The messenger had made a good defense, but, after the explosion, which shattered the side door and made a huge rent in the side of the car, it was found that he had been killed by a piece of the flying iron.
"Served him right!" cried Captain Joaquin. "If he had opened the door in the first place we wouldn't 'a' harmed him."
"They will never learn sense," from one of his men.
"He never will; that's certain."
They bounded into the car, a sledge was used to open the safe, and therein was found the treasure they were after.
There were several packages of bills, each marked $10,000, and each securely tied and sealed. These Captain Joaquin seized upon immediately, and crammed into a bag which hung by a strap from his shoulder.
"Is that all?" asked his men.
"Don't see anything more, do you?" he demanded.
"Not here; but the passengers may pan out well if we run 'em through the mill."
"To Hades with the passengers! What do we want with them after this rich haul? But, hold on! There is one of them that I want and must have."