“That dynamite was stored too long,” he muttered. “I was afraid it had lost its juice. I’m going to take a look. The fuse may have gone out.”
Corning hauled him back to cover. Scarcely thirty seconds elapsed when a terrific explosion shook the earth.
Jack, Ken and Mr. Livingston flattened themselves, face downward. Even so, they were showered with dirt and chips of rock.
When the dust had settled, Corning and Rhodes went to investigate. They returned to report jubilantly that tons of rock now blocked the path giving access to Carlos’ hide-out.
“He and his men are trapped back there in the hills,” Corning told the Scouts.
“Is there no way out for them?” Jack asked.
“None, unless they climb down the cliffs. If I know Carlos, he will not attempt it. We’ll send the authorities, who at their leisure can reopen the passage. By that time, I imagine Carlos no longer will be in a belligerent mood.”
“Rhodes?” Jack questioned. “What’s to be done about him? He plotted to put himself back at the mine in your place.”
“I know,” the engineer replied. “Carlos told me the whole sordid story while I was his captive. Rhodes is greedy, and for years, before I took over at Emerald Valley, he milked the mine for his own benefit. Even so, I feel sorry for the fellow.”
“You don’t aim to let him escape?”