Without delay, the couple dropped their Mausers, which were caught by the young Venezuelans.
"If you have any other firearms, kindly let them down, We have more use for them than you."
This demand was followed by two braces of heavy pistols, followed by a couple of ugly-looking knives.
"Any more such playthings?" asked Ronie.
"No, señor. We have no more weapons, unless you call this rope such."
"Let that down, too. It will come in handy in a few minutes. You were very thoughtful to take it along with you."
The stout hempen rope was next thrown to the ground, after which the terrified sharpshooters waited for the succeeding order.
"Now, come down yourselves. Don't waste any powder, boys, if they are foolish enough to think of trying to run away."
"Ay, sergeant, trust us for that," replied Jack.
Ronie soon had the satisfaction of seeing the two cringing before him like a couple of curs about to receive a whipping. One of them was evidently a half-breed, while his companion, who had done the talking so far, showed more of Spanish blood.