“Mebbe. But animals, um come from swamp ’fore Louie. Animal smell um fire before mans.”
“Then we’ll be on the lookout. Now hurry—and good luck.”
“And don’t forget that the success of this whole scheme lies in you-all keeping dead quiet,” cautioned Deadshot as he and Ki Yi followed Slippery Nig into the trail.
But, despite this warning, the bunch of avengers, sitting tense and alert for the appearance of the Midnight Raider, again fell prey to him!
With a cleverness that was uncanny, the old scout led the way through the swamps, seeming to travel all the time over firm ground, with such skill did he avoid the mudholes.
And, as the cowboys were marveling at his ability, he suddenly halted his pinto and raised his hand for them to stop, putting a finger to his lips to enjoin silence and then, when they had drawn rein, pointing with his other hand toward the tops of the trees some thirty yards ahead.
Quickly following the direction, the cowpunchers beheld a faint wreath of smoke floating lazily off into the air.
And, as they realized that their quarry was in his teppee, their hearts beat like trip-hammers.
But not long were they allowed to enjoy the sight.
Again the old scout raised his hand, this time beckoning to them to ride close to him.