The villain nodded. There was an inscrutable expression on his face.
There was a safe trail to the bottom of the ravine. The prisoners and their custodian went down the trail, the king of scouts keeping a sharp eye meanwhile on the platform above.
But the head did not again appear.
“I wouldn’t try to go down to the cave if I were you,” said Holmes, with affected earnestness.
“Perhaps you would like to become my substitute,” returned the scout dryly.
“I wouldn’t mind,” was the cool response.
Buffalo Bill resolved to make a careful examination of the surroundings before attempting to get into the cave. The trap, if there was one, must be outside the big hole.
The three prisoners were ankle-bound and gagged, and left lying in the bed of the ravine. Then the king of scouts, with an odd feeling in his breast, began the ascent of the bank.
He reached the platform, but without stepping upon it, stood up and looked at the point whence the Indian’s head had appeared.
There was no hole there. A large, flat stone occupied the spot.