White gestured to the trail below. "See that? It's the perfect place. They have to go through high rocks and a hairpin turn, then they come out on that clear stretch of road." He smiled at Mark. "When they see you laying there, they won't think twice about stopping. We'll be up on the rocks and as soon as they go through, we'll come down behind them." He rubbed his hands together. "Let's go get something to eat. Tomorrow's the big day."
They went back to the camp and White started a fire while Mark got the coffee pot. "Mr White, I have to go get some water. Might as well fill the canteens too while I'm at it."
"All right." White looked around. "I thought Jake and Tom would be back by now."
"Maybe they didn't have any luck." Mark shook his head. "I sure was hoping they'd get a deer or at least some rabbits. I'd like some stew for a change." Mark started out of the camp, then backed up as Jake and Tom came in dragging an unconscious man. They threw him down by Mark and the boy's heart sank. It was Luke.
"I thought you and your pa parted company." Tom kicked Luke in the side.
Mark's jaw tightened. "You got no call to do that."
"No?" Tom drew his gun. "Why's he following us?"
"I don't know!" Mark looked annoyed. "Wake him up and ask him."
"I'll do that." Jake took a canteen and poured water on Luke's face. The big man sputtered and sat up and Jake bent down. "What are you doing here?"
Luke glared. "I came for my son."
"And I told you before I left North Fork I was done with the ranch! I'm on this cattle drive and when I get paid I plan to keep going!" Mark snapped.
"A cattle drive with no cows?" Luke got to his feet.
"We're picking them up further down the trail!" Mark said furiously. "I told you I have my own life now, so just go home, old man!"
Luke's eyes flashed and he grabbed Mark, then let go with a gasp of pain as Tom slammed the barrel of the gun in his back. "Mr White, I believe this is getting out of hand." He cocked the gun.
"Wait a minute!" Mark pushed Tom's hand down. "Mr White, let's just tie him up. Please. He's still my father."
White eyed Luke consideringly, then nodded. "All right. Jake, you and Tom take Mr McCain here outside camp and tie him to a tree. Gag him too."
"I'd just as soon go with them, Mr White."
"Don't you trust us, son?"
Mark shrugged. "I got to see he's not hurt or I can't do nothing tomorrow."
"All right. You go with Tom. Jake, get supper started."
Tom ground his gun in Luke's back. "Get moving."
