Carroll had been bending over the dead officer and now glanced up.
"There's sand just below, Sergeant," he said. "That's why they are so darn reckless here."
"Of course; they'll hide in the dunes, and the sooner we 're after them the better. Wade, you remain with the body; Carroll and I will return to the fort and report. We 'll have to have more men--Wasson if I can get him--and equipment for a hard ride. Come on, Jack."
They waded the river, and ran through the town, shouting their discovery to the marshal and his posse as they passed. Twenty minutes later Hamlin stood before the Colonel, hastily telling the story. The latter listened intently, gripping the arms of his chair.
"Shot from behind, hey?" he ejaculated, "and his clothing stolen. Looks like a carefully planned affair, Sergeant; sending that fellow through to Ripley was expected to throw us off the track. That 's why they were so careless covering their trail; expected to have several days' start. It is my notion they never intended to kill him; had a row of some kind, or else Mac tried to get away. Any trace of the girl?"
"No; but she must have been there."
"So I think; got mixed up in the affair some way, and they have been compelled to carry her off to save themselves. Do you know why they were after Mac?"
"No, sir."
"Well, I do; he carried thirty thousand dollars."
"What?"
"He was acting paymaster. The money came in from Wallace last evening, and he was ordered to take it to Ripley at once."
Hamlin drew in his breath quickly in surprise.
"Who knew about that, sir?"
"No one but the Adjutant, and Major McDonald--not even the orderly."
The eyes of officer and soldier met.
"Do you suppose he could have told her?" the former asked in sudden suspicion.
"That would be my theory, sir. But it is useless to speculate. We have no proof, no means of forcing her to confess. The only thing for us to do is to trail those fugitives. I need another man--a scout--Wasson, if he can be spared--and rations for three days."
The Colonel hesitated an instant, and then rose, placing a hand on Hamlin's arm.
"I 'll do it for Miss McDonald, but not for the money," he said slowly. "I expect orders every hour for your troop, and Wasson is detailed for special service. But damn it, I 'll take the responsibility--go on, and run those devils down."
Hamlin turned to the door; then wheeled about.
"You know this man Dupont, Colonel?"
"Only by sight."
"Any idea where he used to run cattle?"