This from the sheriff, who was making notes in a memorandum book as the talk went on:
“It’s a wonder they didn’t kill him!”
“They probably would have killed him in a very short time,” Gilmore replied to the sheriff, “if the boys hadn’t put in an appearance.”
“Then we saved one life, anyway!” laughed Carl.
“But why did he come and waste our gasoline?” demanded Ben.
“I can’t answer that,” replied Gilmore. “You probably will see him before you get out of the country, and then you can get the explanation from him. He’ll tell you, easy enough.”
“I think I can give a pretty good guess at it right now,” the sheriff broke in. “Sloan possibly had his own idea as to what the boys were here for, and that idea was undoubtedly incorrect.”
“I’ve got it now!” cried Carl. “I know all about it!”
“You’re the wise boy!” laughed Ben. “Go on and tell it.”
“Why, don’t you see,” Carl went on, “Sloan suspected us of coming here to butt in on his game with the smugglers? He saw us in the cavern, and of course believed that we were there working for the immense rewards offered for the criminals. He wanted to head us off!”