Further than this she could not say, and they
were compelled to be satisfied with what information she had been able
to give them.
This was reliable and satisfactory news to Manning, and after lingering
in the place a few minutes longer, and compensating the girl for her
revelations, the two men took their departure and returned to the
hotel, well pleased with the result of the evening's experience.
Upon making inquiries, Manning learned, to his intense disappointment,
that he would be obliged to wait until noon on the following day before
he could secure a passage in the stage for Butte City. As no time was to
be lost, now that he was approaching so near to what he hoped would be
the termination of his journey, Manning determined not to delay his
departure until the starting of the coach. The nights were moonlight
now, and requesting the further services of the officer in assisting him
to procure a good saddle horse and a guide, Manning resolved to start at
once for Butte City.
A horse was soon secured, and a trusty man was found who was well
acquainted with the road, and who was willing to accompany him. Bidding
farewell to the officer, whom he amply remunerated for his trouble,
Manning, at ten o'clock that night, leaped into his saddle and set out
on his journey.
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