Thede now left for the Esmeralda, and Clay busied himself stanching the blood, which was flowing from the wound in the man’s neck in a steady stream.
Presently he heard voices and listened to catch the words. It was Alex and Jule, talking excitedly, and evidently making good use of their legs.
“I’m going to get the Rambler and run down,” Alex’s voice said. “If Buck and Rube get the others, there’ll sure be a load!”
The rain had ceased, and the stars were shining, lighting the rocks with a silvery radiance. There would be a moon later on.
“Now, what does the kid mean by that?” mused Clay, forgetting for the moment to care for the injured man.
CHAPTER XXI
A NIGHT OF WATCHING
Rube and Buck, accompanied by Alex and Jule, passed through the rain with no thought but that of capturing the counterfeiters in their minds. The rain fell steadily, making a great patter on the leaves of the forest trees, so conversation was difficult.
“They have chosen a fine locality for the job,” suggested Buck, pausing to wipe the sweat from his face. “This certainly is a section of country where they are not likely to receive many visitors.”
“That’s right,” Jule agreed. “This spot makes one think of graveyards and ghosts!”