Suddenly Black Ramon spoke. For an instant Jack thought he had repented, but his words dashed that hope almost as it was born. The Mexican issued a sharp order to two of his men.
"Screw down those sluice gates till not a drop escapes," he said. "We do not want to have to wait too long."
[CHAPTER XXII.]
A BOLT FROM THE BLUE.
Outside the shanty the storm roared and flashed. The rain pelted in torrents. Suddenly there came a sharp ringing at the telephone instrument. It seemed to have a note of insistence in it. The Mexicans exchanged glances. Here was an unexpected interruption. The instrument connected on a direct wire with the land company's offices. If one of the Mexicans answered it, the possibilities were that a warning would be spread that the dam was being tampered with.
Ramon solved the difficulty. Without untying the old man, he had two of his men support him to the telephone. Another held the receiver to Sam Simmons' ear.
Black Ramon drew his revolver and held it to the other ear.
"Now, if you utter a word of warning, I'll scatter what brains you have," he warned viciously.