"What are you doing there?" asked he. And he glanced at Moses and his comrades, sitting on the mules, with the ropes around their necks.
"Hanging Red Mike, Long-Nose Jack, and the Preacher," said the man with the pistol in his hand.
"You have waked up the wrong passengers. We caught the infernal thieves on the road to San José. Here they are," said the Alcalde, as a party of men galloped up, having three prisoners in custody with their hands tied behind their backs.
"Let these men go," said the Alcalde, pointing to Moses and the other two who were just about to be hung.
The supposed robbers were released and the real offenders placed on the backs of the mules.
"Run!" cried Moses, "run! run!" And he and his two companions fled in headlong haste to the water's edge, and encountered Toney and the other occupants of the boat, who were just landing.
"Where are you going?" said Toney, as all three leaped into the boat and seized the oars.
"Home!" exclaimed Moses.
"Back to the States!" cried Perch.