“All right—if you want us, give the signal.”
Then, while Dale and the others hurried toward the horse and wagon, Jack and Pepper stole behind the tents to where Ritter and Coulter were talking earnestly. Little did the young major dream of what he was to hear or of the discovery he was to make.
CHAPTER XXVII
A CASE OF TIT FOR TAT
Reff Ritter was evidently in high spirits over the success of his midnight raid, for his voice sounded positive and loud. Coulter was a little bit afraid.
“They may follow us up,” were the first words Jack and Pepper caught, coming from Gus Coulter.
“Oh, they may try it, but I don’t think they can do it,” answered Ritter. “We took good care to keep to the rocks when we left their camp. They can’t follow the wagon tracks. Oh, say, but it’s a rich joke on them, isn’t it?” And the bully of the Hall chuckled loudly.
“It sure is, Reff. But if they found us out——” Coulter shook his head. “I suppose Jack Ruddy would be mad enough to chew us up.”
“I am not afraid of Ruddy.”
“Oh, I know that, Reff.”
“And I don’t think he can find us out. He isn’t as knowing as you think he is.”