d both boys
reconnoitered ahead, to find a good way out of the wash and onto the
road. Satisfied that getting from the wash onto level ground would pose
no problems, they turned off the jeep engine and settled down to wait.

Again, Rick felt the futility of what they were doing. They might wait
for weeks without ever seeing another human being.

"There's going to be a moon," Scotty remarked.

Rick looked up at the slim crescent. "Yes, but not much of a moon. I'd
rather depend on a flashlight."

Scotty stirred restlessly. "Maybe we should have explored the town."

"Maybe. It's too late now, except to explore by flashlight. We can
always come back during daylight."

They fell silent while darkness settled in. Rick began to feel drowsy
now that the excitement was at an end. He let his head droop. Presently
he slept.

Suddenly he realized Scotty was shaking him. "I'm awake," he whispered.
"What's up? What time is it?"

"Nearly nine. I was going to let you sleep for a while before starting
back." Scotty's voice was low. "A car came along the road. Not from the
base. The other way. It was traveling without lights. It stopped in
town."

"Let's go," Rick whispered. He got out of the jeep, Scotty on his heels.
They moved carefully up the slope of the wash and emerged on the open
desert behind the town.

Scotty took his arm. "Follow me." The dark-haired boy moved into the
lead.

They moved in a bent-over position, making their way from bush to bush,
careful to move silently. Rick's pulse began to hammer. Why should
anyone come to the ghost town, especially in a darkened vehicle? For the
first time he felt hope. They might find out something of importance
after all!

Scotty led the way, taking advantage of every bit of cover, and in a
short time they emerged from the desert behind the row of ghostly,
abandoned buildings. Rick recognized the hotel, the only two-story
structure in the town. It was directly in front of them.

"Wait here a minute," Scotty whispered. He moved quickly and silently
into the shadow of the livery stable. Scotty was skillful at this kind
of work, and Rick knew it was best to let him reconnoiter alone.

Presently Scotty materialized from the shadows and moved to Rick's side.
He whispered, "They came in a sedan. I couldn't see any lights, but I
heard voices. They're in the hotel."

"Let's get closer," Rick replied softly.

Scotty plucked at his sleeve and Rick followed, moving swiftly int