"
"That's the ticket," said Stone, and the two put Frank's plan into
execution.
Beyond the light cast by the torches they paused. Darkness had
descended now, in truth. Not even the shadowy bulk of the big rock
before the entrance to the cave could be distinguished.
"Maybe we're making ourselves nervous over nothing," said Stone. "I
feel kind of foolish. After all, what could happen? That old cowman
pal of yours looks pretty capable."
"He is, too," said Frank. "Just the same, I feel we ought to be
cautious. If Tom's all right when we reach the cave, well and good.
But if he isn't------"
"You're right, kid," said Stone. "I'm no more of a coward than the
next fellow. But if Morales and Von Arnheim by any chance gained the
upper hand and got their clutches on me, I'd hear the birdies sing."
Frank had been thinking rapidly.
"Look here," he said, "isn't there some way we can sneak up there to
find out if matters are all right or not? Suppose Tom has been
overcome. We wouldn't stand much chance approaching the cave by the
regular entrance." He paused and again stared upward. "We've been gone
a considerable time," he said nervously. "You'd think if he were all
right, Tom would have called to find out what is delaying us.
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