Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/206

 This after all was the crucial question. Jethro was alarmed more for his own safety than because of anything else.

Despite the tense situation, Alden lost patience.

“You have a better chance than I; I’m going into danger and you are going out of it; off with you without another word!”

Alden turned the head of Fireburg down the trail and slapped his haunch. The animal started away at once on a brisk trot, knowing what was required of him. Then his master handed his rifle to Jethro. He had picked up the weapon from the ground near the body, but did not take the revolver of the fallen man.

“That gives you two guns; this one is better than mine and I’ll use it.”

Without another word, he jerked the reins sharply and spoke to the pony:

“Now, Dick, show what you can do!”

Everything was clear to the sagacious animal, who sped away like an arrow for the station miles distant.

“Ob all de disprobous treatment dis am de wust I eber had,” growled Jethro, who started Jilk down the trail after Firebug, who was