The rocks seemed alive with scores of bobbing lights, giving to the mountains, huge in their outlines, the appearance of strange monsters with innumerable glowing eyes.
In silence, Rogers contemplated the spectacle.
And as he watched, there suddenly leaped into the air a great semi-circular wall of flame.
"By the blood of old Barney! there'll be hot work to-night," snarled the outlaw. "I'd calculated the manhunters would go into camp for the night and instead they're searching with fire and torches!"
If the activity of the troopers alarmed Rogers and his pals, it raised the spirits of the scouts to the highest pitch of exultation and excitement.
Just where the Old Stockade was located, neither Jennings nor Scotty knew, but so enormous was the semi-circle of flame they believed it would be impossible for Rogers to reach it and his next move made their belief certainty.
"You all stay here," he exclaimed. "I'm going to reconnoiter."
"Please don't, Red," pleaded the girl.
"But I must, Rosie. If it's a possible thing, we must get through to the Stockade, and the flare from those fires is so deceptive, I can't tell whether or not the trail is blocked unless I get close."
And without giving the girl the opportunity to make further protest, the outlaw disappeared in the darkness.