Part 8 (1/2)
”I'!” came from Potts, and he leaped on the back of one of the horses--that which Joe had been riding
”I'm with you,” said Fetter, and mounted old Benson's steed ”Come, Matt, and be quick about it”
By this tiun in hand His call had aroused Joe and Darry, and they were pulling on their clothing with all speed
”So!” exclaimed Joe
”It must be those desperadoes,” responded his cousin
The boys were not yet dressed, when they heard a clatter of hoofs and a shot, followed by another
Then they ca near the stable
”Those desperadoes have been here!” exclaimed the old trapper ”They ran off with your hosses, consarn 'em!”
”Went off with the horses?” repeated Darry ”Did you shoot at theainst ” Hank Leeson meditated for a moment ”I've half a mind ter do it--yes, I have!” he muttered
”Do what?” asked Joe
”Go after 'em on my mare Would you be afraid to stay here alone if I went?”
”No; go ahead!” cried both boys
”We'll keep watch while you are away,” continued Joe
”If you can get the horses back it will be a great favor,” said Darry
”The three are worth over five hundred dollars”
Without further words, Hank Leeson dashed into the stable, untied his mare and mounted her Rifle over shoulder and pistol in hand, he dashed away on the back trail, whence the desperadoes had disappeared Soon he ed up in the darkness, although they heard the hoofbeats of Nancy for several minutes after
”This is the worst yet,” was Joe's com as they are rascally I never dreamed they would come up in that fashi+on I wonder what they would have done if Leeson hadn't woke up?”
”Perhaps ould all have been murdered,” answered his cousin with a shudder ”What shall we do, noe are dressed?”
”That depends upon how long Leeson reuard--one at the front of the cabin and the other at the rear If we keep our eyes peeled they can't coht, Joe Keep your rifle handy”
”Don't fear about that, Darry”
They were soon on guard, the one on the doorstep and the other near the lean-to, on a stu while