"What did he say?" asked Fitzsimmons.
"A posse is already after us. We'll have to get out," ejaculated Sag Ruff.
"So soon?"
"Yes, although that seems impossible." Sag Ruff swept the nuggets into a bag. "Come on."
They ran outside. The Mexican who had given the alarm was already coming around with the horses. He pointed down the gorge.
"I see them!" cried Sag Ruff.
"There are others, too,—on the other side!" gasped Morgan Fitzsimmons. "How in the world did they get here so quickly?"
"Something must have gone wrong," answered Sag Ruff. "Maybe they got out of that landslide in time to see us go away in this direction. But, no matter how it is, we have got to ride for it now, and ride hard!"
The men were soon in the saddle. The light was put out, and they started along a trail leading through the thick timber.
"Stop!" cried Bob. "Stop, or we'll fire on you!"