"Dew Drop no stay," declared the maid, slipping from the bandit-chieftain's hand. "Mus' join um squaw. Paleface fin' grub, water. So long."
And, ere any of the outlaws had the time to protest, the Indian maiden sped from them, leaving them in the unknown cave in pitch darkness.
IN THE FATAL CIRCLE.
But Jesse had plans other than to permit the soft-voiced Indian maiden to desert them thus suddenly.
Without a word, with the quickness of a panther he sprang after her leaving the others helpless and surprised at the unexpected action of their chief.
"Has Jess gone plumb bug house?" breathed Tony, scarcely daring to trust his voice.
"Everybody's got wheels in this devil's neighborhood," averred Texas.
"And if he ain't he will have in the hole we're in now," added Homely Harry.