ESCAPING IN THE DARKNESS.
It was after midnight when the camp settled down to rest. Fetter had not returned, and Matt Gilroy was much worried in consequence. Yet he was tired out, having lost a good portion of the night previous in traveling, and he lay down with the others.
The guards at the entrance to the cave had been changed. Those now there were two young men, recruits to the desperadoes' organization.
Inside of the cave Captain Moore, Joe, and Darry, having untied each other's bonds, held a long consultation, the upshot of which was that they intended to escape if the deed could be accomplished.
"There is no use in telling you that we will run a big risk," said the captain. "But as for myself, these rascals are plotting against Colonel Fairfield and the soldiers at the fort, and I feel it my duty to do my best toward getting away and warning my commander."
"Whatever you do, Will, I will back you up, so far as I am able," was his brother's answer.
"And I will back you up, too," came from Darry. "But we must be cautious, for these desperadoes will not hesitate to shoot, and shoot to kill." And the boy shivered in spite of himself, for no matter how brave a person may be he seldom cares to run the risk of losing his life.
The prisoners had been ordered to keep to the back of the cave, but after all but the guards had retired Captain Moore made bold enough to walk carefully to the mouth of the place.
"Hi, you want to keep back there," growled one of the guards, promptly raising his rifle.
"Don't be hard on us," pleaded the captain. "Let me get a little fresh air. It's vile in the back of the cave."