struggling in the grasp of the
outlaws.

Though it had been planned quickly, it was well done, and, unable to
make an outcry, Hop and the two girls were carried bodily into the cave.

A whistle brought half dozen to their assistance, and then the prisoners
were bound and told to be silent.

"If you scream it will do no good, for if your friends start to come in
here they will be shot down like wolves!" said Cap Roche, smiling
fiendishly. "The best thing you can do is to take it easy."

Having said this, he turned to his men and ordered that the two bodies
be brought in.

This was done, though those who did it were very cautious in their
movements, since they expected to be shot down at any moment.

Much relieved, the outlaws carried the bodies through the cave to the
hole outside.

"Now," said the leader, "just tie the prisoners to the table."

This was soon done, Hop pleading to be released in vain.

"Go and fetch Young Wild West here," said Roche. "We will have them all
together while I talk to them."

Chuck Snivel hastened to do the bidding of his boss.

He went out to the post and began untying the captive boy.

"Cap Roche has got here, an' he wants ter see yer, Young Wild West," he
said.

"All right," answered the boy, not knowing whether to believe him or
not. "He'll find that I am all right, I reckon."

His ankles being untied, Wild walked along readily.

The captain was standing near the table waiting for him.

When Wild saw Anna, Eloise and Hop prisoners there he could scarcely
believe his eyes.

Things were surely getting worse, instead of better, he thought.

But he did not let the captives think that he was anything like
discouraged over the prospect.

"How are you, Mr. Roche?" he said, coolly. "How is business over at the
store and post office?"

The villain smiled at this.

"You're a pretty cool one, I must say," he retorted. "I suppose it was
you who turned the sign over?"

"Yes; I thought I would let travelers know that you were one of the
outlaws who demanded toll from those who pass this way."

"Well, I hardly think your plan worked, then, for I took the trouble to
right the sign a little while ago. Well, what do you think of this
business, anyhow? Sorry you came to Forbidden Pass, are you not?"

"Oh, no. This is pretty bad for me just now. But it won't last very
long. If you want to save trouble you had better release me, and the
others you have got here, and then light