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214 glance around to convince them that Slavin had indeed gone.

"Took my shootin iron, too, consarn him!" ejaculated Ike Watson. "What fools we wuz ter leave him yere alone!"

"We saved Noel's life by the operation," answered Allen.

"Thet's so, too, but"

"You hate to see him get away. So do I, and—Look!"

"What now?"

"He has taken one of the horses, too!"

Allen was right, the best of the horses was gone.

"He ain't got much o' a start," said Watson. "So let us git arfter him hot-footed."

"I am with you on that, Watson; he must not get away under any circumstances. If he does"

"We won't be able to git on the trail o' yer uncle."

"That's it."

Both were soon in the saddle, and shouted back to Noel to keep the fire burning and wait for their return. Then away they dashed into the midnight darkness.