“This thing is getting more and more complicated,” he finally broke forth. “I don’t know what to make of it. If La Qua has really gone on to Settlement Mountain in anticipation of the trip tonight, I can’t understand why Nichols did not accompany him.”
“Perhaps he is here to watch our movements,” said Dick. “He may have heard of our arrival.”
Pearly compressed his lips and looked searchingly at the three boys.
“Did any one see you when you rode up?” he demanded.
Sandy and Dick both shook their heads, but Toma—it was quite apparent—had important information to impart.
“I see ’em two fellows walk away from compound just when we ride up,” came his startling revelation. “Me no sure, but I think mebbe one fellow him white man.”
“Where did they go?” snapped Pearly.
“Don’t know,” answered the young Indian guide. “When we get close I see ’em no more. Mebbe they walk around building and go in trading room.”
A deep silence followed this last statement. Pearly regarded Dick with questioning eyes. Sandy rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Do you suppose that it was La Qua and one of the half-breeds, and that they recognized us?”