Instantly dismounting, he tied his animal fast to a tree that the creature might not wander away again, and worked his way noiselessly through the brush. The voices came from a nearby clearing, and approaching, Rasco saw on horseback Louis Vorlange and half a dozen cavalrymen, among them Tucker, Ross and Skimmy, the trio who had sought to detain Dick as a horse thief.
"I feel certain they will come this way," one of the strange troopers was saying. "I saw at least two boomer spies along yonder ravine."
"They will come to Honnewell," answered Vorlange. "It may be that instead of making a rush they will try to sneak in during the night, one at a time."
"We'll be ready for 'em," muttered Tucker. "I know my meat," he added, significantly, to Vorlange, meaning that he had not forgotten the reward offered if, in a battle he should lay Pawnee Brown and Dick low. At the words Vorlange nodded.
"When will the reinforcements be up this way?" asked Ross.
"I have already sent word to headquarters," answered Vorlange. "The lieutenant is sure to respond without delay."
"Do you reckon the boomers know we are on hand to stop them?" questioned Skimmy.
"They know nothing," answered Vorlange. "If Pawnee Brown leads his men in this direction they will fall directly into a trap—if the lieutenant does as I have advised, and I think he will."
"I hope the boomers start to fight and give us a chance to wipe 'em out," muttered Ross.
"There will be a fight started, don't you fear," answered Vorlange.