“To get up that hill under cover as well as we can, and rush the cave,” returned Chick coolly.
“Do you think they are all in there?” asked Patsy, just as calmly.
“No. I have seen six of them go out and move up the hill at the back of the cave. Suppose that there are nine in the gang, we shall have to meet only three. If the number is eight, it will be two. We can depend on the chief to help when we get the ropes off him. I suppose they have him bound.”
“That’s so,” assented Patsy. “I guess there ain’t much doubt that we shall find him there.”
“None at all,” rejoined Chick. “Haven’t you been watching the trail?”
“Yes. I’ve seen that patch on the hind tire marked in the mud once in a while. But there has been so much bare stone to go over, where no tracks show, that I have got mixed up.”
“I haven’t,” declared Chick quietly. “I saw the patch a few yards back, and there is another in the road right ahead of us. We shall have so easy a time picking up that trail that it would be a disgrace if we lost it.”
They followed the trail to the foot of the winding hill. Then they halted, and Chick told Phillips to remain where he was while they went up to find out what might be in the cave.
“Wouldn’t it be better for Phillips to get to the car and have it all ready to make a jump when we get there?” suggested Patsy.
“You’re right,” agreed Chick. “Do that, Phillips.”