Pinto Pede seemed to be sleeping, but Big Monte was wide-awake.
"Hello!" exclaimed Frank. "So you're still on these shores. I didn't know but you had sailed out."
"Pard, I opine mebbe I may git well enough to be hanged, after all," grinned the big ruffian.
"Possibly you may," said Frank. "And the chances are you would be if I were to leave you alone long enough. I heard some of the boys talking. They contemplate taking you out and doing things to you after I'm asleep. But they did not reckon that I would[Pg 86] come here to sleep, where they cannot get their hands on you without disturbing me."
"That was right kind of you," said Monte. "How's Bill?"
"I think that Bill has had his fill for the present. Indications are that he has left the valley with his whole force, and we are not looking for further trouble from him in some time to come."
"Bill shore found hisself up against the real thing," said Monte.
Frank placed a blanket near the door, wrapped himself in it, and was soon sleeping soundly.
Big Monte seemed to fall asleep after a time.
Finally the Mexican lifted his head and listened. He looked at Monte, and then at Frank. Seeming to satisfy himself, he gently dropped aside his blanket and began creeping across the floor, making his way toward Merriwell. He moved with the silence of a serpent.