Part 23 (2/2)
But their horses were no better than the animals our friends rode, so the desperadoes did not succeed in cutting down the distance between the two parties, and at last gave up the chase
”It has been aadventure from start to finish,” said Captain Moore after each had told his story ”And it brings to an end this outing I et to the fort without delay”
”And I a,” said Darry ”There is no fun in hunting in a country where the desperadoes are so thick”
”This will open Colonel Fairfield's eyes,” went on the young officer ”I shouldn't be surprised if he organized another expedition against Gilroy's gang and didn't let up on them until they were all either in prison or shot down”
”It's what they deserve,” cao on such a hunt with pleasure”
Our friends continued in the saddle all night and until ten o'clock the nextstreah fish for dinner, after which they took a nap lasting several hours
”And now for the fort!” cried Captain Moore; ”and the sooner we get there the better”
The nap had done the boys a world of good, and as they rode along their spirits rose so high that Darry proposed a race Joe illing, and away they went, along the well-defined trail, before either the young officer or the old scout could stop them
”They are full of life,” said Joe's brother ”Let theht, even if they do tire the horses a bit”
”It's all right if they don't get into trouble,” answered Benson
On and on went the two lads, down so a level stretch The bushes grew thick upon both sides, and here and there were nureen grass
Joe was slightly ahead when he came to a sudden halt
”Back, Darry!” he cried ”Get back behind the bushes”
”What's up?” queried his cousin, as he brought his steed to a standstill
”Buffaloes!”
”Buffaloes! Where?”
”Right around the cliff on our right See, they are coht; they had come y beasts were all large and powerful-looking They were not in the least alarmed, and came toward the boys at a slow but steady walk
CHAPTER XX
SOMETHING ABOUT WHITE OX
”What shall we do, Joe; wait until your brother and old Benson co aniht to wait,” answered Joe ”But if they take alarm, they'll be off in double-quick order, I am afraid”