Yet old Joe had been able to slip forth from the protection of those rocks and creep away.
More than ever Merriwell admired the skill of the Indian. Thinking that the old fellow had instructed Dick in the craft which he knew so well, Frank believed such knowledge had not been acquired in vain. Some time Dick might find it very valuable to him.
There was a hoarse burst of laughter from the watching ruffians.
"Oh, Merriwell!" called a voice.
"Well," sang back Frank, "what do you want?"
"Stick that thing up again. We'd like a leetle target practise."
"You'll have to provide your own target," Merry retorted.
"Oh, we reckons not! We'll stand you up fer one sooner or later," was the assurance.
Still they had not discovered old Joe. It seemed marvelous.