Brisco and Spangler, making a hasty survey of the surroundings, at once hit upon the boulders as the place for them to look.
"They're over thar," cried Spangler, "an' I'll bet money on it."
As he spoke, he started at a run for the side of the valley, pulling a revolver as he went.
"Don't do any shooting," called Brisco, starting after Spangler, "just grab 'em and hold 'em."
"We'll tie King in that thar automobile when we run it over the cliff!" yelped Brisco viciously. "We'll l'arn him ter play his tricks on us!"
Matt and Josh had heard all this conversation. They were not standing still, either, but were busily finding some place where they could stow themselves away.
A fight with the two armed men was to be avoided, if possible. Matt knew that he and Josh would stand little chance in such a one-sided combat; and Matt had formed plans which he was eager to be carrying out.
A little way up the steep hillside there was a ledge, with a recess back of it.
Matt's quick eye picked out the spot, and he climbed briskly, hauling Josh along after him. The boulders shielded them from view while they were getting to the ledge, and Matt pushed Josh into the recess, and then rolled into it himself. From this position Matt was able to peer over the ledge and keep track of the movements of Brisco and Spangler.
"Are they comin' dis way, cull?" whispered the boy.