“He went to his home in Nogistalia a few miles from here,” answered Ditini. “I hope you catch him! It will serve him right for the way he has treated me!” The rascal did not for a moment give consideration to the way he and Ronombo had treated the Americans who had been in the plot against the Rovers.
Captain Astora was in no condition to go after Ronombo, but managed to accompany the boys back to town, where Ditini was placed in custody. Then the four boys hired another auto and set out for Nogistalia.
“If only we can locate this Ronombo!” said Jack. He was trying his best to remember how the bandit looked.
“If he’s so close, I don’t see why Ditini didn’t go after him for his share of the loot,” said Randy.
“Well, perhaps we won’t get to the bottom of this until everybody in the plot is rounded up,” came from Fred.
They had received word concerning where Ronombo’s people lived and arrived at the place some time after nightfall. They were directed to the proper house by a native, and then told the driver of the auto to wait for them and moved forward alone.
“We want to have our pistols ready,” said Jack. “We’ll take no chances on this fellow. They said in New York he was the more desperate character of the two.”
They approached the house and heard the faint tinkle of a guitar and some singing by two girls. Then they moved around to where they saw a light and found an elderly man reading.
“Ronombo doesn’t seem to be around,” whispered Fred. “What shall we do—wait?”
“I don’t think so,” answered Jack. “The news of Ditini’s capture may travel fast, and if Ronombo hears of it, he’ll lose no time in getting away. I think I’ll try a ruse, just as Captain Astora did.”