"Oh! That?" Lardner chuckled. "I knew you were headed toward this valley and I thought you'd appreciate the lift."
"For your information," Drake answered coolly, "we took the plane for Winnipeg. Where we are now I haven't the slightest idea."
George Lardner started toward the outer door. He whipped around savagely, his face twisted into a hateful grimace.
"All right, play boy," he snapped. "You asked for it. Now it's my turn. I know you helped Sylvia Fanton to escape. I know you had a part in stealing the diamond, and I also know you are in love with the girl. That, if you'll have the truth, is why you are with us now."
A hissing sigh escaped Puffy Adams' lips. He was beginning to understand now why Lardner had not shot them both long ago.
"So I am to act as decoy," Drake said. "If you think I'll let you torture that girl, you're a madman."
Lardner ignored him. He pushed the outer door of the cabin open and dropped heavily to the cave floor.
"Unpack your stuff, boys," he ordered crisply. "And keep an eye on our guests. I want them to be safe and comfortable."
The gangsters closed in, and some of them started for the baggage compartment.
A ring of steel closed about the pair.