Scarce ten minutes had been occupied, all together, and in two or three minutes after the departure of the train the robbers were wending their way into the mountains.
It had been one of Captain Joaquin's most daring raids, and at the same time one of his most successful; certainly it had brought him more than he had counted upon.
And, besides, Deadwood Dick—whom he had feared if he feared any man—was his prisoner!
That was, after all, his biggest haul, and he breathed easier.
He had known for some time, or had, with good reason, believed that the prince of detectives was on his trail, and his vigilance thus had been severely taxed. Now he had this terrible outlaw and crook-hunter corralled; that was glory enough for one year!
"Well, Deadwood Dick, I have got you at last," he remarked, as they rode along.
"Yes, so it appears. You have been looking for me, then?"
"Well, we have been looking for you, yes."
"And what do you intend to do with me, now that you have got me? On your word that you would give me a fair show, I placed these handcuffs on my wrists, as you see."
"Yes, and I have not tried them yet, as I promised to do, by the way. Here, Jim, just see if this fellow's irons are safe."