Frank did not hesitate. With the pistol in his hand, he went leaping toward the point of cover indicated. He was behind the rocks before the desperadoes realized what had taken place. They turned, uttering exclamations of anger and dismay.
"Steady, you chaps!" rang out Frank's clear voice. "Keep your distance! If you don't——"
But now the three young fellows above began shooting into the valley, and their whistling bullets sent the ruffians scudding to cover.
Gonchita disdained to fly. She walked deliberately to the shelter of the rocks near Frank.
"I geet horse for you," she said. "You take eet an' ride. Eet ees your chance. Mebbe them your friend?"
Frank had caught barely a glimpse of the three fellows, and he was not at all sure that his eyes had not deceived him.
"Perhaps they are my friends," he said. "They must be."
"You ready to go?"
"Yes."