Deadwood Dick was in a desperate fix.
He did not see any way of escape, no matter which way he looked.
Having been there in the daylight, he knew there was no way down save in the one direction.
And in that direction the way was blocked by the outlaws, who would shoot him on sight as they would shoot a dog that might offend them.
They had the advantage of him in every way save one only. He held them in momentary check by his threat to destroy the prize they were after, and which, according to their code, belonged to them.
There was another consultation among them.
Then Captain Joaquin called out:
"Deadwood Dick?"
"Well?"
"We have to admit that you have got the best of it at present. We are willing to make terms with you."