Part 13 (1/2)

”You bet you'll do anything I say,” snapped Fitz, very savage. ”You had us, and now we have you! Unbuckle that belt, you Bat. Don't you touch the revolver, though. I'm mad and I mean business.”

Bat's fingers trembled and he fussed at the belt and unbuckled it, and off came belt and revolver, and all.

”Toss 'em over.”

He tossed them. Fitz put his foot on them.

”Aw, what do you let that one-armed kid bluff you for?” began Walt; and Fitz caught him up as quick as a wink.

”What are _you_ talking about?” he asked. ”I'll give you a job, too. You take your knife and help cut those two Scouts loose.”

”Ain't got a knife,” grumbled Walt.

”Yes, you have. I've seen it. Will you, or do you want me to pull trigger?”

”You wouldn't dare.”

”Wouldn't I? You watch this finger.”

”Look out, Walt!” begged Bat. ”He will! I know he will! See his finger?

He might do it by accident. Quit, Fitz. We'll cut 'em.”

”Don't get up. Just roll,” ordered Fitz.

They rolled. He kept the muzzle right on them. Walt cut me free (his hands were shaking as bad as Bat's), and Bat cut the general free.

We stood up. But there wasn't time for congratulations, or anything like that. No. We must skip.

”Quick!” bade Fitz. ”Tie their feet. My rope will do; it was a long one.”

”How'd _you_ get loose?” snarled Walt.

”None of your business,” retorted Fitz.

We pulled on the knots hard--and they weren't any granny knots, either, that would work loose. We tied their feet, and then with a bowline noose tied their elbows behind their backs--which was quicker than tying their wrists. (Note 38.)

Fitz dropped the shotgun and grabbed his camera.

”You gave your parole,” whined Bat.

”It's after twelve,” answered the general.

And then Walt uttered a tremendous yell--and there was an answering whoop near at hand. The rest of the gang were coming back.

”Run!” ordered the general. ”Meet at the old camp.”

We ran, and scattered. We didn't stop for the burros, or anything more, except that as I pa.s.sed I grabbed up the bow and arrows and with one jerk I ripped our flags loose from the pole, where it was lying.

This delayed me for a second. Walt and Bat were yelling the alarm, and feet were hurrying and voices were answering. I caught a glimpse of the general and Fitz plunging into brush at one side, and I made for another point.