So they finally struck out at random.

Leaving the tableland they skirted a part of the mountain wall.

Suddenly a startling thing occurred.

From a chaparral a score of greasers sprang out and surrounded them.

Revolvers were leveled at their heads, and the leader, a villainous looking fellow, exclaimed:

“Caramba! Move hand or foot and you’re dead men!”

“Heavens!” gasped Frank, in dismay. “We are in for it, Barney.”

“Bad luck to the omadhouns,” muttered the Celt, in disgust.

In a twinkling the two prisoners were disarmed and their hands were bound behind them.

Then the Mexicans led them away into the chaparral.