They crouched there in deep shadow, but discovered no evidence that their effort at escape had been observed.

A dog was barking somewhere not far away, and once there was a rustle along the nearer bank, as though a man wormed his way cautiously through the thick chaparral.

But this sound also ceased after a moment, and all was still.

Brennan put his lips close to his companion's ear.
"Got yer cartridges tied up?
That's all right; hand 'em over.

Now give me your belt.