“He went after Whackey before dawn.” Bill, hearing, ran over.
“Why didn’t he tell me?” Quipu Bill said in an injured voice, “I’m going after him. That Indian—if Cliff comes up with him at all—may be dangerous!”
“Look!” Nicky fairly screamed, “up there——”
His pointing finger called for no further words. They all turned their eyes up the pass. Outlined against the yellow and crimson of sunrise was a silhouetted figure, prancing.
Faintly came a shouted call.
Like racers at the clang of a bell the four were away up that pass. As they neared they heard Cliff calling down to them and telling about the ladder.
In the hut doorway they soon discovered a scowling but silent captive.
It was Huayca, without any mistake.
“How did you ever?——” began Mr. Whitley and Nicky, almost together.
Cliff explained. When he reached the point where he had the rope twisted about Huayca’s ankles he grinned.