“Or that we have been lured from the boat and murdered,” added Alex. “What’s the matter with you now, Captain Joe? What have you found in the bushes?”
The thing which showed in the bushes where the dog was looking was the pointed hat of a Mexican.
“Look there!” Alex said, not in the least alarmed, but with the notion that in some way the man could assist.
The next moment a gun was leveled at the two boys and a voice said in excellent English:
“Throw up your hands!”
As the boys were without weapons, the command was instantly obeyed. Then four rough-looking men came out of the thicket in single file and stood in front of the astonished boys.
“What is the meaning of this?” Alex demanded. “Is it a hold-up? If it is, we haven’t got a cent.”
Daylight was coming now and the moon was sinking in the West. The faces of the four men were in the shadow, but still it was plain to be seen that they were not out for a morning stroll.
The man who appeared to be the leader of the party gave a significant motion and instantly both boys were turned bottom side up while their pockets were being examined.
CHAPTER XIV