A sharp report
came from the outside and Lieutenant Gordon hastened to throw
the door open. A rocket was mounting the sky, its red light
giving the floor of the hut a tint of blood.
It was followed by another, and another, then the lieutenant
stepped out and saw code signals flying in the night above
the peaks to the west!
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE STORY OF THE CRIME.
Lieutenant Gordon stood for some moments reading the signals
flashing from the mountain, and the boys, regardless of the
storm, clustered about him. They were unable to understand
what was going on, of course, not being familiar with the
code, but still they were greatly interested in the proceedings.
"It must be good news!" Jimmie whispered to Frank Shaw.
"Look at him grin!"
The lieutenant did appear to be pleased with the information he
was receiving by means of the vaulting rockets, but he said
nothing until the signaling ceased, and then he made his way
into the hut. He was about to speak when Nestor laid a hand
on his arm.
"Wait," the boy said. "This man cannot last much longer, and
it is imperative that we listen to what he has to say."
Jim Scoby, sitting against the wall near the hearth, groaning
dismally with the pain of his broken leg, cast a keen glance
at the big fellow and smiled--an ugly smile which informed
those who saw it of his belief that Big Bob was now beyond
the power of speech. Indeed, this did seem to be the fact
for a moment, but then the renegade opened his eyes and
motioned to the lieutenant.
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