"Perhaps she would not 'peach' on the gang, if there is a gang behind her, which I doubt. She might keep her mouth closed, might swear she never let you have the queer money."
"And I can prove she did by the conductor of the Pacific Express. He saw me give her the small stuff for the two bills."
"Still, I do not feel like nabbing her and turning her over to the officers. We might not be able to nab her, anyway."
"That is true enough. I rather fancy her companion would be likely to put up a stiff fight. He looks to me like a dangerous man."
Frank fancied that he was beginning to understand Bart's feelings. He believed the boy was afraid the girl might prove to be one of a gang of counterfeiters, and he was so badly smitten that he did not wish to be instrumental in her arrest.
Frank, himself, had been highly interested in Isa Isban; but events had transpired which caused him to doubt that she was all her innocent face would lead a casual observer to believe, and his admiration for her had waned swiftly.
Having been brought beneath a cloud of suspicion, Frank was determined to vindicate himself in some manner. He sincerely hoped it might turn out that the girl was innocent. If she were innocent, then she must be in trouble, and he hoped to be instrumental in relieving her.
It was well the lads had obtained two good horses, for they were able to keep well in advance of the pursuers.
Once or twice they fancied they saw rising dust in the far distance, which led them to believe the man and girl were there.
If they were right, then the couple in advance were urging their horses to the limit, for they kept beyond view.
The road grew rougher and rougher. The mountains shut in on either hand, and still they climbed upward. The horses panted and perspired, while horses and lads were covered with dust.
"Do you know how far it is to the lake by this road?" asked Bart.
"Well, it is the longest ten miles of road I ever passed."
The windings of the road shut the pursuers out from view. They were coming on when last seen, but had not seemed to gain in the least. At last an exclamation of satisfaction broke from Bart's lips.
Far up the road, halted and looking back, were the man and girl, mounted on two dust-covered horses.