In the shock of the sorrowful occurrence Alden Payne could not forget the perilous situation of himself and companion. It was foolhardy to stay where they were, for beyond doubt they were exposed to the same danger. Alden’s delay was caused by the question whether he could do any service in the circumstances. His first thought was of lifting the body to the back of his horse, and either riding or walking beside it to camp. Then he feared that such action would call down an attack on him and Jethro and defeat its purpose. “I’ll leave the body here till our folks come up, when they can give it burial; or Shagbark and several of us will come forward and bring it away to-night.” The probability of such purpose failing led Alden to search the clothing. He took out a small gold watch, several letters and a trifling amount of money which he carefully placed in his own pockets. The sad duty finished he straightened and was on the point of remounting beside his trembling companion, when a thought flashed upon him. “Jeth, I’m going to take his place!” The stare of the African showed he did not understand. “We’ll bofe take his place if we wait here any longer!” he stammered. “I’m going to ride his pony to the next station and deliver the mail for him.” Even then Jethro was bewildered by the words of his companion. “W-what you driving at, Al? Talk English, won’t you?” Knowing that in this case actions were clearer than words, Alden spoke gently to Dick, rubbed his nose, patted his neck, and then placing the toe of his foot in the stirrup swung himself into the saddle. The mail pouches had not been disturbed, and the new rider was ready to take up the duty of Dick Lightfoot where he had laid it down forever. “You doan’ mean dat _you’s_ gwine to try to ride to de next station on dat horse!” exclaimed the astonished Jethro. “I shall try it, Jeth; you will take Firebug to camp and tell Shagbark, Mr. Fleming and the rest what I have done.” “You can’t mean it, Al! What’s de matter wid you; I knowed you war a fool but nebber thought you was such a big one as dis.” The situation did not permit any offense. “You doan’ know de way!” added Jethro desperately. “You heard Lightfoot say his pony knows every foot of it; I shall leave that part of the business to him.” “But――but,” sputtered the African, “what’s gwine to come ob _me_?” 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 Firebug 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.