"Just a glimpse of the American side of the border—that's all we want," laughed Hazelton.
"And, if we're to be killed, we'll at least be killed while trying to reach the border," Reade proposed.
"Do you intend starting now, senor?" asked Nicolas, in a low voice.
"Not before dark," Tom murmured.
"Then why do you two not sleep for a while?" begged the servant. "You will need some strength if you are to travel through these mountains all night. Sleep! You can trust me to keep awake and to warn you if danger gets close."
"Thank you, old fellow; I know we can trust you," Tom replied. He stretched himself out on the ground, pulling his hat down over his eyes. Within two minutes he was sound asleep. Not more than a minute after that Harry, too, was dozing.
It was still daylight when Tom awoke. He sat up. Harry was sleeping soundly, and Nicolas was not in sight.
"Abandoned?" thought Reade. "No; that's hardly likely. Nicolas rings true. Hiding close to here, undoubtedly, that he may keep better watch. A call will bring him here."
Tom rose, to look about.
"Be cautious, senor," came the whispered advice from an unseen speaker. "If you expose yourself you may invite a bullet."