So they rushed down into the place, but scarcely had their feet touched the cavern floor when half a dozen armed men burst into the cavern.
At first Frank thought they might be some of the greasers returned, and consequently foes.
But a loud cry of joy went up the next moment.
“Hooray!” shouted a hearty voice, “however did you come here, Mr. Reade?”
It was Silver Sam and five of the hardy miners in his employ.
“We are saved!” cried Frank, joyfully. “Your men have the best of it, Sam?”
“Cert,” replied the sport, readily. “We scattered them like chaff. Oh, I tell ye, one good man can whip three greasers any time.”
It was the truth.
The prospectors had given the greasers a tremendous defeat. Miguel Costello fell at the head of his men.
After his fall, the band became demoralized and was easily broken up.