watching the
movements of the men about the horses.

"How many can you make out, Ad?"

"Five."

"I don't see but four."

Adrian pointed to the left, about ten or twelve feet, to one who
stood alone.

"What's he doing there?"

"Give it up." Then a moment later: "I have it!"

"Well, what is it?"

"He's watching for us to return. That's what they're all waiting
for. They think we'll be a great catch."

"That's just it," from Donald. "Let's fool them!"

"Well, first, let's capture the one yonder. We'll show them a
Wyoming Indian trick."

Slowly and silently the boys wiggled their way to where the lone
robber stood. Then as silently as a ghost Donald arose, while
Adrian bent on his knees.

There was a swift movement and Donald's arm was around the
Mexican's neck, shutting off his wind, while Adrian pulled his
feet from beneath him. In another minute he was bound by his own
sash and gagged with a handful of grass.

"That's one!" exclaimed Donald, as he sat upon his prisoner's
chest. "Now, how about the others?"

"Not so easy, Don."

"But it has to be done," declared Donald. "Scratch your head."

Adrian did so, but to no avail.

Time was passing and they did not know how long ere something
would turn up, when Donald gave Adrian a kick.

"Look! They're getting uneasy."

This was undoubtedly true, as the men were moving about and one
of them even had the temerity to light a cigarette.

Then of a sudden Adrian spoke.

"I've got it!" he exclaimed under his breath. "Help drag this
chap farther away."

They picked him up bodily and carried him fifteen or twenty feet.

"Now, listen," said Adrian, "both of you. You, Don, sneak as near
the horses as you dare. I'll give you just five minutes by my
watch. Then I am going to give this man one chance for his life.
I am going to take the gag from his mouth and let him give one
call for help. If he makes another sound, it will be his last."

"Then what?"

"Those fellows have waited so long that they are tired. They will
all rush to where they expect to find him. Then you will rush in
and cut the tethers. By the time they find this man I will be
with you. Sabe?"

"Good!" from Donald. "I'm off."

In exactly five minutes by his watch Adrian gave the prisoner a
rough shake.

"You know what I said?"

The man nodded his head.

"Well, I am now going to take out your gag. If you make more than
one cry, or utter more than one word, your own knife will fini