After a moment's hesitation he continued to creep onward, redoubling his care and vigilance.
He was upon the man before he was fairly aware of it, one of his groping hands coming in contact with an outstretched foot.
The snoring ceased with an explosive grunt and Matt drew back breathlessly.
The man did not rouse up. Shifting his position slightly he continued to snore.
Making a détour, Matt got around the man—whom he knew was not Brisco or Spangler, and consequently must be Klegg—and reached the runabout.
Pausing there, the young motorist let his mind circle about this new phase of the situation.
If he couldn't get the Red Flier, why not take the runabout? That would afford himself and Josh a quick means for making the return trip to Fairview. Besides, no matter what happened to the Red Flier, there was something to be gained in getting the runabout away from the thieves.
Close to the car was a heap of horse-trappings. Matt felt about among the saddles, bridles and blankets until he had found two coiled riatas.
Could he, by quick work, get one of the ropes around Klegg's hands before he was thoroughly awake and able to struggle? Josh would have been of use in such an attempt, and Matt decided that he could not make it successfully unless he did have the other to help. He would go back after Josh, he decided; but first he would look over the runabout and make sure it was ready for the road.
Laying the ropes in the front of the car, he arose to his feet, softly removed the tail lamp from its bracket, and flashed it into the rumble.