“I’m sorry, Red,” Pepper answered. “You brought the dogs here to guard the trailer.”
“‘Red. Red. Red,’” snarled the big man, who plainly was feeling the effects of the beating Ralph had given him. “I’m sick of your crawling and fawning. Why weren’t you at Window Rock tonight when the whole town ganged up on me?”
“When Andy quit today, you told me to stay here and take care of the beam, Red,” Pepper answered patiently. “I’m sorry, Red.”
“From now on, call me Mister Cavanaugh,” his boss raged.
“Yes, Mister Cavanaugh ... sir.” Pepper’s voice still was soft but Sandy could see his fists clench.
“And stop that confounded record. Highbrow music gives me the willies. Always has! Call Elbow Rock and see if the message has come through.”
“Yes, sir. At once, sir.” The door slammed and the voices became a mumble.
Sandy tried to still the beating of his heart as he whined canine terror at this outburst. The “other” dogs whimpered uncertainly. Finally they crept back to their sleeping places. Evidently their master didn’t approve of their warning. In that case.... Sandy could almost feel them relax as they turned round and round in their nests, trying to find the most comfortable spots for slumber.
Carefully he edged forward until he was lying among them. Then he turned the switch that fed power from a series of flashlight batteries into the transistors mounted on the “ear,” adjusted the headphones, and listened.
“Calling Elbow Rock. Calling Elbow Rock. Over,” he heard Pepper say.