For the moment Bob was looking the other way and, when he turned, he was gazing straight into the barrel of an ugly looking automatic.
"What's the big idea?" he asked quietly.
"Yer're easy you are," the man grinned.
"So it would seem. May I ask what you are going to do with me?"
"Yer'll find out soon 'nough."
"Good. I hate to be held in suspense."
"Yer may be suspended sooner yer think fer," the man grinned. "But if yer try any funny business it won't be necessary."
"But why should it be necessary in any event?"
"That's our business. Now turn 'bout face an' start up the hill and mind yer step."
Bob knew that the time to start anything was not yet so he did as he was ordered without hesitation, but his brain was busy. He did not intend to be led back, or driven for that matter, to the Hains gang. He was only too well aware of the reception that awaited him, for he did not doubt for a minute but that the man had been hunting for him, and, as he trudged along, he was busy thinking how he get hold of his captor without getting shot. That the man would shoot him if he felt that his safety was in danger, he had not the slightest doubt. Then again, he knew that the quicker he acted the better chance of success he would stand because there was no telling how soon they might meet some other member of the gang.