Meanwhile, Buffalo Bill and the baron had been traveling along the Black Cañon trail straight into the ambushed Apaches whom Bascomb was to have in readiness.
Nomad groaned at the thought.
What good would all the information he had gained at the El Rio do him now? He was powerless to save Buffalo Bill!
After his first spasm of chagrin and disappointment, Nomad fell to thinking more calmly.
He recalled that Bascomb was merely to capture and hold the scout, thus keeping him away from the Three-ply Mine until the white and red thieves could accomplish their daring robbery of the mill bullion.
Those who had placed Nomad in his uncomfortable position probably did not know what the old trapper had discovered at the El Rio.
The robbery planned to take place at the Three-ply would, no doubt, still be attempted on the following day.
Nomad’s work lay clearly before him: He must effect his escape as soon as possible, do something for Buffalo Bill if he needed anything done, and then, together, they would take what steps the scout deemed necessary for saving the Three-ply bullion.
This line of action fired the trapper with a determination to get effectively busy.
With the sweat pouring off him, and his breath coming from behind the towel-gag in gasps, he fought with the bonds at his wrists.