Part 9 (2/2)
”That's right!” and Bud visibly brightened. ”Nell could look after herself if given half a chance. And maybe we'll catch up to these Yaquis before very long.”
”Sure we will!” a.s.serted Snake, but he and the other cowboys, more experienced in matters of this sort than our heroes, felt that there was a grim terror between them and those whom they pursued.
However they had started, and were making as good time as possible.
Messages had pa.s.sed between Mr. Merkel and those in authority at La Nogalique, and the probable route of the kidnapping Yaquis was indicated as well as could be. This saved a long trip to the border in order to get on the trail of the Indians from the time they had taken Rosemary and Floyd.
Well armed, with righteous indignation burning in their hearts, used to roughing it, and with men who knew almost every foot of the country, the expedition from Diamond X was well equipped for the work in hand.
At first after they started out there was eager talk, and speculation as to where the Indians would be met with, and what the probable outcome would be of the fight that was sure to follow.
”Unless they run off when they see us and leave Rosemary and Floyd for us to bring back,” spoke d.i.c.k, almost afraid lest this outcome should prevent a fight.
”Don't worry. They won't run! They'll stand and give us as good or as bad as we can send,” declared Rolling Stone.
”We'll wipe out the band if we get half a chance!” declared Bud, and it was not said in a bloodthirsty or boastful spirit. It was calm retribution that actuated our friends.
Along the trail they traveled--a trail they were destined to follow for weary days and nights. This was only the beginning. They must make all the speed they could, and yet spare the horses all that was possible. There was a chance of getting new mounts at several places, but it was only a chance and could not be depended on. They must save what they had, both in the way of horseflesh and rations.
Night found them well on their way, and though the boys were eager to continue, Snake insisted on a halt being made not only for supper but to give men and horses a needed rest.
”The Indians will have to stop just as we do,” said the older cowboy.
”They can't keep on continually; they have to stop and rest.”
”Yes, I suppose so,” granted Bud.
So the night camp was made, and when the horses had been turned out to graze, hobbled so they would not stray, and when the evening meal was over, the party sat about the fires, talking of but one topic--what would happen when they came up with the Yaquis.
As they were in friendly country, not after cattle rustlers and had no fear of Del Pinzo and his gang, there was felt to be no need of standing guard. But for all this Bud, Nort and d.i.c.k were a bit restless, and did not sleep as soundly as the others.
In fact along toward morning, though while it was yet very dark, Nort, thinking he heard suspicious noises, unrolled from his blanket and stood up.
”What's the matter?” came in a hoa.r.s.e whisper from his brother.
”I don't know,” answered Nort, in the same hoa.r.s.e tones. ”I thought I heard something.”
”So did I,” and d.i.c.k scrambled out to stand beside his brother. ”Are the horses all right?”
”I hope so. We're lost without them. Let's take a look and--”
Nort stopped suddenly and pointed to the northern sky. Above the horizon shone some red sparkles of light skimming and s.h.i.+mmering through the dark night.
”Shooting stars!” remarked d.i.c.k, in a whisper.
”Shooting nothing!” cried Nort, and his voice was loud. ”Those are signals from the Yaquis! Snake! Wake up! We're right close to the Indians!” he yelled.
CHAPTER IX
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