l be glad to be put on
guard. If the quartermaster was held up it would prove a big loss."

"Is it true that Colonel Fairfield killed this Gilroy's chum?"

"Perhaps he did. The colonel was in that mix-up, and after it was over
Dan Hickey was found dead in the bushes. But it was a fair fight, and
the desperadoes knew what to expect when they went in for it."

"When does the quartermaster expect to come through with the money?"

"I don't know, Joe. Like as not it will be soon. And that being the
case, we had better not lose time here, but get to the fort just as soon
as we can," concluded the old scout.

CHAPTER VI.

DARRY MAKES A DISCOVERY.

As pressed as they were for time, Darry and Joe begged that the bearskin
be saved, and did all they could toward helping the old scout skin the
beast. With the pelt they took along about twenty pounds of the juiciest
steaks.

"It's a pity to leave the rest to the wolves!" sighed Joe. "But it can't
be helped. What a feast they will have!"

"I'm going to sling the beast into a tree," replied old Benson. "That
may help save it until somebody else comes this way. The soldiers from
the fort use the trail yonder, you know."

Soon they were on the way to where Benson and Darry had left Joe's
horse. As Joe was tired from his night's adventure, his cousin and the
old scout took turns in carrying him behind them. Even then his eyes
would occasionally close.

"We can't make the fort to-night, that's certain," said the old scout.

"Not if we pushed on hard?" asked Darry.

"Joe can't push on as fast as that, Darry. He'll want to rest as soon as
sundown comes."

"Perhaps I can get a nap at noon, while you two get dinner ready,"
suggested Joe. "I wonder if we'll meet those rascals anywhere on the
road? I hope not, for they'd be certain to recognize me."

"We'll keep an eye open for 'em," responded Benson dryly. "And see to it
that your shooting-irons are ready for use."

"Why--do you think they'd attack us?" asked Darry quickly.

"They might--if they thought we were carrying anything of value. To such
desperadoes all are fish that swim near their net."

"It's a pity the government can't stamp such a gang out, Benson."

"The government has stamped out lots of 'em, lad. Why, ten years ago
none of these trails was safe. Nearly every horseman and stage-coach was
held up. To-day you don't hear of a hold-up once in six months."

"Is this Gilroy a very bad man?"

"He is--