With a quick exclamation, Pete reached for his revolvers, but Ramon checked him with an eloquent wave of his hand behind him. Each of his followers held a rifle, and these weapons covered the Border Boys and their older companions.
"Another move like that, Señor Pete," said Black Ramon, "and four of your party are food for the buzzards. I myself will attend to the fifth."
While Pete hesitated, the ruffian from across the border whipped out a silver-mounted pistol from his sash and held it leveled, while a somber smile flitted across his countenance.
"Yesterday it was your turn—now it is mine," he said, turning to the alarmed Ralph.
At the same instant there sounded a sullen, booming roar, and the earth beneath their feet quivered as if an earthquake had shaken it.
"What was that?" exclaimed Pete involuntarily.
"That," said Black Ramon, "was the wiping out of the last link that bound you to your friends."
"You—you've blown up the bridge!" gasped out Jack, realizing what the other's words meant.
"Yes. It will be some time, I fancy, before the gorge is passable once more. In the meantime, you are to be my guests across the border."