Another hour of talk followed, and further details of their great plan were discussed. Simeon assured them the opportunity for which they waited was certain to arrive on the following night, so they must make all preparations to put their confidence to the test and expect to quit the game, it was to be hoped with a victory set down to their credit.
On the following day a party of the marauders planned to set out on a most important raid, that promised unusually great plunder. Slim Garrabrant could not accompany them that particular time, having injured his right arm so that he must be unsteady in the saddle; which fact Jack observed virtually cinched the plan they had been arranging.
If all went well, after the party had gone forth, Simeon before dark would as if by chance throw a red cloth on top of the big cabin; which would be a signal that the coast was clear, and everything ready for their working scheme.
When the following day came along, Perk was for the third time dispatched along his former trail down the mountain-side. This time he carried quite a load on his strong back; for, as they anticipated not having to spend another night in the Tom Sawyer cave—Perk always called it by that suggestive name that carried him back to his own boyhood dreaming, and reading—he was taking pretty much all the things he had toted up the ascent shortly before, so they could be safely stowed away in the airship’s cabin.
Everything thus far had gone along like clockwork—if only there was no slip after they had started their attempt to take Slim prisoner, the chances for a regular old-fashioned cleanup looked bright, Perk kept telling himself.
He got back to Jack’s side in due time, with nothing transpiring calculated to breed trouble. They ate their last meal in the cave, and then passing down to their secret exit, waited for the time to come when they could translate planning into action, and endeavor to bring about a successful windup of their mission.
CHAPTER XXX
The End of Robbers’ Roost——Conclusion
Looking back when all this was but a memory, it must always seem like a dream to Perk. Everything moved along smoothly as if in grooves. They joined the waiting Simeon alongside the big cabin, and he led them to the hut which Slim occupied by himself, because of his being the acknowledged leader and “high-muck-a-muck”—as Perk always had it—of the outlaw league.
They took the occupant completely by surprise, and a smart blow on the head kept him still until they could secure his arms, and fasten a cloth over his mouth to prevent his giving the alarm.
Then he was hustled outside, and with Jack on one side and Simeon on the other convoyed as noiselessly as possible to the mouth of the valley, and the narrow pass. Perk had vanished for the time being, but joined them about the time they reached their objective, acting as though secretly pleased over something he had just carried out. Jack had a suspicion as to its character, having heard the other muttering certain threats that were aimed at the miserable but useful old ship, manipulated by the counterfeiters in bringing in supplies, and distributing the result of their latest printing.