asp the situation."

Stone slapped his leg.

"I see what you mean," he said. "Your friend Jack could call the
ranch, too, and interfere so much that Morales' message would be all
twisted up."

"That's it," said Frank. "And when it comes to thinking quickly and
acting at once, you can count on Jack. Just the same," he added, "he
can't keep that up forever, and when he lands--"

"Which he'll have to do shortly," interrupted Stone, "because the ranch
is only fifty miles from here."

"Why, then," continued Frank, "these fellows can get their warning to
the ranch and the boys will be captured, or at least their plan to
rescue Mr. Hampton will be spoiled. No, sir, we'll have to wreck the
radio plant here to give them a chance. If Jack has been able so far
to interfere with the warning, and we put this plant out of commission
now, they may be able to carry out their rescue after all. Let's see.
How will we go about it?"

Both had been so engrossed they had failed to notice a dark form
which, after creeping noiselessly up the slope, had started edging
across the little plateau. Now this form suddenly straightened up and
leaped forward. Frank cried out in alarm and jumped sideways, just as
a spurt of flame split the darkness. The bullet sped by, leaving him
unharmed. Stone, who was closer and stood with back turned, whirled
about. The charging form cannoned into him, and he went down.

CHAPTER XXIV

FRANK SAVES THE DAY

Frank's first thought was to go to the assistance of Roy Stone. The
latter and his opponent--in the darkness Frank could not distinguish
whether it was Morales or Von Arnheim--were locked with their arms
about each other and rolling on the ground. His second thought was as
to the whereabouts of the other man.

He glanced about in alarm. Dark though the plateau was, however, he
could see there was no other in sight. Bending down to the fissure in
the rock, he could still hear the voice of Morales, and although he
could not distinguish the words, he received the impression that the
Mexican was angered for some reason. To Frank this meant that Morales
was having difficulty in radioing the Calomares ranch, and his heart
leaped with exultation. Jack had interfered.

A wild thought leaped full grown into his mind. Stone had given Bob a
stiff battle; he probably would do the same to Von Arnheim, even
though his shoulder was sore. What was to prevent Frank from slipping
down to the cave while the t