Peering constantly to the left, right and ahead of him, the cunning outlaw descended the trail, now raising his hand for his companions to halt while he rode ahead to reconnoiter, now beckoning to them to ride faster.
His calmness, woodcraft and absolute fearlessness could not but rouse the admiration of the scout who was made his unwilling companion, yet as each minute passed without any sound indicating the approach of the troopers, thereby corroborating Red's statement that the cavalrymen would never think of his doubling on his tracks, Jennings could barely restrain his anger and disappointment.
And that the same thoughts were in the mind of his veteran comrade was soon made apparent.
As the trail swung toward the edge of the woods nearest the troopers, Shaw turned his head.
"Help!" he started to bellow.
But the alarm that might have ended the notorious outlaw's career then and there never rang out.
As the first sound came from the scout's lips, Pedro whirled with lightning rapidity and, seizing his prisoner by the throat, stifled the cry by choking him until his tongue protruded from his mouth.
Ignorant of what had been their comrade's purpose, Jennings and Scotty turned their heads to learn the cause of the commotion—and this act lost to them the precious opportunity to attract the attention of the troopers.
Seemingly divining what had occurred, even as the scouts turned their heads, Red and Rose jammed kerchiefs into their mouths and in a trice they were effectually gagged, after which, the girl repeated the operation upon Shaw.
"Say, you dubs want to remember it's Red Rogers who has captured you—not some fool trooper or Mounted Scout," jeered the outlaw. "Slicker men than you have tried to trick me—and failed. But, don't try my patience too often. Much as I enjoy your company, you may force me to part with it."