"Yes."

"Righto."

Hawk led the way down into the thorn-bushes and dried-up plants. I
followed close at his heels. We crouched as we went and kept well
under cover. Hawk took a semicircular route, which I could see would
ultimately bring us out by the side of the rock under which the sniper
hid.

Now we caught a glimpse of the little dark figure--then we plunged
deeper into the rank willow-growth and bore round to the right.

Hawk unslung the great jack-knife which hung round his waist and
silently opened the gleaming blade. I did the same.

"I'll surprise him; you can leave it to me to get in a good slash,"
said Hawk, and I saw the great muscles of his miner's arms tighten.
"But if he gets one in on me," he whispered, "be ready with your knife
at the back of his neck."

A few steps farther brought us suddenly upon the rock and the sniper.
Hawk was immediately in front of me, and his arm was held back ready
for a mighty blow. He stood perfectly still looking at the rock, and I
watched his muscles relax.

"See it?" he said.

"What?"