There were only two places in
which it could be forded.
About fifty miles north and a little east of the line from Rickett the
Asper spread out into a broad, shallow bed, its streams dispersed for
several miles into a number of channels which united again, farther down
the course, and made the same strong river. Towards this ford, therefore,
it was possible that Dan Barry would head, in the region of Caswell City.
There was, however, another way of crossing the stream. Almost due west of
Rickett, a distance of fifteen miles, Tucker Creek joined the Asper. Above
the point of junction both the creek and the river were readily fordable,
and Barry could cross them and head straight for his goal.
It was true that to make Tucker Creek he would have to double out of the
Morgan Hills and brush back perilously close to Rickett, but Billy was
convinced that this was the outlaw's plan; for though the Caswell City
fords would be his safest route it would take him a day's ride, on an
ordinary horse, out of his way. Besides, the sheriff had always said:
"Barry will play the chance!"
Billy would have ventured his life that the fugitive would strike straight
for the Creek as soon as he doubled out of Morgan Hills.
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