In the meantime Tad had built up a fire, mainly for the reason that he
wanted to keep his prisoner well in sight all the time. Butler knew
that the man was a tough customer and that were he to get free it
would be a sad night for Tad Butler, and so, too, perhaps, for the
rest of the party.
The prisoner had nothing to say, nor did Butler seek to draw the fellow
into conversation. But the man was watching every move of the young
rider who had so cleverly outwitted and captured him. The mountaineer
now believed more firmly than before that these two young men were
carrying out the orders of Captain Billy McKay of the Texas Rangers.
He swore to be revenged on every man of them when once he had gained
his freedom. At present that hour of revenge was a long way off.
Suddenly a loud "Yip! Yip! Yahee!" sounded off on the plain. Tad
smiled broadly.
"That's Stacy Brown, I'll wager my hat. I'll bet Ned is scolding him,
too."
Ned was. He was at that instant threatening to break Chunky's head
if he opened his mouth again before they reached the camping place.
Shortly after that Butler's keen ears caught the sound of hoofbeats.
He stepped back into the shadows, the prisoner eyeing him inquiringly.
Tad did not take the trouble to explain. Let the prisoner think what
he might. Then the party rode in in single file. Tad was not in sight.
He was hiding in the bushes.
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