Overjoyed that the time for action had arrived, the boys followed their guide, halting at the edge of the valley.
Ordering the others to wait, the owner of the Half-Moon and the former raider glided noiselessly toward the mine.
All about were signs of the celebration in which the thieves had indulged, and their loud snores told how sound asleep they were.
Confident the time was ripe for action, the two scouts returned to their impatient fellows.
"Pete, Sandy, Nails, Skinny, Lawrence, you take the ropes and do the hog-tying. The rest of you have your rifles ready for use. But don't shoot till I give the word," commanded Mr. Wilder. Opening the ropes so they could use them rapidly, the men selected for the binding of the raiders moved forward, closely followed by the others, guns ready for action.
Signing to Sandy and Skinny to tie the men lying outside, Lawrence led the others into the mine.
More like a cavern did it seem to them than anything else as they cast a hurried glance about the rock-walled room which two flickering torches lighted.
Sprawled upon the floor lay the raiders, and to them Pete and Nails turned their attention, while Lawrence glided among them, peering into their faces.
Watching for the slightest move, stood a dozen of the cowboys, with
Mr. Wilder and the four lads.
Of a sudden Lawrence stooped down, worked his hand rapidly, then rose, a smile on his face, and continued his search till he found another form, when he repeated the operation.