"Come back here, Rosie," he commanded. "If you're so keen to know, I'll find out. While I'm willing to let the scouts see the ponies, I want them to think I'm asleep."
These words showed plainly the calculating cunning of the bandit.
As he reached the mouth of the cave, Red dropped on his belly and with infinite caution wormed himself across the plateau to the edge.
And the sight that greeted his eyes almost caused him to shout with glee.
Climbing steadily, came the three scouts.
Easily could the outlaw have picked them off with his rifle. But, as he explained to Rosie, he wanted them alive.
Stealthily working his way back, Red re-entered the cave.
"Come on. They're almost here," he chuckled, grimly. "Pedro, you take the first man. Let him get far enough onto the plateau so the second one won't turn back. I'll take him. Rosie, you cover the third fellow with your six shooters. When Pedro and I have bound our men, we'll attend to yours.
"Careful, now. Pedro, bring the lariats. Down on your bellies. There are some rocks we can hide behind. Remember—a sound may spoil the whole game."
With consummate stealth, the desperadoes gained their hiding places and, every sense alert, awaited the scouts' appearance.