It was at that moment that the curtain rolled up, for the man on watch had seen them.
They hurried to him and learned the situation, as far as the man knew it.
But the fact that Young Wild West was a prisoner so elated the villainous leader of the outlaw gang that he felt like giving a shout of joy.
He restrained himself, however, and then quickly made up his mind to capture the two girls outside.
Another man who was inside the cave was called, and then the four set out to carry out their foul purpose.
As they crept nearer to the unsuspecting girls, who were now talking in whispers and waiting patiently for the return of their companions, they found that there was a Chinaman with them.
"Catch all three of them, and don't let them have a chance to utter a cry," was the order from Cap Roche.
Stealthily the four villains crept upon the unsuspecting ones, and two minutes later all three of them were struggling in the grasp of the outlaws.
Though it had been planned quickly, it was well done, and, unable to make an outcry, Hop and the two girls were carried bodily into the cave.
A whistle brought half dozen to their assistance, and then the prisoners were bound and told to be silent.