently it meant something out of the ordinary, for it seemed to
have given extreme pleasure to Woofer, for it was evidently the
intention that all the advantage was to be with the cow-puncher. Well,
it didn't matter much, so long as he had the ghost of a show himself. He
was willing to take a long chance.
Breakfast was announced, and, as the soldiers sat down to eat, the cook
came out with three tin plates on which there were bacon and bread, and
tin cups of coffee for the prisoners, and they sat down together in the
shade of the cabin and ate their food gratefully, for they were very
hungry.
The meal was soon over, and Woofer began to strut up and down in front
of the cabin.
"I reckon here's where I get my revenge, ain't it, lootenant?" he said,
stopping in front of Barrows.
"Do what you please with him," said Barrows crossly, "but leave the
girls alone."
"I don't want but one gal, an' she's copper colored," laughed Woofer
insultingly, walking to his horse, which was already saddled.
Pages:
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360