第166页 / 共439页

"The obvious guess would be that he is heading for Mexico. But

I've got another notion. He knows that's where we will be looking

for him. His record shows that he used to trail with a bunch of

outlaws up in Wyoming. That was most twenty years ago. His old

pals have disappeared long since. But he knows that country up

there. He'll figure that down here he's sure to be caught and

hanged sooner or later. Up there he'll have a chance to hide

under another name."

Neill nodded. "That's a big country up there and the mountains

are full of pockets. If he can reach there he will be safe."

"Maybe," the ranger amended quietly.

"Would you follow him?"

The officer's opaque gaze met the eyes of his friend. "We don't

aim to let a prisoner make his getaway once we get our hands on

him. Wyoming ain't so blamed far to travel after him--if I learn

he is there."