CHAPTER XV
The Trap
The man of the thin features produced the revolver from its holster and sat down on a snow-covered rock near the top of the shaft. He held the weapon negligently, but there was no doubt that he could level it at the Hardy boys in a second if they attempted to escape.
"You can sit down if you want," he said. His partner still retained a tight grasp on Frank. "Let him go, Shorty. I've got this gun here and I guess they won't try to get away. We may as well be comfortable."
The fellow addressed as "Shorty" moved away from Frank and sat down by his companion. The Hardy boys found a heap of rocks near by and seated themselves. They knew there was no use of attempting to escape as long as that ugly-looking revolver was in the hand of their captor.
"Say, Slim," remarked Shorty, "do you think Black Pepper is at the camp?"
The other man nodded.
"Yeah! He came back this morning."
Slim looked up at the Hardy boys.
"What were you guys lookin' for in that mine, anyway?"