I believe,
Big-foot."

"Nice job you've cut out for me," answered the cowman.

"I had nothing to do with it. It's the foreman's order," answered Tad.

"Better bring a lantern with you. We may need it before the night is
over."

"All right," answered Big-foot, swinging into his saddle. After the
cowmen had left, Tad walked out a little way from the church and sat
down in the sand. He was within easy hearing of the place in case anyone
should call out.

It was a lonely spot. Tad had not sat there long before the noises that
the cowmen had spoken of began again.

The lad listened intently for a moment.

"Bats," he said. "I can hear them flying about me. I hope none of them
hit me in the face. I've heard they do that sometimes."

The pony, which had been staked down well out on the plain, was now
moving about restlessly.

"I wonder if the noises are getting on the broncho's nerves, too?
There's nothing here to be afraid of. I'm not afraid," declared Tad
firmly, rising and pacing back and forth.

He was relieved, just the same, when the big cowman rode back, an hour
later, and took up the vigil with him. The two talked in subdued tones
as they walked back and forth, the lad expressing the opinion that they
would find Stacy unharmed when they once discovered the mysterious place
into which he had unwittingly stumbled.

"You see, those walls are so thick that we couldn't hear him even if he
did call out. He may even have gotten in where they buried those monks
we've heard about. I hope not, though."

"He wouldn't know it," said Big-foot.

"No, probably not in the darkness. Did you bring that lantern?"

"Pshaw! I forgot it. Mebby I'd better go back and get it."

"No; never mind, Big-foot. The moon will be up after a time. Then we
shall not need it. You are going in for the ten-thirty trick, are you
not?"

"That's what the boss said," replied Big-foot.

The right section of the herd was now bedded within a short distance of
the church. They could hear the singing of the cowboys as they circled
slowly around the sleeping cattle.

"Guess we are not going to have any more trouble with them," said Tad,
nodding toward the herd.

"Don't be too sure. I feel it coming. I have a feeling that trouble
ain't more'n a million miles away at this very minute."

"I wish you wouldn't talk that way. You'll get me feeling creepy, first
thing you know. I've got to stay here all night," said Tad.

Big-foot laughed. They p