Another man, whom the Scout took to be Corning, also had his hands bound. He lay upon a heap of straw, face unshaven.
“You’re Corning?” Jack demanded.
“Yes,” was the quick answer. “Untie me, quick!”
Jack slashed the cords which held the engineer’s hands. He was tempted to ignore Rhodes, but a realization of the fate that awaited the man if he were left behind, softened him. A quick thrust of the knife, and he too was free.
“Quick! Make for the trail!” he directed. “Ken is waiting there.”
Rhodes started off at a run. Corning would not abandon his rescuers. He helped Mr. Livingston tie up the guard. Then with Jack and the Scout leader, he made a fast break for the path.
As they struggled up the incline, a shout arose from the direction of the blazing hut.
“They’ve seen us!” Corning cried. “Go on! I’ll try to hold ’em while you get away.”
Jack seized his arm, pulling him along. “No one stays behind,” he insisted. “We’ll make it!”
Several shots were fired. Ignoring them, and crouching low, the two ran for the trees. In the darkness, the bandits could not see their targets. All shots went wide of the mark.