The brigands led their prisoners through the defile, until suddenly they came to a path which led over the cliff.
Up this they went, and finally came out upon a sort of broad plateau terminating at this end of the defile.
Here, by Red Muriel’s orders, the party came to a halt.
The brigand chief made a gesture and the prisoners were led almost to the brow of the cliff.
Then the villain advanced, and with a suave, mocking smile, said:
“Senors, please accept the congratulations of Red Muriel upon your speedy voyage to the next world. May you find a happier time there. Buenos, senors!”
With a sweeping bow the brigand chief retired.
“Heavens!” exclaimed Frank, “they mean to throw us to an awful death over the cliffs. That will be awful!”
CHAPTER V.
A DARING ESCAPE.
A cry of despair welled up from Harding’s agonized bosom. He realized only too well the truth of Frank’s words.