The captain leaped out of the car, the others after him, and Captain Joaquin shouted to the men on the engine:
"Hold those two fellows under strict cover, boys, until I give you the word; then get down and let them go. I'll be done in a minute, now; soon as I get a man."
"All right, captain!"
"Come on, boys!"
The leader ran in the direction of the smoker, the others at his heels, save those who were standing guard around the train, and leaping up the steps he boldly entered.
Deadwood Dick was sitting sullenly in his seat, having deposited his valuables in the legs of his boots, and would not lift a finger to defend the passengers who had failed to support him at the critical moment.
He did not know what was coming, else he could have picked Captain Joaquin off easily as he entered the door.
"Hands up!" shouted the captain.
His own revolver and half a dozen more over his shoulders covered the whole company.
Up went their hands, Deadwood Dick's among the rest, and all expected the usual course of proceedings to follow; but in that they were mistaken.