The boy stood pondering but a moment. He knew where he had seen this man before and under what circumstances. Evidently Don also was recognized. Without a word the youth retraced his steps. He knew very well from what exact spot he could draw his rifle and he knew also that Wash knew how to handle a gun and that he would glory in doing so where any kind of heroics were to be pulled off.
[CHAPTER XV]
On the Way
Wash, listen: You know how to use this. Magazine’s full. You’re to use it—just when I tell you, or maybe before. There’s a chap around that’s got to go along with us, Wash, and there’s a cord in the tool-box to tie him with. Mind you don’t shoot me! Lie low till I shout.”
Don went back to the crippled car.
“Well, does it work? Got it out?” he asked of the little man and received a muffled reply from beneath the chassis. Don walked around the mudguard past the rear end, and looked along the other side. No one was in sight. Had the tall man slipped into the car? He would find out.
“Nice car you have here—don’t see many as fine in the service,” he remarked to the man beneath. Again a muffled reply. One can hardly give attention to needless questions and wrestle with a refractory bolt. “How is she fitted inside?” Don queried, putting one hand on the latch of the full-length doors and the other on the butt of his revolver in its holster. But the doors were fastened on the inside.
“Don’t open those doors! Don’t try to, for the love of God!” yelled the small man, from the ground and instantly his wrinkled face emerged, followed by his wiry little body. “We’re loaded with explosives for mines and they’ll go off. Keep away from it!” Whether this was true or not and whether the fellow really felt frightened or was pretending, he certainly assumed it well. Don involuntarily backed away from the car.
“Oh, but that was a narrow escape! We’d all be sky-high if—” he began again, but the boy quickly regained his nerve.