Part 12 (1/2)
That obvious lie on Rollins's part gave Jack the final a.s.surance that the man was in the plot against them. Burning with indignation, he wanted to expose Rollins but with an effort of self-control he choked back the hot words and also managed to keep his anger from showing in his face.
But it was an effort. Fortunately the others came to his rescue. Frank began to s.h.i.+ver in his pajamas and called attention to the fact that the night air was chill.
”Yes,” said Jack, glad of the change in subject, ”no matter how warm the days out here, the nights are always cool. Let's go inside.”
All trooped into the living room, which was dining room, too. In the big fireplace they found a wood fire laid by the thoughtful Gabby Pete, ready to be touched off in the morning. The talkative camp cook slept in the bunkhouse some distance away, in the opposite direction from the radio plant. While the others dragged blankets from their beds and returned to the living room, wrapped up in them like Indians, Jack touched a match to the wood and the fire soon was blazing merrily.
Rollins would have excused himself on the plea of fatigue after a long day's ride, but Mr. Temple halted him.
”So long as we are here altogether,” he said, ”it won't hurt matters, and may help them, to have a little talk.”
From his chair in front of the fire, Mr. Temple looked up inquiringly at Rollins, who stood to one side of the fireplace, his face in the shadows. The latter did not speak. Jack thought quickly. Was it wise for Mr. Temple, unaware of Rollins's duplicity, to discuss matters with him? He decided not. He was bending down to throw more wood on the fire and without rising he interposed an objection.
”Mr. Rollins must be pretty tired,” he said, glad his face was averted because he feared the scorn in his eyes would betray him. ”And we've all had a hard day. Suppose we let the discussion go until tomorrow.”
Rollins spoke precipitately, and Jack believed there was a little note of relief in his voice.
”Yes,” said he, ”that would be better. I am pretty tired, as Jack says. Well, I'll turn in. Good night. I'll see you at breakfast and after that we can have our talk.”
Shaking hands with Mr. Temple and throwing curt nods to Bob and Frank, Rollins left the room. A moment later Jack arose and followed swiftly but silently to the door on the gallery. Peering around the doorpost cautiously, he a.s.sured himself Rollins had entered his own room, then returned.
The others looked at him in surprise, unable to understand the meaning of his actions. Jack soon enlightened them.
Crouched before the fire and with his eyes on the door for signs of interruption, while the others pulled their chairs close about him, Jack in a low voice outlined his experiences of the night.
When he spoke of Rollins's using the radio, Frank uttered an exclamation.
”That's how the enemy learned just what time we would arrive,” he declared.
Jack shook his head.
”No,” said he. ”All Rollins had to do to spread that information was to tell Remedios. The latter could notify the men who laid for us.”
”Well, then, whom was he telephoning to?”
Jack again arose and moved to the door and peered out. No signs of life. He returned and resuming his position said in a low voice:
”That's what I've been asking myself. I've thought it over and I believe I've found the answer. Either he was radioing to the Calomares ranch in Old Mexico where father probably is held a prisoner, or else he was sending a message to the fellows who stole our airplane.”
Bob, the belligerent growled in his throat.
”The big stiff,” he muttered. ”I'll go get him now and we'll choke it out of him.”
He half rose from his chair, but his father pushed him back.
”Don't blame you, Bob,” said Jack, grinning. ”It's what I wanted to do myself. But I believe there is more to be gained by watching Rollins--at least until we have more to go on.”
”Probably,” said Frank, ”if we put it up to him now, he'd be able to lie out of it.”
”But he couldn't lie out of being seen with Remedios,” said Bob. ”Or of using the radio.”