“Jest drifted in on our automobiles and airships,” Bob told him airily, as he unbuckled the revolver belt and handed it to one of his friends.
The outlaws were bound, after which Rosario cooked the posse a dinner. This was eaten voraciously by all, for camp life had sharpened the appetite for a woman’s cooking.
One of the men kept watch to notify them when MacQueen and his gang should enter the valley, while the others played “pitch” to pass the time. In spite of this, the hours dragged. It was a good deal like waiting for a battle to begin. Bellamy and Farnum had no nerves, but the others became nervous and anxious.
“I reckon something is keeping them,” suggested Alan, after looking at his watch for the fifth time in half an hour. “Don’t you reckon we better go up the trail a bit to meet them?”
“I reckon we better wait here, Alan. Bid three,” returned Farnum evenly.
As he spoke, their scout came running in. 330
“They’re here, boys!”
“Good enough! How many of them?”
“Four of ’em, looked like. They were winding down the trail, and I couldn’t make out how many.”
“All right, boys. Steady, now, till they get down from their horses. Hal, out with the light when I give the word.”