Blacklocks and his raiders kept aloof for some cause, and Stareyes was not apprehended.
Merle recovered rapidly from his wound, which was not a bad one, and at the end of the week he was as well as ever.
Old Broadbrim and Waters matured their plans.
They intended to abduct Merle some night and take him to Perth, where they felt the authorities would give them escort to Melbourne, in which city they would be able to fasten their grip on the murderer.
They got together and talked over their plans, Waters being fertile in imagination, and shrewd and cool.
The night for the attempt was selected.
The day destined, as they thought, to be their last one on the ranch came and found the two men ready.
Old Broadbrim stood in the rich parlor of Belle Demona, who was showing him her jewels, which she had brought from her boudoir.
The detective recalled Waters' story of the sight he had seen on the dresser when he invaded the room, and he looked at them closely.