Hawkins pressed Wild Bill down on the ground with a quick hand. “What ther nation is goin’ on, Ace?” called a voice. “Nawthin’,” answered Hawkins. “I jest fell asleep standin’ up, an’ tumbled over.” “Waal, keep yer eyes open. Splinters says we’re goin’ ter ride ter the Star-A purty soon.” The form disappeared, and Ace Hawkins drew a long breath of relief. “Now fer down hill,” he murmured, “an’ the quicker we skin out, the better.” With Hawkins leading, the two moved noiselessly down the slope, in the direction of the river and the little grove of trees. “Hyer we aire, all serene,” said Hawkins, “an’ yore hoss is right ferninst ye, Wild Bill.” “I can see him,” answered the Laramie man. “I’ll not be bagged again, Hawkins.” “Lige Benner has got watchers out, all around the camp. Ye’ll hev ter git clear without causin’ any ruction, if possible, an’ I’d suggest that ye ride in the water, a little off the bank. The Brazos ain’t bein’ watched so much as the trails. Mebby ye’ll git away without trouble. I’m hopin’ so, anyways.” “What’re you goin’ to do, Hawkins?” “I’m stayin’ with the White Caps. That’s what the sky pilot said fer me ter do.” “But when they find out that I’ve got away, more than likely you’ll be suspected.” “I don’t reckon so.” “Your safest move is to come with me.” “I’m goin’ ter stay on, with the White Caps an’ try ter pervent them kerryin’ out any deviltry. Thar’s a lot o’ it on the programme, as I reckon ye know.” Wild Bill passed to his horse, unhitched the animal and got into the saddle. “Don’t let the brute lay down an’ roll over with ye,” said Ace Hawkins humorously. “Nary, pard,” chuckled Wild Bill; “nor I won’t walk lame or play dead for Benner and his gang any more. But I’d sure like to do something to get even with you for this night’s work.” “What I’m doin’ I’m doin’ on account o’ the sky pilot. He’s a friend o’ Perry’s.” “All right, Hawkins, let it go at that. Has that hunchback returned from Hackamore yet?” “I reckon not.” “You think the White Caps are going to make a move against Perry and Buffalo Bill?” “They’ll move ag’in Perry. Prob’ly some un has come in with news, an’ that’s why the White Caps aire gittin’ ready ter move. What the news is I don’t know. But you hustle ter tell Buffler Bill what ye know. Thar’s been sich a delay gittin’ you loose that the scout’ll have to make his play ag’in long odds; but, like as not, a quick move fer Perry an’ Dunbar’ll put ’em right. If I kin----” At that moment a call for Hawkins came from up the hill. “The White Caps is waitin’ fer me,” added Hawkins hastily. “Ride the river fer a mile, then take ter the trail. Adios!” With an answer to the call from above on his lips, Ace Hawkins hurried out of the grove. Wild Bill waited for nothing further but spurred to the river’s edge and into the water; then, turning Beeswax in the direction of the Star-A he proceeded cautiously to pass the guards posted by Benner.