"We're in fer a heavy storm," Jack heard one of the guerrillas say. "It's a good thing we can crawl into the cave when it comes."
"If they come in here our chances of escape will be slim," thought our hero.
The approaching storm made it very dark in the cave, and during this time he worked with energy at his bonds.
At last he was free, and without making any noise he rolled over and released Old Ben and Columbus Washington.
Suddenly there was a shout from outside.
A guerrilla on guard had discovered a man on the trail, with two horses loaded with store goods.
"Here's a chance fer a haul!" was the cry.
The guerrillas ran outside, and soon the majority of them were making after the traveler.
Only two were left on guard, and one of these was more than half overcome by the liquor he had imbibed.
"Now is our chance!" whispered Jack, as he tiptoed his way to the cave entrance. "Ben, you and I will pounce upon that man with the gun. Columbus, you silence the fellow sitting on the rock. We must not let them cry for aid."