The sheriff stepped to the door and called to some of his men who entered and bore the bodies of Doane and Eagen out of the sitting room. Then he took the money sack from the table and indicated to Rathburn to follow him, as he went out of the door. Rathburn went after him quickly, and the girl ran to the porch. Rathburn drew back with a cry, as he reached the porch. Just beyond the steps a horse was lying on its side. "My--my hoss!" he cried wonderingly. He leaped down beside the dead beast. Then he saw crimson upon the animal's shoulder, as a little gleam of light came from the door. "That was why he jumped on the trail. He was hit. He carried me all this way with a bullet in him an' then dropped! One of Long's men shot him." Rathburn looked about vacantly. Then he sank down and buried his face on the shoulder of the dun, as Sheriff Long turned away. Laura Mallory stepped quickly to the side of the sheriff and touched his arm. "Is he as bad as you think, sheriff?" Long scowled at her in the dim light from the door, took out a thick, black cigar, bit the end off savagely, and began to chew it. He walked abruptly out to where some of his men were standing by their horses, and he said something in an undertone. When he returned, Rathburn had taken the saddle and bridle off the dead horse and was throwing the leather on the porch. "Yours, dad," he called to Mallory; "I wouldn't use 'em again if I could." Then he turned to the sheriff. "All right, Bob." "Come inside," said Long gruffly. CHAPTER XXXVIII TEN MILES' START When they were in the sitting room the sheriff confronted Rathburn. "This has been a queer case for me," he said slowly, with an attempt at harshness. "I knew Eagen was up to a lot of dirty work, but I never could fasten anything on him till to-night. I'll get some of the rest of the gang now. Doane showed in his face that he was guilty. Those things don't worry me none. But _you_ are the hardest character I ever had to handle, Rathburn!" "I don't figure on givin' you any more trouble, sheriff," Rathburn assured him, smiling. "That's the puzzle of it!" Long exploded. "That puts it up to me. I know you had reason for giving Gomez his, and I know this girl wouldn't lie about the other. But--well, I don't get you a-tall, Rathburn, and that's a fact. Something tells me I've got to give you a chance, and if I knew what tells me this I'd wring its neck!" He stepped close to Rathburn and looked him straight in the eye. "Take one of Mallory's horses. He's got some good ones. I give you ten miles in any direction. If you can make it--it's your candy. But remember, Rathburn, I'm going to try to stop you!" He walked swiftly out of the door, leaving Rathburn staring at the smiling girl. Laura stepped close to him and nodded. Rathburn shook his head. "I can't see where I've got the right to give Long any more trouble."