On the other side of the bowlders lay Macklyn Morgan, his evil heart filled with triumph, for he believed Merriwell had been slain. His astonishment was unbounded when he heard Frank's voice calling his name.
"Morgan," called Merry, "can you hear me?"
"Yes, I hear you," answered the astounded villain. "So they didn't kill you outright, did they?"
"Hardly that," returned Merry. "They didn't even touch me."
"What did you say?" burst from Morgan. "Why, those men were the best shots in our party! They were carefully chosen for this piece of business."
"A fine piece of business, Macklyn Morgan!" contemptuously retorted Merry. "And you planned it, I presume! You are a smooth-faced, hypocritical man of wealth, known far and wide and greatly respected because of your riches. Yet you have descended to a piece of business like this! Sukes was bad enough, Morgan; but you're a hundred times worse. You have failed in your most dastardly plot, just as you will fail in everything. Lie still, Macklyn Morgan. Keep close to those rocks where you are, for if you show yourself you will be riddled by my watching friends. From this time on your life will not be worth a pinch of snuff if they get a chance at you."
So the two men, the fearless youth and the treacherous money king, lay each sheltered by the bowlders while the sun sank in the west and day slipped softly into night. When the shadows had deepened sufficiently, Frank crept away on his stomach toward the valley, taking the utmost pains not to expose himself, and, through his skill in this, returned at last in safety to his friends, who welcomed him joyously.
"Heap well done!" grunted old Joe. "But now Strong Heart him know more than to trust um bad men. No do it some more."
Dick was able to repress his emotion, although Frank read in the few words his brother said the intense anxiety he had felt.
"What will be their next move?" exclaimed Hodge.
"They will attempt to overpower us by some sudden move to-night," said Frank. "We must remain on the alert every moment."
The stars came out bright and clear, as they always do in that Southwestern land, and, if possible, their light seemed more brilliant than usual. The night advanced, and still the enemy before them remained silent. It was Curry who discovered something down in the valley that attracted his attention and interested him. He called the attention of Frank, who saw down there a light waving to and fro and then in circles.