“Gang?” The man laughed shortly. “Don’t know what yuh mean. I ain’t got no gang. I’m just a poor little me—all alone,” and he laughed again.
“And I suppose you don’t know where Sholo Caves are?” Teddy asked, watching him closely through the dusk.
“Sholo—Sholo Caves?” This time there was no mistaking the start. “Why—I heard tell of ’em. Back a ways, ain’t they?”
“Maybe!” Teddy rode closer. Suddenly he jammed the gun into the man’s ribs, causing a grunt of pain and surprise. “Now answer this, and answer it quick!” he snapped. “Where are Belle Manley and her two friends?”
For a moment the man seemed too stunned to speak.
“Belle—Manley?” he faltered. “I—I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. How should I know? Who are they? What—”
“Save it!” Teddy’s voice cut the air like a knife. “Once more—where is my sister?” The hammer of the gun came back with an ominous click. Wide-eyed with fright, the man stared into the piercing eyes before him. Then he gulped.
“Yuh—yuh got me cold!” he whispered. “I’m sunk! I’ll tell—I’ll tell everything!”
Suddenly, with a wild yell, he sank his spurs deep into the pony’s side. The horse, frantic with pain, leaped forward, striking Roy’s mount head on and then swerved to the fiercely pulled reins.
“Get him!” Gus yelled. “Nick, bust him wide open! Let him have it!”