"Let this represent the coast," I began, tracing an irregular line in the dust that covered the floor of the cave. "Here is the cliff, and here the place where the Madre first struck. The first hiding-place of the treasure was here, I take it."
"'Tis more to the east, if yon point marks the cliff. Thus says the chart."
"Does it?" I asked, with feigned surprise. "Art sure?"
"Look for yourself," said he, holding the parchment close to my face.
"The light is bad," I replied, peering at the crabbed writing. "Turn it this way, so that it shows to the best advantage. 'Tis as I said; the place lies to the west of the cliff, just here----"
The villain's face was within arm's length, for in his eagerness he had drawn closer to hear my explanation. My fist shot out with a swift upward movement, and, taking him fairly on the point of his chin, sent him staggering against the opposite wall, whence he fell senseless to the ground.
In two bounds I was at his side, and seizing the knife, I severed the rope that fastened my ankles.
"At least," thought I, as I made ready to strike home, "if I am to die, you'll not live to see my death."
But ere I could achieve my aim, one of the rogues appeared, and, raising his arm, discharged a pistol at me.
The bullet ploughed through my hair, but without a moment's hesitation I flung myself straight at the man. Down he went, screaming with pain, with my knife betwixt his ribs.