Whenever a good opportunity opened up for an observation Jack studied the nature of the ground above them.
In this fashion he felt capable of deciding when they had gone as far as was needful in order to carry out their purpose, and secure an unobscured view of the wonder valley, with all it contained.
Both of them experienced more or less curiosity along these lines, as was most natural. So much had been said concerning the hard gang of bad eggs who had taken up their quarters in this wild locality—they had caused such a riot of annoyance to the authorities at Washington, on account of their periodical forays, and the apparent impossibility of breaking up the defiant group, that anything connected with their life in the mountain fortress must appeal strongly to each and every Secret Service man.
Then besides, the unknown fate that had overtaken the last two gallant adventurers who had dared to try and beard the tough lawbreakers in their den—and which had only latterly come to the ears of Jack and Perk—was calculated to invest the whole subject with a tinge of mingled romance and sheer adventure, such as added to the thrill.
It began to look as though they might reach their objective with an hour or so of daylight remaining, in which to take an observation. Later on, as they sat, or lay resting after the strenuous climb, they could compare notes, and begin to build up something of a plan of campaign.
“I reckon,” said Jack, softly enough, after one of those halts, during which he always made up his calculations, “we’re as high as we need go. By sheering off here to the right we’re apt to strike the top of that high cliff we spotted. Then we’ll have all the chance we want to get rested.”
“Shucks! I aint a mite tired, buddy,” Perk assured him, between breaths; “on’y short o’ wind, as yeou might say. Some climb, b’lieve me!”
“Get your breath then, Perk; and if you’re ready say when.”
“Go to it, ole hoss!”
They exercised due caution, and gradually swung around in a half curve, when Perk gripped the arm of his mate, to hoarsely exclaim: