“What are you fellows here for?” He abruptly changed the subject. “I can’t tell you that, not just now.” “You mean you won’t?” “That’s about the size of it.” “I’ll find out later.” “Which is on the knees of the gods,” Gordon grinned. “But, I say, you’ve got that cord tied mighty tight.” “Does it hurt?” “It’s beginning to feel mighty uncomfortable.” “If I take it off will you give me your word of honor to do exactly as I order?” Gordon hesitated a moment, then he shook his head. “Reckon not. I guess I can stand it a bit longer.” Again the Jap went outside and this time he was gone longer than on the previous occasions. “They’re going to hit about right in about two more turns, I think,” he announced when he came back. “Suits me,” Gordon said. “You lie down on the ground close to the side there,” the Jap ordered. “What’s the idea?” “Never mind the idea. You do as I tell you, and when they come in here you keep perfectly still.” “You want them to think I’m dead?” “No. I don’t want them to know you’re here.” “But they’ll see me.” “I shall cover you up with a blanket.” “And suppose I don’t keep still?” “In that case you’ll wish you had. If you do as you’re told I promise that you’ll not be hurt.” “How about my brother?” “He won’t either, unless he does something very foolish.” “And Rogers?” For a moment the Jap did not answer. “How about Rogers?” Gordon again asked. “I make no promise in regard to him.” “Then I think I’ll stay right here.” “And I think you won’t. Come, they’ll be here soon. Get down there before I have to hurt you. You can’t help yourself you know and please don’t make me resort to harsh means. It’s so useless and unnecessary.” For a moment Gordon pondered the situation and was not long in coming to the conclusion that the other was right. He was completely in his power and might as well do as he ordered before he was hurt as afterward. “You win again,” he said shrugging his shoulders. “But I warn you not to hurt Rogers.” “I hope it won’t be necessary,” the Jap said drily. CHAPTER IX SOLVING A MYSTERY “You follow me and don’t make any noise if you can help it,” Rogers said as he started to push his way through the dense growth. “I’m right behind you,” Bill told him. It was hard work and they were obliged to literally force their way foot by foot so dense were the bushes. But, after what seemed a long time, Rogers gave a grunt of relief and, as Bill crept up, he saw that they had reached the hut. “Regular Indian tepee,” he whispered with his lips close to Rogers’ ear. “Guess we’re on the back side,” Rogers whispered back. “Listen.” For several minutes they listened with their heads close to the poles. “Hear anything?” Rogers whispered. “There’s someone in there,” Bill told him. “I’ve heard him move twice.” “I thought I did, but I wasn’t sure. Follow me now and keep your gun handy.”