Stacy had little to say at dinner. He was observing the
Rangers with wide eyes, stuffing his cheeks with food and listening
while the professor, Tad Butler and Captain McKay discussed a variety
of subjects.
"I don't understand why Joe hasn't come in, boys," said the captain
finally. "He had passed Tonka Gulch at four o'clock this afternoon.
He should have arrived here a long time ago."
The men nodded.
"Perhaps he's come up with Withem," suggested Cad Morgan.
"I don't think so. The lieutenant isn't due there until some time
to-morrow. He will have to finish investigating the El Paso end before
he can come along and join up with us."
Tad wondered how the captain knew that his scout had reached a certain
point in the mountains when none had seen him or heard from him. But
there were many mysteries connected with the work of these brave men.
They worked in mysterious ways that added to the awe in which they
were held by those whose ways were dark.
The night was warm and soon after supper the Rangers threw themselves
down on the ground wrapped in their blankets. In view of the fact that
the whole party might be called out all turned in early. The men had
barely closed their eyes when suddenly there sounded the menacing hiss
of a rattler right among them.
"Look out!" yelled Polly, jumping up.
"What is it?" cried half a dozen voices, as their owners sprang up
with drawn weapons.
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