Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/147

 "And be hunted by Tilton's gang all the way to Lexington." reminded Lander. "They'll quit the boat and chase us afoot."

"Bah! they are nothing. If only"

"Go on," urged Lander.

"If only they do not send the tall hunter after us," mused Clair. "He is used to following trails and reading signs. When he hears of Dillings' death he will know we took the deer. He will not get his satisfy till he bags us. But God wills."

They traveled hard as long as a shred of light remained, purposing to add as much distance as possible after darkness should blot out their trail from the hunter's knowing eyes. Then they would keep to cover until satisfied the Golden Queen was far up the river. They knew the boat would not wait for any scheme of vengeance to be worked out. Lander surmised his old friend was apprehensive. He was sure of it when the old man insisted they build no fire but eat what meat they already had cooked.

"Tall and thin. Thin as a buffalo cow in early spring," he mumbled as he tore at his food. Then to Lander: "You saw the hunter. How did he walk?"

"I didn't notice, beyond his trick of swinging