"Have ye got the papers?" demanded one called Big Monte, a strapping ruffian, who was the leader of the party.
When he learned what had happened the giant swore in angry disappointment.
"However did you all happen to let the Injun slip ye that way?" he demanded scornfully.
Bill looked him over.
"I opines you're not castin' reflections any whatever?" he said, in a deadly manner.
Big Monte looked large enough to eat the thin, dark-faced chap, but he hastened to disclaim any intention of "casting reflections," whereupon Bill gave him no further heed.
The chief set them to searching amid the boulders, overseeing it all and taking care that no possible place of concealment was neglected. But all this search came to nothing, and the baffled wretches were finally forced to confess that they were outwitted.
But Merriwell was a captive in their hands, and in their disappointment they might be led to revenging themselves upon him.