Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/207

Rh and Kate were nowhere to be seen. They had slipped out of the room and had gone to their own cabin shortly after the arrival of the white people.

“What are we to do, Marion?” the sergeant asked. “This is a bad job, and the man responsible for this deed must be brought to justice. But in the meantime what are we going to do with this man?”

“Suppose we move him from here,” Marion suggested. “Isn’t that his bedroom over there?” and she looked toward a door on the left. “You men can carry him in while I go and prepare the bed.”

In a few minutes this was done. The missionary was laid gently upon his own bed, and for a time he was left alone. A little later Rolfe summoned them to supper, and while they were eating they discussed their plans for the future. Marion agreed to remain with the missionary.

“Zell will be with me,” she explained, “and I know that the Indian woman who was here when we came will do what she can. I hope that you all will be back soon without any mishap.”

“I am sorry to leave you,” the sergeant replied, “but there is nothing else to do. It is our duty, you see, and that must come first.”

“Oh, I hope nothing will happen to you out there. The mountains beyond here are very dangerous places, so I have heard. Will you follow right after that wretched man?”

“Yes, until we find him dead or alive. But I don’t believe he will be very far away, owing to the injury to his foot. You remember what Hugo told us.”

“But he can shoot, though. He can hide and watch you coming, and can shoot you both down.”

“We shall have to take that risk, Marion. But I