The cashier and the miner both broke for the cage, but were turned back at the point of Sandy's automatic revolver.
"You stopped here because you though you might be of some assistance, you know," the boy said. "Now you just remain here long enough to help out."
"But there are people being murdered in there!" cried the cashier.
Two more shots came from the gangway and then the stout figure of the detective came staggering into the circle of light around the shaft. He had evidently been wounded seriously, for he fell as he drew near to where the boys were standing and raised his eyes in a piteous appeal for help. Will stooped over and felt of his pulse.
"You're about done for!" the boy said in a husky tone. "Who did it?"
"Those two hold-up men," was the faint reply.
"Where are they now?" asked Will.
"I fired back," replied the detective wit a grim smile, "and I guess they're lying on the floor of the passage!"
Will bent closer over the wounded detective while Tommy and Sandy started down the gangway on a run, closely followed by Elmer.
"Why did they shoot you?" asked Will.