In this manner, the captives were rendered powerless to get to their feet or to work their arms.
One way of motion was left to them, however—they could roll.
In silence, the outlaws gazed out upon the panorama of rocks and trees below them.
"Wonder how long it will take for news of your escape to reach the Fort," mused Pedro, at last, looking at his chief.
"They probably knew it six hours after we got away," returned Red. "It ain't like the old days before there were telegraphs. Then, a man could break jail, get to cover and maybe pull off a raid before the news could be received. Now you can't more'n get out before the alarm has been sent to every Fort, sheriff and marshal.
"That's why I told Rosie to have you cut all the wires out of Keno before you came to the jail. Then I took the precaution to put the jailer's son out of commission before I left. He was the only telegraph operator in town."
This bit of information as to the manner of the outlaw's escape was eagerly listened to by the prisoners, and from it they learned that at least one life, that of the operator, had been sacrificed by Red in obtaining his freedom. They realized, also, that his cunning in having the wires all cut before the escape was attempted would delay the alarm being sent to the Fort and they were wondering as to the other details of the jail delivery when their attention was once more attracted to their captors.
"That was two nights ago," exclaimed Rosie. "By this time, that old turkey gobbler of a colonel at Griswold has probably ordered out a regiment on our trail."
This suggestive nickname for their superior caused the scouts to smile, but intently they waited upon Red's reply.
"Sure thing. I'll stake the gold in my belt against an empty cartridge shell there are more than two hundred troopers within ten miles of us this very minute," the notorious bandit declared.