Her hand was firm as she signed her name, and folding the paper, she
tied it to a stone which she placed in the empty sack that had contained
the lunch. The stone would attract attention when the sack was untied.
Securing the sack to her side-saddle, she removed the halter-ropes from
the ponies' necks; then slipping both bridles, she tied them to Donnie's
saddle. If the horses did not go home at once, or should there be no one
at the Circle Cross for a couple of days, she knew the animals could
graze and water and would not suffer. They had left Tatters in the
stables with water and food. She wished now that she had taken the dog
back to its former master. It would miss them.
Heading the horses toward the Hot Springs trail, she slashed Fox across
the flank with her whip. The animal gave a snort of surprise then dashed
toward home, while Pet stumbled and tugged behind him down the narrow
trail. She watched them disappear around the curve; but later she heard
the tumbling of small rocks and knew her message was on its way to
Glendon.
Walking to the edge of the Box she looked down unflinchingly. There was
plenty time. When everything was dark and quiet, it would be easy to
take the sleeping child in her arms; then neither man nor law could take
him from her.