he
steeds.

As darkness had come on, the desperadoes had lit a camp-fire near the
entrance to the cave.

Two men still remained on guard. The others took it easy, and did very
much as they pleased. All waited for Riley and the others to return with
Fetter, bringing in old Benson as a prisoner.

As the scout heard the talk about himself he chuckled grimly and grasped
his rifle tighter than ever.

"Reckon you'd be surprised to know I was so close," he muttered. "Well,
if it comes to a mix-up, I'll try to hold up my end, just you see if I
don't!"

CHAPTER XIX.

ESCAPING IN THE DARKNESS.

It was after midnight when the camp settled down to rest. Fetter had not
returned, and Matt Gilroy was much worried in consequence. Yet he was
tired out, having lost a good portion of the night previous in
traveling, and he lay down with the others.

The guards at the entrance to the cave had been changed. Those now there
were two young men, recruits to the desperadoes' organization.

Inside of the cave Captain Moore, Joe, and Darry, having untied each
other's bonds, held a long consultation, the upshot of which was that
they intended to escape if the deed could be accomplished.

"There is no use in telling you that we will run a big risk," said the
captain. "But as for myself, these rascals are plotting against Colonel
Fairfield and the soldiers at the fort, and I feel it my duty to do my
best toward getting away and warning my commander."

"Whatever you do, Will, I will back you up, so far as I am able," was
his brother's answer.

"And I will back you up, too," came from Darry. "But we must be
cautious, for these desperadoes will not hesitate to shoot, and shoot to
kill." And the boy shivered in spite of himself, for no matter how brave
a person may be he seldom cares to run the risk of losing his life.

The prisoners had been ordered to keep to the back of the cave, but
after all but the guards had retired Captain Moore made bold enough to
walk carefully to the mouth of the place.

"Hi, you want to keep back there," growled one of the guards, promptly
raising his rifle.

"Don't be hard on us," pleaded the captain. "Let me get a little fresh
air. It's vile in the back of the cave."

"Orders were to keep you out of sight," growled the second guard.

"All right, I'll go back as soon as I've cleaned out my lungs."

While the captain was speaking he was peering around sharply, trying to
locate the other desper