"Not more than three miles, but it is a stiff climb."
"Get under way then," was the order, and the motors sang their tune
in the hills once more.
"What time does the moon rise?" the chief asked, after a few moments
of splashing in the bed of the stream, which at that season of the
year was not more than three inches deep, except in places, which
were avoided.
"About twelve," was the reply.
"We must be well up the hill before that," the chief declared.
When they came to the end of the water course the machines were
hidden in a canyon not far away and the men and the boys proceeded on
up the slope.
In the meantime Ned and those with him were listening for the sound
of footsteps in their immediate vicinity. The call of the pack had
aroused the suspicions of the guard, and it was evident that he had
left his place at the entrance of the cave to learn the meaning of
it.
After a brief wait Ned heard the sound he was listening for and
clutched Frank eagerly by the arm.
"Move away to the right and repeat the wolf call, only lower," he
directed. "When you have done so dodge back here-quick! The guard may
shoot!"
"What are you going to do?" whispered Bradley. "Be careful! Those
Orientals are dangerous people to handle! Be careful!"
"I guess we won't start anything we can't finish," Frank grinned.
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