r one. Simms's wrists were free! The soldier, without attracting
attention so far, moved himself slightly so as to bring his bound elbows
within easy reach of Lieutenant Hal's fingers.

But there was no telling at what moment these fanatic Mexicans would
discover what was going on, and balk it all.

Simms's wrists were free. Slowly, the soldier tried to repay his
officer. Then Hal's wrists were free; then his elbows.

Two of the prisoners were now free, though they were careful not to move
their arms in the least.

Yet how much had been gained? Two men there were who might leap up and
fight for their lives. But they were unarmed, while the alert Mexicans
had revolvers in their hands and dirks within instant reach.

Had either Hal or his man been able to roll over completely, one more
comrade's knots would then be within reach. Yet, in rolling, either
lieutenant or private would surely betray to the guards the fact that
the cords were loosed from his arms. Nor could there be much doubt as to
what the two desperate Mexicans would do in the face of any attempt at
escape.

Hal lay there deliberating, trying to plan some move that would carry
with it a reasonable prospect of victory. Simms, fearing to spoil any of
his officer's plans, kept wholly silent, though alert for any signal.

"It's only the slimmest kind of a fighting chance yet!" muttered Hal. He
would have been despondent, but his soldier's training had taught him
that no situation is hopeless as long as life lasts.

Then craft, slowly, but insinuatingly, entered the young lieutenant's
head.

"Confound you Mexicans," he growled aloud, "this is a bigger night for
you than I had thought."

"What mean you?" demanded the guard who spoke English.

"I thought but one wagon train of your supplies would go to the water
front this night."

"Eh?"

"And now, with my ear to the ground, I hear another lot of wagons in the
distance, headed this way."

The guard looked non-plussed. He stood erect, listening. Then he spoke
in Spanish to his fellow-Mexican, who, answering only with a nod,
stepped further away to listen.

"I could tell you something, my friend, that it would be worth your
while to know," continued Hal, craftily.

"What?"

"Only your ear shall hear it. Bend low, if you are curious."

The guard, without fear of the supposedly bound captive, stepped closer,
bending over the young Army officer.

With a quick turn and a leap Hal Overton was up an