So, with only a small trunk, hastily packed, of her
belongings, and an iron-bound chest of the trader's, the two had started
before dawn in Uncle Bill's stout buckboard, behind his famous four mule
team, with Pete to drive, and two sturdy ranchmen as outriders, hoping
to reach the Medicine Bow by late afternoon, and rest at Brenner's
Ranch.
Confidentially, Mrs. Hay told Mrs. Dade that her husband was glad of the
excuse to take the route up the Platte instead of the old, rough trail
southeastward over the mountains to Rock Creek, for he had a large sum
in currency to get to the bank, and there were desperados along the
mountain route who well knew he would have to send that money in, and
were surely on lookout to waylay him--or it. Ever since pay-day two or
three rough characters had been hanging about the store, and Hay
suspected they were watching his movements, with the intention of
getting word to their comrades in crime the moment he started, and it
was almost as much to steal a march on them, as to oblige Nanette, he so
willingly left before it was light. The Rawlins road followed the Platte
Valley all the way to Brenner's, and, once there, he would feel safe,
whereas the Rock Creek trail wound through gulch, ravine and forest most
of the distance, affording many a chance for ambuscade.
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