"All right; we understand," answered Hurley.
Captain Joaquin dismounted.
"But, what about ther prisoner?" his lieutenant inquired. "What are we goin' to do with him?"
"Hang me if I know," responded the Red Rover, rubbing his chin in a meditative manner.
"Jist whatever you say, captain," assured Hurley.
"I am afraid to trust him with you, boys," decided Captain Joaquin, after a few moments' reflection. "He would be sure to find the soft spot in your hearts, if you have got such organs, and play upon it. I guess I will take him with me. Dismount, Deadwood Dick!"
"And be murdered in cold blood somewhere in the mountain passes?"
"You will be shot here and now if you don't."
"Well, it is about as broad as it is long," observed Dick, throwing his leg over and leaping lightly to the ground. "You hold the winning card, captain."
"Yes, and I intend to play it for all there is in it, too," was the rejoinder. "Come, boys, off with you, and make all the time you can, for the sheriff and his posse will be on your trail in less than two hours."