A half hour passed while Harry waited with the ear phones on his head. Then his hand became busy with a pencil and paper. He was receiving a reply.
He read the message to Bruce Duncan:
"Watch the house to-morrow night. When the fourth man arrives, be ready to act. Protect him at any cost. Meanwhile, give no sign of your presence."
Harry sent a brief response stating that the message had been received. He opened a suitcase that he had brought from the car. He took two automatics and gave one to Bruce Duncan. He repeated the operation with two flashlights that were in the bag. Then he bolted the door of the house.
"We'll take no chances to-night," he said. "But I am sure that we are safe here. Our real task is tomorrow — at midnight. I gave full details of our location in my first message, and also described the cabin where Chefano awaits the next victim. We will be ready when the time arrives."
CHAPTER XXII. A SCHEME FOR VENGEANCE
Isaac Coffran sat in his upstairs room and tapped methodically on the arm of his chair. Before him stood Pedro. The big Mexican wore a bandage on his head.
"Pedro," said the old man in a sharp voice, "I am thinking of something that will please you."
The Mexican did not reply. Isaac Coffran continued as though he had not expected a response.
"I like to talk to you, Pedro. You seldom say anything in return. That is because you do not think for yourself. You do just what you are told to do. You are the type of man that is useful."