“And I saw your signal, too,” Jimmie explained, “and started toward it. That’s the time the half-breeds gave me the pinch.”
“Now,” said Ned, turning to Norman, “we’re going to leave Gilroy, the man who mistook you for a burglar, here to watch the camp while we go to the assistance of the boys. I don’t think you’d better go with us. We may come upon a bunch of the outlaws and have to fight. If with us, you would be recognized and that would end your usefulness so far as we are concerned.”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you any more,” Norman said hesitatingly. “It would be terrible if the news got back to New York that I had turned traitor to Toombs. I can’t endure the thought!”
“What would happen?” asked Jimmie. “Why don’t you speak plainly?”
“I can’t tell you what would happen,” the boy answered. “It is something I don’t even dare think about.”
“Then of course you can’t afford to accompany us to the Devil’s Punch Bowl,” Ned said, “and I was about to suggest that you remain here with Gilroy for a short time after our departure.”
“Aw, let Gilroy take care of himself!” Jimmie said.
Ned laughed as he threw a long coil of rope over his shoulder and provided himself with a couple of electric flashlights.
“Gilroy,” he said, “would be having three fits at a time if he knew that we are leaving him here alone in the night. If the boy will remain a short time until we get out of sight and hearing, that will help matters materially. You’ll stay will you?” he added.
“And if there is to be a raid on the camp tonight,” Ned went on, “perhaps you may be able to warn us in time.”
“I can’t promise that,” the boy said. “I can’t take any chance on offending Mr. Toombs. I know that he’s a dirty trickster, and that he means mischief to you boys, but I’ve said all I dare say.”
The boy entered the cave and engaged in conversation with Gilroy, in accordance with Ned’s instructions, and Ned and Jimmie, who had in the meantime received definite instructions as to the location of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, started up the steep slope of the mountain.
“Suppose the boy is lying?” asked Jimmie anxiously.
Jack and Frank stood at the edge of the Devil’s Punch Bowl with their hearts beating wildly, listening for the dreaded sound which they knew must come from below. However, no such sound came, and presently they found the courage to cast their eyes down the steep incline.