The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-08-03
CHAPTER XII

AS Nikki and Steve moved over into the center of the clearing under the waving directions of the black automatic in Sarto's hand, they heard a rifle shot in the distance. It was followed by a second and a third and the sounds dotted a semi circle in the direction Steve and Nikki and Woody had taken when they left camp the day before.
 Three shots, thought Steve, meant Uncle Jim, Rance and Woody were searching separately. Fiske probably was with one of them. He wouldn't be alone. One shot meant, of course, they hadn't found any thing. They couldn't very well when the persons they hunted were safely back in camp. Well, they were back in camp anyway, thought Steve, if not too safe.
 He glanced at Sarto. The man was backing toward the cabin against which a rifle stood.
 Of course, thought Steve, he'll complete the signal system. He watched Sarto jab the pistol into his hip pocket and stoop for the rifle and for moment thought of making a break. If he made the trees he could at least warn the others. Then he as quickly dis carded the idea. Nikki would be left alone with the gunman.
 Sarto's thoughts had gone along the same line.
 Don't try it." he said with an evil grin. "Ill get one of you and 1t might be the girl"
 He picked up the rifle and fired, not once but twice in the air.
 That will bring the others back, thought Steve, startled. If one shot meant no luck, certainly two shots would mean he and Nikki had been found. Before he had time to go further along that mental tangent, Sarto spoke.
 You two sit over by that tree. Face toward the fire and don't try anything. It wouldn't be healthy. When the others come in," he waved casual arm in the direction from whence the shots had come, don't try to give 'em any signs. I'll do the talking"
 They sat down, their backs to the tree, facing the clearing and the cabin at their right. Sarto placed tho rifle on the bench by the cabin and sat down also, the pistol held carelessly in his two hands.
 What's he going to do," whis- pered Nikki.
 Ambush the others when they come in I suppose" Steve whis- pered back. And then as he found ths answer:
 Hell need someone to guide him back to the ranch"
 They sat quietly for several minutes. Nikki shifted uncom- fortably. After Sarto had am- bl1hed the others, then what? He had murdered Bancroft. A man who had killed once probably wouldn't worry very much about repeating the crime. She remem- bered, suddenly, the day they had walked through Grand Central, she and Steve and her father. No hint of tragedy in the bright sun- shine of that day, no warning of the things ahead. Then the money on the train and the realization that her father was somehow in- volved with the sinister Bancroft and his companion. She looked at the hunched figure on the bench. No, no Her father couldn't be to blame for all this. He just couldn't. But Bancroft's reference to the Jerome affair" kept com- ing back.
 "Hungry?" asked Steve, with a quick glance at the gunman.
 T guess so" said Nikki. T hadn't thought about it."
 'Sarto," called Steve. We haven't eaten much lately. Couldn't we have a little food while we're waiting?"
 Shut up," said sarto. "You'n get something to eat later - maybe"
 Isn't there some way we can warn the others?" whispered Nix ki.
 I've been trying to think of a way" answered Steve. But it's too dangerous now. Wait until the others get here"
 Gut out the cater" said Sarto roughly. Gan it-- all of 1t, see"
 A moment later they heard a halloo. Sarto came to abrupt atten- ton. He slipped the rifle behind the bench where it would be out of sight but within easy reach. The automa- tic he held between his knees.
 Give 'em call" he ordered Nix ki. Just one and don't try anything or"
 Hello" called Nikki, but her voice wasn't very strong.
 They could hear the crackle of the brush and the sound of foot steps now. A bird huttered up in Frightened haste. A second later Rance burst into the clearing.
 "Nikki," he cried. Thank God you're safe" He started toward the couple sitting by the tree. What's the matter? Hurt? Whats wrong?"
 Drop the rife" It was Sarto. He was standing by the bench and the pistol in his hand covered all three,
 "Nobody's hurt yet" he said.
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