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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..456881c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62110 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62110) diff --git a/old/62110-0.txt b/old/62110-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 59c19b6..0000000 --- a/old/62110-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6297 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Radio Boys in the Flying Service, by J. W. Duffield - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Radio Boys in the Flying Service; - or, Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits - -Author: J. W. Duffield - -Release Date: May 13, 2020 [EBook #62110] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RADIO BOYS IN THE FLYING SERVICE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - Radio Boys in the Flying Service - - - - -[Illustration: Radio Boys in the Flying Service] - - - - - RADIO BOYS - IN THE - FLYING SERVICE - - or, - Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits - - BY - J. W. DUFFIELD - - M. A. DONOHUE & CO. - CHICAGO NEW YORK - - - - - THE RADIO BOYS SERIES - - RADIO BOYS IN THE SECRET SERVICE - or, Cast Away on an Iceberg. - RADIO BOYS IN THE FLYING SERVICE - or, Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits. - RADIO BOYS IN THE THOUSAND ISLANDS - or, The Yankee-Canadian Wireless Trail. - RADIO BOYS UNDER THE SEA - or, The Hunt for Sunken Treasure. - - COPYRIGHT 1922, BY M. A. DONOHUE & CO. - MADE IN U. S. A. - - - - - CONTENTS - - I A Daring Hold-Up - II Skillful Strategy - III In Big Figures - IV Wonders of Radio - V On the Trail - VI A Lively Fight - VII Crooked Work - VIII The Jaws of Death - IX Deeds of Darkness - X Flight and Pursuit - XI Desperate Chances - XII From Savage Clutches - XIII Gun Play - XIV Aerial Scouting - XV Menace of the Cave - XVI The Race for Life - XVII A Perilous Mission - XVIII The Outlaws’ Rendezvous - XIX A Blow in the Dark - XX In Bitter Bondage - XXI Threats of Torture - XXII Held for Ransom - XXIII The Bandit’s Messenger - XXIV Caged - XXV The Visitor at Dusk - XXVI Prisoners and Loot - XXVII A Gleam of Hope - XXVIII In Hot Haste - XXIX To the Rescue - XXX Rounding Up “Muggs” Murray - - - - - CHAPTER I - - A Daring Hold-Up - - -“Hands up! Quick!” - -The command, barked out in sharp, staccatto tones, was emphasized by the -ugly muzzle of a revolver thrust through the window of the paying -teller. - -It was a bright Spring morning in the town of Castleton, a thriving city -of some ten thousand population, located in a prosperous section of the -Middle West. As it was Saturday, there was a little more stir and -animation in the streets than usual, for it was the day on which farmers -and their wives of the rural district served by the town drove in to do -their shopping. Already, though it was no more than eleven o’clock, -there was a fair sprinkling of cars and buggies standing in the open -square in front of the court house, and the number was constantly being -augmented by new arrivals. - -In the Castleton Bank, the only one that the little town boasted, there -was unusual activity, for the cashier and his two clerks were busy -making up the money for the payrolls of the three mills on which the -commercial prosperity of the town largely depended. - -A large touring car, whose every line denoted speed, came rapidly up the -street and stopped at the door of the bank. The man at the wheel kept -his seat, without shutting off the engine, while four men climbed out. -One took his stand at the side of the machine, and the other three -quickly ascended the steps of the bank. - -There were four customers in the bank at the time. One, a woman, was -having a check cashed, two men were depositing cash and checks with the -receiving teller, while a fourth man was at a desk making out a slip. - -The man who appeared to be the leader of the newcomers and whose face -was marred by an ugly scar on his right cheek went straight to the -window of the paying teller, roughly thrust aside the woman standing -there and pointing his revolver at the teller ordered him to hold up his -hands. - -At the same instant his companions drew their weapons and herded the -four customers up against the wall, where they held them at the muzzles -of their revolvers. - -The startled teller stood for a second as though paralyzed, and then -slowly obeyed. A second rough command brought similar action on the part -of the receiving teller. Then the bandit vaulted over the low railing, -and still holding his revolver ready for action, began to thrust great -bundles of bills into the capacious pockets of the ulster that he wore. - -Just then the cashier of the bank, Mr. Weston, stepped out of the door -of his inner office. He took in the situation at a glance, darted back, -snatched a revolver from his desk and reappearing in the doorway fired -at the robber but missed him. At the same instant the bandit’s revolver -cracked and the cashier fell with a bullet in his shoulder. - -With a muttered imprecation at the necessity for the shooting, which -made him hurry his movements, the robber gathered in the rest of the -packages of bills in sight, jumped over the railing and rushed for the -door accompanied by his confederates. - -The sound of the shot had attracted attention outside and men were -already hurrying toward the bank. The robber at the curb fired several -shots and halted them for an instant. That moment of grace was -sufficient to permit the miscreants to leap into the car, which started -up instantly and sped down the street in a cloud of dust. - -Three young men came around a corner as the car whirled by. They were -laughing and jesting, and evidently on good terms with themselves and -the world. - -“Look at that car,” exclaimed Phil Strong, a stalwart, vigorous young -fellow, slightly taller than his companions. “It’s going like a blue -streak.” - -“Smashing the speed law into bits,” agreed Dick Weston. “I guess -that—Hello!” he cried, as he saw the commotion and heard the shouting in -front of the bank. “What’s up?” - -They broke into a run and in a moment were in the midst of the excited -crowd. Another moment sufficed to learn of what had happened. They -rushed into the bank, Dick frantic with grief and apprehension at the -news that his father had been shot. A doctor who happened to be in the -crowd was already ministering to the wounded man. - -“Only a flesh wound,” the doctor assured Dick, bringing him an immense -relief. - -“Don’t mind me, Dick,” said Mr. Weston, trying to summon up a reassuring -smile. “It’s the bank I’m thinking of. It’ll be seriously hurt if those -scoundrels get away with all that cash. Get after them as fast as you -can. Every minute counts.” - -Dick was loth to obey, but Phil, standing beside him, put his hand on -his arm. - -“Your father’s right, Dick,” he said. “He’s getting good attention here, -and you can’t serve him better than by trying to run down the thieves. -Come with me and come quick. I’ve got a plan.” - -They hurried out of the bank, pushing their way through the constantly -increasing crowd that congested the doors. In the street, men were -piling into cars and starting out in the direction that the robbers had -taken. - -“It’s well meant but of no use,” said Phil, pointing to the cars. “They -haven’t a Chinaman’s chance to catch up with them this side of kingdom -come. The robbers’ car can run rings around any of these. But I know -something that’s faster than any car.” - -“The airplane,” exclaimed Dick, a light breaking in on him. - -“Right you are,” replied Phil. “But that isn’t all. There’s something -faster than the airplane.” - -“Radio,” cried Tom Hadley. - -“Now you’ve hit it,” approved Phil, relaxing for a moment the speed at -which all three had been racing down the street. “Now, fellows, here’s -the dope. Tom, you run to my house and get busy with the radio. Call up -every town within a radius of fifty miles. Tell the police of the -robbery and describe as well as you can the kind of car that the men are -escaping in. Don’t forget the scar on the face of the leader. Hustle -now, old scout. Dick and I will get out the airplane.” - -Tom was off like a shot. - -“Now Dick,” said Phil, taking the lead, as he always did in a crisis -that demanded quick thinking and swift action, “it’s us for the -airplane. Lucky, isn’t it that you and I spent almost all of last week -in getting the _Arrow_ into shape? She’s in splendid condition and fit -to fly for a man’s life. It will be strange if we don’t give those -thieves a run for their money—or rather for the bank’s money.” - -In a few minutes they had reached the hangar in which their airplane was -stored, at a flying field on the outskirts of the town. - -They unlocked and flung open the door and wheeled out the machine, a -biplane of the latest make and one with whose operation both of them -were thoroughly familiar. - -They wheeled her out into the open, made one last hasty examination to -make assurance doubly sure and climbed into the fuselage. Phil gave her -the gas and the machine after a short run made a perfect takeoff from -the grassy field and soared into the air like a bird. Phil turned her in -the direction, as nearly as he could guess, that the robbers had gone, -and she clove the air with the speed of the arrow after which she was -named. - -The roar of the motor made it difficult to carry on much conversation, -but Phil’s brain was working hard. He figured out that the robbers would -not continue far in the direction that they had taken at the start, -since that would be too obvious and easy for their pursuers to follow. -At some point of the road they would turn at right angles, or possibly -double on their tracks, in the attempt to bewilder their would-be -captors. - -The only way in which Phil and Dick could circumvent such strategy was -to describe a wide curve that would take in not only the road ahead of -them, but a large extent of the cross roads to the right and left. This -disadvantage however was counterbalanced to some extent by the lofty -position of the plane, that permitted the landscape to be seen for many -miles in every direction. They had also a splendid pair of field -glasses, which Dick kept glued to his eyes while Phil drove the plane. - -The superb condition of the plane also favored them. The engine never -missed a stroke, but ran with the steady hum that is music to the ears -of the aviator. Encouraged by the way the _Arrow_ was working, Phil let -her out until she was traveling at the rate of nearly ninety miles an -hour. At this rate it seemed inevitable that they would soon sight their -quarry, despite the start that had given the latter the advantage. - -The roads beneath were dotted with cars coming and going, and two or -three of them seemed so like the robbers’ car that Phil swooped down -near enough to establish that they were not the one he had in view. - -After several such disappointments, Dick suddenly straightened up with a -sharp exclamation. - -“Spotted them this time,” he cried. “It’s dollars to doughnuts that’s -the car. Same shape, same color and it’s going like all possessed.” - -He passed the glasses to Phil, who turned them in the direction that -Dick indicated. There, sure enough, on a road to the right, was a -machine that answered the description they had hastily been able to -gather of the car in which the bandits had made their getaway. It was -going like the wind. - -“There’s another car about half a mile behind it,” Phil remarked after a -moment’s keen scrutiny. “The top’s down and I can see that it’s full of -men in uniform.” - -“Good old Tom!” exclaimed Dick jubilantly. “He’s got busy with the radio -all right, and that second car’s chasing the first one. Do you think it -can catch up?” - -Phil studied the situation for a full minute before replying. - -“Not a chance,” he answered finally, handing back the glasses. “The -first car is steadily increasing the distance between the two. But -here’s where we get busy.” - -He turned the plane in the direction pursued by the flying cars. - -“What’s your plan?” asked Dick. - -“You’ll see in a minute,” muttered Phil, all his attention centered on -the chase. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - Skillful Strategy - - -Both of the racing cars kept on at full speed, but a steadily widening -gap showed between them as the first continued to draw away from its -pursuer. - -Soon the _Arrow_ was directly above the second of the two cars. Phil -kept moving steadily earthward and was now flying at a height of about -two hundred feet. It was plainly to be seen that Phil’s supposition had -been correct, for the car held half a dozen policemen heavily armed. It -seemed probable too, that Tom in his radio message had told the police -of the starting out of the airplane, for the officers seemed to realize -that they had an ally in the plane and gesticulated vigorously, shouting -and pointing to the road ahead. - -Phil waved one hand at them, as a signal that he understood, and darted -ahead until he had overtaken the fleeing car. The top of this was up, so -that at first the robbers did not see the plane. But they heard the -roaring of the motor, and first one head and then another was thrust out -at the side of the machine looking upward. At first they did not seem -especially alarmed, thinking probably that it was out on a practice -flight and just happened to be in their vicinity. But as it continued to -keep pace with them and in the same direction, suspicion seized them, -and the car leaped frantically forward as the last ounce of speed was -extracted from its motor. - -Phil’s eyes kept scanning the landscape ahead and at last saw the chance -for which he was looking. About a mile in advance was a level field with -no bars between it and the road. He quickened speed, swooped down in a -graceful curve, landed in the field with scarcely a jar and at just the -spot where the wheels under the momentum of the flight carried the plane -into the middle of the road blocking it completely. - -Quick as a flash the Radio Boys clambered out on the further side of the -plane. - -“Guess that will stop them,” exclaimed Phil triumphantly. - -“It sure will,” agreed Dick admiringly, “but at the same time it will -smash the plane.” - -“If it does, it will have to,” replied Phil. “But I don’t think they’ll -drive into it. They’d wreck their own car or overturn it or at any rate -get all tangled up in the gear of the plane. They’ll stop all right. The -police car is less than a minute behind them, and I figure it will be -right on top of the bandits before they get over their confusion. We’ll -soon know, for here they come.” - -Around a curve in the road three hundred yards away came the robbers’ -car and bore straight down on the plane which seemed doomed to -destruction. - -And while Phil and Dick stand there with every pulse athrill waiting for -the outcome, it may be well for the benefit of those who have not read -the preceding volume of this series to tell who the Radio Boys were and -what had been their fortunes and adventures up to the time this story -opens. - -Phil Strong had been born and brought up in the town of Castleton, where -his father was a physician with a large practice. From his early years, -Phil had been a natural leader among the boys of his own age, and had -been foremost in the athletic sports that appeal to all healthy, -red-blooded boys. He had been the crack pitcher of his school nine and a -speedy full back on the school eleven. His freedom from conceit or -meanness of any kind had made him exceedingly popular. His brain was -keen and worked quickly, and he was seldom at a loss in extricating -himself from any trying situation into which chance might have brought -him. He never looked for trouble, but he never sidestepped it when it -came, and his coolness and courage made him a valuable friend and a -formidable enemy. At the time the incidents here narrated took place, he -was eighteen years old, tall, athletic, of fair complexion, with keen -blue eyes and brown hair. He had a sister, Phyllis, a pretty girl of -sixteen. - -His special chum among the Castleton boys was Dick Weston, who, as we -have seen, was the son of the cashier of the Castleton bank. Dick was -about the same age as Phil, but differed from him in appearance, having -brown eyes and swarthy complexion. The two had been friends since their -earliest recollections and were almost inseparable. Where one of them -was found the other was quite sure not to be far away. Dick lacked the -initiative of Phil, but was always ready to follow where the latter led. -Where Phil was captain, Dick made an admirable first mate, backing Phil -up to the limit and standing by him through thick and thin. He had two -brothers, Harry, fifteen, and Joe, thirteen years of age. - -Closely linked in friendship with Dick and Phil were Steve Elwood and -Tom Hadley, who had become acquainted with them through a curious -combination of circumstances told in the first book of this series. - -Steve Elwood was the son of a prosperous business man living in New -York. He was a fine upstanding fellow, generous in the extreme, but hot -tempered and impulsive and ready to fight at the drop of a hat. He had a -stubby nose, freckled face and red hair, which explained perhaps the -fiery disposition that usually goes with that kind of head covering. -Phil’s coolness had more than once got Steve out of scrapes into which -his headlong nature had carried him. - -Tom Hadley was of another type, good-natured, jolly, always ready for a -joke or a laugh, and perfectly certain that the world was a good place -to live in. His father was an electrical engineer of Chicago. Tom had a -firm idea that Chicago was the only town on earth, and as Steve had a -similar idea about New York, there were many wordy arguments between the -two that afforded immense enjoyment to Phil and Dick, who took an impish -delight in egging them on when there was a lull in the battle. - -At the time this story opens, Steve was in Texas, while Tom had dropped -in on a visit to Phil and Dick in Castleton. - -What perils and adventures the four friends had faced in common; how -many times they had been within a hairsbreadth of death; how they had -served their government in tracking and delivering up to justice a band -of cunning and desperate criminals is fully told in the first book of -this series, entitled: “Radio Boys In the Secret Service; Or, Running -Down the Counterfeiters.” - -Now Phil and Dick were facing a peril of another kind, of which no one -could predict the result. They had no weapons with them, and they knew -that the bandits in the onrushing automobile were desperate criminals -and would not hesitate a second in taking life if that would aid their -escape. But they had known this when they took the chance, and although -their hearts beat furiously, they awaited the result without flinching. - -For the first hundred yards the car came on with unabated speed. Then it -perceptibly slackened, while the inmates could be seen with their heads -together in an excited colloquy. The man in the seat beside the driver -leaned far out and motioned furiously to the boys to wheel the plane out -of the road. As they stood motionless, he shook his clenched fist at -them and shouted out an order to the men behind him. - -The next instant a fusillade of shots came whistling over the heads of -the boys, who, divining the nature of the command, had thrown themselves -flat on the ground. One of the wings of the plane was clipped by a -bullet but no other damage was done by the volley. - -Again the car leaped forward as though the bandits had determined to -take a desperate chance and plough their way through the plane. But when -they were a hundred feet away, the driver seemed to lose heart and -slowed down. - -With a furious exclamation, the man sitting beside him struck the driver -and grasped the wheel from him. In the mixup the front wheels of the car -slewed violently to one side, and the car ran into a deep ditch at the -side of the road where it overturned. - -There was a tumult of shouts and oaths as the car went over, and at the -same moment the police car came in sight around the turn. Its occupants -were quick to grasp the situation, and the boys could see them rising in -their seats with their weapons in their hands ready to leap. - -Out from the overturned car the bandits came swarming like so many bees. -An instant’s glance told them of the trap into which they had fallen. -Before them was the plane behind which were at least two men, whether -armed or not they could not tell. Behind them were half a dozen officers -of the law, fully armed, who were already jumping from their seats and -running toward them. - -Their only chance lay in reaching a patch of woodland that lay a little -ways back of the road. Once in its shadows some of them at least might -stand a chance of eluding their pursuers. - -At a command from their leader, the bandits fired a volley at the -officers and then turned and ran toward the woods. A fusillade from the -police revolvers followed them, and one of the robbers was shot in the -foot and fell. The rest kept on, the fear of capture lending wings to -their feet, and three of them reached the woods. One however, was headed -off and ran into the open field where the plane had made its landing. He -was fleeter than the two heavily built men who were pursuing him, and -would have easily outdistanced them had not Phil taken a hand in the -game. - -Like a panther he was on the trail of the fugitive. The latter turned -and saw him coming and redoubled his speed. There was no shaking Phil -off however, and he gained rapidly. The man turned and fired at him but -the bullet whizzed by harmlessly. The next instant Phil had launched -himself on him and the two went to the ground together. - -The fall had knocked all the breath out of the robber, and there was -little fight left in him. Phil wrenched the revolver out of his grasp, -and as Dick came up just then, they bound the robber’s arms together -with Dick’s belt, rendering him powerless. Then they helped him to his -feet and marching behind him with an occasional prod of the pistol butt -in his back when he showed an inclination to balk they came to the -police car, in which the wounded robber had already been placed. - -“Two of them anyway,” remarked the officer in charge. “That was mighty -quick and plucky work on your part, young fellow. He was getting away -surely when you put out after him.” - -“Do you think there’s any chance of nabbing the rest of them?” inquired -Phil. - -The officer shook his head dubiously. - -“If we could have winged them before they got to the woods as we did -this fellow,” he said, indicating the wounded thief, “it would have been -all right, but once in those thick woods it’s an easy thing to lose -sight of them. You can hear that there isn’t much shooting going on just -now. That means that our fellows can’t find any targets to shoot at.” - -His prediction was verified when half an hour later his comrades came -straggling back without additional prisoners. - -“Don’t believe they’ll get far though,” the chief comforted himself. -“They’re on foot and their description has been sent broadcast by radio, -so that at this minute there are at least a thousand people looking for -them. Every road in this county will be patrolled night and day and -their chances of getting away are mighty slim.” - -The boys were not at all so sure of this, but they repressed their -doubts. - -“How about the stolen money?” asked Dick eagerly. “Have you recovered -any of that?” - -“Quite a heap I imagine,” answered the chief, lifting up the seat of the -car and displaying several large packages of bills. “Of course I don’t -know just how much the thieves grabbed, and I guess the bank don’t know -yet either. These were found in the car that turned over. Probably they -dropped out of the leader’s pockets in the mixup. We’ll make another -search of the car before we leave, but I guess we’ve got all that was -there.” - -The search was made but yielded no further results. “I’ll have to take -charge of this money and turn it over to the authorities in Castleton,” -remarked the chief, “but just for my own protection I’d like to have you -boys count it now before us all, so that there can’t be any question of -the amount.” - -The Radio Boys did this willingly, and were relieved to find that the -total footed up to a trifle over ten thousand dollars. - -“That’s a lot of money,” said Phil hopefully. “Maybe that’s all they -were able to grab.” - -Here there was a snicker from one of the captured thieves. - -The chief whirled about like a flash. - -“What are you laughing at?” he demanded angrily. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - In Big Figures - - -The man glared at him sullenly. - -“Aw nuttin’,” he snarled. “Can’t a guy even laugh widout you bulls -buttin’ in?” - -“Don’t get gay now,” warned the chief. “It’ll be easier for you to tell -me now than it will when I get you alone with me in the police station.” - -This covert hint of a “third degree” was not wholly lost on the thief, -who mulled it over in his mind. - -“Come across now,” prodded the chief, seeing that he was wavering. - -“Well, it’s dis way,” the fellow answered. “It hit me funny when dis -young bloke spoke of me boss bein’ satisfied wid ten grands. Dat -wouldn’t be chicken feed fur him. He ain’t no piker.” - -“What does he mean by ‘grands’?” Dick asked of the chief. - -“A ‘grand’ is the underworld slang for a thousand dollars,” explained -the chief. “What this rascal is trying to say is that his leader only -goes out after big thefts and would regard ten thousand dollars as a -small haul. How much did he get away with then?” he asked of his -captive. - -But the robber had already concluded that he had talked too much, and no -amount of threat or persuasion was able to get any more out of him. - -“Well,” said the chief at last, “I guess there’s nothing more to be got -out of this bird and we’d better be moving. I suppose you boys will be -going back in your plane. Lucky you’ve got one to go back with,” he -added with a grin. “If that driver had kept his nerve, he’d have smashed -the machine into flinders. It was a mighty fine and plucky risk for you -to take, and it was the only thing that prevented the whole crowd from -getting away. You’ll get full credit for this when I turn in my report.” - -“We’re not especially keen for credit, but we sure are glad to have got -back some of the bank’s cash,” returned Phil with a smile. “We’ll climb -into the old bus and hustle back to Castleton to tell the folks you’re -coming.” - -“We won’t be any further behind you than we can help,” replied the -chief, “and while you’re about it give the sheriff a quiet tip to be -ready to help us hustle these fellows into the jail, in case the crowd -gets obstreperous. They’ll be feeling mighty ugly, I shouldn’t wonder, -for the town thinks a lot of Mr. Weston and this hold up is the rawest -stuff that’s been pulled off in this section for a long time.” - -“All right,” said Phil, as in company with Dick he climbed to his seat -in the airplane, and adjusted his hood, gloves and goggles. - -The officers helped turn the plane around so that they could get a fair -takeoff from the field, and after a short run the _Arrow_ rose in the -air with a whiz and a whirr and pointed her nose toward Castleton. - -The Radio Boys were elated and jubilant at the success that had crowned -their exploit. The only “fly in the ointment” was the uncertainty as to -how much cash the robbers had gotten away with. Naturally, too, they -felt regret that the whole band had not been captured. But all in all it -had been a pretty good morning’s work, and their hearts beat high with -satisfaction. The hum of the motor seemed more musical than ever as the -plane sped over hill and dale and river toward its destination. - -Soon they came in sight of the old familiar landmarks and began to lay -their course for the flying field. They were surprised as they neared it -to see that a great crowd had gathered there. - -“Great Scott!” exclaimed Dick as they swept down to make their landing. -“It looks as though the whole town has turned out and then some. The -place is black with people.” - -“Sure thing,” agreed Phil in surprise. “What’s the big idea, I wonder.” - -“It’s radio getting in its fine work,” declared Dick. “The chief has -radioed from the first town he came to, and Tom has caught the message -and spread the news. See if I’m not a good guesser.” - -Because of the crowd, Phil had to figure carefully about making his -landing, but the throng made a lane for him and the _Arrow_ came down as -light as thistledown. Her short run had barely ended before the crowd -surged around the Radio Boys, cheering and shouting and almost pulling -them out of the plane in their enthusiasm. - -“Have a heart,” protested Phil laughingly, as they mauled and pounded -him and his companion. “Don’t wring my hands off. I need them in my -business.” - -Tom was among the first to greet them, his rotund face beaming with -smiles. - -“Bully boys!” he cried, “You turned the trick and the town’s wild over -you. Oh, I know all about it,” he continued. “I got a radio from the -chief and the whole town knew it five minutes later.” - -“So you’re the guilty wretch responsible for all this roughhousing,” -said Phil as he made a playful pass at him. - -“I sure am,” grinned Tom as he ducked, “and if you’d been ten minutes -later I’d have had the town band here to meet you. I’ll bet they’re -tuning up now.” - -In response to the questions showered upon them from all sides, the boys -told of the morning’s happenings, and this brought about a thinning of -the crowd, who hurried off to the town hall to greet the police when -they should arrive with their prisoners. This respite gave the boys a -chance to get the _Arrow_ into her hangar and then the trio hastened to -Dick’s home to find out how Mr. Weston was faring and to learn how great -had been the loss sustained by the bank. - -The wounded cashier had been taken to his home from the bank after -having received first aid, and was now in bed under the physician’s -care. The bullet had been probed for and removed and the wound dressed. -The family had the doctor’s assurance that there was absolutely no fear -of a fatal result, but at the moment the patient was suffering from -shock and loss of blood and could see none but the immediate members of -the family. Dick was permitted to see his father for a moment, for it -was felt that the news he brought of the recovery of part of the money -at least would be of benefit to the sick man, but any further discussion -of the matter was forbidden for the present. - -After Phil and Tom had expressed their sympathy, they left the house, -Dick having promised to rejoin them later, and made their way to the -town hall, part of which was devoted to the purposes of a jail. Phil had -barely time to hunt up the sheriff and give him the chief’s message, -before a roar on the outskirts of the crowd told of the approach of the -police auto with the prisoners. - -The car came in at rapid speed, and the crowd was forced to give way -before it to prevent being run down. But as it slowed up before the town -hall, there was an ominous closing in upon the machine, while a murmur -ran through the crowd, quickly deepening into a roar. - -“Hang them!” - -“Lynch them!” - -“Let us get at them!” - -“Hand them over!” - -Several jumped on the running board of the car, but were pushed back by -the police, who had drawn their clubs and now stood guard over their -cowering prisoners. A determined leader just then would have found -plenty of followers in the mob, but fortunately for the cause of law and -order, he did not materialize, and before the crowd could proceed to -extremities the sheriff with a dozen men whom he had called upon to aid -him forced a passage through the mass, and with the help of the police -hustled the prisoners into the jail, where the iron doors clanged behind -them. - -Not till then did the perspiring officials breathe freely. The mob hung -about for a while, and threats of a later raid upon the jail were freely -bandied about. These, however, were but the vaporings of the more -reckless spirits, and before long the crowd began to break up and drift -away. - -Dutton, the chief of police, having relieved himself of responsibility -by turning his prisoners over to the sheriff, proceeded at once to the -bank, where the President, Mr. Eldridge, was anxiously awaiting him. -Phil and Tom at the chief’s invitation had come with him, and as they -mounted the steps of the bank, Dick too came hurrying up. - -Together they went into the president’s room, where he was engaged in -earnest discussion with some of the directors of the bank. They were -cordially received, and Dutton plunged at once into the story of the -pursuit and capture of the thieves. He gave full credit to the Radio -Boys for the part they had taken and they were warmly thanked by Mr. -Eldridge and his associates for their coolness and courage. - -Then Dutton turned over the money that had been recovered, and all -watched eagerly as the president counted it carefully. - -“Ten thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars,” he announced finally. - -“I hope,” ventured Dutton, “that that’s about all that the thieves got -away with, Mr. Eldridge.” - -“I wish it were,” replied the president soberly, “but as a matter of -fact their loot amounted to fifty thousand dollars!” - -A gasp of astonishment ran round the room. - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - Wonders of Radio - - -“What?” cried Phil in dismay. “Fifty thousand dollars? Are you sure, Mr. -Eldridge?” - -“Only too sure,” the latter replied. “You see it is pay day for the -mills with their thousands of operatives, and the money for the payrolls -was being made up, so that the money was out of the vaults and within -full sight and reach of the robber. The band couldn’t have selected a -moment that would have been more favorable for them. In fact, it was so -well timed that I am inclined to think that the scoundrels must have had -some confederate in the town who was familiar with the customs and -working of the bank.” - -“That means then,” said Dutton, “that the thieves still have forty -thousand dollars of the bank’s money.” - -“Just about that,” agreed Mr. Eldridge, “and it’s a pretty heavy amount -for a bank of this size to lose. Luckily it will not affect our -solvency, for the bank is perfectly sound, but it makes a dent in our -surplus that we don’t like to think about. Of course, we’ll offer a -reward and do everything in our power to have the gang apprehended. -We’ll hope for the best. In the meantime, I want to tell you again how -deeply grateful I am to you all for the splendid work you did in -capturing two of the robbers and recovering so large an amount of the -money.” - -“Perhaps you want us to keep the amount of the loss quiet for fear of -starting a run on the bank,” suggested Dutton, as the party prepared to -take their leave. - -“Not at all,” returned Mr. Eldridge quickly. “Thank you for the -suggestion, but I shall follow a policy of perfect frankness. It’s -silence and mystery that breed distrust. Spread the news as widely as -you can that this loss will affect only the stockholders of the bank and -that the bank is able and ready to pay every depositor dollar for -dollar. We shall issue a signed statement to that effect, and I think -that the bank stands high enough in the confidence of our people to have -that statement accepted at par value.” - -They bade him goodby and went out through the bank and down the steps. -They were questioned eagerly, and told freely what Mr. Eldridge had -said. There was a buzz of excited comment as the amount of the loss was -made known and deep regret was the prevailing note. - -If this was lacking in any one, that person perhaps was a dissipated -looking young man, about twenty years old, who stood near the bottom of -the steps and stared with unfriendly eyes at the boys as they passed -him, at the same time muttering something in a low tone. - -Dick hesitated an instant as though inclined to go back. - -“Did you hear what ‘Rocks’ Gurney said?” he asked. - -“Something about ‘heroes’,” answered Phil. “I suppose that was meant for -a dig at us. But come along,” he continued giving a tug at his -companion’s sleeve. “Don’t waste any thought on anything that Gurney -says. He doesn’t count. He’s never liked the color of our eyes and hair, -and he’s been especially sore on you ever since your father fired him -from the bank for neglecting his work.” - -“One thing struck me as a little queer,” remarked Tom. - -“I happened to catch his eye just as some one mentioned the fact that -the bank’s loss amounted to forty thousand dollars, and if there was -ever a look of satisfaction in any one’s eyes it was in his at that -moment. It was more than satisfaction; it was triumph. It was all the -more noticeable too because every one else seemed to be sorry and -indignant. You might almost have thought that the bank’s loss meant -money in his pocket.” - -“He’s a rotter all right,” said Dick, “and I suppose he’s got such a -grudge against the bank because it dispensed with his valuable services -that he takes delight in any bad luck that comes to it. That would be -just about his size.” - -“He’s getting pretty near the end of his rope in this town anyway,” -remarked Phil. “He’s in with the gambling crowd and he’s been mixed up -with two or three more or less shady affairs lately. He’s bad medicine -and the less we have to do with him the better.” - -For the next two weeks the bank robbery furnished the chief topic of -conversation in Castleton. Nothing on so bold and large a scale had ever -stirred up the town. - -As Mr. Eldridge had surmised, the frank and prompt statement issued by -the bank had a beneficial effect, and there was no run on the -institution. - -Descriptions of the robbers were sent broadcast all over the United -States, and a reward was offered for their apprehension. Especial -emphasis was laid on the scar that disfigured the leader of the band, -and it was thought by the more hopeful that this mark of identification -would lead to his speedy capture. But as the days passed by and lapsed -into weeks without any news of the outlaws this hope began to wane and -the conclusion gained ground that they had perhaps gotten over the -border into Canada or Mexico. - -Mr. Weston made speedy progress toward recovery and was soon able to be -around again with his arm in a sling. But though he mended bodily, his -spirits were greatly depressed. A large part of his own modest savings -was invested in the stock of the bank, and the assessment that was -levied on the stockholders to make good the loss occasioned by the -robbery taxed him severely. He chafed moreover at the inaction forced -upon him. Dick, who idolized his father, was full of rage at the men who -had brought this shadow upon him, and it would have gone hard with any -of the bandits if he could have got them within his reach. - -The two robbers already in jail had been interrogated again and again in -the hope that they might let something fall that would give a clue to -the whereabouts of their chief. But despite all threats and cajoling, -they remained stubbornly non-committal. Their finger prints had been -sent to the police headquarters of all the great cities, as well as -their photographs. By means of these they had been identified as -desperate criminals and members of the notorious “Muggs” Murray gang. -And as Murray was known to have a scar similar to that of the leader of -the bandits in the Castleton robbery, it was pretty clearly established -that he had been in command on that occasion. So far so good. But where -was Murray? That was the question that thousands were asking, but which -the police and detectives, even spurred on as they were by the promise -of a reward, had not yet been able to answer. - -That same question was being asked by the Radio Boys also by means of -their sending sets. They had powerful transmitters, and scarcely a night -passed without their sending out a reminder that “Muggs” Murray was -wanted for the robbery of the Castleton bank. With the reminder they -sent also a description of the outlaw and mentioned the five thousand -dollar reward that was offered for his capture. They flung out these -messages into the ether, knowing that it was only a chance, but still -that it was a chance. They knew that their message was heard by -thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands within a radius of hundreds of -miles. Who knew but that one of those thousands might have seen such a -man an hour before receiving the message and might be able to tell the -police where they could lay their hands on him? - -Dick, Tom and Phil were at the latter’s home one evening, bending over -the radio set, when Professor Denby of the Castleton Academy dropped in -upon them. He was a genial, likeable man, with none of the traditional -primness of the pedagogue about him, and the boys had a great esteem and -regard for him and had always regarded him more as a comrade than a -teacher. He in his turn liked the boys immensely and was a frequent and -welcome visitor to their homes. - -“Transmitting again, eh?” he said with a smile as he shook hands all -around and took the chair that Phil proffered him. “You boys are radio -fans of the thirty-third degree.” - -“You’re responsible,” laughed Phil. “It was you who set our feet upon -this path of crime. When it comes to radio, that’s your middle name. -There’s nobody in town that’s such a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast.” - -“Or that knows so much about it,” added Dick. - -“Guilty on the first charge, but not sure about the second,” said the -professor. “At the rate you fellows are going you’ll soon be able to -give me points. But what are you sending out now? Something special?” - -“Broadcasting the story of the robbery once more,” answered Phil. “We’ve -been doing that for several nights, but nothing has come of it yet and -we’re beginning to think it’s a forlorn hope.” - -“Not by any means,” replied Mr. Denby. “Radio has a long arm, and it may -reach out and clutch its fingers on a rascal’s neck even at the other -end of the continent.” - -“It used to be possible,” he continued, warming to his subject as he -always did when the conversation turned on radio, “that a criminal could -jump on a train, ride for a few hours until he came to a remote country -place and feel as safe as though he were in the wilds of Labrador. The -chances were a hundred to one that the people of a lonely little village -or of a sparsely settled farming district would never hear of him or his -crime, and he could lie low there in reasonable security until the hue -and cry was over. But that time passed with the coming of radio. In the -very farmhouse that the criminal may be approaching or past which he may -be riding or walking, there may be a radio set at which the farmer or -his family may have been sitting a few minutes or hours before and -hearing the whole story. A stranger attracts attention anyway, and they -might recognize him at once and put the police on his track. Instead of -a few sleuths being on the rascal’s track, there are hundreds of -thousands.” - -“In other words,” put in Phil, “radio organizes the whole country into a -society for the detection of crime.” - -“Exactly,” agreed Mr. Denby. “It weaves an invisible net around the -criminal and multiplies the chances of his being caught in the meshes -sooner or later. He can’t go to any place where the radio hasn’t been -before him. At the most he can go sixty miles an hour. A radio message -can go at the rate of 186,000 miles a second. It puts the rogue under a -tremendous handicap. Then too, the very knowledge that he has of the -odds against him makes him nervous and uneasy and his very manner may -betray him. That’s why I say that you’re not working on a forlorn hope -in keeping after ‘Muggs’ Murray.” - -“Well, we’re keeping everlastingly at it anyway and we may hit the -bulls-eye at last,” replied Dick. “But now we’ve finished sending for -tonight. What’s the matter with switching off and doing a little -listening in? The Chicago station has a good program on for tonight.” - -All were agreeable, and for perhaps half an hour they sat back and -listened. They did not have to use earpieces, as Phil’s set was equipped -with a loud speaker, and they heard the monologues and music as clearly -as though the performers were in an adjoining room. - -During an interval they were chatting together, when suddenly a voice -was heard that brought Phil to his feet in an instant. - -“By the great horn spoon!” he ejaculated. “If that isn’t Steve Elwood’s -voice I’m a Chinaman.” - -“Go way,” said Tom incredulously. “You’re spoofing us.” - -“No kidding,” replied Phil earnestly. “I’ve heard it too often to be -mistaken.” - -They listened intently, but now all they could hear was a medley of -screeches and wailing with only a few broken words that were -intelligible. - -“Sounds like the three witches in Macbeth,” remarked Dick. “Guess you -were dreaming things, Phil.” - -“Dreaming nothing,” Phil answered. “It’s static that’s kicking in and -making all this racket.” - -“It didn’t bother us much when we were listening to the concert,” -objected Dick. - -“That’s because the weather isn’t as hot up here as it is in Texas,” -explained Phil. “It’s the heat that makes all kinds of trouble in radio. -Just wait until I do a little tuning. I’ll get in consonance with -Steve’s wave length in a jiffy.” - -He moved his knobs with expert skill, and in a moment or two his efforts -were rewarded. Into the room came a voice about which there could be no -mistake. All recognized it as that of their absent chum, who for some -months past had been serving with the Texas Rangers along the troubled -Mexican border. - -Static still persisted to some extent, and they occasionally missed a -word or part of a sentence, but they caught the sense of the message -without much difficulty. - -“Hello there, Castleton,” the voice said. “Steve Elwood talking. Are you -getting me? If so give me the signal. Have—important—to tell you. -It’s—Muggs Murray.” - - - - - CHAPTER V - - On the Trail - - -The boys jumped to their feet, wild with excitement, and even Mr. Denby -was shaken out of his usual calm. - -“Muggs Murray!” cried Phil. - -“Good old Steve,” exclaimed Dick jubilantly. “Is it possible that he can -give us a tip on the scoundrel?” - -“Looks like it,” said Tom. “Let’s get busy on the sending.” - -They switched off the receiver and Phil sent out his message. - -“We got you, Steve,” he radioed. “I’m going to repeat this at minute -intervals for the next five minutes. Then I’ll switch off and listen for -your answer. For the love of Pete, old boy, keep at it if it takes all -night. This means more to us than you know.” - -Five times he repeated the message, and then they turned on the receiver -and sat breathlessly awaiting a possible answer. - -It was not long in coming, and this time static was almost eliminated. - -“I’m here with bells on, Phil,” said the voice, “and ready to pour into -your shell-like ears the sad story of my life.” - -“Sounds like Steve,” chuckled Dick. “Can’t you see the old -freckled-faced, red-haired sinner sitting at the sending set with a grin -spreading from ear to ear?” - -“Now listen, Phil, and the rest of you yaps, for I suppose Dick and Tom -are with you as usual,” the voice went on. “I’ve got something to tell -you about that fellow Muggs Murray that you’ve been broadcasting about, -and who seems to have stirred up quite a bit of excitement in your young -mind. At least, I think I have, if he’s the same fellow I had a little -mixup with lately. I didn’t know a thing about this robbery until I -caught your broadcast tonight. Down in this neck of the woods we don’t -see much but the local papers, and they didn’t carry the story. Too far -off, I suppose. What news we get is mostly about the ructions the -Mexicans are stirring up, and take it from me that’s plenty. Those -fellows are sure keeping our hands full. - -“Now I tell you what let’s do. You go ahead and tell me the full story -of the robbery. What you sent out tonight was only an outline, and I’m -rather hazy about the details. Be sure to give me the last bit you know -about the man’s appearance. I’ve had a pretty good slant at the fellow I -have in mind, and I’ll see if the description tallies. I’m going to stop -now and listen to your dulcet voice and then I’ll horn in again.” - -The voice stopped, much to the chagrin of the listeners, who were keyed -up to a high pitch of impatience. - -“Hurry, Phil, and give him the dope,” urged Dick. “I’m just crazy to get -him started again.” - -“The old rascal is just keeping us on the anxious seat on purpose,” -grumbled Tom. “He knows he has a good story and he wants to get our goat -by keeping us waiting.” - -Phil needed no urging and he was soon giving the details for which Steve -had asked. He went into all the particulars he remembered about the -bandit leader’s height, dress and appearance, dwelling particularly on -the scar. His companions put in a reminder here and there; and by the -time he had finished the description was as complete as anyone could -want. - -“That gives him an ear-full,” remarked Tom. “Now if he’ll only get a -hustle on and tell us what he knows.” - -“Perhaps it won’t amount to anything after all,” said Dick -pessimistically. “There may be hundreds of men with scars just like -Muggs Murray.” - -“To be sure that wouldn’t in itself prove anything,” agreed Phil, “but -there may be other things to corroborate it. At any rate give the old -boy a chance to tell his story before you begin glooming.” - -A short time elapsed, although it seemed to the boys like ages, and then -Steve’s voice again made itself heard. - -“Good stuff,” it said. “’Pon my word, Phil, you ought to be a lawyer. Of -course, you left out a good deal I’d have been glad to know about that -airplane stunt of yours and Dick’s, but I put that down to your natural -modesty. Glad you jugged two of the robbers anyway. Now ‘listen my -children and you shall hear’ not ‘of the midnight ride of Paul Revere’ -but of something that concerned yours truly a good deal more. - -“Two days ago there was an attempt to hold up this station. We’re -accustomed to rough stuff of that kind down here, and we usually try to -be ready for it. At the time there was only Captain Bradley and myself -in the place. Bradley, by the way, is the captain of the troop of Texas -Rangers that I’m connected with, and believe me he’s some man. You’d -like him if you came to know him. The pay chest of the troop was in my -cabin, and though we try to keep that sort of thing quiet somehow or -other it must have got abroad. We were going over some papers together, -when suddenly a shot came through the window and took off the captain’s -hat. Naturally, that peeved him somewhat, he not being a lamb by nature, -and he reached for his gun, while at the same time I grabbed mine. The -door was locked, but on looking through one of the peepholes with which -the place is provided, we saw half a dozen fellows coming full tilt for -the cabin while at the same time a volley of bullets whistled their way -into the logs. Our guns barked back and one of the fellows went down. We -kept our revolvers going, and I guess the gang thought that there were a -good many more of us in the cabin than they had counted on, for after -doing a little more shooting they picked up their pal and beat it back -out of range. - -“There they stopped and held a pow-wow. We reloaded and then I got out -my glasses and took a good squint at the band. The fellow who was -evidently the leader was the dead image of the man you described. He had -a scar that reached almost from his mouth to his ear on his right cheek -and tallied with your man in all the other respects you mention. He -wasn’t a greaser either. Just the tough gunman type you see in the slums -of any big city. I studied him hard and know I would recognize him -instantly again if I should ever meet him. - -“They palavered a while and then concluded that they had had enough of -our game and called it off. They rode off toward the Mexican border, -that no man’s land that is as full of tough characters as a dog is full -of fleas. Some time later a bunch of our boys who had heard the shooting -came hurrying up, and the captain put himself at their head and went in -pursuit. But the fracas happened just at the edge of dusk, and in the -darkness the fellows got away. Probably crossed the Rio Grande. - -“Now, that’s my little spiel and you can take it for what it is worth. -It’s the same kind of a man as robbed the Castleton bank and he’s -playing the same kind of a game. Of course, Laguna is a long way off -from Castleton, but he’s had plenty of time to get here, and as a matter -of fact, he’d naturally put a big stretch of country between himself and -your town. If I were you I’d give the tip to the detectives who are -looking for him and let them come down and get him if he proves to be -the man they’re after. Or better still, come down and get him -yourselves. I’m not kidding. Come down and get him yourselves. Mull this -over in what you call your brains and call me again in five minutes.” - -The voice ceased, and the listeners looked at each other with a new -thought stirring in their minds. - -“What do you think of it?” Phil asked of Mr. Denby. - -“If you are referring to the clue,” answered the professor, “I think -it’s a good one. Certainly it is one that you can’t afford to disregard. -Detectives have traveled across a continent on much less than that. Of -course, he may not prove to be the man, but there’s at least a good -chance that he is. Nothing venture, nothing have. - -“As to what he says about you boys going down there yourselves and -trying to round the man up,” he continued, “that of course, is a matter -on which I wouldn’t venture an opinion. Your families,” he smiled, “may -have decided views on that point.” - -“I suppose they might,” agreed Phil somewhat dismally. “Still they let -us go before in that matter of running down the counterfeiters, which -was quite as dangerous as this if not more so. And you’ll notice that we -came through that all right.” - -“Yes,” agreed the professor, “but you have to admit that you had some -mighty close shaves when there was only a slender margin between you and -death. Your folks may think that there’s such a thing as tempting Fate, -you know.” - -“But just to think of it,” mused Phil. “Those Texas plains, the Rio -Grande, the free wild life—” - -“Sleeping under the stars,” interrupted Tom, “mixing it with the -greasers—” - -“And above all, nabbing that scoundrel who shot my father,” put in Dick. -“Fellows, there’s no two ways about it. We’ve just got to go.” - -“Seems to be unanimous,” remarked the professor looking around with a -smile at the eager, ardent faces, “but all the same it will bear a lot -of thinking over. Better call up your friend again and see just what he -has in mind.” - -Phil complied with the suggestion, his words fairly tumbling over each -other in his eagerness. - -“You’ve got us guessing, Steve,” he said. “Just how much in earnest were -you in what you said in your wind-up? Talk turkey now. What’s the game? -Get right down to brass tacks.” - -After a brief interval Steve’s answer came. - -“Stirred up the animals did I with that innocent remark of mine?” he -said. “Well, Phil, old boy, here’s what I mean, straight from the -shoulder. - -“I want you and Dick and Tom to come down here and join me in the -service of the Texas Rangers. They’re the finest kind of a bunch, -straight fellows, dead shots, daring riders, just the kind of men you -boys would like to pal up with. The border troubles are getting so -serious here that we need more men. Of course, there are Government -troops here but only a handful, and the border line is so long that they -can’t possibly police it. So we Rangers get in and help on the job. The -discipline is good—our Captain Bradley is an old West Pointer—but it’s -nothing like so irksome as it is in the regular army. I can guarantee -you plenty of excitement and adventure with very little of the red -tape. - -“Above all we’re short of flying men and we need them more than anything -else. In chasing the Mexican guerrillas or warning of their approach on -one of their frequent raids they’re invaluable. Now, you and Dick and -Tom are as much at home in a plane as you are on the ground, and the job -is just cut out for you. I’ve talked the matter over with Captain -Bradley and he’s keen to have you in our flying service. - -“Then as to that matter of Muggs Murray, I honestly think you’d stand a -first-class chance of nabbing him if you came along with us. In the -course of your work, aloft in the air, you’d be called on to scan -practically every foot of the border in this section. Sooner or later -you’d be likely to come across him and his band. And you’d have the -whole troop of Rangers behind you to help you round him up. - -“Now that’s the whole story. I’ll have to stop now as I have to turn in -a report. Think it over carefully, old scout, and call me up tomorrow -night. Regards to the rest of the boys and so long.” - -The voice ceased, leaving the listeners’ minds in a tumult. - -“Are you game, fellows?” asked Phil. - -“You bet,” replied Dick emphatically. - -“Lead me to it,” exclaimed Tom. - -“Well,” said Phil, “we’ll put it up to the folks. I have a hunch that -before many days have passed we’ll be in Texas, down by the Rio Grande.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - A Lively Fight - - -“If you do get there,” remarked Mr. Denby as he rose to go, “I can see -that there isn’t going to be much monotony in your lives for the next -few months. You boys certainly have a knack for finding adventure, and -what is more important still a knack of coming through it somehow with a -whole skin. Let’s hope that this won’t prove an exception to the rule. -At any rate I’m glad that you are going to have a chance to ferret out -and capture that rascal Murray. Now,” he added with a smile, “you see -that I was right when I denied that you were relying on a forlorn hope -in trusting to radio. It showed you tonight what it could do.” - -“I should say it did,” agreed Phil warmly as he accompanied him to the -door. “It’s the most wonderful thing in the world.” - -He bade the professor good night and returned to his companions. They -were all too wrought up to think of sleep, and they sat up late -discussing the possibilities that had opened up so suddenly before them. - -The next day was spent chiefly in argument with their respective -families. As they had feared, they met at first with the stiffest sort -of opposition. Their parents took a much more sober view of the -enterprise than did the boys themselves and conjured up all kinds of -harrowing things that might happen to them. But the boys urged their -case with such fervor and persistence that Phil and Dick finally carried -the day. - -Tom’s task was the more difficult, as his parents lived in Chicago, and -he had to communicate with them by radio. His father had a powerful set -and was almost as much of a radio “fan” as his son himself, and both -were kept busy the greater part of the day in transmitting and receiving -messages arguing the case pro and con. But from Tom’s point of view the -day was well spent, for he was able at the end of it to come to his -chums with the joyous news that his father had yielded a final, albeit a -reluctant consent. - -So that it was in a jubilant mood that they called up Steve that night -and told him that the preliminary battle had been won and that he might -expect them at some time within the next week or ten days. - -“Bully,” was Steve’s reply. “Best news I’ve heard since Sitting Bull sat -down. Come a runnin’. And say, fellows, if you can, bring the _Arrow_ -along with you. It’s a dandy machine and you’re so used to it that you -can probably get better results with it than you could with any plane we -could furnish you. It’ll be a nice cross country trip for you, and beat -traveling in stuffy railroad cars, to say nothing of making better time. -I’ll tend to everything on this end of the line, see that your quarters -are prepared for you and every other little thing. Believe me, fellows, -you’re going to have the time of your young lives.” - -There was a host of questions to be asked and answered, but by the time -that the interchange of messages had ceased, the boys had the fullest -information they needed to form their plans and map out their journey. - -It goes without saying that they had informed the authorities of all -that they had learned as to the possible whereabouts of Muggs Murray. -The Texas police authorities were communicated with and were asked to -give all the assistance in their power. Mr. Eldridge further stated that -the bank would send on a special detective at its own expense to run -down the clue. - -“Now,” remarked Phil, when they had thus disburdened their mind of all -the information they had in the matter, “we’ve done our duty by the bank -and the police, and it’s up to them to do what they think best. But -we’ll play our own little game our own way and we’ll see who comes out -best. I don’t mind saying that I think we have the inside track.” - -“I feel the same way,” agreed Dick. - -“At any rate if we fail it won’t be for lack of trying,” concluded Tom. - -The next few days were busy ones, for a host of preparations had to be -made for the journey. The boys had hailed with delight the suggestion of -Steve that they make the journey by plane, and the first thing they did -was to equip it with a complete radio apparatus. Great stress had been -laid upon this by Mr. Denby, who rendered them valuable aid in the -installation of the set, the making of the counterpoise that served in -place of a ground connection and a variety of other details in which he -was past master. - -“Nobody ought to go aloft these days whether in a balloon or an airplane -without a complete radio equipment,” he counseled. “All Uncle Sam’s Air -Mail planes have them, and by that means are able to keep in constant -touch with the earth beneath them. If a storm is coming, the Government -broadcasting station can send out storm warnings to the air pilots so -that they can descend until the storm is past. If they are in doubt as -to where they can find a safe landing field, all they have to do is to -radio and find out. In that way they can avoid the danger of wreck that -is always present when they have to make forced landings. In storm or -fog the radio is like an invisible thread guiding the plane to safety. - -“Especially will you find it indispensable in the work you are planning -to do in Texas,” he continued. “Your plane might be disabled and you be -forced to descend in a desert, where, if left alone, you might perish of -hunger and thirst. The radio will tell your troop where you are and -bring them to your rescue. Or if you are flying on reconnoitering -service, you can tell the men on the ground below just what you are -seeing without having to return to the ground. On the other hand, if -your commanding officer wants to give you additional orders, he can -radio the message to you up there in the sky just as easily as he could -give it to you if you were seated at his desk. In a hundred ways you -will find it a vast convenience, and in many cases an absolute -necessity.” - -They felt the force of the reasoning and worked heartily with his -assistance in the perfecting of the set. And when one day the -installation was complete, Phil and Dick went up on a trial flight to -try it out, Tom remaining at the radio station in Phil’s home to send -and receive. - -To the delight of all three, the set worked to perfection. Phil and Dick -were wearing the special helmet constructed for aviators to shut out the -roar of the motor so that they could perceive the radio signals, and -they had no trouble at all in receiving Tom’s messages. He on his part -had equal luck in catching without difficulty the signals of his -friends, and all were in high, good humor at the success of the tests. - -Phil and Dick, after an hour or more spent in this way, were flying back -toward Castleton and were still some miles distant from the town. They -were only a few hundred feet above the ground and could see everything -beneath them with great distinctness. - -Suddenly Dick touched Phil’s arm. - -“Something going on down there,” he said. - -Phil looked in the direction indicated, and saw what seemed to be an -angry conversation going on between a girl and man. Even as he looked, -the girl started to run. The man ran after her and caught her by the arm -and seemed to be trying to drag her toward an automobile drawn up at the -side of the road. - -“Here’s where we get busy,” exclaimed Phil. - -He grasped a lever and the machine with a great sweep came down in a -field only a short distance from the couple. - -In a moment the Radio Boys were out of the fuselage and hurrying toward -the scene of commotion. - -As they neared the two, the girl gave a glad cry, wrenched her wrist -from the man who now seemed willing enough to release her and came -running toward them. - -“Oh, I am so glad you came,” she cried, the tears streaming down her -face. - -“What’s the trouble?” asked Phil. - -“It’s that man,” replied the girl. “I was walking along the road when he -stopped his car and asked me for some directions. I gave them to him and -then he wanted me to get into the car and take a ride with him. I had -never seen him in my life before and I refused and started to run. He -ran after me and caught my arm and tried to make me get in the car.” - -“That’s enough,” said Phil briefly. “Dick, just look after this young -lady for a moment.” - -He went up to the man who had been standing in a defiant attitude beside -his car, his cap drawn over his eyes. As Phil approached, the man looked -up and Phil recognized “Rocks” Gurney. - -“So you’re the cur that insulted this girl,” said Phil with cutting -scorn. - -Gurney flushed purple. - -“What’s that you called me?” he cried in a fury. “Take it back or it -will be the worse for you.” - -For answer Phil’s fist shot out and caught Gurney full on the point of -the jaw, and the latter measured his length in the dust of the road. - -He was up again in a moment, spluttering with rage, and made a rush at -Phil. The latter avoided the rush and met Gurney with a blow that jarred -him to his heels. Then for a few minutes they went at it hammer and -tongs. - -Gurney was a trifle heavier than Phil and two years older. But he was -dissipated and self-indulgent, and no match for the trained athlete he -was up against. Phil went round him like a cooper round a barrel, -avoiding his lunges and getting in his blows where they would do the -most good. In a few minutes the fight was over, and Gurney lay in the -road, half sobbing with shame and pain. - -“I guess that’ll be about all,” remarked Phil. “Now Gurney, get into -your car and drive wherever you like. Only get away quick.” - -“I’ll get even with you for this,” mumbled Gurney through his swollen -lips, as he climbed painfully into the machine. - -“I suppose you’ll try to,” answered Phil, “but that isn’t worrying me.” - -With an imprecation flung back over his shoulder, Gurney started off. -Phil watched him until the car was out of sight and then turned to Dick -and the girl. The latter was profuse in her thanks. They learned that -she lived only a little ways up the road in the direction opposite to -that in which Gurney had gone. They felt safe therefore, in leaving her, -and having said goodbye they climbed again into their machine and -mounted into the upper air. - -“You certainly trimmed him good and proper,” remarked Dick. - -“He had it coming to him,” replied Phil. “It was a sin and a shame -though,” he added with a grin, “to spoil such a gorgeous suit of -clothes. Did you see how he was dressed? Solomon in all his glory hadn’t -anything on him.” - -“That was a nifty car too,” said Dick. “What’s made him blossom out so -suddenly? A little while ago he was looking seedy. Now he seems to have -slathers of money. Where does he get it?” - -“Search me,” Phil answered carelessly. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - Crooked Work - - -“There!” exclaimed Phil, two days later straightening up, and wiping his -hands on a piece of cotton waste. “If that engine doesn’t tick like a -Swiss watch now, it won’t be our fault. It ought to make the run to -Texas without a miss.” - -“I’ve got a hunch it will,” said Dick, confidently. “Let’s see if we’ve -done everything now,” and he proceeded to count off the operations on -his fingers. “Scraped carbon out of cylinders; took up on main bearings -and big end bearings, overhauled oil pump and strainer, cleaned spark -plugs and timer points, put in new piston rings. Whew! Sounds like a lot -when you say it slow, doesn’t it?” - -“It seems to me it’s quite a lot no matter how you say it,” remarked -Tom, “but with an aeroplane, it certainly pays to have everything -right.” - -“You can bet it does,” said Phil, emphatically. “When you’re a thousand -or two feet up, it gives you a mighty comfortable feeling to know that -everything is in fine condition.” - -“And a mighty uncomfortable one if you think it isn’t,” supplemented -Tom, with a laugh. - -“I’ll say so!” agreed Phil. “But now that we’ve done so much work, let’s -take a trial flight. If we find everything O. K., we can start for Texas -early tomorrow morning. How does that sound?” - -“Great! Fine!” exclaimed his friends. - -“All right, then; hop in,” said Phil. “You spin her over, Dick, will -you?” - -“Sure thing,” acquiesced Dick. “Just say the word when you’re ready.” - -Phil climbed into the pilot’s seat, and Tom clambered in beside him. -Dick gave the big propeller a whirl, and the motor started with a roar. -Phil quickly throttled it down, and Dick cast off the holding ropes and -clambered to his seat. - -“The old motor sounds pretty sweet,” he yelled. - -Phil nodded his head, and after opening and closing the throttle a few -times to warm up the engine and test its response, he “gave it the gas” -and the plane glided forward over the green turf. - -Phil was just about to move the elevating controls when his action was -suddenly arrested by Dick’s voice in his ear. - -“Don’t go up, Phil,” he yelled, excitedly. “Something is wrong with the -guy wires. I saw one break just a second ago.” - -Phil closed the throttle, and the plane slowed down and came to rest. - -“You must be seeing things, Dick,” said Phil, twisting around in his -seat. “I tested out every wire in the machine a couple of days ago, and -they were all in fine condition.” - -“Well, I saw one break, just the same,” said Dick, positively. “We’d -better go over them all once more. It does seem queer, though.” - -“Well, accidents will happen,” said Phil, removing his goggles and -leather helmet. “Let’s have a look at the one that you saw snap, Dick. -Which was it?” - -“Just a second and I’ll show you,” replied Dick, leaping to the ground. -“It was this one over here,” and he picked up a long wire that was -trailing on the ground. - -Phil took the wire from him, and rapidly followed up its length until he -came to the loose end. - -What he found there made him emit a long whistle. - -“Say!” he exclaimed. “It’s no wonder this wire broke. It’s been filed -half through!” - -“Filed!” exclaimed Dick, seizing the wire from Phil, while Tom leaped to -the ground and came running around to where they stood. “It can’t be, -Phil. Who would have done such a thing as that?” - -“I don’t know, but just take a look at it,” said Phil. “You can see the -smooth part left by the file, and the rough surface where the wire -actually parted.” - -“Let’s see, Dick,” said Tom, and all three boys examined the broken wire -carefully. - -“You’re right, Phil; that was no accident,” was Dick’s verdict, and Tom -agreed with him. “There’s only one man I know that would be capable of -doing such a thing,” he added. - -Phil nodded his head. “Rocks Gurney,” he said, briefly. “You know after -that licking I gave him he swore to get even with me, and this is the -method he has used.” - -“Just like him, too,” exclaimed Dick, indignantly. “Why, if that stay -had broken while we were in the air, we’d have been in serious trouble.” - -“Luckily for us, he filed a bit too deep, and the stay broke sooner than -he thought it would,” said Phil. “The chances are he didn’t stop at just -that one, either. We’d better go over every bit of the machine, and see -if he’s monkeyed with anything else.” - -This they did, and it was not long before Tom discovered a deep nick in -another wire. In all they found five wires in different parts of the -machine that had been partially cut through, enough to have caused -disaster had they given way while the machine was in the air. - -“I’m going to make inquiries and find out if anybody around the house -has seen anything of Gurney or any other suspicious person lately,” said -Phil. “I don’t think the machine was tampered with during the night, -because the hangar is securely locked, and I didn’t notice anything -wrong when I opened up this morning.” - -The Strongs employed an old negro gardener, and when questioned he -remembered seeing somebody near the hangar the previous evening while -the family was at supper, but he thought it was some friend of the boys, -and had not paid much attention to him. - -“But didn’t you recognize him?” asked Phil. - -“Ah couldn’t rightly say Ah did,” said the old negro, doubtfully. “Ah -cain’t see much widout mah specs, but come to think of it, he looked -somethin’ like young Marse Gurney. It was gettin’ powerful dark, though, -an’ Ah ain’t sure.” - -“I guess your eyes didn’t fool you, Mose,” said Phil, grimly. “There’s -no doubt in my mind that it was Gurney, all right, but I suppose there’s -no way to prove it.” - -“Let’s hunt him up and accuse him of it,” exclaimed Tom, hotly. - -“Oh, what’s the use,” said Phil. “He’d only deny it, and we haven’t any -time to waste on him, anyway. It won’t take us long to replace the -wires, and we know everything else is all right, because we’ve just -finished overhauling them.” - -His friends reluctantly agreed to leave Gurney’s punishment to some -future date, and returned to the aeroplane. It was no great task to -renew the damaged wires and pull them taut with turnbuckles, and soon -the machine was as good as ever. After this, they started once more for -a trial flight, and this time nothing occurred to hinder them. The motor -worked beautifully, and the boys were delighted with its performance. - -“I told you those new piston rings would make a big improvement in the -motor,” said Dick. “I put the same kind in our automobile, and it made a -new car out of it.” - -“Yes, unless you’ve got good compression, you can’t get power,” agreed -Phil. “But I guess the machine is fit for anything, now. ‘Texas or bust -tomorrow.’ How about it?” - -“Bet your sweet life,” exclaimed Dick, and Tom was no less enthusiastic. -After a few more sweeping circles, Dick brought the aeroplane gently to -earth, and the boys proceeded to fill the gasoline and oil tanks, and -pack their traveling equipment aboard. - -The following morning they were up at daylight, and after a hearty -breakfast went out to the hangar, accompanied by their families, who had -all congregated at the Strong’s to see them off. The boys wheeled the -aeroplane out, and made a last inspection, to make sure that it had not -by any chance been tampered with during the night. Everything was just -as they had left it, however, and after saying good-bye the boys climbed -to their places. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - The Jaws of Death - - -A light breeze was already blowing, and amid cries of farewell and -encouragement from those on the ground the boys headed their aeroplane -into this and took off to a perfect start just as the rim of the morning -sun appeared over the horizon. The glorious beams flooded the beautiful -green landscape below them, and the boys felt a wonderful surge and -uplift of spirit that matched the upward flight of the aeroplane as it -climbed swiftly toward the clouds. Higher and higher they went, until -the little group of waving figures became mere dots, and then were -entirely lost to sight. - -The motor roared its rhythmic speed song as Phil opened the throttle bit -by bit, until their instruments registered an altitude of a thousand -feet and a speed of ninety miles an hour. This was not by any means the -maximum speed of which the machine was capable, but they were not out to -break speed records, and preferred to save both gasoline and excessive -wear on the engine. - -The light breeze with which they had started freshened after awhile, but -it was steady, and so did not interfere with their progress as an -unsteady, puffy breeze would have done. The sun climbed higher in the -heavens, but the wings of the plane protected them from the intensity of -its rays, and they could not have been more comfortable nor felt more -secure had they been seated in rocking chairs at home. - -After they had been traveling a few hours, however, the weather became -somewhat hazy, and suddenly, before Phil could change his course, they -had run into a solid bank of dense gray fog that shut off the genial -rays of the sun and sprinkled them liberally with moisture. - -“Good night!” exclaimed Dick. “I hope it doesn’t take us long to get out -of this, Phil. It’s as damp and cold as a vault.” - -“You don’t want to get out any more than I do,” returned Phil. “About -the only thing we can do is hold our course and hope that the fog belt -isn’t very wide. Chances are we’ll run out into the sunshine within a -few miles.” - -This prediction proved to be far too optimistic, however, for after they -had traveled half an hour the fog seemed even more dense than before, -and at last Phil decided to descend and try to get under it. Piloting an -aeroplane in a fog is almost as bad as trying to walk blindfolded on the -ground; one never knows what unexpected object he is going to collide -with. - -Phil’s instruments told him that he was several hundred feet above the -earth, but he knew that they were flying above hilly country, and it -does not take a very pretentious mountain to be five hundred or so feet -high. However, something must be risked in order to win clear of that -clammy, clinging fog, so Phil headed the plane steadily earthward. At -length the boys could see a lightening of the fog, upon which they all -gave three lusty cheers. A few moments later they swept out into -dazzling sunlight, but what they saw struck the shouts of gladness from -their lips. - -Directly in their line of flight towered a high and threatening wall of -rock, so close that Dick and Tom gripped the sides of the aeroplane with -every muscle tense, waiting for the crash to come. - -On every hand rose other jagged peaks, so that to veer away from that -grim wall ahead was useless, even had they had time. The last chance -left them was to rise—to soar up and over that formidable barrier of -weather-worn rock. To fail meant instant death against the cliff or -among the tumbled boulders at its base. - -Phil tugged desperately at the elevating controls, and opened the -throttle wide. The aeroplane responded instantly, sweeping up with a -rush and roar. But they were terribly close to the cliff now, and the -boys held their breath in an agony of suspense. Could the trusty machine -make it, or would their trip end so quickly in black tragedy? - -The cliff overhung at the top, and was fringed with a dense growth of -scrub and small trees. Had it not been for this they would probably have -won clear, but as it was, as they swept up, the wheels and framework -under the fuselage caught in the dense undergrowth, and the boys could -feel their speed suddenly slacken. The heavy pull underneath dragged the -nose of the machine down, which caused the propeller to become entangled -also. Phil tried desperately to get the machine clear of the tenacious -brush and creepers, but finally he saw that they were hopelessly -entangled. Fortunately, they were over the edge of the cliff, at any -rate, and on a small fairly level plateau at the top of the mountain. - -Phil shut off the motor, in order to keep the propeller from getting -broken, and the aeroplane crashed down among the bushes and floundered -to a standstill. - -The boys gazed ruefully at each other, and for a few moments no one -spoke. Then Phil climbed slowly from his seat, and dropped to the -ground, the others following suit. - -“We’re in a fine mess now,” he remarked. “It looks to me as though this -is about as near Texas as we get this trip.” - -“I don’t care,” said Tom, mopping big drops of perspiration from his -face. “I’m glad enough to be right here. I don’t mind admitting that I -thought we were all goners a few minutes ago. I don’t know yet how you -got us over the edge, Phil.” - -“Neither do I,” said Dick. “We must have gone pretty near straight up, -Phil, to do it.” - -“I guess we did,” nodded Phil. “It was the good old machine that did the -trick, though, not I. But never mind about that now. Who can tell me how -we’re going to get away from here?” - -“Is the machine damaged much?” inquired Dick. “I suppose we’d better -make an examination and find out what’s broken before we figure how to -get away.” - -Fortunately for the boys, the aeroplane had suffered only minor -injuries. Both rubber tires on the landing wheels were punctured, and -some of the framework supporting the wheels was badly bent, but there -was no damage done that they could not repair on the spot. - -“It might have been a lot worse,” said Phil, at length. “I guess we’d -better break out our axes and clear a space where we can work. After -we’ve fixed the machine, I don’t see anything for it but to chop a clear -space big enough to get started in. And that’s going to be some job, -too, believe me.” - -“It certainly looks as though it might be,” said Tom, gazing ruefully at -the tangle of bushes and vines. “But before we start in, why not have -something to eat. I’ve got a feeling that it’s way past lunch time right -now.” - -This suggestion met with instant approval, and they all ate with -appetites unimpaired by their recent narrow escape. Having finished, -they rested for a brief spell, and then, getting out their axes, -attacked the thick undergrowth in earnest. After an hour’s hard labor, -they had a space cleared under and around the aeroplane, and then -proceeded to straighten the bent framework and repair the tires. They -worked fast, and in a surprisingly short time had everything in good -shape. Then they turned their attention to clearing a path sufficiently -long to allow the aeroplane to gather speed for its take-off. But here -they found themselves in a quandary. Less than three hundred feet from -the edge of the precipice there were a number of large trees, and to cut -these down and level off the ground there was out of the question. -Toward the brink of the cliff there was only the underbrush, but to -take-off in that direction was perilous in the extreme. It meant heading -straight for the edge of the abyss, and what if the aeroplane could not -gather sufficient speed in that short distance to rise? In that event -they might plunge downward, and so meet the very death that they had so -lately avoided. - -They fell to work on the stubborn undergrowth, but although they worked -with desperate haste and energy, the sun was close to the horizon before -they were finally ready to take their hazardous start. - -“Well, fellows, I guess we’ve done all we can,” said Phil at length, -mopping at a countenance that was fiery red from sunburn and exertion. -“We’ve done our part, and now it’s up to the old machine. If it rises, -all right, if not—” he shrugged his shoulders. - -The boys climbed to their places in the machine with grave faces. Phil -ran the motor until it was thoroughly warm, and then, with lips grimly -set, opened the throttle. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - Deeds Of Darkness - - -Bushes and small trees in back of the machine were bent almost to the -ground by the force of the wind driven rearward by the propeller, and -the machine leaped ahead, bumping and swaying drunkenly over the uneven -ground. Bushes caught at the wide-spread wings, retarding their speed, -and the rough ground also hindered. As they approached the sheer edge of -the chasm, and the awful expanse of empty air was almost under their -wheels, Phil moved the elevating controls, but the aeroplane had not -gathered sufficient speed to rise. It shot out over the brink of the -abyss, the nose pointed downward, and with a tightening sensation around -their hearts the boys realized that they were falling into the dizzy -depths at sickening speed. - -For a few seconds the aeroplane dropped like a stone, with Phil fighting -to get control. The rocky floor of the canyon rushed up at them, but -just at the moment when it seemed as though they must strike, the -aeroplane flattened out, quivered and vibrated, and then swooped upward -into the rays of the setting sun. - -The genial rays of the luminary had never seemed so welcome to the three -Radio Boys, for they had steeled their hearts to meet death, and they -felt as a condemned prisoner must when a last minute reprieve arrives. - -For a time they flew in silence, each one thinking of this last narrow -escape, and breathing a prayer of thankfulness that they were still -alive and uninjured. - -“Phil, that’s twice you’ve pulled us out of the hole when it didn’t look -as though we had a chance,” said Dick, at last. “What I want to say is, -that you’re competent to handle an aeroplane, and no mistake.” - -“Aw, shucks,” said Phil; “either you or Tom would have done the same -thing. I came pretty near to shaving the tops off a few of those -boulders in that last dive, though. Another hundred feet, and our -troubles would all have been over.” - -“I’d just as soon keep my troubles for a while,” said Tom, with a feeble -effort at a joke. “They don’t bother me half as much as the thought of -smashing down on those rocks does.” - -“That goes for me, too,” said Dick. “But let’s let bygones be bygones. -We’re right here, scooting along at a fast clip, and not a scratch on -us. The question then arises, ‘where do we stop for the night’? It will -be pretty dark in another hour.” - -“I’m going to land at the first decent place I can find on the far side -of these hills,” said Phil. “I don’t feel any longing to land on top of -another mountain.” - -“You said it!” agreed Tom. “The mere thought of it makes me see double. -Land on the lowest place you can find on the map, Phil.” - -This was precisely what Phil intended to do, and it was not long before -the opportunity appeared. Passing over the last of the hill range, they -saw a level country spread out before them, which offered plenty of -ideal places to make a landing. Phil volplaned down until they were only -a hundred feet up, and then, selecting a smooth stretch of meadowland, -glided swiftly down to a perfect landing. - -“Wow!” exclaimed Tom, as he climbed out and stretched prodigiously. -“This looks a little better than our last landing place, fellows. I’m -going to break out some grub in short order, because this has been a -hard day, and I’m as hungry as a wolf.” - -This suited the others, too, and they all ate a hearty meal. Then they -stretched out under the wings of their trusty machine, and slept soundly -until awakened by the beams of the morning sun. - -They lost no time in getting started, as they were behind their schedule -owing to the mishaps of the day before. They spent an hour’s hard work -on the _Arrow_, putting fresh oil into the engine, turning down grease -cups, and testing the spark plugs. Then they packed up, Dick spun the -propeller over, and the motor took hold instantly. Dick clambered in, -and they soared aloft into the blue sky and gleaming sun. All day they -flew without mishap, Dick taking a spell at the controls during the -afternoon. They landed only once to replenish their gasoline and oil, -and eat lunch. That day they covered over eight hundred miles, and when -they landed for the night they figured that, barring accidents, they -would reach Laguna early the following morning. - -Steve had sent them a rough map showing the prominent landmarks in the -vicinity of the Rangers’ headquarters, and late in the forenoon they -picked up the first of these, a large, mushroom-shaped rock, projecting -forty feet from the level surface of the plain. Others followed in quick -succession, and it was not long before they descried the long, low -building, with the Stars and Stripes floating above it. The boys were -evidently expected, for they could see a number of men on the ground, -who, as they drew nearer, waved broad-brimmed sombreros and shouted. - -Phil, who was piloting the _Arrow_ at the time, circled once or twice -looking for a landing, and then, selecting a level stretch, landed -gently. - -The men who had been waving at them now ran in their direction, and as -the boys descended they had no difficulty in recognizing Steve among the -foremost. - -“Hi, yi!” yelled Steve, exuberantly. “Welcome to Laguna, you worthless -old mavericks! The boys never thought that you’d get here in that -overgrown kite, but I told ’em you’d get here if you had to tie a -balloon to it.” - -“Oh, nothing like that,” grinned Phil, “although a balloon might have -come in pretty handy at one time. But the old _Arrow_ usually gets where -its going pretty near on schedule time.” - -“Well, we’re all mighty glad to see you, anyway,” declared Steve, “step -up and I’ll introduce you to this bunch of Piute Indians that have the -nerve to call themselves Texas Rangers. They’re a terrible bunch, but -they all have one good point—they all hate greasers like poison.” - -After this foreword the Radio Boys were formally—or rather, -informally—introduced to all the Rangers who happened to be present, and -then they all gathered curiously about the aeroplane, and the boys had -to explain some of its mysteries to the interested Rangers. - -“That ought to put the fear of the Lord into them greasers, derned if it -shouldn’t,” remarked one tall and sunburnt fellow, whom the others -addressed simply as “Chips”. “They’ll think the great American Eagle has -sure got after them at last.” - -“Well, it’s pretty near time,” remarked another. “They’re sure gettin’ -peskier and meaner every day. We’re too blamed easy with them, that’s -the trouble.” - -The others seemed to be of the same opinion, and as they walked toward -headquarters, the boys heard more than one tale of looting and outrage, -that made them glad that they were to engage in the work of prevention -and punishment. - -“Captain Bradley will be glad to know you’ve arrived,” said Steve, after -they had reached the bunk house and had washed up. “He didn’t figure -you’d get here much before tonight or maybe tomorrow morning, and he’s -gone to Austin on some official business. We expect him back in a day or -so.” - -“Well, we can spend the time in getting acquainted,” said Phil. “I only -wish we had been here when you had the fight with those bandits that you -told us about by radio.” - -“I sure wish you had,” said Steve, “If we had that plane of yours then, -we’d probably have caught them. As it is, though, they seem to have got -away clean, and nobody’s seen or heard of them since. They’re bad -medicine, that gang.” - -“They’d give a lot to have their hands on them back in Castleton,” said -Dick. “We haven’t much doubt that the man with the scar that you saw is -the same who engineered the holdup in the bank, and if he is, he’s still -got nearly $40,000 of the bank’s money.” - -“Whew!” whistled Steve. “That’s some chunk of kale, isn’t it? If the -Mexicans will stay quiet for a while, we’ll get after that Murray bunch -in earnest. But of course, our first duty is to guard against the -greasers.” - -“Are they giving so much trouble at present, then?” queried Tom. - -“Trouble!” echoed Steve, “why, a Mex’s middle name is trouble. They’re -all bad, but some are ’specially bad. There’s one gang, headed by a -thieving, murdering son of a sea cook that they call Espato, that’s got -more poison in his make-up than a rattlesnake. We’ve all got scores to -pay off against him, but he’s a cunning devil, and so far, while we’ve -winged a number of his band, he’s always got off scot free. We’ll get -him yet, though,” and Steve’s fingers unconsciously sought and gripped -the butt of his revolver. - -“Tell ’em about how he shot up Jack Sanderson’s farm, Steve,” said -another of the Rangers, who was lounging nearby. - -“Yes, that was an especially bad case,” said Steve, with a dark frown on -his sunburnt countenance. “This Espato and his gang picked out an -especially dark night a few weeks ago, crossed the border, and -surrounded Sanderson’s farmhouse so quietly that nobody in the place -dreamed that there was a Mex within ten miles of them. Some of them -sneaked up to the barn and set it on fire, and when the people in the -house saw the flames, of course, they rushed out to try and save the -barn. As they ran out of the house, the Greasers picked them off one by -one—wiped out the whole family. Then they looted the house, and set that -on fire, too. And if we ever get our hands on the murdering -gang—well....” Steve did not finish the sentence, but his silence was -more eloquent than words. - -“There’s nothing would be too bad for them!” exclaimed Dick, hotly. “I -suppose they got away before you fellows got news of the raid, eh?” - -“Yes, they made for the border lickety spit. Of course, after we got the -news, we set off after them, but they had too much of a start, and had -reached their mountains before we could overtake them. Once there, it’s -hopeless to chase them any further—for, horsemen, anyway. That flying -machine of yours might have better luck, though.” - -“The varmints hole down in them mountains, and it would take an army to -locate them,” explained the other Ranger. “There’s caves and passes that -only they know anything about.” - -“It’s just possible that we might come at them from air, though, as -Steve says,” remarked Phil. “You can see a pretty big stretch of country -when you’re up five or six hundred feet.” - -“Gosh, it’s a great sensation,” said Steve, “will you give me a ride -some day, Phil? It’s a long time since I’ve had one.” - -“Surest thing you know,” promised the young aviator. “I’ll do a few tail -spins and nose dives while you’re along, just so you’ll really enjoy the -trip.” - -“Nothing doing,” declared Steve, emphatically. “It will suit me if you -keep on just an even keel. I don’t crave to imitate a pinwheel, not -nohow.” - -Phil was about to make a laughing rejoinder, when suddenly there was a -commotion outside, and a tall, handsome man, dressed in military -fashion, strode into the room. - - - - - CHAPTER X - - Flight and Pursuit - - -The Rangers all scrambled to their feet, and after Captain Bradley had -asked a few questions and given some directions Steve introduced the -Radio Boys to him. - -“Here are the aviators I told you I was going to enlist, Captain,” said -Steve. “They just landed a few hours ago.” - -“Good enough,” said the leader, heartily, and he shook hands with each -in turn. “You’re a mighty welcome addition to our force. We’ve got -plenty of work cut out for you, too.” - -“We’ll do our best to make good,” said Phil. “After some of the stories -we’ve heard about these cowardly raiders, we’ll be glad to go on the -warpath any time you say.” - -“That’s the spirit,” said the Captain, approvingly. “You’d better spend -the next few days in getting acquainted and learning something of the -country, though. I suppose your plane will require some attention after -such a long drill, too.” - -“I wouldn’t be surprised if we could find something to do on it,” -grinned Phil. “We like to keep it in good shape, and Dick here is a -regular bug. He can worry more about a thousandth of an inch play in a -bearing than anyone else I know.” - -“Well, it’s best to be on the safe side,” said Captain Bradley. “I -understand from Steve that your plane is equipped with a wireless set, -too.” - -“Yes, sir, we put that on after we decided to join the Rangers,” said -Phil. - -“You can join right now, if you want to,” said the Captain heartily. -“That’s entirely up to you, though, you know.” - -“The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned,” said Phil, glancing at -his friends, who both nodded. “I guess we’re ready if you are, sir.” - -“Fine!” exclaimed the Captain. “Quick action is what we like around -here. Come on over to my shack.” - -Fifteen minutes later the boys had taken the oath, and were duly -inducted into the Texas Rangers. They were supplied with the usual -outfit of khaki shirt and trousers, high-laced boots, and broad-brimmed -sombrero. These clothes set off their athletic young figures to fine -advantage, and the Captain inwardly congratulated himself on this -addition to his forces. - -The following days were busy ones for the Radio Boys. The Rangers were -all crack shots with rifle and revolver, and daring and expert horsemen. -The boys had had comparatively little experience in either of these -exercises, but it was not long before they could ride and shoot in a -manner to win words of commendation from the hardy men of the plains. - -“That’s purty dern good shootin’”, remarked one old timer, as he watched -Phil riddle a condensed milk can at a hundred paces. “’Pears to me, -though, that that can would look better if it didn’t have no cover on -it. Let’s have your rifle, young feller, an’ I’ll see if I can take it -off.” - -Lifting the rifle to his shoulder, he fired three times in rapid -succession, and the cover went spinning into the sand, neatly severed -from the rest of the can. - -“Good night!” exclaimed Tom, “that would be a good way to open a can if -you were in a hurry.” - -“Some shooting,” said Phil admiringly. - -“Show him the poker chip trick, Dan,” grinned Steve. “Here’s a few I -happened to have in my pocket.” - -Taking the chips, Dan drew his revolver, and tossed five chips into the -air. His revolver barked five times, and the five chips were shattered -into fragments. - -“How do they do it?” exclaimed Dick, amazed. “How long did you have to -try before you could do that, Dan?” - -“It’s all a matter of practice, I reckon,” said the other. “If you stay -out here long, you’ll learn to do the same thing. When your life’s apt -to depend on your quick shootin’, you don’t waste any time learnin’ -how.” - -In addition to riding and shooting, the boys took many flights over the -surrounding country, accompanied by Steve or one of the other Rangers -who was thoroughly familiar with the country. They soon had acquired a -good working knowledge of the surrounding territory, and all felt -competent to do useful service if called upon. - -Nor was their opportunity long in coming. Early one morning one of the -patrol riders came dashing into camp, leaped from his horse, and dashed -into Captain Bradley’s bungalow. A border town had been raided by the -Mexicans the previous night. The citizens had put up a desperate fight, -but they were far outnumbered, and during the battle several were -killed. Fires were set at different points, and in the resultant -confusion the guerrillas made their escape, taking two girl prisoners -with them. - -As soon as the camp heard this news, all was bustle and preparation. -Word was sent out for the Radio Boys to report at Captain Bradley’s -office immediately. - -They found the Ranger leader pacing up and down the small room, a grim -and relentless expression on his face. - -He spoke in curt, incisive tones. - -“I want you fellows to locate those desperados and, if possible, find -out where they go,” he ordered. “They’ve got a big lead over us, and our -chances of catching them on horseback or even with automobiles is small. -But with your aeroplane you may be able to succeed where we would not. -And above all things, we want to get those two girls back. Let that be -your first duty. You can start at once, can’t you?” - -“Yes, sir,” said Phil. “We’re ready, and so is the machine.” - -“Good!” exclaimed Bradley. “If you travel almost due south, you’ll be -the most likely to pick up their trail. Do your best, and luck be with -you.” - -The boys saluted, and hurried out, breaking into a run as soon as they -were in the open. - -“We’re off, Steve,” shouted Phil, as they passed their friend. - -“So are we,” said Steve, as he threw a saddle onto his horse’s back. -“But you’ve got a big advantage over us. Go to it, though, we’ll all be -rooting for you. I only wish I were going with you.” - -The boys wheeled the _Arrow_ out of the rude shed that had been -constructed for it. They had no need to make an inspection, for they had -been over everything the previous afternoon, and knew that everything -was as it should be. Phil and Tom leaped into their places, Dick spun -the propeller, and as the engine took hold, leaped to one side and -scrambled aboard as the plane began to gather headway. Amid the cheers -of the Rangers they roared along the ground and then soared swiftly -aloft to begin the most exciting flight they had ever known. - -They climbed steadily, holding a southerly course as Captain Bradley had -directed. Far away they could see a blotch of smoke, and they headed for -this, rightly conjecturing that it marked the site of the raided town. -Phil opened the throttle, and the _Arrow_ sped with breath-taking speed -through the crisp morning air. - -In a few minutes they had covered the distance that it would have taken -a horse hours to traverse. Arrived over the town, they could see the -hills in the distance toward which the raiders were probably at that -moment travelling. They could make out a deep cleft between two -mountains, and Phil decided to head toward that, as it was probably a -pass through which the Mexicans would have to go. - -Phil let the _Arrow_ out at full speed, and at the same time swooped -earthward, the better to see objects on the ground. The brown desert had -given way to green vegetation, and still they had seen no sign of the -raiders, when Tom, who was scanning the earth through a strong pair of -field glasses, uttered a cry. - -“There they are, Phil,” he shouted, “Bear a little to the right, and -we’ll soon be right over them.” - -Phil shifted his lateral controls, and in a few moments he and Dick -could see the column of raiders without the aid of glasses. The raiders -saw them, too, and there were wild shouts and gesticulations in the -cavalcade as the boys swooped down close to it. They could plainly see -the two girls, who were mounted on two mules. The girls realized that -the aeroplane must contain their countrymen, and stretched up imploring -arms toward it. But it would have been madness for the boys to attempt a -rescue in broad daylight against such overwhelming numbers, and they had -to content themselves with keeping track of the cavalcade. - -The bandits were panic stricken under this surveillance, and hastened -their progress as much as possible, heading for the gap in the hills -that the boys had previously noted. Toward evening the bandits passed -through this gap, and laid their course for a tall mountain a few miles -from it. Through the field glasses the boys could see them winding up a -path, and finally saw them disappear in what seemed to be a big cave in -the side of the mountain. Several remained outside evidently as -sentries, and to deceive these, the boys turned about and headed north, -toward Laguna, as though giving up the chase for the night. - -But this was far from being their intention. After carefully locating -the cave, the boys flew about ten miles, and then descended on a level -place to eat supper and hold a council of war. - -“My idea is this,” said Phil. “Let’s wait until after dark, and then fly -to the foot of that mountain and land. I noticed a fine level place -there, and I think I can find it again, even after dark. Then, we’ll -leave the plane there, and creep up to the camp. Once there, we’ll have -to see how things look, and plan accordingly. We’ve got to get those -poor girls away from them, some way or other.” - -“You bet,” said Dick. “It certainly hurt to have to leave them this -morning. I guess we’re about their last chance, for they can expect no -mercy from Espato.” - -Night descended quickly, and after a hasty inspection of their firearms -the boys climbed aboard the _Arrow_, and started on their mission of -rescue. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - Desperate Chances - - -They flew slowly, so as to make as little noise as possible, but it was -not long before they spied several twinkling camp-fires shining against -the black background of the mountain. The bandits were drinking and -carousing, and, having convinced themselves that the aeroplane had -returned to civilization, they were not keeping much of a lookout. A -brisk breeze was whistling through the pine trees, and this, together -with the noise of their revelry effectually prevented them from hearing -the exhaust of the aeroplane. - -Taking no chances, Phil shut off the motor while they were still some -distance away, and volplaned silently down. When they were close to the -ground, and below the level of the cave, Dick switched on their powerful -searchlight, and with its aid they made a safe though bumpy landing. - -And now the time had come for utmost caution. They were on the enemy’s -ground, and capture would mean not only their own deaths but those of -the two girls as well. - -Silently as shadows the three friends climbed up the steep slope of the -mountain, guided by the distant flicker of the camp fires through the -trees. Soon they had reached a place where, peering through a screen of -trees and underbrush, they commanded a full view of the Mexicans’ -encampment. - -The black mouth of a giant cave yawned against the side of the mountain, -and in front of this was a broad level space, on which grew a few -straggling trees. The clearing was bounded on all sides by dense forest, -and afforded an excellent hiding place for evil-doers. - -Three great fires roared and crackled in this clearing, and about these -the bandits sprawled, some eating, others drinking, gesticulating and -swearing. The Radio Boys looked anxiously for the two girls, and were -not long in discovering them. The Mexicans had bound them to the largest -of the trees growing in the clearing, so tightly that they could not -move hand or foot. They were in the full glare of the fire, so that the -boys had to bide their time until the bandits should tire of their -carousal and go to sleep, allowing the fires to die down. - -About ten o’clock the moon arose and this added to the boys’ -difficulties, for as it climbed higher in the heavens it lit up the -whole landscape, making it almost as light as day and rendering -concealment difficult. - -With what patience they could muster, the boys waited for the raiders to -quiet down. At last, rendered unconscious by their potations, the -bandits one after another dropped into drunken slumber. The fires died -down, and now the time for action had arrived. - -Between the forest and the trees to which the two girls were bound there -lay a clear space some thirty feet wide, and to cross this meant to run -a fearful risk of detection. Fortunately, however, the moon was obscured -at intervals by clouds scudding before it, and the boys waited until the -dark shadow of a cloud crept over the clearing, and then crept silently -forth from their concealment. - -A low moan came from the tree where the girls were tied, not one of the -bandits having taken the thought or trouble to loosen their bonds. Phil -drew his sharp hunting knife in readiness to cut the ropes that held -them, but the three boys had hardly crossed half the open space before -the moon began to emerge from behind the cloud. - -“Lie down, fellows, quick!” hissed Phil, and threw himself flat on the -ground. The others did likewise, but had one of the Mexicans wakened at -that time, they would certainly have been discovered. Fortunately, the -raiders were so intoxicated that even the sentry had fallen into a heavy -drunken stupor. The boys lay tense, ready at the first alarm to rush to -the girls, cut their bonds, and then dash for the aeroplane. But as yet -they were undiscovered, and after what seemed an age of waiting, another -cloud crept over the moon. - -Scarcely had its shadow encompassed them, than the boys were on their -feet, gliding toward the unfortunate captives. The girls did not know of -their presence until they felt their bonds fall away as keen-edged -knives undid the Mexicans’ brutal work. - -“Don’t cry out,” whispered Phil. “We are friends, and are here to get -you away.” - -The poor girls were so exhausted that when their bonds fell away they -sank to the ground, almost incapable of movement. This was something the -boys had not foreseen, but this was no time for hesitation. Phil glanced -up toward the moon, and saw that the cloud was already beginning to thin -and shred away. - -“You take one, Dick, and I’ll take the other,” whispered Phil, “you go -ahead, Tom, and break a path for us through the woods.” - -Stooping, he took one of the exhausted girls in his arms, and made for -the concealment of the forest, closely followed by Dick with the other -girl. - -Before they could reach the friendly shelter of the trees, however, one -of the bandits turned over restlessly, sat up, and rubbed his eyes. The -vacant look turned to one of surprise as he caught sight of the -Americans, who were quite close to him. He sprang to his feet, but -before he could utter a cry of warning Tom leaped at him like a panther, -and struck him a stunning blow with the butt of his revolver. The man -sank to the ground, and Tom hastened after the others, who by now had -reached the welcome shadows of the forest. - -Here progress was slow. Branches and creepers tore at and clung to them, -but they kept doggedly on, spurred on by the knowledge that the man whom -Tom had felled might regain consciousness at any moment and give the -alarm. They had covered about half the distance to the plane, when there -was a wild shout from the raiders’ camp, and a bullet whizzed through -the branches above them. Other voices took up the cry, and soon the boys -could hear men crashing through the forest behind them. - -Roused by the sounds of pursuit, the girls regained some of their -strength, and insisted that they could run, so the boys set them down. -They were still weak, but struggled bravely down the steep -mountain-side, assisted by the boys. Progress was slow, though, and they -realized that their pursuers were gaining. - -“Wait!” commanded Phil, as bullets began whistling uncomfortably close. -“We’ll give them a taste of their own medicine.” He drew his revolver, -as did the others, and they emptied them in the direction of the -pursuing Mexicans. Yells and cries of pain came from the raiders, and -the boys knew that their bullets had found a mark. The pursuers -hesitated, and taking advantage of this momentary respite, the boys -plunged forward again. - -They knew that they must be close to their plane by this time, but now -the bandits, only momentarily checked, had resumed the pursuit, urged on -by the cries of their leader. By the time the little party reached the -plane, the Mexicans were close at their heels, and had they not been -such poor marksmen the Americans would have had little chance of escape. -Bullets clipped the bushes on every side of them, for the moon lit up -the clearing where they had left the plane so that it was almost as -bright as day. - -Phil and Dick caught up the girls, and raced across the clearing to the -plane. They had barely reached it, when the bandits came swarming out of -the forest, yelling and cursing. - -“Quick, fellows!” exclaimed Phil, “Spin the propeller, Tom, and you get -the girls in, Dick. If the engine balks, we’re done for.” - -But in this time of deadly peril the aeroplane responded nobly. At the -first whirl of the propeller the engine took hold with a roar, and Tom -leaped for the fuselage as the aeroplane started to move. The Mexicans -were daunted a moment by the noise of the engine, but then, urged on by -their leader, they rushed forward again. - -The aeroplane was headed toward them, gathering speed with every turn of -the powerful propeller. The bandits scattered to either side, but as the -aeroplane left the ground, one, more courageous than his companions, -leaped for the fuselage. He knew nothing of that powerful propeller, -backed up by the might of six roaring cylinders. As he leaped the -whirling blades caught him fair, and sheared his head from his -shoulders. - -The shock was hardly felt in the plane, but Phil glanced over the side, -and as he saw the headless trunk drop to the ground, he shuddered. He -knew that the rascal deserved his fate, however, and wasted little -sympathy on him. Other things occupied his mind, for they were still in -danger, as the bandits fired a fusillade after them, some of the bullets -even tearing through the wings. But the powerful machine was ascending -at the rate of seven hundred feet a minute, and they were soon far -beyond the reach of their baffled enemies. - -Phil switched on the little lights over the instruments, and when he had -attained a height of a thousand feet, set out for the Ranger’s camp at a -speed of ninety miles an hour. - -“You’d better send them a radio that we’re coming,” yelled Phil to Dick, -“it will help us to land if they show some flares.” - -“All right,” nodded Dick, and started clicking at his key. He knew that -Steve would probably be at his instrument, waiting for some news from -them, nor was he mistaken. Hardly had he finished sending Steve’s call -when he got a reply, and then for fifteen minutes the man on the ground -and the one a thousand feet up in the dark night exchanged questions and -answers almost as readily as though they had both been seated in the -same room. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - From Savage Clutches - - -“Steve says he’ll set some flares right away,” shouted Dick in Phil’s -ear, and the latter nodded. - -“We ought to be pretty nearly there,” he said, and had hardly ceased -speaking when several bright lights flamed out from the darkness almost -directly below them. - -“Whoa!” exclaimed Phil, “we pretty near ran past our station that time. -It’s a good thing that Steve was on the job.” - -He shut off the engine, and started down in narrowing circles. Now that -they could make themselves heard, the two girls started to pour out -their gratitude to their rescuers, but before the embarrassed boys could -answer they were going down so fast that conversation ceased for the -time being. The girls gripped wildly at the sides of the car, and -screamed as the wheels bumped the ground. - -In a second the aeroplane was surrounded by excited Rangers, who lifted -the girls out, and hoisted the Radio Boys joyously onto broad shoulders. -It was a real triumphal procession that marched back to headquarters, -where Captain Bradley awaited them. - -“Boys, you’ve certainly proved that you can deliver the goods,” he -exclaimed, his usual reserve cast to the winds in the excitement of the -moment. “And how are your pretty passengers?” he added, as the two girls -were ushered in by admiring but somewhat bashful Rangers. - -“Thanks to these young men and their aeroplane, we are all right,” -answered the elder of the two, Alice Brady. “They snatched us right out -from under the noses of the Mexicans, when we had given up all hope of -ever getting away from them.” - -“Tell us about it,” directed the Captain, “I know I’d never get half the -story from Strong and his friends. They’re too modest.” - -“Oh, we just did what we were sent to do,” muttered Phil, uncomfortably; -“any of the rest of the bunch would have done the same thing if they’d -been in our places.” - -“You keep quiet,” ordered the Captain, with twinkling eyes, “let the -young ladies have their say.” - -The young ladies had their say, and painted their rescue in glowing -colors. When they had finished, Captain Bradley nodded. - -“I guess I sent the right men for the job, all right,” he remarked. “You -couldn’t have done better, and the Rangers are proud of you.” - -And the boys soon found that this was no idle phrase. The Rangers _were_ -proud of them, and were not backward in letting them know it. The Radio -Boys had won a secure place for themselves in the esteem of these daring -frontiersmen, which further acquaintance only served to strengthen. - -The Rangers took an added interest in the _Arrow_ from that time on, and -whenever the boys were working on it, they always had an interested -audience. After their return with the two girls they had had -considerable trouble patching the wings, where they had been torn by the -Mexicans’ bullets, but at last succeeded in getting everything in fine -shape again. - -“Them Greasers is sure poor shots,” commented Dan, as he viewed the -aeroplane critically the day after the boys’ triumphant return. “Ef -they’d been anyway decent shots, they’d sure have drilled a hole or two -in that thar gasoline tank, and then you’d have been out o’ luck.” - -“You can bet we were thinking of that all the time we were going up,” -grinned Phil. “It was pretty dark, though, and we were moving kind of -fast.” - -“I’ve got to admit I didn’t take a heap of stock in what that machine -could do, when you fellers first landed here,” observed Chip, who was -cleaning and oiling his revolvers. “I gotta take off my lid to it now, -though. Looks to me as though I’d orter sell my cayuse now, and rustle -me one of them aryplanes.” - -“Huh!” snorted Dan, “you’d bust the critter clean to bits the fust time -you tried to land it. We’d have to collect your remnants with a broom -an’ shovel.” - -“I reckon you think you’d jest have to step in an’ say ‘giddap’ to it, -an’ it would up an’ fly like that there flyin’ horse that the college -sharp was tellin’ us about one time,” retorted Chip. “I might have a -chance to learn how, but you’re too old to learn them new tricks, Dan.” - -“Mebbe so, mebbe so,” said the other. “I’ll stick to my pinto awhile -yet, anyways. He spied a rattlesnake the other day, and blamed if he -didn’t jump almost as high as that machine kin fly. That pony could give -points to a jack rabbit when it comes to jumpin’.” - -“Some day I’ll take you up for a flight, Dan, if you think you’d like to -try it,” offered Phil. - -“Nary flight, thanks just the same,” said Dan, shaking his grizzled -head. “I’ll stick to hosses awhile yet, when I want to go anywhere. They -ain’t as fast, but still I’ve got a pretty good idea what they’re goin’ -to do next, and I wouldn’t have in that aryplane.” - -“Go on, Dan, take a chance,” urged Steve, a mischievous light in his -eyes, “You can’t any more than get killed, anyway.” - -But the old plainsman was obdurate, and could never be persuaded to set -foot in the machine. But there was no lack of passengers, nevertheless, -for most of the men were only too glad to take a trial flight when -opportunity offered. - -In the meantime, the Mexicans continued to give trouble at different -places along the border, although more than once the boys, patrolling in -their machine, detected raiding bands and gave warning in neighboring -towns so that the raiders’ reception was considerably warmer than they -had anticipated. A number had been captured, and from them it was -learned that the Radio Boys had incurred the undying hatred of Espato -and his band, who had sworn to kill them. - -“Threatened people live long,” quoted Phil, when he heard of this. - -“You said it,” agreed Dick. “I never thought that Espato would love us -for what we did to his gang.” - -“They’d probably kill anybody they got hold of, whether he’d ever done -anything to them or not,” observed Tom. “I guess with the help of the -old _Arrow_ we can do him more harm than he can us, anyway.” - -When this conversation took place, the boys were gathered in Steve’s -radio shack, whither they had repaired with the intention of trying to -get in touch with Dr. Denby at Castleton. - -“My set is no great shakes,” apologized Steve, “but under favorable -conditions, I think we can reach your town, all right. It did once, -you’ll remember.” - -“I’ll have a try at it, anyway, if you don’t mind,” said Phil, and -seated himself at the key. - -B-z-z-z, whir-r went the motor-generator, as its first low hum mounted -in tone to a strident whine, and the blue sparks crackled from the -aerial. Time and again Phil called Dr. Denby’s signal, but it was not -until he was almost ready to give up in despair that he at last got an -answer in the earphones. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - Gun Play - - -“Good!” exclaimed Phil, as he recognized Doctor Denby’s sending. For -some time he and the Doctor exchanged news, and while Dick and Tom and -Steve waited with what patience they could muster to learn what it was -all about. At last Phil swung away from the key, took the head set from -his ears, and mopped at a perspiring brow. - -“Whew!” he exclaimed, as he switched off the generator, “that’s pretty -hot work for a night like this. I wish I could jump into a nice cold -bathtub right now.” - -“If you’d talked there much longer, we’d have hunted one up an’ thrown -you in,” said Dick. “What’s all the news from home, anyway?” - -“Why, they don’t seem to be any nearer to getting the $40,000 back than -they were when we left,” said Phil, ignoring Dick’s threat. “Mr. Denby -says that ‘Rocks’ Gurney left town day before yesterday, and nobody -seems to know where he’s disappeared to.” - -“Left town, eh?” said Tom, thoughtfully. “I wonder where he’s bound -for.” - -“Probably thought it would be safer to light out before somebody -arrested him on suspicion,” suggested Dick. - -“He’ll get his some day, though,” remarked Steve. “There are plenty of -bad men in this part of the country that get away with murder for a -while, but they generally get theirs in the end.” - -“It doesn’t always work that way, though,” said Dick, with mock -seriousness. “Look at the fierce jokes that Tom has gotten away with, -and he seems to be as far from punishment as ever.” - -“Oh, it’s punishment enough to have to tell good jokes to an -unappreciative gink like you,” retorted Tom. “You wouldn’t know a good -joke if it came up and shook hands with you.” - -“Maybe not,” agreed Dick, “I hear so few good ones, that I can’t say I’m -an expert at recognizing them.” - -“How about that one I told you the other day, about the Irishman that -fell off the scaffold?” asked Tom, in an injured tone. “Didn’t you even -like that one?” - -“Well, it wasn’t so bad,” conceded Dick. “It was a little better than -most of them, anyway.” - -“Tell it again, and I’ll be umpire,” laughed Steve. “I’m willing to take -a chance on anything once.” - -“Well, it seems this Irishman was standing on a scaffolding, laying -bricks,” commenced Tom, “and while thinking of something else he stepped -back a little too far, and fell off. He landed with an awful thud, and a -friend who happened to be near ran to his assistance. - -“‘Mike, me poor bye, are yez dead?’ he asked. - -“Mike’s eyelids fluttered. ‘Oi am,’ he said. - -“‘Shure, and Oi think you’re lyin,’ said Pat. - -“‘That proves Oi’m dead,’ says Mike, ‘fer if Oi wuz alive, you’d be -scared to call me a liar.’” - -The boys could not help laughing, and Steve expressed his belief that -the story was O. K. - -“I don’t think your jokes are half as bad as these two Indians say they -are,” declared Steve. - -“They couldn’t be half as bad as that,” said Tom, laughing ruefully. -“They’d be terrible jokes if they were.” - -“Well, you can try it on the rest of the gang, if you want to take a -chance,” said Steve. “You’ve got to be mighty sure a joke’s good, -though, before you spring it on them. They’re all pretty handy with a -six-shooter, you know.” - -“I’ll risk it,” said Tom, “let’s go over to the bunkhouse, and I’ll give -them all a treat.” - -While they were strolling over, Phil gave them all the other news that -he had received from Doctor Denby. All the home folks were well, and -Dick’s father had so far recovered from the bullet wound as to have -resumed his duties in the bank. The detectives who had been employed to -catch the hold-up gang had been foiled at every turn, and now it seemed -unlikely that the robbers would be captured and the money recovered. The -Radio Boys, however, still believed that the man with the scar, whom -Steve had noticed during the brush with the desperados, would prove to -be the notorious Murray. If that were the case, and he were still in the -Rangers’ territory, the boys still had hopes of coming across him. - -When the boys entered the bunkhouse, they were greeted heartily by all -the Rangers who happened to be in the building. - -“Here’s somebody that’s going to tell us some swell jokes, fellows,” -said Steve. “Light up your pipes and listen. He’s got a large variety, -and they’re all good.” - -Shouts of approbation greeted this announcement, and for once in his -life Tom found what he had longed for so often—an appreciative audience. -Without having to be coaxed too much, he told about all the jokes he -could think of, and they were all rewarded with laughter and applause. - -When he had at last reached the end of his stock of humorous anecdotes -he was voted the best story teller in camp. - -“I’d ruther listen to them funny stories of yourn than any of those -vaudeville sharps I’ve heard in town,” remarked Dan. “Most o’ them are -about as funny as a funeral bell.” - -“Well, I’m glad you liked my jokes,” said Tom, with a meaning glance at -Dick and Phil. “Some people are so pig-headed that they won’t admit a -story is funny just on principle.” - -“I guess you haven’t been to many shows, have you, Dan?” asked Phil. - -“Huh!” snorted the old plainsman. “They’re all fakes, anyhow. I rec’lect -one I went to, where the feller was supposed to shoot at the keys of a -piano and play a tune on it. Waal, it seems this feller had a partner, -and he’d stay behind the scenes and play each note hisself, while the -feller out in front with the gun was only firin’ off blanks. This yere -plan worked perfect for a while, but then these short horns had some -kind of a fallin’ out, and the feller that hit the notes on the piano -decides to double-cross his pal. Which this happens the same night I -sees this show in Tucson. - -“Waal, at first everything goes off accordin’ to Hoyle, and the sharp -with the gun plays the tune on the piano as usual. But when he stops -shootin’, the piano kep’ on playin’ jest the same. It was real funny at -first, but after a while some of the boys gets kind of peevish at the -way they’ve been took in right along.” - -“What happened then?” asked Phil, as Dan stopped to light his pipe. - -“Waal, a whole lot happened pretty pronto,” replied the other. “Fust -thing you know, some impulsive maverick near the front of the theatre -pulls his six-gun, an’ ’lows he’ll try his hand at playin’ a tune on the -piano. This seems to be a good idea to lots o’ the others, and they -tries long and earnest to get a tune out o’ that unfortunate -instrooment, but by the time they gets through they ain’t much left of -it but splinters. Howsumever, we all figgered that the show had been -wuth the price o’ admission, and we filed out contented an’ happy.” - -“It must have been a nice pleasant evening,” said Steve, laughing with -the others. “How many people were killed, Dan?” - -“Nary one,” replied that individual, knocking the ashes out of his pipe. -“When the first gun went off, most of the audience that ain’t carryin’ -armament ducks under the seats, and stays there snug an’ quiet until the -gun play is over. But it’s gettin’ kind o’ late, an’ I’m goin’ to pound -my ear. You mavericks kin stay up all night if you wants to, but not for -me.” - -“I guess we’d better all turn in,” said Phil, as there was a general -move toward retirement. “We’ve got to go on a long flight tomorrow, you -know, so it won’t hurt us to get a good night’s sleep.” - -The Radio Boys were up at dawn the next morning, giving the _Arrow_ a -last inspection before starting. Captain Bradley had directed them to -fly some hundred miles into the interior in order to discover, if -possible, the hiding place of Espato’s band. It was a mission fraught -with peril, and the boys realized the seriousness of their commission. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - Aerial Scouting - - -“I guess we’re all set,” said Phil, after giving one last twist to a -turnbuckle. “The machine is in first class shape, and we ought to make -the trip without any trouble. How is the radio outfit, Dick? Seem to be -working all right?” - -“Fine as silk,” answered his friend. “This set is a pippin, Phil, let me -tell you. It may be small, but it certainly can deliver the goods.” - -“Well, that’s what we want,” nodded Phil. “I guess we didn’t make any -mistake when we bought it. It came rather high, but a set like that is -cheap at any price.” - -“I’ll say it is,” agreed Tom, as he climbed into his seat. “Our lives -are apt to depend on that set more than once before we get through.” - -Phil nodded, and climbed into the pilot’s seat. Dick gave the big -propeller a spin, and amid the cheers of the Rangers who happened to be -off duty and had gathered to see them start, they shot up into the -sun-drenched atmosphere. - -It was a glorious day for flying. The air was clear as crystal, and the -boys had a view of the surrounding country that was nothing short of -magnificent. Below them stretched and wound the silver ribbon of the Rio -Grande, while far in the distance they could see the shimmer and glint -of the Gulf of Mexico. - -The exhilaration of flight went to their heads like wine, and as they -swooped through the bracing air they shouted and sang, oblivious of the -perils that in all probability awaited them. They were young and life -was sweet, and the prospect of danger and adventure was a thing to be -welcomed rather than dreaded. - -Dick and Tom took turns at the wireless apparatus, keeping in touch with -Steve and the camp as long as possible. But gradually the signals became -fainter and fainter, and before long they were beyond their sending -range, although they could still hear Steve. - -“Can’t hear you any more,” clicked Steve, at length. “I’ll go and report -to Captain Bradley. So long, and good luck.” - -Now Dick and Tom exchanged their headsets for powerful field glasses, -and swept the country below them for any sign of Espato and his band. -They flew first to the cave from which they had rescued the two girls, -but there was no sign of life about it, and indeed, they had hardly -expected to find any, for the wily bandit would not be likely to use -that place again after he knew that its location was known to the -Americans. - -However, the boys had the advantage of knowing that the bandit’s main -stronghold was probably on the continuation of a line drawn from Laguna -to the scene of the rescue, as the Mexicans had travelled in that -direction continually after leaving American soil. - -“Let’s land here and see what that cave looks like inside,” shouted -Phil, and as this suited the others, too, he pointed the nose of the -aeroplane downward, and they made a landing on the level plateau in -front of the cave. - -“Suppose you stay with the machine, Dick, and keep a sharp lookout, -while Tom and I look around inside,” said Phil. “It might be a good idea -to keep the engine running, so that we can make a quick getaway if we -have to.” - -“Well, just as you say,” agreed Dick, a little reluctantly. “It’s right -enough that somebody should stay outside with the machine, though.” - -Phil left the motor turning over slowly, and he and Tom, with revolver -in one hand and little electric flashlight in the other, stepped warily -from the brilliant sunshine outside to the damp gloom of the big cave. - -But they found little to reward them for their trouble. The floor of the -cave was littered with old cans and broken cooking utensils, and bore -other signs of having been used extensively by the bandits. There was -nothing to give the boys a clue to the where-abouts of the main -stronghold, however, and at last they emerged blinking into the -sunshine, disappointed at the fruitless result of their search. - -“How about it?” inquired Dick, eagerly, as they emerged. “What is it -like in there, anyway?” - -“Not worth the trouble of going in,” said Phil, disgustedly. “It’s a -fine big cave, though, and I suppose Espato is mighty sore because we -discovered it.” - -“Well, I’m glad I stayed out here, then,” said Dick. “The propeller is -better than an electric fan to keep a fellow cool on a hot day.” - -“Oh, well, I didn’t really expect to find much here,” said Phil. “I -suppose we might as well get going again. As long as you’re in the -pilot’s seat, Dick, you might as well steer the old ship awhile. I’d -like to sit back and loaf for a while, the way you and Tom usually do.” - -“Huh!” snorted Tom, “whose fault is that, I’d like to know. We’d drive -all the time, if we got the chance.” - -“Yes, but then you wouldn’t have time to think up those swell jokes of -yours, and think of what a loss that would be to everybody,” grinned -Phil. - -“It would be pretty tough on the world, I’ll admit,” said Tom. “I -suppose I really should never have joined the Rangers. If you or Dick -gets killed, it doesn’t matter, but if I do, it will be a big loss to -humanity.” - -“Oh, I guess humanity would manage to stagger along some way, even -without the joy of hearing your jokes,” said Dick. “The world got along -fairly well before you came romping around with that phoney brand of -humor, you know.” - -“Yes, but then people didn’t know what they were missing,” said Tom, -modestly. - -“If they had known, wouldn’t they have been thankful?” retorted Dick, -and before Tom could think of a suitable retort, he had opened the -throttle, and the _Arrow_ was once more soaring high above the green -earth. - -They flew in great sweeping circles, raking the hills and valleys below -with their powerful fieldglasses, but saw nothing that would indicate -the presence of the bandit stronghold. Noon came, and the boys decided -to land, have lunch, and let the motor cool off awhile. - -They landed in a grassy meadow, close to the edge of a forest of stunted -trees. At the edge of the woodland flowed a little brook of clear cold -water, and Phil and Tom agreed that Dick was a good picker of locations. - -“There are plenty of big logs lying around to lean against, anyway,” -said Dick. “There must have been a bad windstorm to knock so many trees -down.” - -“It’s queer, though, that they’re so much larger than any of the trees -growing around here,” said Phil. “They feel mighty hard, too.” - -He drew his hunting knife and tested the surface of the prostrate -cylinders, but instead of its sinking into soft wood, it gave the gritty -sound of steel scraping against stone. - -“What the dickens is it, anyway?” asked Tom, in surprise. “It sounds -like stone, but I’ll be blamed if I ever saw a rock that shape before. -It looks like a big stone column.” - -“It looks so much like one, that I think it is one,” said Phil. - -“But how can it be?” protested Dick. “We’re in the heart of a wilderness -here. Who’d drop a load of stone pillars down here, I’d like to know.” - -“I’d like to know, too, and I propose that we investigate,” said Phil, -scraping at the thick coating of moss that covered one of the columns. -“Look here!” he exclaimed, a moment later. “Call me a Chinaman, if there -aren’t carvings on this stone. Look here, fellows,” and the excited boys -bent over the pillar, on which were carved characters and symbols of -various kinds. - -“That’s writing, all right, but whoever chipped that out, certainly -didn’t understand English,” said Tom. “I can’t make out a word of it.” - -“Oh, quit your fooling and be serious for once,” exclaimed Phil. “It -looks to me as though we had discovered something big. You know that a -few centuries ago the Aztecs had big cities and buildings, and we may -have stumbled on the ruins of one. Let’s get a bite of lunch, and then -we’ll go on an exploring expedition.” - -The boys were almost too excited to eat, and it was not long before they -were ready to test the truth of Phil’s theory. - -The fallen pillars were thicker in the vicinity of the woods, and from -this they inferred that if there actually was an old Aztec city here it -must be among the trees, which had sprung up around the ancient -buildings. - -Accordingly, they entered the forest, climbing over fallen pillars and -mounds of broken stones. They had struggled through the tangled vines -and creepers only a little way, when they all stopped with exclamations -of astonishment, and gazed wide-eyed at an imposing ruin that reared its -huge bulk in their path. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - Menace of the Cave - - -Rows of big columns supported a carved and decorated portico, which, -while it had crumbled away and fallen in many places, still showed -enough of its original grandeur to convince the boys that it had been -erected by craftsmen of no mean ability. Trees had sprouted and -flourished in what had once been the temple sacred to the God of Fire. -Great vines and creepers writhed and twisted about the columns, some of -which had ceased to be supports for the vines, but were in reality kept -by them from falling. - -In the center of the ruined facade was a huge arch giving access to the -interior. Black and mysterious it looked against the brightness outside, -as though inviting the boys to explore its ancient secrets, but at the -same time suggesting an indefinable menace to whoever should dare to -profane its sacred precincts. - -The boys felt a sense of impending peril, as though some unseen but -hostile presence were hovering over the place, menacing the unwary human -who might presume to probe into the hidden secrets of the ancient pile. -But the boys were not to be easily deterred by vague premonitions, and -they were determined to explore the ruins. - -“Come on, fellows,” exclaimed Phil, after a short period of astonished -silence. “Let’s go in and see what this place looks like. There’s no -telling what we may find inside.” - -“We may find more than we bargain for,” muttered Tom, with an -involuntary shudder, as the boys climbed over fallen pillars and entered -the black doorway. A close, musty air filled the place, and for a few -moments the boys had to stop and accustom their eyes to the gloom -within. In places the roof had fallen in, but these openings were so -overgrown by vegetation that they did little to dispel the gloom. - -The beams from their flashlights seemed lost in the vast place, but as -their eyes grew more accustomed to the darkness, they could make out a -huge object looming at the further end of the temple. Stepping -cautiously over the rough and broken floor, the boys approached this, -and found it to be a big idol, skillfully carved from a single huge -block of granite. - -As Phil played his flashlight over the hideous countenance of the image, -the boys gave a cry and started back, for two glowing red eyes seemed -gazing balefully down at these presumptious invaders of age long quiet. - -“What was that, Phil?” asked Tom, in a voice that shook a little in -spite of himself. - -“I think there must be two jewels set into the idol’s head as eyes,” -said Phil, as he flashed his light once more on the face of the image, -and the baleful eyes flamed and glowed. “They look rather scarey, don’t -they? I don’t think that fellow is very glad to have us visit him.” - -“But if those are real jewels, they must be worth a fortune,” said Dick, -excitedly. “Why not take them back with us?” - -“Gosh, leave them alone,” protested Tom. “Let’s look around first, -anyway. I’ve got a hunch that no good would come from monkeying with -that idol.” - -“Well, I’m going to have a try at them on the way out, hunch or no -hunch,” declared Dick. “But look, fellows. This must have been an altar, -or something of the kind.” - -“It looks like one,” said Tom, as all three boys played their lights on -the object in question. “But what are all those streaks down the side, I -wonder.” - -“Can’t you guess?” asked Phil, in a curious voice. “Those are -bloodstains, Tom, in all probability. One of the favorite indoor sports -of the Aztecs was offering up sacrifices to their gods.” - -“I’ll bet you’re right!” exclaimed Dick. “And I remember reading that -they didn’t stop at animals, either. Humans were the favorites, weren’t -they, Phil?” - -“I think so,” nodded Phil. “But let’s see what else we can find.” - -The boys left the giant statue brooding in the gloom, and circled the -interior. At one point they found an opening leading into another, -smaller temple, in which was an altar elaborately carved with figures of -men and beasts. At the back of this altar the flooring had broken away, -and, peering into this opening, the boys could see a flight of rough -stone steps leading downward. - -Phil looked questioningly at the others, and they both nodded. Without -further hesitation, Phil started down the steps, which had deep hollows -worn in them by feet that had been dust for centuries. The steps went -down steeply for perhaps twenty feet, and then the boys found themselves -standing at the entrance to a dark tunnel, from which issued a strong -draught of cold, damp air. - -Starting down this, they soon found that the walls widened out, the roof -sloped upward, and expanded into a big cave. The walls of this cave had -numerous ledges projecting from them, and on these ledges were ranged -rows of stone caskets. The boys surmised, and rightly, that this was the -burial vault of the priests who had officiated in the temple above. A -heavy dust lay thick over everything, and when the boys spoke, it was in -hushed tones. - -At the further side of the cave a door opened onto another tunnel, and -after the boys had traversed this a short distance they found that the -main passageway branched out into others, which in turn were subdivided. -They kept on for a time, but at length Phil called a halt. - -“We don’t seem to be getting anywhere, and if we’re not careful we stand -a fine chance of getting lost,” he said. “I think we’d better start -back.” - -“So do I,” said Dick. “We’d better be careful of our flashlights, too. -The battery in mine is beginning to get a little weak.” - -“Mine isn’t any too good, either,” said Tom. - -“I put a new battery in mine yesterday, so it’s all right yet,” said -Phil. “We’ll just use mine, and you can both save yours for emergencies. -They’ll recuperate if you don’t use them for a little while.” - -Phil had taken careful note of their direction, and was making his way -unerringly through the many twists and turns of the underground passage, -when suddenly he was halted by an exclamation from Dick. - -“Just a minute, Phil,” he said, excitedly. “Where’s Tom?” - -“Tom,” echoed Phil. “How do I know? I thought he was right in back of -you.” - -“So he was, up to a minute ago,” said Dick. “He stopped for a moment to -tie his shoe, and I thought he’d catch right up to us. Flash your light -back, and see if we can locate him.” - -But there was no sign of Tom, and when his friends shouted his name they -received no answer but a hollow echo that came reverberating out of the -dim reaches of the tunnel. - -Phil and Dick gazed at each other in consternation. - -“We passed a fork just a little way back,” said Dick. “He must have -taken the wrong turning.” - -“Let’s go back, then, quick!” exclaimed Phil, and the two boys raced -back to the point where the subterranean passage forked. They raced down -the second tunnel, only to find that, after a short distance, that also -forked into three branches. - -Here the boys halted, dark forebodings clutching at their hearts. - -Phil drew his revolver, and fired twice into the air. The noise of the -reports almost deafened them, the sound caroming from the narrow walls -and echoing away down the complicated passages. - -The boys listened for some answering sound from their missing comrade, -and their hearts leaped as they heard a muffled explosion in the -distance. - -“Thank heaven,” exclaimed Phil, fervently, and forgetful for the moment -of caution, he and Dick hastened in the direction from which the shot -had seemed to come. Phil fired again, and this time the answering report -was much nearer. At last, turning a corner, they caught sight of Tom’s -flashlight, burning dimly through the darkness. - -“Hurray!” yelled Phil and Dick, and were answered by a welcoming shout -from Tom. The friends raced toward each other, and in a few moments were -laughing and pounding each other joyously. - -Tom, it turned out, had stopped to struggle with a refractory shoelace, -and when he had finally got it fixed had run after his two friends, -expecting to catch up with them at once. When he saw no sign of them, -however, he knew that he must have taken a wrong turn, and had about -given himself up for lost when he heard the distant report of Phil’s -revolver. - -“Well, let’s get out of this, quick,” said Phil, when Tom had finished. -“This place is hoodooed, and the sooner we’re out in the sunshine again -the better I’ll like it.” - -But this was not so easily to be accomplished. While searching for Tom, -the others had been so anxious over him that they had failed to take -careful note of their route, and now, after half an hour of wandering in -the endless passages, they were forced to admit that they were -hopelessly lost. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - The Race for Life - - -When this fact became apparent to them, they stopped and held a council. - -“Fellows, we seem to be in a pretty bad fix,” said Phil. “If you have -any ideas for getting out, now’s the time to say so.” - -“Search me,” said Tom, shaking his head. “All I can see is, to keep -going and trust to luck to come out somewhere before we starve to -death.” - -“Shucks!” exclaimed Phil, “that’s no kind of an idea. Can’t you think of -anything better, Dick?” - -“Well, I don’t know,” returned his friend, slowly. “I’ve noticed there’s -a slight draught through these passages, and it must come from some -opening into the outer world. I think that if, at every fork, we turn in -the direction that the wind is coming from, that we may land out -somewhere. How does that strike you?” - -“I was thinking the same thing,” nodded Phil. “We were careless to get -in this fix without having anything with us to eat. I’m half starved -already.” - -“I’m about nine-tenths starved,” lamented Tom. “I was never so hungry in -my life.” - -They started on again, following Dick’s suggestion. At some of the -forks, however, they found that a draught blew up every one, so that -they were no better off than before. The air was dark and chilly, too, -and in spite of the exercise they were chilled to the bone. They kept -doggedly on, but were almost ready to give up hope, when Phil stopped -and listened. - -Far away in the depths of the black passageway they could hear a faint -murmur, like the sound of running water. They pressed onward, the sound -growing ever louder as they went. Soon the murmur had grown to a roar -that filled their ears, and made it impossible for them to hear each -other’s voices. - -Two of their three flashlights were useless, the batteries being -completely exhausted. The third gave only a dim light, that seemed only -to accentuate the darkness through which they groped. It sufficed, -however, to show them the cause of the roar that echoed through the -subterranean caverns. - -Their passage opened out into a vast cave. From a point near the roof of -this a great waterfall thundered down a wall of glistening black rock, -and then swirled away in a rushing torrent. - -The boys gazed awe-struck at this mighty spectacle, drenched by the -spray that seemed to fill the vast cavern. As he gazed, a desperate plan -took form in Phil’s mind, and he lost no time in communicating it to the -others. - -He pointed to the rushing river, and started removing his coat and -shoes. The others divined his purpose, and with a reckless light in -their eyes they followed suit. - -They had heard of underground rivers, and knew that they nearly always -come out into the open at some point. They were all good swimmers, and -preferred to trust to the river rather than waste their strength in -aimless gropings through the endless subterranean tunnels. But it -required the highest kind of courage to plunge into the black and raging -torrent, knowing that the chances were all against them. - -Phil was the first to take the plunge, closely followed by the others. -The roaring flood caught avidly at them, like some ferocious monster -seizing his prey. They were whirled away like chips on the surface of -the torrent, caught up in eddies, drawn under the surface, battered and -buffeted, but always fighting gamely for life against overwhelming odds. -The river flowed deep and strong, and they were carried at tremendous -speed for what seemed an infinite lapse of time. In the black darkness, -no one knew what had become of the others, but each one struggled -valiantly against the mighty torrent that was beating the life from him. - -At last, far away, they caught a glimpse of daylight, and the sight put -renewed strength into their tired muscles. Buffeted about on the -torrent, they shot out from black gloom into the glorious light of the -setting sun. By some miracle, they were all close together, and they -started then to work across the stream toward the bank. After the river -emerged from the mountain, it broadened out and slowed down somewhat, so -that it was not long before the three comrades reached the bank, and -dragged themselves out onto a gravelly beach. - -Chilled to the bone by the icy water, and exhausted by the struggle, -they could hardly move at first, but soon their lusty youth asserted -itself. Phil was the first to struggle to his feet, pale and dripping, -but with a brave attempt at a smile nevertheless. - -Dick and Tom sat up, and then got to their feet, and the three friends -silently shook hands. Then they set out to locate the aeroplane, as they -knew it would soon be dark, and they had no desire to spend the night -hungry and in their wet clothing. - -But it took them longer to find the _Arrow_ than they had anticipated. -The place where the river emerged from the mountain was almost on the -opposite side to that where they had left their machine, and it was only -after nearly two hours of heartbreaking struggle through dense woods and -underbrush that they finally came in sight of the white-winged airship. -But almost at the same moment they caught sight of something else that -whipped their flagging energies into instant action. - -On a slight eminence about a mile distant were gathered a group of -horsemen. They had caught sight of the airship, which was a conspicuous -mark against the green background. They were pointing and gesticulating, -and even as the boys watched them, headed their horses at a gallop in -the direction of the airship. - -The Radio Boys were several hundred yards from the _Arrow_ at this time, -and they fought their way silently and savagely through the dense -underbrush. As they neared their machine, they could hear the Mexicans’ -horses crashing through the bushes and the cries and oaths of their -riders. - -Drenched with perspiration, their breath coming in great gasps, and all -but exhausted, Phil hurled himself out into the clearing. Tom and Dick -laboring close behind. Heads down, and traveling sheerly on will power, -the boys sprinted for the machine. - -“You fellows get her started,” gasped Phil, “I’ll stand them off until -you get moving.” - -Dick waved his hand in token of understanding, and he and Tom leaped for -the plane, Dick throwing himself into the control compartment, while Tom -summoned up the last vestige of his waning strength to turn the -propeller. The engine was cold, however, and it was not until the fourth -time that it consented to start. - -Meantime, Phil kept on until he had passed the plane and was between it -and the oncoming Mexicans. Their leader had outdistanced the others, and -Phil had barely passed the airship when this man dashed into the -clearing. He was a squat, powerfully built man, and as he rode he -spurred mercilessly at his horse. Some hundred paces behind him rode the -rest of his band, shouting and cursing. Phil had only four cartridges -left in his revolver, but as the leader, who was none other than the -notorious Espato, broke into the clearing, Phil emptied his revolver at -him. The first shot went low, and the bandit’s horse pitched to earth, -hurling its rider headlong. But the Mexican was on his feet like a cat, -and sprang at Phil. - -The latter heard the roar of the engine, and a shout from Dick told him -that the _Arrow_ was moving. His revolver was empty, but as Espato -sprang at him, Phil clutched the barrel, and brought the butt down on -the bandit’s head in a sweeping blow that cut his swarthy face to the -bone. - -The Mexican staggered back and slumped to the ground, and Phil, hurling -the empty weapon at the oncoming horsemen, turned and ran like a deer -after the _Arrow_ which was gathering speed rapidly. As he neared it, -Tom reached over the fuselage, and Phil made a flying leap just as the -wheels left the ground. He caught Tom’s arm, swayed dizzily in the air a -moment, and then half climbed and was half dragged into Tom’s -compartment. - -“The bomb, Tom, drop it!” gasped Phil. - -The Mexicans had leaped from their horses, and were grouped below the -aeroplane, unslinging their rifles in preparation for a volley. In -obedience to Phil’s command, Tom reached down and pressed a lever, -releasing a small bomb containing a charge of high explosive. - -Swift and sure as doom itself dropped this missile. It landed close to -the group of bandits, and exploded with a terrific report. - -The aeroplane rocked and pitched violently in the terrific uprush of air -that followed. As the smoke cleared away the boys could see the -surviving Mexicans rushing wildly in all directions, leaving several of -their number where they had been thrown by the force of the explosion. -Spent and well nigh exhausted, but victorious, the Radio Boys winged -their way into the calm evening sky, and straightened out for the flight -to camp. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - A Perilous Mission - - -As though nature repented of being too generous in the matter of -sunshiny days, there came a depressing period of rain and fog during -which the plane lay idle and the boys fumed in their restlessness. Had -it not been for radio they might have done something desperate in their -quest for excitement. As it was, there was the never-ending fascination -of snatching messages, some trivial, some amusing or romantic, some -weighted with affairs of international importance, from the overcrowded -ether. One of the chief charms of radio was its unexpectedness. One -never knew when clapping the ear phones to expectant ears what new -surprise might be in store. - -And then, of course, there was always the music—good music for pleasant -days, jazz for rainy weather. No matter how much they might become -accustomed to the modern miracle, the thrill was never absent from the -fact that, by merely turning a knob, one might tune in upon any kind of -amusement desired. Talk about the Arabian Nights—! - -Steve was always tinkering with his receiving set and although his -apparatus was remarkably efficient he never seemed quite satisfied with -the results. - -“I get just fine results from nearby stations,” he was complaining on -one of these rainy afternoons when the boys, bent earnestly over his -set, were examining it minutely to see if they could suggest any -improvements. “But when it comes to distance, in spite of the most -careful tuning, and I’ve spent hours over it, I can’t seem to catch a -really clear message. And if a set isn’t good for distance then, I ask -you, what good is it, at all?” he added, standing off and viewing his -handiwork with a rueful mixture of affection and disgust. - -“Say,” remarked Tom, glancing up at him with a grin, “I’d sure like to -be in on the rumpus if any of us started to knock your apparatus.” - -“Yes, how do you get that way?” Dick wanted to know. “I’ve seldom seen a -classier bit of mechanism.” - -Steve flushed at this whole-souled praise, but he still protested -dissatisfaction with the results. - -“It won’t pick up messages at a distance—not clearly, that is,” he -persisted. - -“There’s nothing the matter with this set, old fellow,” said Phil, -thoughtfully. “You’re getting the very best results possible with the -receiving circuit you’re using.” - -“The circuit I’m using,” repeated Steve, mystified. “Why, I’m using the -only one known.” - -“Till recently, yes,” nodded Phil, while the others stopped tinkering -and stared at him in surprised interest. “Didn’t you read about that new -contrivance that was demonstrated in New York, the other day?” - -The boys shook their heads. They were still mystified, but their -interest was unfeigned. - -“Shoot,” demanded Dick. - -“If you know anything, spill it,” added Tom with a grin. - -“Oh, keep still and give the boy a chance,” Steve demanded impatiently. -“You mean there has been a new discovery, Phil?” - -The latter nodded, his eyes kindling with interest in the subject. - -“It’s a new regenerative circuit,” he explained. “From the account of it -in the paper, it must be a pippin. I think they’ve dubbed it the ‘Super -Regenerative Circuit.’” - -“Gee, that sounds like the right kind of medicine for me,” cried Steve -joyfully. “Just what does this ‘super’ do?” - -“We-el, I’m not overly clear on the subject, myself,” said Phil. “But -from the newspaper description of it, I reckon it just about does -everything on the calendar, in the amplification line, that is. -Armstrong claims that a message from a distant broadcasting station, so -faint, as to be barely heard when the ordinary regenerative circuit is -used, can, by the use of the ‘super’, be amplified so as to be heard -distinctly in every part of a large room. Now, if you were to ask me, -that’s some classy amplification.” - -“I’ll say so,” agreed Dick, his keen mind already occupied with the -possibilities of this new discovery. “Armstrong was the fellow who -invented the present regenerative circuit, wasn’t he?” - -“Yes,” said Phil, adding approvingly, “There’s nothing slow about that -boy.” - -“You said it,” said Tom, with a sigh. “Wonder why we couldn’t all have -been born with brains like that.” - -“Speak for yourself, old timer,” grinned Steve, adding, as he turned -eagerly to Phil, “Such a circuit would sure solve my problem, Phil. But -I suppose it would be harder to operate than the one we have.” - -“No, it isn’t, that’s just the beauty of it,” said Phil, -enthusiastically. “Armstrong declares it’s easier of operation than the -old regenerative circuit. He claims, too, that the invention will -eventually do away with the outside aerial. In his demonstration, he -used only a small loop.” - -“That sure would be a big advantage, too,” said Dick. “The regular -aerial surely has caused a great deal of trouble.” - -“I wonder,” said Steve, a contemplative eye upon his set, “when I could -get this wonder-working contrivance. It sure would be one joy to me.” - -“They will probably be in general use before long,” suggested Phil, “and -then you could either buy the apparatus or model one of your own on the -same plan.” - -“Well, I suppose I’ll just have to wait,” admitted Steve grudgingly. So -accustomed was he to modern miracles, that it seemed to him as though -the apparatus he so ardently desired must be wafted to him on some magic -Hertzian waves, to be delivered, ready for use, on the table before him! - -After a while, since the weather showed no signs of clearing, and -becoming tired of tinkering, the boys clapped on the head phones and -prepared for an interesting hour or two of “listening in.” - -They listened to a bit of good music, tuned in on a minstrel show, -listened to some more or less interesting weather reports—they would -have been more interesting, if they had been more hopeful—heard some -distinctly uninteresting stock quotations and then, suddenly—a message -in a familiar tone that made them sit up and stare at each other. - -It was Doc. Denby’s voice announcing to all who might be interested and -hoping, of course, that the message would reach the boys, that the trial -of the two thieves who had been caught in the bank robbery, had been set -for an early date. Only a little over a week from that time. - -Then the voice ceased to be replaced by others that held no interest. As -though by common consent the boys removed their headphones, -congratulating themselves that they had been lucky enough to catch Doc. -Denby’s message. - -“They ought to hang those fellows,” said Dick, scowling as he remembered -how close his father had come to being killed. “They should treat a -thief just as they do a murderer, for every thief is ready to murder if -he finds himself cornered.” - -“Well, I’ll be satisfied if they get a jail sentence, provided it’s long -enough,” said Tom. “I wish the cops had managed to wing a couple more of -them, just the same, when they had the chance,” he added bloodthirstily. - -“It does make your blood boil to think of the other scoundrels, -especially that fellow Muggs Murray with the scar, getting off scot -free,” agreed Phil, adding confidently, “Never mind, we’ll get ’em, -yet.” - -It was a few days later when Captain Bradley summoned Phil and told him -that he wanted him to go on a mission for him to another camp of Rangers -about fifteen miles distant. - -Phil fairly leapt at the chance and Captain Bradley smiled at his -enthusiasm. - -“Nothing can scare you fellows, that’s one sure thing,” he said -approvingly. “I’ve had plenty of daredevils in my command before, but -none of them ever ate up danger quite the way you boys do. And there is -danger too, plenty of it,” he said, more seriously. “Espato’s gang is on -the rampage. They’re out for blood. These darn Mexicans are regular man -eaters when they get going—” - -“And they’re ‘going’ most of the time,” interjected Phil, with a smile. - -“Right,” laughed the Captain. “Whatever else we may have against them, -we can’t complain that they’re slow. Well, now you know that there is -plenty of danger mixed up in this canter of yours and I want you to take -every possible precaution.” - -“I will,” Phil assured him. “They’ll have to get up early in the morning -to catch me.” - -And so, fully forewarned of the perils before him, Phil started off one -sunshiny morning, with the affectionate farewells of his friends ringing -in his ears. If he had any doubts of the successful outcome of his -mission, he was certainly not aware of them. He was conscious, mostly, -of being sorry for the boys because they had to stay at home. - -They had asked permission to accompany him but Captain Bradley had -refused, on the ground that one rider could get through where three or -four could not. - -“A company would attract attention—and probable disaster—not only to -themselves,” so he explained to them, “but to the message which it is -most important that I get through to Major Gaynor,” the latter -commanding the neighboring camp of Rangers, “without delay. I’m sorry to -disappoint you lads, for I know what joy it would be to you to go -but—you see how it is.” - -The fact that they “saw” did not keep them from being considerably -disgruntled. They were apprehensive, too, for Phil’s safety. - -“If he gets spotted by a band of those guerrillas,” grumbled Dick, “he -won’t have one chance in a hundred of getting out of it alive. I don’t -care what the Captain says, I believe in the safety of numbers.” - -“But the message—” began Steve. - -“Oh,” said Dick impolitely, “Hang the message!” - -However, as far as any danger was concerned, Phil might have been -cantering along a bridle path in his beloved Castleton. His horse, a -beautiful big bay, was possessed of a steady, apparently easy going -stride which, nevertheless, ate up the miles with surprising rapidity. - -He passed some rangers on the way whom he saluted easily, but not a -Mexican of any kind did he see. Mixed with relief over this fact, was a -queer disappointment. The journey was not living up to its reputation, -as far as danger was concerned. If he could have looked ahead for only a -few hours into the future—but then, perhaps, it was just as well that he -couldn’t. - -By noon time he had reached the ranger camp. He handed the message to -Major Gaynor,—a weather-beaten old soldier who had seen many long years -of guerrilla warfare,—with a tremendous feeling of relief. He had -accomplished his mission, anyway and now, if anything happened to him it -would be his own affair. - -The rangers received him like a long lost brother and insisted that he -should stay and have some “chow” with them. This they had little trouble -in persuading him to do for he was nearly famished and the smell of -cooking things from the mess tent was irresistible. - -And after “chow” he lingered, so interested in the merry stories of camp -life bandied about by the fellows that it was with surprise and a bit of -consternation that he realized the afternoon was “getting on.” And not -even Phil was anxious to ride far in the Mexican country after dark. - -His new-found friends, flung jolly farewells after him, mingled with -advice as to how to find the shortest way back to camp. Phil shouted his -answers and then urged on his horse, determined to reach his destination -before nightfall. - -His horse had been well fed and cared for and the two or three hours -rest bore fruit now in his speed. He put out at a great rate and -probably everything would have been well had not Phil, in some way or -other, mistaken his path. Probably the many suggestions of the rangers -had confused him. At any rate, he did mistake the way and spent an hour -or two of fruitless wandering before he struck the right path again. And -when he once more started for camp, the shadows were lengthening in the -west. - -Dusk was almost upon him, when, riding as noiselessly as he could -through the trees, he was startled when a sudden turn in the path -disclosed a fire deep in the woods. It was evidently a camp fire for it -burned with a steady glare. - -“A meeting place for some of Espato’s band,” thought Phil, checking his -horse and trying to peer deeper into the gloom. As his eyes became -better accustomed to the glare of the fire he thought he could -distinguish figures grouped about it. - -Swinging quietly to the ground, he tethered his horse to a tree. Then, -with as much caution as a native “Mex”, he crept forward toward the -light among the trees. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - The Outlaws’ Rendezvous - - -It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed -by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire -in the woods, especially alone. - -Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that -he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him -on. - -Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows -of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as -a cat, toward the fire. - -Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like -the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on -the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered -his horse, should the need of action arrive. - -But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, -the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water -somewhere in the distance. And each time he crept on with greater -caution than before, almost afraid to breathe for fear the sound might -betray him. - -Once he had the impression that he was being watched, that someone was -close to him, keeping stealthy step with him. - -Driven by the vividness of this impression he twice whirled suddenly -about on his heels, hoping to trap the stalker, if he really were being -followed. But nothing was visible in the deepening dusk of the woods. -Chiding himself for the obsession, he straightened his shoulders and -crept on doggedly toward the sinister mystery of the camp fire. - -Yet, reason with himself as he might, he could not shake off that weird -impression of an unseen adversary, stalking him, warily. - -“Phil, old boy,” he muttered, as on hands and knees, he wormed and -wriggled himself toward the illumined space, “guess you’d better go home -and sit in a rocking chair with your hands folded—if you’re going to get -many fool ideas like this.” - -There came the sound of voices now but the owners of them, evidently -realizing the need for caution, were speaking so guardedly that Phil -knew he would have to get quite close to them before he could catch what -they were saying. - -There was a huge boulder just at the very outermost edge of the fire’s -glare and Phil knew that if he could reach the cover of it he would be -close enough to overhear the fellows’ conversation without running any -risk of being observed. - -But how to reach this coveted spot without being seen? This was indeed a -problem for the trees were rather sparsely grouped at this point and he -would be obliged to come almost into the open before he could reach the -shelter of the rock. And still—the eerie sensation of that invisible -enemy crouching at his elbow! - -Only for a moment did Phil hesitate. Then, crouched almost double, he -sprang across the cleared space and reached the safety of the boulder. -So silent and quick was his action that the men grouped about the fire -did not pause for a moment in their talk, did not even glance in his -direction. Evidently they had no suspicion that they were being watched. - -For a full moment Phil did not dare alter the cramped position in which -he had landed behind the rock. Holding his breath, straining his ears to -catch the first sound that might denote suspicion, he crouched there, -every sense on the alert. - -After awhile he began to distinguish something of what they were saying. -And after his conviction that they were not aware of his presence had -become a certainty, he finally shifted his position ever so slightly, so -that he might peer around the edge of the rock. - -What he saw caused him to start involuntarily—his foot, dislodging a -small stone, sent it clattering noisily, for the man whose sullen, -dissipated face first came within the range of his vision was “Rocks” -Gurney. There could be no mistake about it—it was no other than the -rascal himself. - -Phil’s start of surprise almost proved his undoing. For at the sharp -rattling of the dislodged stone several of the men about the fire jumped -suspiciously to their feet. - -“There’s someone listening in on this,” said Rocks Gurney, gruffly. -“Better take a little look about, friends.” - -Following his suggestion, they took a look about, while Phil crouched -breathlessly in the shadow of his boulder and prayed that they might not -detect him. As a matter of fact they did not, for Phil’s shadow fitted -so closely into that of the rock that they overlooked him entirely. - -After thrashing about among the bushes for awhile, one of them coming so -close to Phil as almost to touch him, they straggled back to the fire -again and resumed their conversation. - -Phil, breathing freely once more and taking himself to task for the -carelessness that had almost been his undoing, ventured to peer around -the rock again, taking care this time that his foot touched no -treacherous stone. - -There were five of the rascals in all, big, hulking, villainous looking -men and something tightened about Phil’s heart when he saw that the man -who was evidently the leader—judging from his authoritative manner—bore -a large, ugly scar across his face. - -“The leader of the robber gang,” flashed across his mind, his nerves -tingling with excitement. “Gee but I’m in luck,” he thought exultantly. -“If I could get back the rest of that money, it would sure put the bank -on its feet again.” - -Then, tense in every muscle, determined to glean as much information as -was possible, Phil listened to what “Rocks” Gurney was saying. - -“It’s up to you to do something, Murray, and do it quick,” he was -addressing the man with the scar, in his usual surly tones. “Them two -guys are plumb scared out of their senses. They’ve a hunch they’re going -to get a bundle of years out of this fracas and they’ve gone loco over -the notion that all they need is money to buy a lawyer and they’ll get -out of the whole thing scot free.” - -No answer from the leader of the gang, save a deepening of the scowl -upon his face. However, Phil noticed that the other outlaws glanced at -each other uneasily and drew a little closer to the fire. - -“What do they want of me?” asked the man with the scar, at last. - -“Money,” answered Rocks, laconically. “Bunches of hard cash.” - -“And if I refuse?” asked the leader in the same tone. - -“Then it’s set the cops on your trail,” observed Gurney, and at this the -man with the scar lost a little of his stolidity. There was a muttering -from his followers like the threatening growl of some vicious animal. - -“They will, will they?” muttered Murray, his fist clenching into what -might be, Phil thought, a most formidable weapon in a hand to hand -struggle. “Well, we’ll see about that.” - -For a while he sat silent while his men watched him furtively and Rocks -Gurney sat staring into the fire. Phil, cramping in his strained -position, waited impatiently. - -Murray was speaking and Phil held his breath to listen. If only he might -learn of their plans—. - -“Meet me here, day after tomorrow,” Murray was saying, adding with a -growl for the men who were blackmailing him, “When they are free we will -deal with them as one deals with a traitor. But now—they will get what -they want.” - -Phil was exultant. He had learned what he had wanted most to learn! Day -after tomorrow Murray and his gang, Rocks Gurney and—the money would be -here on this spot. But—the Rangers would be here too! - -Silently, knowing that every minute he lingered made less likely his -escape, Phil slipped from the shelter of the rock and crept back toward -his horse. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - A Blow in the Dark - - -Perhaps, the thought leaped into his head, lending speed to his retreat, -if he hurried, he might even now get back to camp and summon help in -time to apprehend the rascals. - -And always as he crept along he had the sensation that someone was -following him, keeping step with him. Once he could almost have sworn -that he detected a footstep other than his own. Yet, when he stopped, -nothing but deep silence greeted him. There was no sign of a human -presence. - -He had begun to fear that, in the darkness he had mistaken his path -again when a soft whinning right ahead of him, made his heart jump with -gladness. A few steps more and he could see the bulk of his bay horse -looming against the dusk. The animal was straining a little at the leash -and stamping impatiently. - -“Getting hungry, poor old boy,” thought Phil, adding, with a grin, as he -stepped out into the open. “And he isn’t the only one. Say, won’t the -fellows open their eyes when I spin my yarn to them? They’ll be green -with envy to think they weren’t in on it. Hi, old boy,” this last softly -to the big horse, as he began to unfasten the tethering rope, “it’s us -for camp now as hard as you can gallop.” - -He was about to swing into the saddle when again the suspicion, -amounting, this time, to certainty that someone was following him, -caused him to turn sharply about. - -A rustling of underbrush, the swift vision of a villainous club upraised -to strike, then—a terrific pain in his head, a drifting off into -illimitable space, then—nothingness! - -It was a long time before Phil awoke to the consciousness of anything. -And then, the pain in his head was so unbearable that he almost wished -he might go back to sleep again. - -He was lying on something that bumped horribly and it was several -minutes before he summoned interest enough in life to find out what it -was. There was a terrible pain in his wrists and his whole body felt -numb and dead. - -At last he was able to prop his swollen eyelids open far enough to find -that he was bound fast to his horse and that a villainous-looking -person, mounted on a rangy Mexican pony was urging the big bay on at a -pace that was almost a gallop. No wonder his head ached, bound as he -was, face down to the loping animal. - -There were other horsemen in the party, a considerable number, Phil -thought, judging from the noise they made. They were evidently quite -hilarious, gutturally shouting coarse jokes back and forth. - -Because the pain in his head was so great, Phil closed his eyes. He -tried to think. These were Mexicans who had captured him, without a -doubt, in all probability a band of the dreaded outlaws. If they were -some of Espato’s men, then indeed was he in a tight fix. Espato had -sworn to have the lives of his chums and himself. Well, here was his -chance to have a hack at one of them anyway. It is characteristic of -Phil that, even in this moment of danger, he could spare a thought for -his chums. He was glad that Captain Bradley had been firm in his refusal -to allow them to accompany him on this adventure. At least they were -safe at camp. - -At thought of camp Phil shivered a little, a wave of intense longing -engulfing him. Would he ever see camp again? Then, because it made his -head ache worse than ever, he tried not to think. It was no use. The -horrible thoughts whirled about in his aching brain maddeningly. - -Espato! Those tales they had heard in camp of his cruelty to prisoners. -Such hideous things had been done in that remote camp of his in the -mountains. Phil shuddered again and the slight motion caused the bonds -about his wrists to cut deeper into the flesh. They sure had trussed him -up neatly, he thought with a grimace of pain as he crouched closer to -the neck of his horse. - -The Mexican who was riding next to him noticed the motion and laughed -hoarsely. - -“Aha, young feller,” he cried in his broken English. “You have decide to -come back to this cold world, eh? I theenk you will find it one verry -cold world—yess.” Again he laughed and the laughter was taken up by the -others, sneering, mocking, making the blood run cold in Phil’s veins. - -The next moment he was on fire with rage. Cowards—to taunt a fellow when -they knew he was helpless to strike back. Just let them loose those -cruel bonds from his hand and feet and he’d show ’em. - -But in his heart he knew there would be no loosening of those bonds and -he had to grit his teeth to bear the pain of them. The Mexicans -continued to laugh and jeer at him and he tried his best to close his -ears to their taunts. If only he could manage to keep quiet! If only he -could make them think that he did not hear! - -He knew the hopelessness, under the circumstances, of answering them. It -would only be giving them the chance they were looking for, to hurl -further insult upon him. - -Those bonds, those bonds—if only he might have them loosened for half a -moment, just long enough to allow the blood to flow into his numbed -fingers. A groan found its way to his tightly pressed lips, but he -managed, somehow, to stifle it. He would not make an outcry. He would -die before he would let them know how he was suffering! Doggedly, he set -his teeth still harder. - -He tried to think back to that moment when he had been struck. He -remembered thinking in that second of time before the uplifted cudgel -had crashed down on his head that he had been discovered by some of -Murray’s gang. That was the natural supposition. Having caught him in -the act of eavesdropping and fearing that he knew too much of their -plans, the thieves would want nothing so much as to put him out of the -way. - -But it had not been one of Murray’s gang who had struck that murderous -blow. That was moderately certain since he was now riding over the -desert, a captive of Mexican bandits. It had almost surely been a -Mexican who had attacked him. - -Then, like a flash, came the recollection, of his strange certainty that -someone had been dogging his steps back there in the woods. He had -thought it only his imagination, when, in reality it had been fact. - -Followed as a cat follows a mouse, silently, relentlessly, awaiting the -right moment to spring. At the thought, a creepy sensation traveled up -and down his spine. It was horrible to think of himself being followed -like that. - -And now, that the cat had caught the mouse, he supposed that the cat -would proceed to play with it, in the playful little manner that is -common to cats. - -Phil’s heart misgave him. It was not a pleasant thought, being played -with by Espato! The old scoundrel seldom killed his victims outright. He -took plenty of time about it so that he might enjoy the execution to the -full. Espato was even longer on torture than the cat. Having come this -far in his reflections, Phil refused to think further. It wouldn’t do to -think very much about such things. - -Then he thought of Murray and his gang of thieves going scot free and he -was forced to smother another groan. If only he might have managed to -get his message through to camp before his capture. It would have been -such a great thing, to have apprehended the thieves and perhaps have -restored the entire amount of money stolen from the Castleton bank. And -now they in all probability would be allowed to get away without any -punishment at all. - -He had little time to think about this however, for the sinister little -group of horsemen soon deserted the desert for the woods and there began -a slow and tortuous climb up a steep, rocky, mountain path, that seemed -to Phil a never-ending horror. - -The little Mexican ponies made easy work of it, but Phil’s big horse, -urged on relentlessly by the Mexican who rode close to them, stumbled -several times and once almost fell, wrenching Phil’s tortured wrists so -horribly that in spite of all he could do a little whispered cry of pain -escaped him. - -“Aha,” cried the Mexican delightedly. “The Americano suffers. Good. But -it ees nothing to what he will suffer. Be prepared, Americano. Espato, -he wait for you!” - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - In Bitter Bondage - - -At the sound of the dreaded Espato’s name, uttered by the little -Mexican, Phil had a fleeting instant of despair. He had guessed into -whose hands he had fallen but he had not been sure. While there had been -a shadow of uncertainty, there had been also, hope. But now—. - -Up, up, climbed the straggling party till it seemed that they must reach -the top of the world. Twice again Phil’s horse stumbled and almost fell, -only to be lashed viciously to his feet. And each time Phil struggled -with the desire to cry aloud in his agony. How much further? How much -further? - -And yet, even while he longed for the end of this nightmare ride, Phil -shuddered away from the thought of what would really happen to him when -they reached the end of it. Torture—death—if only they would put death -first! - -There might be a chance of escape, but that chance would be slight, to -say the least. Espato’s mountain strongholds were famous because they -were well nigh impregnable. Once within one of those dungeons—again Phil -stopped thinking. - -There was Dick and Steve and good old Tom, and for a moment, the thought -of them brought hope. But the next moment his heart sank again. He knew -how slight the chance of rescue was. Why the fellows had no clue to work -on. To them it would seem that he had disappeared just as completely as -though the earth had opened and swallowed him up. - -Then, the relief of traveling on even ground again, the glare of an -immense camp fire in his eyes and the mingled shouts and commands and -greetings uttered in the guttural Mexican tongue. - -The little Mexican who had ridden close to Phil, now leaned over with a -leer on his evil face. - -“We have arrive, Americano,” he announced. “Awake so that you may meet -the great Espato with all the humility which ees due so great a man. -Arouse yourself, Americano.” And with the words he kicked the captive -scornfully. - -Phil’s helpless fingers gripped themselves together, causing the bonds -to bite deeper into the raw flesh. Phil never felt the sudden increase -in pain. He was too hot with rage. - -“The dog,” he fumed helplessly. “If I ever get out of this, I’ll show -him.” - -Amid a confused impression of innumerable horses and men, a babble of -coarse jests and laughter and the sullen flickering of the fire, Phil -was dragged from his horse and was half led, half pushed, half carried, -along by a couple of ruffians who spat upon him and called him vile -names. Then he was flung unceremoniously into a dark apartment, a final -kick administered by way of good measure and he was left alone. A -padlock clicked ominously and Phil could hear the voices of his captors -dying away as they went to join their comrades. - -For a moment he lay as they had left him, face lown on the dank stone -floor, too utterly exhausted to move a muscle. - -His body was bruised with the kicks and cuffs of his captors, the pain -in his wrists and ankles was almost unendurable, his head throbbed -dully. And yet there was a great relief in lying upon a surface that did -not rock and jolt, upon which one might lie quiet, conscious of each -aching muscle—. - -After awhile he started to roll over slowly, painfully, upon his back. -It was an almost impossible feat, considering that his hands were bound -behind him and his ankles tied together so that every motion caused him -almost unendurable agony. - -But after an age of dogged trying, he accomplished it at last and lay on -his back, straining his eyes in the attempt to distinguish the outlines -of this prison. - -There was a slit about big enough to allow a man’s hand to pass through, -evidently a crevice in the rock. Phil figured that if he were standing -the slit would be about on a level with his head. Through this -make-believe window there flickered a faint red glow, probably a -reflection of the glare from the fire without. - -As Phil’s eyes became more accustomed to the darkness he distinguished a -bulky object running along one side of the dungeon—probably belonging to -that type of prison furniture which serves as a bench in the day time -and a bed at night. - -There was a damp, musty smell about the place, intolerably close and -stifling and there was a scuffling over in one corner suggestive of -rats. - -If he could only get his feet free for a moment, thought Phil -desperately. There must be some way out of the place if he could only -find it. - -For a moment he thought furiously of breaking his bonds by sheer -strength, but his tortured flesh cried out so in protest that he was -forced to give up the attempt. - -Anyway, if he should break his bonds, what good would it do him? Here he -was in what seemed to be a cavern hollowed out from the heart of the -rock. There was one little aperture about big enough for his hand to go -through. The only other exit was the door and that was bolted and -padlocked securely. - -“I’m caught and I might as well make up my mind to it,” he thought -bitterly. Then, because it hurt his wrists still more to lie on his -back, he began the slow and painful process of turning on his face -again. - -He was conscious suddenly of a new and overwhelming discomfort. He was -hungry—ravenously hungry. For an hour, whose every minute seemed an age, -he lay there, motionless while his feet and hands lost all sense of -feeling. He wondered miserably if part of Espato’s plan of torture -included starving him to death. - -At last came the sound of a bolt being withdrawn, a key clicked in the -lock and two men entered his prison. Looking up, he saw that one of them -was the little Mexican who had ridden close to him on that nightmare -journey. - -“Take the rope off hees feet, Pedro,” he directed his companion. “It is -necessary that he walk into the great Espato’s presence.” - -The rope was being removed from about his feet—none too gently, at that. -Then the two men lifting him up, forcing him to stand upon what seemed -like two flabby pincushions, into which the pins were beginning to stick -agonizingly. - -Phil never forgot that awful march into the presence of the bandit -chief, his two captors driving him on relentlessly with blows and kicks, -his feet aching with a pain that is like nothing else in all the world, -the pain of blood rushing into a part of the body from which it had been -cut off. - -Then he had been pushed into the glare of the fire, swaying on his -tortured feet while innumerable swarthy faces leered at him mockingly. -Summoning all his strength he gave them back glare for glare -dauntlessly. - -There was a murmuring in the crowd of men, a deferential giving way as a -swart, stocky man, pushed his way through. Instantly Phil forgot all the -others as he gazed at this man. For there was a long, ugly gash across -his forehead and in that startled moment Phil recognized the man as the -one whom he had struck with his revolver upon that memorable day when -the Mexicans had tried to surround the plane and he and his chums had -made their spectacular escape. - -And by the gleam in the other’s eye it could be seen that he also -recognized Phil. - -“So,” said the Mexican in a soft, drawling voice—Phil was later to learn -that when this man spoke in his gentlest accents, the danger was -greatest, “You have come to me, Americano, like a little lamb to the -slaughter. You fight well, senor,” with a slight motion of his hand -toward the scar on his forehead. “But something, perhaps it is a little -bird, whispers to me, the great Espato, that you have fought your last -fight, Americano.” - -Then the great truth dawned upon Phil. It had been no other than the -bandit Chief himself who had been knocked out in such a masterly manner -by the blow of his—Phil’s—own revolver. At memory of that beautiful -scrimmage Phil momentarily forgot his great danger. He even grinned. - -“Well, Espato,” he said, “perhaps you’re right about my having scrapped -my last scrap, but at least,” his mocking eyes on the ugly scar which -adorned the man’s forehead, “I gave you something to remember me by.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - Threats of Torture - - -This remark of Phil’s came near to being the last one that he would ever -make. With a snarl like some ferocious animal, Espato leaped forward and -struck him full in the face. Phil reeled at the blow, stumbled and would -have fallen save that he came into dizzying contact with a great tree -directly behind him. - -Against this support he leaned, praying for strength to meet whatever -horrors might be in store for him. He had angered the villainous Espato. -Now he must pay the price. - -The chief of the Mexicans came close to him, his lips drawn back from -his strong white teeth in a snarl. His face was convulsed with fury. - -“Dog, fool of an Americano,” he shouted, shaking his fist beneath Phil’s -nose. “You think to taunt Espato in his stronghold, eh? Dios, you shall -taste of his vengeance. Yess.” - -He struck Phil again and the latter ground his teeth in impotent fury. -If he could only get his hands free. Just for one little moment! - -Espato must have read his thoughts, for he laughed softly, gloatingly. - -“Ah,” he said, his voice once more gentle and drawling. “The Americano -wish to have his bonds cut, eh, so that he may fight Espato? No. That is -not Espato’s way.” - -“No, you blackguard,” cried Phil, furiously. “I know well it isn’t your -way to give a fellow a fighting chance. Take these ropes off my hands -and I’ll fight you unarmed.” - -“Is he not courageous, the Americano,” sneered Espato while the grins -deepened on the faces of his followers. “But you will need all of your -courage, little one, never fear. Before we get through with you my game -cock, you will be crying aloud for mercy. Where will your fine courage -be then, Americano?” - -“You lie,” muttered Phil, between clenched teeth. “You can kill me, of -course. I’m helpless. But you won’t get a sound out of me.” - -“We will kill you, oh, yess, we will kill you,” said Espato, and the -voice of the bandit sounded to Phil like the hiss of some poisonous -snake. “But we will not kill you at once. Oh, no. That would be too good -for one who has defied the great Espato. We will hang you up by your -thumbs, my little friend, until they have been pulled from the sockets. -Then, if you faint, we will take you down and revive you. Ah, yess, it -iss no part of our plan that you should faint.” - -A hoarse chuckle from someone in the shadows and over Phil there passed -a deathly nausea. He was sick and dizzy from the blow on his head and he -was weak from lack of food. If the villains intended to torture him why -didn’t they hurry up and get to it, he thought, miserably. Anything -would be better than this! - -“And after we have revive you,” Espato was saying in his maddening -drawl, “then we will perhaps open up a vein or two and into your hot -blood, my friend, we will pour a little boiling lead. That is to cure -you of hot temper, my Americano.” - -“I should think,” said Phil, with defiance in his tone, “I should think -that would cure anybody.” - -“Ah, you see fit to joke, my frien’,” remarked Espato with an evil -smile. “Good, it will give me great pleasure to erase the smiles from -your face. Ten minutes in the torture dungeon an’ you will not smile. -Ah, no, they do not smile then. You will look like this then, my -friend.” He distorted his face into a horrible grimace of agony and Phil -turned away, sickened. - -“Ah,” cried the rascal, delightedly, turning Phil’s face about roughly, -so that he was forced to look at him. “You are not, perhaps, quite so -happy as you were, eh? Good. We have already begun to erase the smiles -from your face. You look sick, my frien’. Ah, I remember,” he added, in -the apologetic tones of a host who has forgotten his duty toward a -guest. “You are hungry. Ah, yess, you mus’ be famish’. Tony, Tony -Gomez,” he called and from the shadows there stepped forth a young -Mexican, who stood sullenly awaiting further orders from his chief. “You -will take this so distinguish visitor of ours,” with a mocking sweep of -his hand toward Phil, “back to the guest chamber. An’ then you will take -to him food, the best what we have. It is not our intention, senor,” he -swept Phil a low bow, “to starve you to death. Ah, no. We wish that you -be in the best of good spirits, so that you may the better enjoy the -entertainment which we bring to you later. Ah, yess. You must be strong -an’ well, my game cock, so that we may the better enjoy your enjoyment. -Good night, an’ the mos’ pleasant of dreams, Americano.” - -The young Mexican, Tony Gomez, seized Phil roughly by the arm and -hurried him past the group of sneering faces about the fire and thrust -him again into the damp, evil-smelling dungeon which he had occupied -before. - -Gloomy and forbidding as the place was it was a relief after his recent -ordeal for here at least, he could be alone. He sank wearily down upon -the stone bench at the farther end of his prison while Tony Gomez with a -muttered word or two about bringing some food, went out, closing and -barring the door behind him. - -The prison was absolutely dark, save for that little slit far up in the -wall. The flickering of the firelight through this aperture seemed only -to emphasize the gloom. - -But dark as was his prison, Phil’s thoughts were darker and gloomier -still. To him, at that moment there seemed no possible way out of his -horrible predicament. - -If he had only his radio outfit. His face brightened at the mere -thought, then clouded again. What was the use of thinking of the -impossible, he asked himself bitterly. He had no radio outfit and there -was about as much chance of getting one as there was that Espato might -relent and let him go free. - -But in spite of all he could do, he could not get rid of the idea. -Radio—and the solution of his desperate problem! By this time of course, -the Radio Boys had missed him, in all probability were at this moment -searching frantically for him. If he had a radio set, even the smallest -and most primitive of sets, he might get a message through to them—a -message which would bring the Rangers galloping to his rescue. - -At the thought a thrill shot through his veins, a light came in his -eyes—the light of battle. Then he pulled himself together, calling -himself all sorts of names for being such an idiot. - -“I might just as well say,” he mused, relaxing wearily on the unyielding -stone of the bench, “that if I could find a million dollars, I’d be a -millionaire. If I could find a radio set, I’d be a free man. There’s -about as much chance one way as the other.” - -In a few moments the man called Gomez returned, bearing with him a -steaming tray of eatables. Now, when Espato had devilishly promised to -give him plenty to eat so that he would be in shape to suffer longer the -torture that was in store for him, Phil had made a resolution then and -there, to eat nothing, no matter how much he might be tempted. - -But now, when Gomez laid the tray upon a stone table which, in the -darkness, Phil had not seen, the temptation was more than he could bear. -He was famished, he was young and, in spite of the trap into which he -had fallen, life was still mighty sweet to him. - -Gomez lighted a candle which he had brought in with him and set it upon -the table. By the flickering light Phil could see that besides bread and -butter, there was a steaming dish of some Mexican concoction, that under -other circumstances might have seemed villainous but just now appealed -to him as most savory and appetizing. - -Gomez removed the bonds from his numbed hands and as soon as he had -regained the use of them at all, Phil set to with a will. When he was -finished there was not enough left on that tray to feed a hungry kitten. - -And through it all the young Mexican called Tony Gomez stood immovable -beside the captive, watching him. And was it possible that in his sullen -black eyes there was just a trace of sympathy? - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - - Held For Ransom - - -And while Phil was eating his meal, a conversation was taking place -between Espato and Juan Arigo, his lieutenant, which affected the -captive very closely. - -Directly after Phil had been locked up in his prison again, Arigo had -drawn his chief apart from the others and had begun to talk earnestly -with him, hands and arms gesticulating wildly. - -At first Espato had not appeared particularly pleased with the -suggestions of his lieutenant, but gradually his face had cleared and -into his eyes had crept a covetous gleam. - -“Perhaps you are right, Arigo,” he said at last and fell to stroking his -chin thoughtfully. - -“I know I am right,” retorted the lieutenant with a mixture of deference -and boldness. Next to the bandit chief he was the worst feared man in -all the Mexican country. “Loot has been scarce. Our larders are nearly -empty. Someway we must fill them. This young Americano is a chance sent -from heaven.” - -The chief nodded slowly. - -“His friends will pay one grand ransom,” he said, rubbing his hands -together as though he already felt the good American gold between them. -“They think much of this Americano—and with reason. He is dangerous to -the Mexicans—ver-ry dangerous. He rob us of prisoners, of money, he make -of me a marked man, this scar upon my forehead so that everyone may know -me. He is most desperate. He iss dangerous to Mexicans. He should die.” - -It was plain that he was working himself into a passion and Arigo -shrugged indifferently. - -“Kill the Americano—no loot,” he said, adding slyly, “The money of the -Americanos buys many things.” - -Espato hesitated, the scowl on his scarred forehead deepening. - -“It is true that we need gold,” he said, “But to let that scoundrel go -free, to fly in his accursed bird machine over the Mexican camp, -dropping bombs, to laugh as the Mexicans die. No, it is too much you -ask. Not even for the sake of gold—much gold—will I relinquish my -vengeance.” - -Then it was that Arigo leaned over to whisper slyly into the ear of his -chief. Whatever his message, it had an instantaneous and most happy -effect upon Espato. He smiled, he beamed, he clapped Arigo heartily upon -the back. - -“Aha, you are of good counsel, my frien’,” he said, beamingly. “It is -queer that I did not think of the thing myself. It is so ver-ry simple. -We get the money from the stupid Americano—lots money, yess—an’ we still -have the young Americano in our power for which they pay this gold. We -shall still have our vengeance. A joke, Arigo. How we shall laugh!” - -Together they roared with laughter and then went jovially back to join -their comrades about the fire. - -Meanwhile, Phil, finishing the last crumb on the tray, was feeling -distinctly more hopeful. In spite of the fact that there still seemed no -possibility of finding a convenient radio set anywhere, he had begun to -believe, against reason, perhaps, that some way or other, his chums -would find out his whereabouts and come to his rescue. - -The taunts of Espato and his threats of torture began to seem -impossible, fantastic. In these days such things didn’t happen. And yet, -despite all his hopefulness he knew beyond a shadow of reasonable doubt, -that such things did happen, in Espato’s camp, at least. - -When he had finished, the Mexican who, all this time, had remained at -his side, grunted something and Phil glanced up at him inquiringly. - -The Mexican was holding out the rope which he had removed from Phil’s -wrists so that he might eat. Phil understood. The fellow was going to -bind him up again. - -He looked at his wrists, red and swollen from the pressure of the ropes -and then glanced up at the sullen Mexican with a disarming smile. - -“I couldn’t get out of this place,” he said, waving his hands at the -blank walls, “not if I had twenty arms and legs and all of them free, at -that. It would be lots more comfortable if you didn’t truss me up -again.” - -The Mexican hesitated, and in his eyes was again that strange, softened -look. If the fellow was not actively sympathetic, then neither was he -actively unfriendly. - -Phil sensed something of all this and he thrilled with hope. If he could -make a friend at camp—but again he laughed at himself for being an -idiot. Imagining the impossible again! - -The Mexican was slowly shaking his head. - -“No can do,” he said in laborious English. “Espato say ‘Tie up -Americano.’ Ver’ well, Tony Gomez he do so. Espato word—law, senor.” - -Something about the way he uttered Espato’s name made Phil glance at him -sharply. He was dreaming again—or had there really been a cold dislike -in the man’s voice? - -But no, the Mexican’s dark, sullen face was as impassive as ever. He was -still holding out the bonds with a resigned patience. With a sigh Phil -rose and clasped his hands behind his back. There was no use fighting. -He might just as well submit. - -But the Mexican grunted again and again Phil looked at him inquiringly. -The man was motioning him to put his hands in front. - -“No tie ’em behind back,” he said. “Americano no can sleep. Tie ’em in -front.” - -Phil was duly grateful for this small kindness and told the Mexican -so—although, as a matter of fact, he couldn’t imagine himself sleeping -in that rat-infested place, especially with a hard pallet as his only -bed. - -Tony Gomez left him soon after that, taking with him the empty tray and -the candle. Not another word had passed between Phil and the young -Mexican, and yet, foolish as he told himself it was, he had been -strangely reassured by the other’s manner. - -“That fellow isn’t very much in sympathy with old Espato,” he thought -as, stretched out on his hard bed, he thought over the harrowing events -of the night. “There was something in his voice when he spoke of him a -while ago, that sounded as if he had it in for the old scoundrel, I -suppose that isn’t unusual though,” he added, thoughtfully. “Probably -there are lots of his men who aren’t in sympathy with all the things -their chief does. They simply obey him because they’re afraid to do -anything else. But there you are again,” he told himself, once more -yielding to utter discouragement. “Even if this Antonio Gomez, or -whatever his name is, really wanted to help me out—which of course, he -doesn’t—he wouldn’t dare. I suppose that old scoundrel Espato would hack -him into little pieces if he should find him out. He seems to enjoy -doing that sort of thing.” And he shivered as he thought of the various -kinds of torture Espato had promised him. - -Outside there rose the sound of loud laughter. Evidently Espato and his -followers were making merry—celebrating his capture, perhaps and the -enjoyment they expected to have in torturing him, later on. - -It was maddening to lie there so near the outside world and freedom and -yet to feel himself bound, a captive, utterly at the mercy of a -scoundrel who was notoriously known to show no mercy. - -Phil ground his teeth and tried to shift to another position which might -prove a little less uncomfortable. - -“If ever I get out of this alive,” he thought, miserably, “Make believe -I won’t appreciate a good bed again. It’s funny how you never do half -appreciate those things until you have to do without them. But I guess I -won’t have to worry about beds or anything else very much longer,” he -added, bitterly. “I guess Espato was right. I’ve pretty near fought my -last fight.” - -Toward morning, just as dawn was breaking over the hills, he fell -asleep. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - - The Bandit’s Messenger - - -It was a gorgeous day, that first day of Phil’s imprisonment in the -dungeon with the slit high up in the wall, a kind of day when boys, -especially the Radio Boys, always longed to do something particularly -daring and thrilling—anything, so long as it promised adventure. - -Alas for poor Phil! Rising from his hard bed, cramped and aching in -every muscle of his body, so stiff that he could hardly move, he gazed -longingly at the patch of intensely blue sky that could be seen through -the makeshift slit of a window. - -“Such a day for flying,” he groaned, sinking down on the stone bench -that had served him for a bed, his head hanging dejectedly. “Say, just -to jump in the _Arrow_ and fly through that golden air, eh? Seems as if -I’d had my last look at that old boat. - -“Just the kind of a day, too,” he added, staring up again at that -tempting bit of sky, “for sending and receiving radio. There would -hardly be any interference from static. But there I go again, talking -like an idiot. What good is radio, anyway, if, when you most need it you -can’t have it. - -“And there’s Rocks Gurney too, the scoundrel,” he reflected, after an -interval during which he had wondered which ached the more, his body or -his mind. “Mixing it with ‘Muggs’ Murray’s gang, getting rich on that -haul from the bank. That’s why he blossomed out so suddenly in flashy -clothes and a car and all. It’s a wonder we didn’t catch on at the time. -We knew he was no good, but we didn’t think he was quite that bad. - -“That’s how the thieves happened to know just the right time to pull off -the robbery too,” he added, waxing excited as the whole despicable plot -revealed itself to him, like the pieces of a picture puzzle being fitted -together. “Gurney knew just the day when the mills paid their men and -when the bank had a big amount of cash on hand. Then ‘Rocks’ tipped off -his information to ‘Muggs’ Murray and his gunmen and—there you are. As -simple as A B C when you know the answer. Rocks Gurney is worse than -Murray’s gang because he ought to know better. Wouldn’t I like to get my -hands on that fellow. I’d give him a lots worse trimming than I did -before.” - -He clenched his hands in the desire to get hold of Rocks Gurney and the -action caused him to glance down at them despairingly. Oh, yes, he would -do a lot, he would, bound hand and foot, captive to Espato and, for all -he knew, only a few hours more of life before him. For all he, Phil, -could do, Gurney and Muggs Murray’s blackguards could escape without -even a scratch to tell them how near they had come to capture. - -Oh, they would escape all right and it was all his fault too, for not -being more careful. He wondered, feeling horribly hungry again, if he -was to be given anything to eat, or if Espato proposed doing away with -him before breakfast. - -But no, that would be too quick a death and Espato had promised him a -slower and harder path out of this good old world. He recalled some of -the scoundrel’s blood-curdling descriptions of what was to happen to him -and he shuddered. They were not particularly pleasant reflections for -the early morning—especially a glorious morning like this when all -nature was vibrant with life. - -After a while the door of his prison opened and Tony Gomez, the -mysterious young Mexican with the sullen eyes, came in. He bore a tray -in one hand and a basin of cool water in the other. - -At sight of the latter vessel, Phil could hardly repress a shout of -delight. He wanted a wash almost more than he wanted food. - -Gomez, without a word, untied his hands and joyfully Phil dipped his -face into the basin of cool, refreshing water. From this he emerged, -shaking his head like a half-drowned puppy and Gomez thrust a towel into -his hand. - -This was indeed luxury, far more than he had dared to hope for. He told -Gomez so and the Mexican stretched his mouth in a wide grin showing all -his startlingly white teeth. - -“Tony bring water,” he said. “Senor pretty dirty.” - -“Say,” said Phil, staring at the fellow with surprise and gratitude. -“You sure are a dead game sport, Tony. How did you know I’d almost -rather wash my face than eat?” - -But the smile on the Mexican’s face vanished. He looked alarmed and -pressed a finger to his lips in a gesture of caution. - -“The senor must take care,” he said, his voice lowered to a guttural -growl, “Espato find Tony kind to Americano, Tony die too.” - -“All right, old scout,” said Phil, in a whisper—he was strangely hopeful -and elated, now that his face was washed and he saw food before him once -more. “I’ll do whatever you say from now on. And I’ll be careful about -raising my voice, too. There’s no use both of us being hung up by our -thumbs.” - -The Mexican’s face blanched a sickly grey and Phil was suddenly very -sorry for him. He watched him curiously as he ate ravenously of the food -on the tray. - -He guessed, in fact, he almost knew from what scraps of conversation had -already passed between them that this young Mexican was unhappy and -restive under the brutal command of Espato. - -And Phil thought that there was some special reason underlying the -fellow’s dislike—perhaps hatred—of his Chief. Perhaps there had been -some personal wrong committed against himself or some member of his -family. - -At any rate, Phil thought, he had been mighty lucky to have fallen under -the direct surveillance of one who was at least not actively unfriendly -to him. Perhaps—if he should win the fellow’s confidence—. But no, there -would be little chance of securing Tony’s assistance in a plan of -escape. Tony was too terrified by Espato to join in any conspiracy -against him. Probably he had been too long a witness of his commander’s -methods to enjoy being a victim of them. - -But anyway, the chance was worth considering, thought Phil, desperately, -since it was the only possible chance in sight. If he could just get one -word through to the fellows. But he might just as well wish for a trip -to Mars. - -After a while Tony departed, bearing with him the empty tray, and Phil -was once more left to his none too pleasant reflections. - -Meanwhile a messenger had been dispatched to Captain Bradley of the -Rangers, informing him that one of his men was captive to Espato, the -latter demanding ten thousands dollars in gold as the price of the safe -return of said captive. - -Captain Bradley, who had just returned at the head of one of the search -parties who had been searching high and low for the vanished Phil, -received the messenger none too cordially and demanded absently to know -what the fellow had to say. - -But at the greaser’s first words he sat up in his chair, a look of utter -amazement and incredulity on his face. This expression quickly changed, -first to gladness at the thought that Phil was still alive, then to rage -as he realized the insolence of the demand for ransom. - -“You stay here for a minute,” he said to the greaser, then called to a -young lieutenant who was passing. In a moment the latter was starting -off to find the Radio Boys and bring them into the presence of their -Captain. - -The boys answered the imperative summons of their chief instantly, on -their faces a queer mixture of hope and fear. They guessed that the -Captain had some report of Phil and they were almost afraid to hear it. - -The hours since Phil had disappeared had been the hardest ones his chums -had ever spent. They had eaten little, slept scarcely at all, their -entire energy concentrated on the finding of their comrade. - -And when, despite all their efforts, they could discover no clue as to -the whereabouts of the missing boy, they had begun reluctantly, sick at -heart, to give him up for dead. - -“I knew it was a fool stunt for him to go alone,” Dick had almost -sobbed. “What chance would he have, alone, against a bunch of villainous -greasers.” - -“I wish we’d made him take us along now,” said Tom, miserably. “Believe -me, if I had it to do all over again, I’d go with him, Captain Bradley -or no Captain Bradley. I wouldn’t care what he said.” - -“Well, we haven’t got the chance to do it all over again,” Steve had -reminded him, moodily. “Phil’s gone and the chances are that if we -haven’t found him now, we won’t. Not but what we’ll keep on trying,” he -added doggedly, “and if it’s the greasers that have got him, we won’t -give up till every one of the scoundrels is dead.” - -“You bet we won’t,” Dick had agreed, but in his heart he was thinking -that no amount of vengeance would bring Phil back to them, Dear old -Phil, with his fun and his undaunted courage. He clenched his fists -belligerently. The greasers had better keep out of his way, if they knew -what was good for them! - -And now had come this summons for Captain Bradley. Hardly knowing what -to expect, the boys entered his presence and faced him eagerly. - -In their excitement, the boys had completely overlooked the fellow -standing stoically in one corner of the room but as the Captain pointed -to him they turned to him, eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and -intense dislike. - -“Now repeat what you just said to me,” Captain Bradley commanded of the -greaser. - -Obediently and without the slightest trace of emotion, the fellow did as -he was bid. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - - Caged - - -As the substance of the Mexican’s message made itself clear to the boys, -they almost went mad with joy. They pounded one another on the back, -shouting that dear old Phil was still in the land of the living. - -Captain Bradley smiled in sympathy with their frenzy, but he gradually -brought their attention back to the matter of the ransom. - -“Ten thousand dollars this fellow wants for the return of your comrade,” -he reminded them. “It’s a pretty big price, boys.” - -And when they brought themselves to consider this part of the -proposition the boys were just as indignant at the insolence of the -demand as the Captain had been. - -They turned upon the greaser, who stood impassively regarding them, as -though they would have taken the greatest pleasure in pounding him black -and blue—which as a matter of fact, they would have. - -“You darned guerrilla,” muttered Steve, only his deference to his -superior officer keeping him from committing personal violence upon the -indifferent-eyed messenger, “What’s to prevent us from taking you out -and lining you up before a firing squad.” - -“That death’s too good for him,” growled Dick. “We ought to follow the -example of his gentle master Espato and torture him for about a week.” - -“Fine idea,” said the usually good-natured Tom, ferociously. “I’d want -to be the one to do the job, too.” - -The greaser shrugged his shoulders with maddening indifference. - -“Do as you wish with me, senors,” he said, the shadow of a smile -touching the corners of his cruel mouth, “But if I am not back in two -days, the Americano dies—and his death will not be of the kind which his -friends would wish to see him die, either.” - -The boys shuddered at the thought of Phil’s peril and they fumed -helplessly, striving to think of some way in which they might outwit the -villainous Espato. The bandit had surely caught them in a fine trap. For -Phil to have fallen into the hands of such a man—. - -“And if anyone attempts to follow me, senors,” it was the Mexican -speaking again, gaining confidence from the strength of his position, -“the prisoner dies also—as well as the man who is foolish enough to -follow.” He passed his hand with a significant gesture across his -throat, and the boys had need of all their will power to keep from -springing upon him. - -They knew it was as the man said. Any act of violence on their part -would only make things harder for Phil, perhaps would even cost his -life. They were helpless to act because the safety of their chum -depended upon their discretion. - -It looked as though someway or other, impossible or not, they must -manage to raise that insolently demanded ten thousand dollars. Phil must -be saved. - -But how was it to be done? Certainly they could not expect to raise that -amount of money in no time. - -This time it was the captain who spoke, as though anticipating their -thoughts. - -“It will take a little time to raise ten thousand dollars,” he said, -speaking to the Mexican. “Your chief cannot expect that it will be -produced in a day.” - -“My chief, he is not unreasonable man,” said the rascal, again with that -shadow of an evil smile. “He will wait, three, four days, maybe week—but -no longer. Then, no money—prisoner will die.” - -“Oh, you’ll have your money—or rather, our money—don’t worry,” cried -Steve, still fighting the desire to plant his fist in the greaser’s -sneering face. “Go back and tell your chief that we will have the money -for him in a week’s time. Now get out of here, quick, before I give you -what you deserve.” - -The rascal seemed satisfied with the proposition but he impudently took -his time about leaving. - -“Si, senor,” he said, making them a mocking bow. “I shall return for the -gold at the end of a week. It will be well not to disappoint. Adios,” -and with another sweeping bow he went out, leaving the boys to swallow -their rage as well as they could. - -“The confounded scoundrel,” raged Dick. “I’d follow him and put a bullet -in him if it weren’t for Phil.” - -“Captain,” Steve broke in eagerly. “If it’s Espato who has captured -Phil, what’s to prevent our mustering out some of the boys and going -after him?” - -“Say, why couldn’t we?” added Dick and Tom looked his eagerness. - -The Captain smiled but slowly shook his head. - -“It wouldn’t be any use, boys,” he said, adding, as he saw how their -faces fell. “I hate to discourage you but you know as well as I do that -Espato has a dozen hiding places in the mountains and to try to find the -one in which Phil is imprisoned would be decidedly like hunting for a -needle in a haystack. Not but what I’d like first rate to get a hack at -Espato,” and his eyes flashed and his figure straightened after the -manner of a good soldier. - -Reason being against them, the boys were forced to give up their idea of -a dashing rescue and fell to work on the rather discouraging problem of -raising the ten thousand dollars of Phil’s ransom. - -“Anyway, the main thing is to know that Phil’s alive,” said Dick, -stoutly. “What’s ten thousand dollars beside that fact, anyway.” - -“A mere bag of shells,” returned Steve, trying to sound cheerful and -quite failing as he added, dolefully, “But I wish some kind little bird -would whisper to us where the filthy lucre can be found.” - -And meanwhile, knowing nothing of all this, Phil was suffering as -acutely as if every moment had really been his last. Every time voices -sounded without his dungeon the thought flashed through his mind that -they had come to take him to the torture chamber. - -But as the hours passed, afternoon darkening into dusk and nothing -startling happened, he began at first to wonder, then to take heart of -hope. - -Perhaps something had happened—something to his advantage. It was not -like Espato to delay his vengeance in this manner. He liked to punish -his prisoners while still his temper was in the red hot stage, so that -vengeance might be all the sweeter. Surely, by this time his temper had -begun to cool——. - -Tony Gomez had entered his prison once since morning and this for the -purpose of bringing him in a frugal lunch. Evidently the Mexicans did -not think much of lunch, or else Espato had repented of treating him too -well and had decided to start in the starving process after all. - -On this occasion Tony Gomez had not said a word, and what is more, had -stubbornly refused to be drawn into conversation. As a result, Phil -concluded that he had been too hasty in supposing that the Mexican had a -grudge against Espato. His heart sank as this one faint hope appeared -about to elude him. - -Toward evening the suspense became almost unbearable. Despite the ache -in his muscles, Phil paced the tiny prison with the restlessness of a -caged animal. He almost wished that Espato would make up his mind to -kill him at once. Anything would be better than this. - -And still the never-ending hours passed slowly, monotonously. Phil -wondered at the absolute stillness in the camp. Espato’s greasers were -usually a noisy lot. The dead silence was getting on his already -over-wrought nerves. He caught himself listening breathlessly for some -sort of noise from the outside. He began almost to wish for the opening -of the door, even if it should be Espato who entered. - -Then he started as there was the noise of a rusty bolt being slipped -aside and the heavy door of his prison opened slowly. - -Phil braced himself, ready for anything, taking his stand at the back of -the cell. Then, his mouth dropped open in utter surprise. For, instead -of the brutal Espato whom he had expected to see, there crept through -the narrow aperture made by the partly opened door, a pretty Mexican -girl! - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - - The Visitor At Dusk - - -To say that Phil was astonished, would have been to be putting it -mildly. The sight of this young, dark-haired, dark-eyed girl, where he -had more than half expected to see the villainous face of Espato, robbed -him for a moment of the power of speech. He simply stood and stared. - -The girl had closed the door, or rather, signaled that it should be -closed, for it was pushed to from the outside, and had turned to him -with a shy smile on her face. - -“You are surprise to see me, senor, are you not?” she asked in a soft -voice. - -Then as Phil, fearing a trap, still did not answer but just stood -staring at her as though she had been a ghost, the girl gave a musical -little ripple of laughter and moved closer to him. - -“You do not trust me, senor, perhaps,” she said, and Phil flushed as he -saw she had read the thought in his mind. - -“I—I—,” he began and then stopped short again, absolutely unable to -think of a sensible thing to say. He hoped he didn’t look as foolish as -he felt. - -But the girl had stopped laughing and now she laid a timid hand on -Phil’s arm. - -“You are tired and ver-ry miserable,” she said with a pretty -seriousness. “Will you not sit down on the bench, an’ I will sit on the -other end of it so we may talk?” - -With a feeling that he must surely be dreaming he did as the girl bid -him, watching her incredulously. - -Could it be that she was actually friendly to him and was trying to make -him understand? In this camp of enemies such a thing seemed impossible. - -“Why do you stare at me so,” she reproached him and at the words he drew -his eyes away from her, flushing uncomfortably. He must have been -staring foolishly. - -“I—beg your pardon,” he began and again she laughed that soft little -ripple of laughter. - -“You are very polite, Americano,” she said, adding demurely as she -seated herself and pulled her short skirts down as far as they would go, -“But I do not mind, really. It must be much surprise to you that I am -here.” - -“Well, yes,” said Phil, beginning to pull himself together and act a -little more normal. “I must say I wasn’t really expecting you.” He -smiled and the girl clapped her hands gleefully. - -“Good,” she cried in her pretty voice, “It is good the Americano can -still smile.” - -Then she clapped a hand over her mouth and glanced at the door -apprehensively. - -“If I let them know of my presence here,” she said, half as though she -were speaking to herself, “I will neither be able to help you—or save -myself. I must use—what is it you Americanos say—I must use the -caution.” - -She smiled at Phil showing two rows of even white teeth, and for the -first time hope really began to stir in the boy’s heart. If it were not -all an elaborate trap—and somehow he thought of Espato as being more -direct in his methods of vengeance—then this girl might really prove a -valuable ally in escape. - -Escape! The camp again, life and adventure, freedom! At the thought his -eyes began to sparkle and he looked at the girl with new interest. - -As though once more she read his thoughts, the girl’s face clouded and -she moved closer to him. - -“You are thinking that I have come to help you to escape,” she said -quickly. “But you must not hope, Americano. Hope is dangerous. It makes -us do rash things. I tell you, it is almost impossible to escape from -the camp of Espato.” - -Phil’s heart sank again. For a moment in his disappointment he felt -almost a dislike of this girl. Why had she come to raise his hopes, if -all she intended to do was to dash them to the ground again? It wasn’t -fair. - -“But you must not feel altogether discourage’, my frien’,” she went on, -swiftly, her voice softened almost to a whisper, and glancing still more -often at the door. “For I, Juanita Marino, have come to help you if such -a thing is possible.” - -Phil glanced at her gratefully. He was ashamed of his impatience of a -moment before. He knew that she was risking a great deal by coming to -him this way. If she should be found out, in all probability her -punishment would be almost as hard as his own, if not quite. She would -be tried as a traitor—and Espato was not kind to traitors. He wondered -how she dared. - -Impulsively he reached out a hand to her. - -“You are very kind, senorita,” he said, gratefully. “You should not risk -so much for me—.” - -“Ah, but I am not risking as much as you think,” she broke in quickly. -“I should not have dared to come to you as I have today only that Espato -and his men are afield and the camp is almost deserted. I watched my -chance when no one was looking and then with the help of Tony Gomez—” -she paused and bit her lip as though she had said more than she had -intended. She glanced at Phil anxiously, as though she hoped he had not -heard. - -But Phil had heard. He leaned toward her eagerly. - -“Then it was Tony Gomez who opened the door for you tonight,” he said, -more as a statement than a question. “Then I was right in thinking the -fellow wasn’t altogether unfriendly?” - -The girl bit her lip and turned away. When she turned back to him again -Phil was surprised and chagrined to find that her eyes were filled with -tears. - -“Ah, if I have so much as harm’ one hair of my Tony’s head, I hope that -I may die,” she said tensely, then added, quite simply as though she had -known him all her life, “Tony an’ I, we love each other, senor. If -anything should happen to him, I know that I would not live.” - -And suddenly Phil felt a warm affection for this simple little Mexican -girl who confided her heart secrets to him with all the naivete of an -innocent child, and yet who had courage enough to risk her own safety by -coming to help him, a stranger. - -“You needn’t be afraid that I’ll do anything to harm Gomez,” he said, -gently. “An American never harms anyone who tries to do him a good -turn.” - -“Ah, senor, I knew you were like that,” said the girl, a smile banishing -the tears in her eyes. “If I had not thought that you were good I should -not have tried to help you. - -“Listen,” she added hurriedly. “I have not much longer to stay. Every -minute I stay is dangerous both to you and to me. If Espato should find -me here—. - -“Listen, senor. I was among those on the outskirts of the fire the night -they brought you here. I do not often stay to watch the treatment of -prisoners, for it sickens me. But when I saw you, I was interested. You -were so young an’ you talk back to our great chief so fearless’. I was -fill with admiration an’ my heart boil’ at the way Espato, he treat -you. - -“I say to myself, Juanita, if you can help that young Americano to -escape, you must do so. He iss too young an’ too courageous to die by -the hand of Espato. An’ so I will Americano, if I can but find the -smallest chance. - -“An’ now, I mus’ go. Perhaps I have already stay too long. Adios, -Americano, an’ be of good heart. Juanita is your frien’ an’ Tony Gomez, -also. There will come a chance—Adios, senor.” - -And before he had time to speak, before he had even a chance to thank -her the door opened by unseen means and Juanita Marino flitted out of -his vision as swiftly and as silently as she had entered it. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - - Prisoners and Loot - - -Phil never forgot those next few days of his imprisonment. Monotonously -the hours dragged by while the prisoner paced the tiny cell, grinding -his teeth in rage at his predicament. - -If it had not been for the occasional visits of the friendly Mexican -girl, Juanita, and the strong, though silent, sympathy of Tony Gomez, -his imprisonment would have been altogether intolerable. But the thought -that he had two good, though probably helpless, friends in the enemy -camp, helped to buoy him up with the hope that, sooner or later, there -might come the chance for his escape. - -Tony Gomez was not so much Phil’s friend—though in his heart was a -sincere admiration for the Americano’s courage—as he was Espato’s enemy. - -Phil, trying to draw the Mexican out, one day as to the cause of this -enemy, finally drove Gomez to a pitch of excitement where he momentarily -forgot caution. - -“Why I hate this man, this dog, this devil,” he cried, turning upon -Phil, his lips pulled back from his strong, white teeth like a snarling -animal, “You ask that, Americano? Then I, Antonio Gomez, son of the -great Pedro Gomez, I will tell you why it is I hate. Listen, Americano.” - -He came closer to Phil, his strong hands clenched fiercely and Phil -experienced something of the same thrill he would have felt if, when -baiting a wild animal, he had succeeded in rousing it to the height of -its jungle fury. For Antonio Gomez was roused. - -“You ask me why I hate Espato,” he repeated, his voice tense, “Then, -thees is why. My father Pedro Gomez, one of the mos’ great man ever -live, he serve’ under Espato for many year’. My father, he love the -chase, he love get much rich loot, he love to feast and drink and make -merry. My father, he great man, he love the life of the woods, the so -great excitement. But my father he also have the great heart. He love -not the torture.” - -Antonio paused and Phil saw that there were tears in his eyes. Were they -tears of rage? - -“He make the big talk with Espato, sometimes,” the man continued, half -turned from Phil, his hands still clenched fiercely. “He tell him no -murder, no torture prisoners. He say, take prisoners, yes, demand the -ransom, yes—that is fair, that is just, my father say. But when the -ransom come, then let go the prisoner. That, also is fair. So my father -say.” - -“Do you mean to say,” Phil demanded excitedly, “that Espato will not -release the prisoner once he has received the ransom?” - -Tony Gomez turned upon him a look full of scorn for his innocence. - -“Sometime he do,” he said, “and sometime he do not. When he have for the -prisoner great hatred, when the prisoner have been so unfortunate as to -have angered the so great Espato, then he keep the ransom and the -prisoner, also.” - -Phil whistled his surprise. It was hard to believe that such despicable -conduct was possible even on the part of a Mexican bandit. Tony went on, -speaking rapidly, as though he had not noticed the interruption. - -“Ah yes,” he was saying bitterly, “An’ because my father did not agree -with him Espato he began to hate him secretly, planning to let him go on -until he should be betrayed into doing something for which Espato could -have his revenge.” - -Phil was listening, eagerly now. - -“Yes?” he queried breathlessly as Gomez paused. - -“My father was lieutenant to Espato then and all the band loved him. He -had almost more power than Espato himself. Espato knew this and so he -feared, while hating him. He dare’ not kill my father without -something—what you call?—a good excuse. There was danger that the men -might turn upon him, Espato, himself. - -“An’ so he waited. An’ while he wait he bait my father. He torture -prisoners so vilely that my father would walk off into the woods -striving to deafen himself to their cries of agony. Then Espato, he -laugh an’ scoff, calling my father a coward, a weak woman who can not -stand an evening of fun.” - -Tony paused again but this time Phil made no comment. He was afraid that -he might break the spell. - -“An’ so,” Tony continued, quivering with emotion as he hurried to the -climax of his story, “One night they brought in a prisoner, a mos’ -distinguish man an’ even while Espato dispatch a messenger for ransom, -he plan to torture this one. - -“In vain did my father, the great Pedro, plead with him—the prisoner had -done to my father a favor, once an’ my father, the great Pedro, he never -forget the one who do him a favor. So my father, he plead with Espato. -He ask that he be content with a so fat ransom an’ spare the man’s -life. - -“But Espato would not listen. He taunt, he insult my father until, in a -rage, he fling off into the woods. I see him go, my father, the great -Pedro and timidly I follow him. I am only twelve year old then but I -remember all that happen’ that night as though it had been burn’ into my -brain. - -“I follow’ my father for a long way before he notice’ me. Then he turn -an’ smile’ through his black wrath at me. - -“‘Tony,’ he say, an’ put his big han’ so gentle on my head, ‘Tony, it is -not right that one man torture another. That way is not greatness won. -Remember that, my son.’ - -“An’ then,” there was almost a sob in Tony’s voice and Phil, greatly -moved, leaned closer so that he might not miss a word, “my father, the -great Pedro, he go back an’ he watch his chance an’ he try to rescue the -prisoner, this one who was kind to him. - -“Espato he caught him, my father, an’ the prisoner also. He call’ my -father, the great Pedro, traitor, declare’ that he too, then, should -suffer the fate of the man he had try to save.” - -Tony’s voice broke and he stood silent for a moment. Phil realized now -the meaning of the tears that had been in his eyes. - -“They keel him, my father the great Pedro,” cried Tony, turning upon him -in a sort of fury. “They tie him to a tree beside the man he had try to -help an’ they torture him—torture him till his great heart break an’ he -die. You hear—he die, my father, the great Pedro, there in the shadow of -the fire, without a moan to tell of his agony. An’ I—I try to reach him -an’ they thrust me back with vile words. An’ then I rush into the fores’ -an’ I lie on my face an’ I think I die too. I hope I die. I pray I die. -I think no one can bear such pain an’ live. My father what I love, the -great Pedro. An’ there they fin’ me an’ drag me back an’ make me -live....” - -A deep silence, during which Phil’s throat felt constricted and dry. He -wanted to say something, felt the need of saying something, but didn’t -know what to say. - -“Tony,” he said, finally, his voice husky with sympathy. “He was a great -man, Pedro, your father.” - -“Si, senor,” said Tony quietly and without another word, picked up a -tray from the table and went out. - -For a long time after he was left alone Phil could think of nothing but -Tony’s tragic story. He forgot temporarily his own desperate plight in -contemplation of the other’s problem. - -At the time, it seemed to him about the most important thing in the -world that Tony should be given his revenge upon Espato. - -But he was a fine one, thought Phil bitterly, as he began once more to -pace up and down, up and down his cell, to help anyone get even with -Espato! - -Juanita had told him of the messenger who had been sent for his ransom -and while the impudence of it had made him rage, as it had his chums, -still it had given him some hope of release. - -But Tony had given him to understand that Espato did not always release -his prisoners, even upon receipt of a ransom, especially if Espato bore -the prisoner a grudge. And surely Espato bore him a grudge and a half! - -Things certainly looked bad for him, thought Phil, as he stared up at -the little slit in the wall just above his head. If he could only get a -message through to the fellows, if he only could. Soon it would be too -late. - -Juanita had told him that Espato seldom was away more than a week on a -raid and several days had already passed. He might be back any time -now—ready for his entertainment! - -Phil stared up at that patch of blue sky and once more his bound hands -clenched in impotent fury. In imagination he was in the _Arrow_, flying -through those fleecy white clouds, fleet as the birds themselves and -just as free. Free——! - -Again, as he had done so often in the nightmare of the last few days, he -wondered what the boys were saying and doing, dear old Dick and Steve -and Tom. He knew they must have been appalled by the demand for ransom -and he wondered how they were meeting the problem. - -Poor fellows, they sure were up against it. But then, no more so than -he! he added grimly. - -That very afternoon Espato and his roystering band came back. Phil knew -that the raid had been successful by the noise they made. They had made -a rich haul of loot and had brought in several prisoners. Since Tony had -told his story, he hated these men more furiously than ever. - -Just give him a gun and let him loose among them. He would die gladly -for the privilege of “getting” a couple of them first. - -But he wouldn’t be given a gun, he thought, raging. He would be taken -out and tied to a tree. He wondered how long Espato would be in getting -around to his “entertainment.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII - - A Gleam of Hope - - -The bandits had spent the greater part of the night in wild revelry, and -it was late the next morning before there was any noticeable stir of -life about the camp. - -Toward noon however there was an activity which indicated that there was -something important on foot. Phil could hear the tread of many feet -coming and going, and it was evident that most of the band had remained -in camp for some purpose instead of going out on some foray. There was -laughter and jesting and a general air of festivity prevalent, and Phil -wondered what was in prospect. - -It was not long before he found out. His door was flung open by a surly -Mexican, who told him that he was to come with him into the presence of -Espato. - -“Is this the end, I wonder,” Phil said to himself as he followed the man -out into the open air. He had steeled himself to the thought of death, -which he knew might come to him at any moment. Was this the moment? - -What he saw after his dazzled eyes had become accustomed to the -brilliant sunlight was not calculated to reassure him. - -Espato was seated on a rough box in the center of the clearing. About -him in a semicircle, some standing, others squatting on the ground, were -his followers, all with an air of expectancy on their faces. - -A group of four prisoners who had been brought in on the recent raid had -been brought out and ranged before the bandit chief. Their hands were -tied behind their backs but the bonds had been removed from their feet. - -Two hundred feet from where Espato was sitting, the plateau terminated -abruptly at the edge of a precipice. This ran down a sheer seven hundred -feet with jagged rocks at its foot. - -An evil sneering smile was on the face of the bandit leader as Phil was -brought before him. - -“So here is the Americano,” he said and made a mocking bow. “It ees good -of him to be present at our leetle merry-making. Perhaps he will even -take part in it.” - -The significance of the last phrase was not lost on Phil, but his blue -eyes had the coldness of ice and the hardness of steel as he gazed -unflinchingly at the man who had him so completely in his power. - -The bandit glared back at him, but in the duel of eyes his own were the -first to fall. He turned to one of his henchmen. - -“Put him with the rest,” he commanded. - -Phil was pulled roughly away and stationed at one end of the line of -prisoners. - -Espato whispered to Arigo. The latter gave an order, and a squad of men -selected one of the prisoners and ordered him to march toward the -precipice. - -The wretched man hung back, but was urged on by the pricking of knives -and bayonets to the edge of the precipice. Phil shut his eyes. There was -a piercing scream and a chorus of jeers and laughter from the crowd. -When Phil opened his eyes the prisoner had disappeared, and the guards -were marching back for another victim. And way off in the sky was a -black spot that rapidly grew larger and was joined by others. They were -vultures already gathering for the feast. - -Again and again the terrible drama was enacted, until Phil was the only -prisoner left standing. With each one massacred he himself felt the -bitterness of death. - -The vultures were no longer visible. They had swooped down to the rocks -at the foot of the cliff. Phil knew only too well what they were doing. - -He thought that he knew why Espato had reserved him for the last. It was -to spin out his agony, to multiply his sufferings many times. He found -himself almost longing to have the thing over. - -What was his surprise therefore to see Espato rise and signify by a wave -of his hand that the horrid treat that he had given his bloodthirsty -followers was over. The crowd dispersed, reluctantly, Phil thought, as -though they were not yet sated, and this impression was confirmed by the -many malignant looks cast at him as the throng gradually drifted away, -leaving the solitary prisoner alone with Espato and his lieutenant. - -The bandit chief sauntered down to where Phil was standing. - -“Eet was a long time waiting for your time to come, eh Americano?” he -said with a mocking grin. “But no. That would have been too e—eezy. When -ze time come for you to die, eet must be hard and slow and long. Yes,” -he repeated, “hard and slow and long. Take him away, Arigo.” - -Phil followed the lieutenant, hardly able to believe that he had a -reprieve. But what a reprieve and with what unimaginable horror at the -end! - -Still he was alive, while had he met the fate of the others, he would -already have been food for the vultures. The hope that springs eternal -still buoyed him up. - -Almost exhausted by the terrific strain he had undergone, he was -dragging himself over to the stone bench in his cell when he stumbled -and would have fallen had he not reached out his hand against the wall -and steadied himself. In the dim light he saw that he had knocked -against a box that, with a number of other articles of loot, had been -piled in his room during his absence. - -He reached the bench and threw himself down on it. The tension under -which he had been made him feel bruised and sore all over. - -For a long time he lay there, resting and brooding over his plight. The -entry of the man who brought his midday meal aroused him. He ate -heartily and his spirits revived in some measure. - -The box over which he had stumbled met his eye. He glanced at it -indifferently, and then something familiar in it aroused his curiosity. -Then suddenly with a great leap of his heart he realized what it was. - -A radio set! Gathered in with the other loot by the ignorant bandits who -had not the slightest idea of its use, but, struck by its aggregation of -wires and tubes, thought it might have some value and had brought it -along with the rest. - -With fingers that trembled with excitement, Phil went over the set and -established that it was complete, batteries and all. The aerial had been -cut away to permit of the set being removed as had the wire that -constituted the ground connection, but with these exceptions it seemed -to be in perfect shape, although the box bore evidence of rough and -careless handling. - -Hardly convinced that he was not dreaming, Phil buried his head in his -hands and tried to think. He must have an aerial and a ground -connection. But how could he get them? - -Feverishly he went through the other bundles and packages that littered -the room. All sorts of plunder gathered up hastily and indiscriminately -were in them, and among them to his joy he found a coil of copper wire. -A little later his fingers closed upon a metal disk about three inches -in diameter. Here then were the materials for his aerial and ground -connection. - -But his first elation was followed by a sinking of the heart. Of what -avail were these, he thought bitterly, to a prisoner. If but for an -hour, one little hour, he might have his freedom! - -Then suddenly a thought struck him and brought new hope. There was Tony, -the one man in the whole band who had not been brutal to him, the man -who he felt sure hated Espato. Would he help him? Could he help him? - -It was his only hope. If that failed him he was doomed. - -He knew that Tony would soon come bringing his supper, as was his custom -every night. In the meantime, he attached the wire to the metal plate -which he intended to use as his ground, and also fastened one end of the -coil of wire to the connection for the aerial. Then he waited, with his -heart beating so fast that it seemed as though it would leap from his -body. - -At last the door opened and Tony came in with his supper. But Phil had -no desire to eat just then. The moment the door was closed, he laid his -plan before the Mexican in the broken combination of Spanish and English -that was common on the border and enabled him to make himself easily -understood. - -Would Tony do one little thing for him? It was a very little thing. This -metal disk that Phil held in his hand. He would throw it out through the -slit in the wall. Would Tony dig a little hole in the damp ground and -bury it? A work only of one, two, or three minutes. Surely a little -thing. And this long wire. Phil would put one end through the slit in -the wall and when it was dark, if Tony would climb the big tree growing -close to the wall and fasten the wire to the trunk of the tree high up. -That would be a little harder, but still it would be only a little thing -to do for a poor prisoner. Would he do this? Phil would reward him. God -would reward him. Would he do it? - -As he poured out his very soul in this entreaty, Phil studied Tony’s -face. There was sympathy there—yes, but also fear. The shadow of the -dreaded Espato hovered over him. He shook his head. - -“I dare not,” he said. “Espato—he keel.” - -Again Phil renewed his pleading but apparently to no effect. Then he -played his last card. - -“Ask Juanita what you shall do,” he urged. “Ask Juanita.” - -Tony nodded in assent. - -“Maybe I come back,” he said, and gathering up the dishes with the -untasted food left the room. - -An hour passed and then another, while Phil paced the narrow room like a -caged tiger. It was entirely dark when the door opened softly and Tony -glided into the room. - -“Juanita say yes,” he whispered. “Tell me now what I do.” - -Phil gave him the most careful directions and Tony slipped out of the -room. Perhaps half an hour had elapsed when he again opened the door. - -“Eet is done,” he whispered, and vanished like a shadow. - -Two hours more Phil waited, until he was sure that the camp was sunk in -slumber. Convinced of this, he turned on his batteries and saw the light -spring into the filament. - -Then Phil touched the key! - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII - - In Hot Haste - - -Dick and Tom were in Steve’s quarters that night, a prey to the deepest -restlessness and anxiety. The amount of the ransom had been collected, -and they were awaiting the return of the messenger from Espato’s band. -He had promised to be back in a week for the money but was already a day -overdue. - -“What could have happened?” fumed Dick, as he paced restlessly about the -room. - -“All sorts of things,” replied Steve gloomily. “It’s possible that in a -fit of drunken rage Espato may have killed Phil. Or again Phil may have -tried to escape and have been brought down by a shot.” - -Tom winced at the very possibility. - -“Even then, though,” he suggested, “the Mexican might come for the money -just the same in the hope that he’d get it anyway and then give us the -double cross.” - -“If the scoundrel does, he’s got the biggest surprise of his life coming -to him,” snapped Steve. “I don’t know just what plans Captain Bradley -has for ensuring Phil’s safe delivery in case the ransom is paid, but -he’s a wise bird and you can bet that no greaser will be able to put one -over on him.” - -Just at that moment the Captain himself stepped into the room and they -stood at salute. - -“Happened to be passing,” remarked the Captain, “and stepped in on the -chance that you may have heard something about that Mexican from -Espato’s camp.” - -“Not a thing,” returned Dick. “We were just talking about that when you -came in. We can’t understand it and we’re almost wild with anxiety about -Phil.” - -“I don’t mind admitting I’m worried myself,” returned the captain. -“Those Mexicans are slow and lazy, but not when such a large amount of -money is concerned. Still, some accident may have happened to detain him -and he may turn up at any time.” - -Just then there was a signal from the radio set and Steve turned to take -the message. He listened a moment and then jumped as though he had been -shot. - -“It’s Phil!” he shouted. “Phil’s sending. Do you hear me, fellows? It’s -Phil!” - -There was a wild yell from Dick and Tom as they rushed to his side, -crazy with delight and scarcely able to believe their ears. Phil, good -old Phil, still alive and talking to them. Was it possible or was it -only a dream? - -Captain Bradley, scarcely less upset than themselves, had joined the -excited group about the instrument. The message was coming in the code, -and as they were all familiar with it they could read it from the clicks -as it came along. - -“Phil Strong sending,” spelled out the message. “Prisoner in Espato’s -camp. Am hoping this will reach Captain Bradley’s camp of Texas Rangers -at Laguna. Need help and need it quick. Some prisoners killed today. I -may be next. Espato planning to make my death slow and hard. No time to -lose. Will stop now and wait for answer.” - -The clicks ceased, and the excited auditors looked at each other, -delight that Phil was still alive and rage at his fiendish captor -mingled on their faces. - -“Answer him,” cried Captain Bradley. “Don’t wait a minute. Tell him -we’re coming to his help. Get from him whatever he knows that can guide -us to the camp. Quick!” - -Steve needed no urging, for before the captain had finished speaking his -finger was busy with the key. - -“We got you, Phil,” he said. “Thank God you’re still alive. Captain is -here and Dick and Tom. They’re wild to be after you. Keep up heart. Tell -us as nearly as you can where you are. Give us something to guide us.” - -They waited with thumping hearts and bated breath for the answer which -came promptly. - -“Thank Heaven you heard me, Steve,” it clicked. “Here are the directions -as far as I know them. I’m nearly a day’s journey away. When I came to -myself after being knocked on the head I saw that the greasers were -taking me in a general south by southwest direction. The cave is on a -plateau near the top of a mountain. There are two peaks, one of them -like a church spire, the other with a rough likeness to a dog’s head. -It—” - -“I know it,” cried the captain. “It’s the Monte de Cano. I know just -where it is. That’s enough.” - -Then he checked himself, for the message was continuing: - -“It’s impossible to get there tonight, but you might make it tomorrow -easily. Hope you recognize it. If you don’t it’s probably all up with -me. Answer.” - -Scarcely had the clicking stopped then Steve, following the captain’s -directions, was sending. - -“Captain Bradley talking,” he radioed. “He knows the place. We start at -once. Travel the rest of the night, lie low in the day to avoid -observation, reach you tomorrow night. Count on us. Be on your toes when -the rush comes. Don’t answer. We’re off.” - -“Get ready, boys,” said the captain. “We start in half an hour. Report -at headquarters at the end of that time. See that your plane is in -perfect condition, for there must be very careful reconnoitering on this -trip.” - -He left the room hurriedly to give his orders. - -Steve looked enviously at his two friends who were in a perfect frenzy -of eagerness and anticipation. - -“Some fellows have all the luck,” he grumbled. “Here I am tied to this -shack while you ginks are on your way for a fight with the greasers. It -isn’t a square deal.” - -“You’re getting your share all right,” replied Dick. “We wouldn’t be -going at all if it hadn’t been for this old shack, as you call it, and -the radio set that’s in it. Then too, perhaps you’ll have another -message from Phil tomorrow. If you do, let us have it right away. We’ll -keep in touch with you by radio from the plane.” - -“You bet I’ll stick to this old radio set like a long lost brother,” -replied Steve. “Probably though, Phil won’t dare to radio in the daytime -for fear of being observed, and on the other hand I won’t dare to send -to him for fear the clicking of the signal may betray him. But if -anything does come, I’ll be right here.” - -As the boys were about to go out, the door was flung open without -knocking, and into the room swaggered the insolent Mexican messenger of -Espato’s whom they had been expecting. - -“Ah, senors,” he said with a sweeping bow that had mockery in it, “Eet -ees me, you see. A leetle late but still I come. Zee money. Ees eet -ready?” - -Behind his back the boys carefully closed the door. - -Steve rose slowly to his feet. - -“It has been hard to get,” he said apologetically. “In fact, I’m afraid -we can’t give you so much.” - -As he spoke he edged imperceptibly nearer. - -The beady eyes of the Mexican glittered like those of a rattlesnake. - -“Zen ze Americano die,” he exclaimed angrily, “and O, how he weel die!” -he added, smacking his lips gloatingly. - -Like a battering ram Steve’s fist shot out and smashed the scoundrel -straight between the eyes. The man went down to the floor with a crash. -He struggled groggily to his feet and tried to draw a knife, but Dick -wrenched it from his hand, and in a moment they had him bound fast with -a cavalry belt that Tom snatched from a nail on the wall. - -“Now, you skunk,” said Steve, “let me tell you something. You’re not -going to get ten thousand dollars and you’re not going to get a cent. -And what’s more, we know where the prisoner is and we’re starting out -tonight to get him. And we’re going to get Espato too and wipe that camp -of yours off the map. Sabe?” - -If looks could kill, Steve would have been blasted on the spot by the -hate that shot from the malignant eyes of the prisoner. - -“Now, fellows,” Steve continued, “I know you’ll have to be hurrying but -just take a minute and run over to the captain’s quarters and tell him -we’ve got this reptile. He may be able to do something with him that -will help you on this trip.” - -“All right,” agreed Dick. - -“And you’re the fellow that was growling just now because you weren’t -going to be mixed up in this expedition,” laughed Tom. “Seems to me -you’ve had considerable fun already.” - -“Yes,” grinned Steve. “It sure has helped some. It’ll be a satisfaction -as long as I live to think that I had a crack at this fellow. I’ve been -aching to ever since he was here a week ago.” - -The boys hurried over to the captain’s quarters and told him of the -capture of the messenger. He was highly pleased and sent Chips and -another of the Rangers over to Steve’s cabin to get the fellow, whom he -decided to take along with him on the expedition. He might be forced -into giving important information regarding the mountain pass that led -to the camp. - -At the end of the half hour everything was ready. The notes of a bugle -rang through the camp. The airplane carrying Dick and Tom whizzed into -the air and the Rangers leaped into their saddles. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX - - To the Rescue - - -When Phil had flung his radio message out into the night he knew that he -had but a slender chance. Suppose static interfered and prevented the -reception of his signals. Suppose Steve had been called away from his -post. Suppose he were asleep. A score of suppositions forced their way -into his tortured brain. - -Still, it was a chance, and after he finished his first message he -strove to get a grip on himself while he waited for a possible answer. - -A click! There it was! And then a perfect delirium of delight swept -through him as he spelled out the words: - -“We got you, Phil. Thank God you’re still alive!” - -There they were, his tried friends and comrades, Dick and Tom and Steve, -alert, excited, “wild to be after you.” And the captain was there too, -ready with his gallant Rangers to come to his help. - -The reaction was so great from despair to hope that he almost lost -control of himself. Then by a mighty effort he pulled himself together -and continued the interchange of messages. - -When these were finished he turned off the batteries and flung himself -down and tried to sleep. But his brain was in a whirl and sleep was a -long time in coming. - -Radio! That blessed radio. The most wonderful thing in the world. Doc -Denby had called it that one time, and Phil had rather felt inclined to -smile at his enthusiasm. Now he was ready to agree with him. - -He dropped off to sleep at last, a sleep filled with dreams, in which he -seemed to hear the roar of the airplane and the thud of hoofs as the -troop of Rangers rode to his rescue. But he heard screams too of -tortured men driven over the precipice, he saw the ghoulish vultures -tearing at their prey. And many times there rose before him the face of -Espato with that livid scar on his forehead, his eyes gleaming with -ferocity, his lips parted in a fiendish grin full of cruelty and menace. - -It was late when he awoke from his feverish slumber and opened his eyes -upon the day that was to be the most momentous in his life. What did -that day hold in store for him? Would it see him restored to friends and -freedom? Or would it mark the vanishing of his last hope? - -Even if the Rangers came, he was still environed by hideous peril. At -the first warning of attack, Espato would probably kill him instantly. -Everything depended upon an absolute surprise. - -Marked by alternate hopes and fears the day wore on. To Phil it had -never seemed so long. He craved the coming of the night as men athirst -in the desert crave water. - -Dusk came at last and deepened into darkness. - -Phil was waiting, every nerve strained to the highest point of tension, -when the door opened to admit one of the brigands, who ordered him to -follow him into the presence of Espato. - -For hours the bandit chief had been drinking heavily. Ever since he had -been forced to drop his eyes before the cold defiant stare in the eyes -of Phil, the incident had rankled in his mind like so much poison. He -had been used to seeing only fright and pleading in the eyes of his -helpless prisoners. Yet here was this young Americano, bound, utterly in -his power, who had outfaced him—him, the great Espato—and had made him -lower his eyes. It was intolerable. Would he tamely endure such an -affront and not wreak his rage on the beardless youth who had offered -it? No! Por Madre de Dios, no! - -The more he dwelt on it the more he worked himself into a hot fury, -until he could restrain himself no longer and ordered the prisoner to be -brought into his presence. - -The more cautious Arigo, with his eye on the expected ransom, sought to -appease his chief. - -“Wait,” he urged. “The messenger ought to be back tomorrow. If he has -the money, well and good. Then you can work your will on the prisoner. -But perhaps there will be conditions. It may be that we can do more with -a live body than with a dead one. Revenge is sweet but money—ten -thousand dollars in American money—ah, it is much.” - -“Fool,” snarled the chief, “I shall not kill him—not yet. That would be -too quick and easy. Tonight I shall play with him as the cat plays with -the mouse. I shall make him want to die, but I will not let him die. I -shall make him scream. I shall make him beg. I shall break his courage. -I shall teach him that it is not good to stare into the eyes of Espato.” - -When Phil came before the bandit leader, he saw at once the drunken rage -that looked through his reddened eyes, and drew from it the conclusion -that at last his hour had come. But he braced himself to meet the -ordeal, and there was no sign of blenching in the look he turned on his -captor. - -Once more Espato glared into Phil’s eyes, and once more, after an -interval, his own wavered before the indomitable light in the eyes of -his captive. - -“Take him to that tree,” he ordered, his face congested and the veins -standing out turgidly on his forehead, “and tie him fast. I do not want -him to squirm too much when I get busy with him,” he added, drawing his -knife from his belt and testing its edge with his thumb. - -Phil was dragged roughly away and tied to the tree indicated, which -stood just at the edge of the zone of light cast by the fire about which -the bandits were sprawled, drinking and waiting with keen zest for the -next move of their chief. - -The latter sat brooding, his brows drawn into a heavy scowl, enjoying -his vengeance in anticipation and planning how he might inflict the most -exquisite torture on the prisoner. There was no hurry, as he wanted Phil -to suffer the agony of suspense while he awaited the will of his captor. - -Phil’s hands had been drawn back by a rope that was fastened on the -further side of the tree. His feet were fastened in similar fashion. The -cords cut into him cruelly, but his physical pain was as nothing to his -mental anguish. - -If only one more day had intervened! Already the Rangers must be nearing -the mountain stronghold. But hours might elapse before they got there -and in those hours— - -What was that? The wind soughing through the trees? No, there was not a -breath of air stirring. Still that hum, that soft steady hum that -persisted for a while and then died away into silence. - -Phil’s heart gave a tremendous leap. The airplane! That hum came from -the motor of the _Arrow_. And the silence that had followed meant that -the engine had been shut off and that Dick and Tom had made a landing. -And if the airplane was there, the Rangers were there too, for Phil knew -that they would keep pace with each other. - -He glanced toward the chief and his followers. Had they heard anything? -A moment and he was reassured. They were too absorbed in their drunken -revelry to notice anything, and as for Espato, he was too deep in his -schemes of torture to think of anything else. - -Perhaps half an hour dragged by while Phil listened intensely for any -sound that might come from the surrounding forest. But not a rustle -broke the silence. - -At last the bandit chief arose and came toward his prisoner, knife in -hand. Within a foot of him he paused, his eyes glowing with the baleful -ferocity of a wild beast. - -His followers had risen and stood at a respectful distance behind him, -intent on the new and devilish entertainment which they felt sure was -coming. - -“Now,” hissed Espato, as he fondled the haft of his knife caressingly, -“listen to the screams of the Americano as I carve my name on his -forehead in payment for the gash he dared to cut in mine. Six -letters—E-S-P-A-T-O. It will take a long time to do the carving, for the -letters will be wide and the cutting will be deep.” - -He raised his knife. - -A rifle cracked and from the shattered wrist of the bandit chief the -knife clattered to the ground. - -Then came the shrill sound of a bugle, and out of the woods and into the -clearing the Texas Rangers came charging in a wild rush that swept -everything before them! - - - - - CHAPTER XXX - - Rounding up “Muggs” Murray - - -In an instant the camp was in pandemonium. Revolvers cracked and bullets -whizzed and bandits and Rangers were at death grips. The Mexicans -grasped their arms, and under the threats and curses of Espato tried to -rally. They were fully equal in number to the Rangers, but far inferior -in stamina and courage, and were steadily driven back to the edge of the -plateau. - -Dick and Tom were in the van of the charge, and after the first volley -they rushed to the tree where Phil was bound. A slash of their knives -cut the ropes, and then they threw their arms about their comrade and -fairly hugged him in the exuberance of their delight. - -Phil was quite as incoherent in his rapture as they, but the fight was -on and all were eager to join in the fray. - -“Rub my arms and legs, fellows, and get the blood into them,” cried -Phil, “and then give me a gun. I’ve got a score to settle with Espato.” - -They set to work, and in a minute or two Phil was ready for action. They -gave him a Colt’s, and all three ran in the direction of the melee. - -But by this time the fight was nearly over. Many of the Mexicans had -fallen, and others as they neared the edge of the frightful precipice -had thrown down their arms and surrendered. - -Espato himself was on the very edge of the cliff engaged in a desperate -knife contest with an antagonist. As the boys rushed toward him, Phil -gave a gasp of surprise as he saw that that antagonist was Tony. - -At the same moment Tony’s knife found its mark and was buried to the -haft in Espato’s breast. - -With a wild scream the scoundrel toppled over the cliff. Shriek followed -shriek as he whirled over in that appalling flight. Then came a crash -and—silence. - -Tony wiped his knife on his shirt and thrust it back in its sheath. - -“For my father,” he muttered, as he walked back toward the Rangers with -his hands uplifted in token of surrender. - -A few more scattering shots and the fight was ended. The surviving -members of the band were disarmed and placed in the center of the camp -under guard. Several of the Rangers had been wounded but not seriously, -for the Mexicans, indifferent marksmen at the best, had shot even more -wildly than usual owing to the completeness of the surprise. - -After everything had been attended to, Captain Bradley had time to -congratulate Phil and to receive the warm thanks of the latter for -having come to his help in his sore extremity. - -“That’s all right,” smiled the captain. “I’m only glad that we got here -in time. You surely had a close call. It was the radio that saved you.” - -“Radio and you combined,” replied Phil, “and it proved a strong -combination. I want to ask one more favor of you Captain,” he continued, -“and that is to let two of your prisoners go.” - -He pointed toward Tony and Juanita, the latter of whom was sitting in a -group of the women, her dark eyes filled with fright. - -He briefly related how he owed his life to them and the Captain nodded -sympathetically. - -“Of course, I’ll let them go,” he answered. “As a matter of fact,” he -continued, “I don’t see how I’m going to take any prisoners back with -me. You see this whole thing is rather irregular”—he smiled -whimsically—“as we technically have no right to invade Mexican -territory, even though we’re doing a service to civilization in wiping -out this den of rattlesnakes. It might stir up a row at Washington, even -though Washington at heart might be glad we did it. We Texans don’t care -much for red tape ourselves, but there’s no use in embarrassing the -Government. Espato and his lieutenant are dead, and the rest of these -rascals can drift away wherever they will. But I’ll give this Tony and -Juanita, as you call them, a pair of horses and let them get a head -start for fear some of these fellows may have it in for Tony because he -killed Espato. The rest I’ll keep till tomorrow and then turn them -loose.” - -He was as good as his word and in a little while Tony and Juanita were -started off, with fervent thanks from Phil and as much money in their -pockets to start housekeeping with as the boys could scrape up between -them. - -The next morning the rest of the prisoners were released, after they had -been given a stern warning by Captain Bradley that their lives wouldn’t -be worth a moment’s purchase if they were ever again found on the other -side of the Mexican border. Then the troop took up its march to Laguna, -while Phil, Dick and Tom hovered over them with the plane. - -The Radio Boys were in the highest spirits, and Phil was kept busy -telling his companions all the details of his capture and imprisonment. - -“It made me sore,” he said, “to have them nab me before I could get back -to camp and give you the tip on the ‘Muggs’ Murray gang. We could have -caught them dead to rights and rounded them up without any trouble.” - -“That’s queer,” muttered Dick, who at the time was scanning the -landscape with his glasses. - -“What’s queer?” asked Phil and Tom in the same breath. - -“That auto,” replied Dick, passing the glasses over to Phil. “You don’t -see many of them in this forsaken country. And whoever’s at the wheel is -driving like mad.” - -“Coming as if the old boy were after them,” agreed Phil, focusing the -glasses upon the machine. “From the direction of the border too. By the -great horn spoon!” he shouted suddenly. “Do you know who’s in it? Muggs -Murray and Rocks Gurney or I’m a Chinaman.” - -“Go way,” exclaimed Tom unbelievingly. - -“Sure as shooting,” persisted Phil. “The States must have got too hot -for them and they’re making tracks into Mexico where they can’t be -followed. Now’s our chance.” - -With a great swoop he brought the plane to the ground and hurried up to -Captain Bradley with the news. From the ground the car had not come into -sight and was still several miles away. - -A little way off was a clump of woodland through which ran the road -along which the car was coming. A few sharp orders, and the troop of -Rangers was deployed to the best advantage in the wood where they lay -flat on the ground sheltered by the trees. To the casual eye there was -no sign of life visible. - -Soon the purring of the car was heard and before long the machine came -dashing along at a high rate of speed. It stopped abruptly, however, at -the sight of several huge rocks that had been rolled into the road by -the Rangers. - -With a muttered oath, the men who were in the car climbed out to remove -the obstacles. And just then a volley of shots was fired into the air, -and up about the fugitives rose, as if by magic, a swarm of men with -leveled rifles. - -There was a startled shout from the two rascals. Gurney—for Phil had -guessed correctly—turned fairly green from fright and held up his hands -promptly. But Murray was made of more desperate stuff and quick as -lightning made a move to draw his weapon. Before he could get it, -however, a half a dozen brawny hands had grasped him, and although he -fought like a tiger he was soon overpowered, bound and thrown to the -ground, where he lay still struggling to burst his bonds and hurling -imprecations at his captors. - -“The jig’s up, Murray,” said Phil, who had been foremost of those who -had thrown themselves upon him. “Where’s that money you stole from the -Castleton bank? Come across now.” - -His only answer was an oath. - -“We’ll search the car,” said Captain Bradley. “No doubt he’s brought his -loot with him.” - -Phil and Dick were delighted to do the searching, and in a moment there -was a cry of delight from the latter, as he lifted up the rear seat of -the car and discovered piles of bills bound together with strips that -bore the initials of the cashier of the Castleton bank. - -The money was counted by Captain Bradley while the Radio Boys looked on -with feverish impatience. - -“Thirty-eight thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars,” he announced at -last. “That accounts for most of the forty thousand you say he stole. -The rest I suppose he’s spent.” - -“Thirty-eight thousand odd!” cried Dick in uncontrollable delight. - -“Maybe we won’t have some good news to radio to Castleton tonight,” -exclaimed Phil, equally as elated. - -“Glory hallelujah!” shouted Tom, as he clapped his comrades on the back. - -Murray and Gurney were hustled into the car under guard, one of the -Rangers was placed at the wheel, the Radio Boys clambered into the -_Arrow_ and the column took up its line of march. - -If ever a plane carried light hearts, the _Arrow_ did that afternoon. -The boys laughed, jested and chaffed each other and tasted to the full -the sheer delight of living. - -“Well,” sighed Phil blissfully, “if we were looking for adventure when -we came here we sure have got our fill of it. We’ll never have such -exciting times again as long as we live.” - -But Phil was mistaken, as will be seen by those who read the following -book of this series, entitled: “Radio Boys Under the Sea, or, the Hunt -For the Sunken Treasure.” - -Steve’s delight when he welcomed Phil on the arrival of the Rangers at -Laguna that afternoon was beyond expression. He instantly radioed to -Castleton the story of the recovery of the bank’s money, and the answer -he received bore full testimony to the excitement and gratification -caused by the news. “Muggs” Murray and Gurney were thrown into jail, -there to await extradition and trial for their crimes. - -That evening they all foregathered in Steve’s cabin, where once again -Phil had to go over the story of his adventures while he was in Espato’s -hands. - -They sat till late, and then there came a moment of silence while each -was busied with his own thoughts. - -Phil was gazing with rapt interest at Steve’s radio set. - -“Hope you’ll know it when you see it again,” chaffed Steve. “What’s the -matter? Fallen in love with it?” - -“Why shouldn’t I?” answered Phil. “Radio saved my life!” - - THE END - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Radio Boys in the Flying Service, by J. W. 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W. Duffield - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Radio Boys in the Flying Service; - or, Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits - -Author: J. W. Duffield - -Release Date: May 13, 2020 [EBook #62110] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RADIO BOYS IN THE FLYING SERVICE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<h1>Radio Boys in the Flying Service</h1> -<div class='figcenter' style='width:80%; max-width:455px;'> -<img src='images/frontis.jpg' alt='' style='width:100%;height:auto;' /> -<p class='caption'>Radio Boys in the Flying Service</p> -</div> -<div class='section'></div> -<div style='text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;'> -<div style='font-size:1.4em;'>RADIO BOYS</div> -<div style='font-size:1.4em;'>IN THE</div> -<div style='font-size:1.4em;margin-bottom:0.7em;'>FLYING SERVICE</div> -<div style='font-style:italic;'>or,</div> -<div style='font-size:1.2em;margin-bottom:0.7em;font-style:italic;'>Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits</div> -<div>BY</div> -<div style='font-size:1.2em;margin-bottom:2em;'>J. W. DUFFIELD</div> -<div>M. A. DONOHUE & CO.</div> -<div>CHICAGO NEW YORK</div> -</div> -<div class='section'></div> -<div style='text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;'> -<div style='font-size:1.1em;'>THE RADIO BOYS SERIES </div> -</div> -<div style='text-align:center; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em'> -<div style='display:inline-block; text-align:left;'> -<div class='cbline'>RADIO BOYS IN THE SECRET SERVICE</div> -<div class='cbline'> or, Cast Away on an Iceberg.</div> -<div class='cbline'>RADIO BOYS IN THE FLYING SERVICE</div> -<div class='cbline'> or, Held For Ransom by Mexican Bandits.</div> -<div class='cbline'>RADIO BOYS IN THE THOUSAND ISLANDS</div> -<div class='cbline'> or, The Yankee-Canadian Wireless Trail.</div> -<div class='cbline'>RADIO BOYS UNDER THE SEA</div> -<div class='cbline'> or, The Hunt for Sunken Treasure.</div> -</div> -</div> -<div style='text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;'> -<div>COPYRIGHT 1922, BY M. A. DONOHUE & CO.</div> -<div style='font-size:0.8em;'>MADE IN U. S. A. </div> -</div> -<div class='section'></div> -<table class='toc tcenter' summary="" style='margin-bottom:3em'> -<thead> -<tr> -<th colspan='2' style='font-weight:normal;padding-bottom:1em;'>CONTENTS</th> -</tr> -</thead> -<tbody> -<tr><td class='c1'>I</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chI'>A Daring Hold-Up</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>II</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chII'>Skillful Strategy</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>III</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chIII'>In Big Figures</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>IV</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chIV'>Wonders of Radio</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>V</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chV'>On the Trail</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>VI</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chVI'>A Lively Fight</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>VII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chVII'>Crooked Work</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>VIII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chVIII'>The Jaws of Death</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>IX</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chIX'>Deeds of Darkness</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>X</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chX'>Flight and Pursuit</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XI</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXI'>Desperate Chances</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXII'>From Savage Clutches</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XIII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXIII'>Gun Play</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XIV</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXIV'>Aerial Scouting</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XV</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXV'>Menace of the Cave</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XVI</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXVI'>The Race for Life</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XVII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXVII'>A Perilous Mission</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XVIII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXVIII'>The Outlaws’ Rendezvous</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XIX</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXIX'>A Blow in the Dark</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XX</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXX'>In Bitter Bondage</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXI</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXI'>Threats of Torture</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXII'>Held for Ransom</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXIII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXIII'>The Bandit’s Messenger</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXIV</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXIV'>Caged</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXV</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXV'>The Visitor at Dusk</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXVI</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXVI'>Prisoners and Loot</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXVII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXVII'>A Gleam of Hope</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXVIII</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXVIII'>In Hot Haste</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXIX</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXIX'>To the Rescue</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class='c1'>XXX</td><td class='c2'><a href='#chXXX'>Rounding Up “Muggs” Murray</a></td></tr> -</tbody> -</table> -<div class='section'></div> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chI' title='I: A Daring Hold-Up'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER I</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>A Daring Hold-Up</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“Hands up! Quick!”</p> -<p>The command, barked out in sharp, staccatto tones, was emphasized by the -ugly muzzle of a revolver thrust through the window of the paying -teller.</p> -<p>It was a bright Spring morning in the town of Castleton, a thriving city -of some ten thousand population, located in a prosperous section of the -Middle West. As it was Saturday, there was a little more stir and -animation in the streets than usual, for it was the day on which farmers -and their wives of the rural district served by the town drove in to do -their shopping. Already, though it was no more than eleven o’clock, -there was a fair sprinkling of cars and buggies standing in the open -square in front of the court house, and the number was constantly being -augmented by new arrivals.</p> -<p>In the Castleton Bank, the only one that the little town boasted, there -was unusual activity, for the cashier and his two clerks were busy -making up the money for the payrolls of the three mills on which the -commercial prosperity of the town largely depended.</p> -<p>A large touring car, whose every line denoted speed, came rapidly up the -street and stopped at the door of the bank. The man at the wheel kept -his seat, without shutting off the engine, while four men climbed out. -One took his stand at the side of the machine, and the other three -quickly ascended the steps of the bank.</p> -<p>There were four customers in the bank at the time. One, a woman, was -having a check cashed, two men were depositing cash and checks with the -receiving teller, while a fourth man was at a desk making out a slip.</p> -<p>The man who appeared to be the leader of the newcomers and whose face -was marred by an ugly scar on his right cheek went straight to the -window of the paying teller, roughly thrust aside the woman standing -there and pointing his revolver at the teller ordered him to hold up his -hands.</p> -<p>At the same instant his companions drew their weapons and herded the -four customers up against the wall, where they held them at the muzzles -of their revolvers.</p> -<p>The startled teller stood for a second as though paralyzed, and then -slowly obeyed. A second rough command brought similar action on the part -of the receiving teller. Then the bandit vaulted over the low railing, -and still holding his revolver ready for action, began to thrust great -bundles of bills into the capacious pockets of the ulster that he wore.</p> -<p>Just then the cashier of the bank, Mr. Weston, stepped out of the door -of his inner office. He took in the situation at a glance, darted back, -snatched a revolver from his desk and reappearing in the doorway fired -at the robber but missed him. At the same instant the bandit’s revolver -cracked and the cashier fell with a bullet in his shoulder.</p> -<p>With a muttered imprecation at the necessity for the shooting, which -made him hurry his movements, the robber gathered in the rest of the -packages of bills in sight, jumped over the railing and rushed for the -door accompanied by his confederates.</p> -<p>The sound of the shot had attracted attention outside and men were -already hurrying toward the bank. The robber at the curb fired several -shots and halted them for an instant. That moment of grace was -sufficient to permit the miscreants to leap into the car, which started -up instantly and sped down the street in a cloud of dust.</p> -<p>Three young men came around a corner as the car whirled by. They were -laughing and jesting, and evidently on good terms with themselves and -the world.</p> -<p>“Look at that car,” exclaimed Phil Strong, a stalwart, vigorous young -fellow, slightly taller than his companions. “It’s going like a blue -streak.”</p> -<p>“Smashing the speed law into bits,” agreed Dick Weston. “I guess -that—Hello!” he cried, as he saw the commotion and heard the shouting in -front of the bank. “What’s up?”</p> -<p>They broke into a run and in a moment were in the midst of the excited -crowd. Another moment sufficed to learn of what had happened. They -rushed into the bank, Dick frantic with grief and apprehension at the -news that his father had been shot. A doctor who happened to be in the -crowd was already ministering to the wounded man.</p> -<p>“Only a flesh wound,” the doctor assured Dick, bringing him an immense -relief.</p> -<p>“Don’t mind me, Dick,” said Mr. Weston, trying to summon up a reassuring -smile. “It’s the bank I’m thinking of. It’ll be seriously hurt if those -scoundrels get away with all that cash. Get after them as fast as you -can. Every minute counts.”</p> -<p>Dick was loth to obey, but Phil, standing beside him, put his hand on -his arm.</p> -<p>“Your father’s right, Dick,” he said. “He’s getting good attention here, -and you can’t serve him better than by trying to run down the thieves. -Come with me and come quick. I’ve got a plan.”</p> -<p>They hurried out of the bank, pushing their way through the constantly -increasing crowd that congested the doors. In the street, men were -piling into cars and starting out in the direction that the robbers had -taken.</p> -<p>“It’s well meant but of no use,” said Phil, pointing to the cars. “They -haven’t a Chinaman’s chance to catch up with them this side of kingdom -come. The robbers’ car can run rings around any of these. But I know -something that’s faster than any car.”</p> -<p>“The airplane,” exclaimed Dick, a light breaking in on him.</p> -<p>“Right you are,” replied Phil. “But that isn’t all. There’s something -faster than the airplane.”</p> -<p>“Radio,” cried Tom Hadley.</p> -<p>“Now you’ve hit it,” approved Phil, relaxing for a moment the speed at -which all three had been racing down the street. “Now, fellows, here’s -the dope. Tom, you run to my house and get busy with the radio. Call up -every town within a radius of fifty miles. Tell the police of the -robbery and describe as well as you can the kind of car that the men are -escaping in. Don’t forget the scar on the face of the leader. Hustle -now, old scout. Dick and I will get out the airplane.”</p> -<p>Tom was off like a shot.</p> -<p>“Now Dick,” said Phil, taking the lead, as he always did in a crisis -that demanded quick thinking and swift action, “it’s us for the -airplane. Lucky, isn’t it that you and I spent almost all of last week -in getting the <i>Arrow</i> into shape? She’s in splendid condition and fit -to fly for a man’s life. It will be strange if we don’t give those -thieves a run for their money—or rather for the bank’s money.”</p> -<p>In a few minutes they had reached the hangar in which their airplane was -stored, at a flying field on the outskirts of the town.</p> -<p>They unlocked and flung open the door and wheeled out the machine, a -biplane of the latest make and one with whose operation both of them -were thoroughly familiar.</p> -<p>They wheeled her out into the open, made one last hasty examination to -make assurance doubly sure and climbed into the fuselage. Phil gave her -the gas and the machine after a short run made a perfect takeoff from -the grassy field and soared into the air like a bird. Phil turned her in -the direction, as nearly as he could guess, that the robbers had gone, -and she clove the air with the speed of the arrow after which she was -named.</p> -<p>The roar of the motor made it difficult to carry on much conversation, -but Phil’s brain was working hard. He figured out that the robbers would -not continue far in the direction that they had taken at the start, -since that would be too obvious and easy for their pursuers to follow. -At some point of the road they would turn at right angles, or possibly -double on their tracks, in the attempt to bewilder their would-be -captors.</p> -<p>The only way in which Phil and Dick could circumvent such strategy was -to describe a wide curve that would take in not only the road ahead of -them, but a large extent of the cross roads to the right and left. This -disadvantage however was counterbalanced to some extent by the lofty -position of the plane, that permitted the landscape to be seen for many -miles in every direction. They had also a splendid pair of field -glasses, which Dick kept glued to his eyes while Phil drove the plane.</p> -<p>The superb condition of the plane also favored them. The engine never -missed a stroke, but ran with the steady hum that is music to the ears -of the aviator. Encouraged by the way the <i>Arrow</i> was working, Phil let -her out until she was traveling at the rate of nearly ninety miles an -hour. At this rate it seemed inevitable that they would soon sight their -quarry, despite the start that had given the latter the advantage.</p> -<p>The roads beneath were dotted with cars coming and going, and two or -three of them seemed so like the robbers’ car that Phil swooped down -near enough to establish that they were not the one he had in view.</p> -<p>After several such disappointments, Dick suddenly straightened up with a -sharp exclamation.</p> -<p>“Spotted them this time,” he cried. “It’s dollars to doughnuts that’s -the car. Same shape, same color and it’s going like all possessed.”</p> -<p>He passed the glasses to Phil, who turned them in the direction that -Dick indicated. There, sure enough, on a road to the right, was a -machine that answered the description they had hastily been able to -gather of the car in which the bandits had made their getaway. It was -going like the wind.</p> -<p>“There’s another car about half a mile behind it,” Phil remarked after a -moment’s keen scrutiny. “The top’s down and I can see that it’s full of -men in uniform.”</p> -<p>“Good old Tom!” exclaimed Dick jubilantly. “He’s got busy with the radio -all right, and that second car’s chasing the first one. Do you think it -can catch up?”</p> -<p>Phil studied the situation for a full minute before replying.</p> -<p>“Not a chance,” he answered finally, handing back the glasses. “The -first car is steadily increasing the distance between the two. But -here’s where we get busy.”</p> -<p>He turned the plane in the direction pursued by the flying cars.</p> -<p>“What’s your plan?” asked Dick.</p> -<p>“You’ll see in a minute,” muttered Phil, all his attention centered on -the chase.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chII' title='II: Skillful Strategy'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER II</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Skillful Strategy</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Both of the racing cars kept on at full speed, but a steadily widening -gap showed between them as the first continued to draw away from its -pursuer.</p> -<p>Soon the <i>Arrow</i> was directly above the second of the two cars. Phil -kept moving steadily earthward and was now flying at a height of about -two hundred feet. It was plainly to be seen that Phil’s supposition had -been correct, for the car held half a dozen policemen heavily armed. It -seemed probable too, that Tom in his radio message had told the police -of the starting out of the airplane, for the officers seemed to realize -that they had an ally in the plane and gesticulated vigorously, shouting -and pointing to the road ahead.</p> -<p>Phil waved one hand at them, as a signal that he understood, and darted -ahead until he had overtaken the fleeing car. The top of this was up, so -that at first the robbers did not see the plane. But they heard the -roaring of the motor, and first one head and then another was thrust out -at the side of the machine looking upward. At first they did not seem -especially alarmed, thinking probably that it was out on a practice -flight and just happened to be in their vicinity. But as it continued to -keep pace with them and in the same direction, suspicion seized them, -and the car leaped frantically forward as the last ounce of speed was -extracted from its motor.</p> -<p>Phil’s eyes kept scanning the landscape ahead and at last saw the chance -for which he was looking. About a mile in advance was a level field with -no bars between it and the road. He quickened speed, swooped down in a -graceful curve, landed in the field with scarcely a jar and at just the -spot where the wheels under the momentum of the flight carried the plane -into the middle of the road blocking it completely.</p> -<p>Quick as a flash the Radio Boys clambered out on the further side of the -plane.</p> -<p>“Guess that will stop them,” exclaimed Phil triumphantly.</p> -<p>“It sure will,” agreed Dick admiringly, “but at the same time it will -smash the plane.”</p> -<p>“If it does, it will have to,” replied Phil. “But I don’t think they’ll -drive into it. They’d wreck their own car or overturn it or at any rate -get all tangled up in the gear of the plane. They’ll stop all right. The -police car is less than a minute behind them, and I figure it will be -right on top of the bandits before they get over their confusion. We’ll -soon know, for here they come.”</p> -<p>Around a curve in the road three hundred yards away came the robbers’ -car and bore straight down on the plane which seemed doomed to -destruction.</p> -<p>And while Phil and Dick stand there with every pulse athrill waiting for -the outcome, it may be well for the benefit of those who have not read -the preceding volume of this series to tell who the Radio Boys were and -what had been their fortunes and adventures up to the time this story -opens.</p> -<p>Phil Strong had been born and brought up in the town of Castleton, where -his father was a physician with a large practice. From his early years, -Phil had been a natural leader among the boys of his own age, and had -been foremost in the athletic sports that appeal to all healthy, -red-blooded boys. He had been the crack pitcher of his school nine and a -speedy full back on the school eleven. His freedom from conceit or -meanness of any kind had made him exceedingly popular. His brain was -keen and worked quickly, and he was seldom at a loss in extricating -himself from any trying situation into which chance might have brought -him. He never looked for trouble, but he never sidestepped it when it -came, and his coolness and courage made him a valuable friend and a -formidable enemy. At the time the incidents here narrated took place, he -was eighteen years old, tall, athletic, of fair complexion, with keen -blue eyes and brown hair. He had a sister, Phyllis, a pretty girl of -sixteen.</p> -<p>His special chum among the Castleton boys was Dick Weston, who, as we -have seen, was the son of the cashier of the Castleton bank. Dick was -about the same age as Phil, but differed from him in appearance, having -brown eyes and swarthy complexion. The two had been friends since their -earliest recollections and were almost inseparable. Where one of them -was found the other was quite sure not to be far away. Dick lacked the -initiative of Phil, but was always ready to follow where the latter led. -Where Phil was captain, Dick made an admirable first mate, backing Phil -up to the limit and standing by him through thick and thin. He had two -brothers, Harry, fifteen, and Joe, thirteen years of age.</p> -<p>Closely linked in friendship with Dick and Phil were Steve Elwood and -Tom Hadley, who had become acquainted with them through a curious -combination of circumstances told in the first book of this series.</p> -<p>Steve Elwood was the son of a prosperous business man living in New -York. He was a fine upstanding fellow, generous in the extreme, but hot -tempered and impulsive and ready to fight at the drop of a hat. He had a -stubby nose, freckled face and red hair, which explained perhaps the -fiery disposition that usually goes with that kind of head covering. -Phil’s coolness had more than once got Steve out of scrapes into which -his headlong nature had carried him.</p> -<p>Tom Hadley was of another type, good-natured, jolly, always ready for a -joke or a laugh, and perfectly certain that the world was a good place -to live in. His father was an electrical engineer of Chicago. Tom had a -firm idea that Chicago was the only town on earth, and as Steve had a -similar idea about New York, there were many wordy arguments between the -two that afforded immense enjoyment to Phil and Dick, who took an impish -delight in egging them on when there was a lull in the battle.</p> -<p>At the time this story opens, Steve was in Texas, while Tom had dropped -in on a visit to Phil and Dick in Castleton.</p> -<p>What perils and adventures the four friends had faced in common; how -many times they had been within a hairsbreadth of death; how they had -served their government in tracking and delivering up to justice a band -of cunning and desperate criminals is fully told in the first book of -this series, entitled: “Radio Boys In the Secret Service; Or, Running -Down the Counterfeiters.”</p> -<p>Now Phil and Dick were facing a peril of another kind, of which no one -could predict the result. They had no weapons with them, and they knew -that the bandits in the onrushing automobile were desperate criminals -and would not hesitate a second in taking life if that would aid their -escape. But they had known this when they took the chance, and although -their hearts beat furiously, they awaited the result without flinching.</p> -<p>For the first hundred yards the car came on with unabated speed. Then it -perceptibly slackened, while the inmates could be seen with their heads -together in an excited colloquy. The man in the seat beside the driver -leaned far out and motioned furiously to the boys to wheel the plane out -of the road. As they stood motionless, he shook his clenched fist at -them and shouted out an order to the men behind him.</p> -<p>The next instant a fusillade of shots came whistling over the heads of -the boys, who, divining the nature of the command, had thrown themselves -flat on the ground. One of the wings of the plane was clipped by a -bullet but no other damage was done by the volley.</p> -<p>Again the car leaped forward as though the bandits had determined to -take a desperate chance and plough their way through the plane. But when -they were a hundred feet away, the driver seemed to lose heart and -slowed down.</p> -<p>With a furious exclamation, the man sitting beside him struck the driver -and grasped the wheel from him. In the mixup the front wheels of the car -slewed violently to one side, and the car ran into a deep ditch at the -side of the road where it overturned.</p> -<p>There was a tumult of shouts and oaths as the car went over, and at the -same moment the police car came in sight around the turn. Its occupants -were quick to grasp the situation, and the boys could see them rising in -their seats with their weapons in their hands ready to leap.</p> -<p>Out from the overturned car the bandits came swarming like so many bees. -An instant’s glance told them of the trap into which they had fallen. -Before them was the plane behind which were at least two men, whether -armed or not they could not tell. Behind them were half a dozen officers -of the law, fully armed, who were already jumping from their seats and -running toward them.</p> -<p>Their only chance lay in reaching a patch of woodland that lay a little -ways back of the road. Once in its shadows some of them at least might -stand a chance of eluding their pursuers.</p> -<p>At a command from their leader, the bandits fired a volley at the -officers and then turned and ran toward the woods. A fusillade from the -police revolvers followed them, and one of the robbers was shot in the -foot and fell. The rest kept on, the fear of capture lending wings to -their feet, and three of them reached the woods. One however, was headed -off and ran into the open field where the plane had made its landing. He -was fleeter than the two heavily built men who were pursuing him, and -would have easily outdistanced them had not Phil taken a hand in the -game.</p> -<p>Like a panther he was on the trail of the fugitive. The latter turned -and saw him coming and redoubled his speed. There was no shaking Phil -off however, and he gained rapidly. The man turned and fired at him but -the bullet whizzed by harmlessly. The next instant Phil had launched -himself on him and the two went to the ground together.</p> -<p>The fall had knocked all the breath out of the robber, and there was -little fight left in him. Phil wrenched the revolver out of his grasp, -and as Dick came up just then, they bound the robber’s arms together -with Dick’s belt, rendering him powerless. Then they helped him to his -feet and marching behind him with an occasional prod of the pistol butt -in his back when he showed an inclination to balk they came to the -police car, in which the wounded robber had already been placed.</p> -<p>“Two of them anyway,” remarked the officer in charge. “That was mighty -quick and plucky work on your part, young fellow. He was getting away -surely when you put out after him.”</p> -<p>“Do you think there’s any chance of nabbing the rest of them?” inquired -Phil.</p> -<p>The officer shook his head dubiously.</p> -<p>“If we could have winged them before they got to the woods as we did -this fellow,” he said, indicating the wounded thief, “it would have been -all right, but once in those thick woods it’s an easy thing to lose -sight of them. You can hear that there isn’t much shooting going on just -now. That means that our fellows can’t find any targets to shoot at.”</p> -<p>His prediction was verified when half an hour later his comrades came -straggling back without additional prisoners.</p> -<p>“Don’t believe they’ll get far though,” the chief comforted himself. -“They’re on foot and their description has been sent broadcast by radio, -so that at this minute there are at least a thousand people looking for -them. Every road in this county will be patrolled night and day and -their chances of getting away are mighty slim.”</p> -<p>The boys were not at all so sure of this, but they repressed their -doubts.</p> -<p>“How about the stolen money?” asked Dick eagerly. “Have you recovered -any of that?”</p> -<p>“Quite a heap I imagine,” answered the chief, lifting up the seat of the -car and displaying several large packages of bills. “Of course I don’t -know just how much the thieves grabbed, and I guess the bank don’t know -yet either. These were found in the car that turned over. Probably they -dropped out of the leader’s pockets in the mixup. We’ll make another -search of the car before we leave, but I guess we’ve got all that was -there.”</p> -<p>The search was made but yielded no further results. “I’ll have to take -charge of this money and turn it over to the authorities in Castleton,” -remarked the chief, “but just for my own protection I’d like to have you -boys count it now before us all, so that there can’t be any question of -the amount.”</p> -<p>The Radio Boys did this willingly, and were relieved to find that the -total footed up to a trifle over ten thousand dollars.</p> -<p>“That’s a lot of money,” said Phil hopefully. “Maybe that’s all they -were able to grab.”</p> -<p>Here there was a snicker from one of the captured thieves.</p> -<p>The chief whirled about like a flash.</p> -<p>“What are you laughing at?” he demanded angrily.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chIII' title='III: In Big Figures'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER III</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>In Big Figures</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>The man glared at him sullenly.</p> -<p>“Aw nuttin’,” he snarled. “Can’t a guy even laugh widout you bulls -buttin’ in?”</p> -<p>“Don’t get gay now,” warned the chief. “It’ll be easier for you to tell -me now than it will when I get you alone with me in the police station.”</p> -<p>This covert hint of a “third degree” was not wholly lost on the thief, -who mulled it over in his mind.</p> -<p>“Come across now,” prodded the chief, seeing that he was wavering.</p> -<p>“Well, it’s dis way,” the fellow answered. “It hit me funny when dis -young bloke spoke of me boss bein’ satisfied wid ten grands. Dat -wouldn’t be chicken feed fur him. He ain’t no piker.”</p> -<p>“What does he mean by ‘grands’?” Dick asked of the chief.</p> -<p>“A ‘grand’ is the underworld slang for a thousand dollars,” explained -the chief. “What this rascal is trying to say is that his leader only -goes out after big thefts and would regard ten thousand dollars as a -small haul. How much did he get away with then?” he asked of his -captive.</p> -<p>But the robber had already concluded that he had talked too much, and no -amount of threat or persuasion was able to get any more out of him.</p> -<p>“Well,” said the chief at last, “I guess there’s nothing more to be got -out of this bird and we’d better be moving. I suppose you boys will be -going back in your plane. Lucky you’ve got one to go back with,” he -added with a grin. “If that driver had kept his nerve, he’d have smashed -the machine into flinders. It was a mighty fine and plucky risk for you -to take, and it was the only thing that prevented the whole crowd from -getting away. You’ll get full credit for this when I turn in my report.”</p> -<p>“We’re not especially keen for credit, but we sure are glad to have got -back some of the bank’s cash,” returned Phil with a smile. “We’ll climb -into the old bus and hustle back to Castleton to tell the folks you’re -coming.”</p> -<p>“We won’t be any further behind you than we can help,” replied the -chief, “and while you’re about it give the sheriff a quiet tip to be -ready to help us hustle these fellows into the jail, in case the crowd -gets obstreperous. They’ll be feeling mighty ugly, I shouldn’t wonder, -for the town thinks a lot of Mr. Weston and this hold up is the rawest -stuff that’s been pulled off in this section for a long time.”</p> -<p>“All right,” said Phil, as in company with Dick he climbed to his seat -in the airplane, and adjusted his hood, gloves and goggles.</p> -<p>The officers helped turn the plane around so that they could get a fair -takeoff from the field, and after a short run the <i>Arrow</i> rose in the -air with a whiz and a whirr and pointed her nose toward Castleton.</p> -<p>The Radio Boys were elated and jubilant at the success that had crowned -their exploit. The only “fly in the ointment” was the uncertainty as to -how much cash the robbers had gotten away with. Naturally, too, they -felt regret that the whole band had not been captured. But all in all it -had been a pretty good morning’s work, and their hearts beat high with -satisfaction. The hum of the motor seemed more musical than ever as the -plane sped over hill and dale and river toward its destination.</p> -<p>Soon they came in sight of the old familiar landmarks and began to lay -their course for the flying field. They were surprised as they neared it -to see that a great crowd had gathered there.</p> -<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Dick as they swept down to make their landing. -“It looks as though the whole town has turned out and then some. The -place is black with people.”</p> -<p>“Sure thing,” agreed Phil in surprise. “What’s the big idea, I wonder.”</p> -<p>“It’s radio getting in its fine work,” declared Dick. “The chief has -radioed from the first town he came to, and Tom has caught the message -and spread the news. See if I’m not a good guesser.”</p> -<p>Because of the crowd, Phil had to figure carefully about making his -landing, but the throng made a lane for him and the <i>Arrow</i> came down as -light as thistledown. Her short run had barely ended before the crowd -surged around the Radio Boys, cheering and shouting and almost pulling -them out of the plane in their enthusiasm.</p> -<p>“Have a heart,” protested Phil laughingly, as they mauled and pounded -him and his companion. “Don’t wring my hands off. I need them in my -business.”</p> -<p>Tom was among the first to greet them, his rotund face beaming with -smiles.</p> -<p>“Bully boys!” he cried, “You turned the trick and the town’s wild over -you. Oh, I know all about it,” he continued. “I got a radio from the -chief and the whole town knew it five minutes later.”</p> -<p>“So you’re the guilty wretch responsible for all this roughhousing,” -said Phil as he made a playful pass at him.</p> -<p>“I sure am,” grinned Tom as he ducked, “and if you’d been ten minutes -later I’d have had the town band here to meet you. I’ll bet they’re -tuning up now.”</p> -<p>In response to the questions showered upon them from all sides, the boys -told of the morning’s happenings, and this brought about a thinning of -the crowd, who hurried off to the town hall to greet the police when -they should arrive with their prisoners. This respite gave the boys a -chance to get the <i>Arrow</i> into her hangar and then the trio hastened to -Dick’s home to find out how Mr. Weston was faring and to learn how great -had been the loss sustained by the bank.</p> -<p>The wounded cashier had been taken to his home from the bank after -having received first aid, and was now in bed under the physician’s -care. The bullet had been probed for and removed and the wound dressed. -The family had the doctor’s assurance that there was absolutely no fear -of a fatal result, but at the moment the patient was suffering from -shock and loss of blood and could see none but the immediate members of -the family. Dick was permitted to see his father for a moment, for it -was felt that the news he brought of the recovery of part of the money -at least would be of benefit to the sick man, but any further discussion -of the matter was forbidden for the present.</p> -<p>After Phil and Tom had expressed their sympathy, they left the house, -Dick having promised to rejoin them later, and made their way to the -town hall, part of which was devoted to the purposes of a jail. Phil had -barely time to hunt up the sheriff and give him the chief’s message, -before a roar on the outskirts of the crowd told of the approach of the -police auto with the prisoners.</p> -<p>The car came in at rapid speed, and the crowd was forced to give way -before it to prevent being run down. But as it slowed up before the town -hall, there was an ominous closing in upon the machine, while a murmur -ran through the crowd, quickly deepening into a roar.</p> -<p>“Hang them!”</p> -<p>“Lynch them!”</p> -<p>“Let us get at them!”</p> -<p>“Hand them over!”</p> -<p>Several jumped on the running board of the car, but were pushed back by -the police, who had drawn their clubs and now stood guard over their -cowering prisoners. A determined leader just then would have found -plenty of followers in the mob, but fortunately for the cause of law and -order, he did not materialize, and before the crowd could proceed to -extremities the sheriff with a dozen men whom he had called upon to aid -him forced a passage through the mass, and with the help of the police -hustled the prisoners into the jail, where the iron doors clanged behind -them.</p> -<p>Not till then did the perspiring officials breathe freely. The mob hung -about for a while, and threats of a later raid upon the jail were freely -bandied about. These, however, were but the vaporings of the more -reckless spirits, and before long the crowd began to break up and drift -away.</p> -<p>Dutton, the chief of police, having relieved himself of responsibility -by turning his prisoners over to the sheriff, proceeded at once to the -bank, where the President, Mr. Eldridge, was anxiously awaiting him. -Phil and Tom at the chief’s invitation had come with him, and as they -mounted the steps of the bank, Dick too came hurrying up.</p> -<p>Together they went into the president’s room, where he was engaged in -earnest discussion with some of the directors of the bank. They were -cordially received, and Dutton plunged at once into the story of the -pursuit and capture of the thieves. He gave full credit to the Radio -Boys for the part they had taken and they were warmly thanked by Mr. -Eldridge and his associates for their coolness and courage.</p> -<p>Then Dutton turned over the money that had been recovered, and all -watched eagerly as the president counted it carefully.</p> -<p>“Ten thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars,” he announced finally.</p> -<p>“I hope,” ventured Dutton, “that that’s about all that the thieves got -away with, Mr. Eldridge.”</p> -<p>“I wish it were,” replied the president soberly, “but as a matter of -fact their loot amounted to fifty thousand dollars!”</p> -<p>A gasp of astonishment ran round the room.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chIV' title='IV: Wonders of Radio'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER IV</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Wonders of Radio</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“What?” cried Phil in dismay. “Fifty thousand dollars? Are you sure, Mr. -Eldridge?”</p> -<p>“Only too sure,” the latter replied. “You see it is pay day for the -mills with their thousands of operatives, and the money for the payrolls -was being made up, so that the money was out of the vaults and within -full sight and reach of the robber. The band couldn’t have selected a -moment that would have been more favorable for them. In fact, it was so -well timed that I am inclined to think that the scoundrels must have had -some confederate in the town who was familiar with the customs and -working of the bank.”</p> -<p>“That means then,” said Dutton, “that the thieves still have forty -thousand dollars of the bank’s money.”</p> -<p>“Just about that,” agreed Mr. Eldridge, “and it’s a pretty heavy amount -for a bank of this size to lose. Luckily it will not affect our -solvency, for the bank is perfectly sound, but it makes a dent in our -surplus that we don’t like to think about. Of course, we’ll offer a -reward and do everything in our power to have the gang apprehended. -We’ll hope for the best. In the meantime, I want to tell you again how -deeply grateful I am to you all for the splendid work you did in -capturing two of the robbers and recovering so large an amount of the -money.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps you want us to keep the amount of the loss quiet for fear of -starting a run on the bank,” suggested Dutton, as the party prepared to -take their leave.</p> -<p>“Not at all,” returned Mr. Eldridge quickly. “Thank you for the -suggestion, but I shall follow a policy of perfect frankness. It’s -silence and mystery that breed distrust. Spread the news as widely as -you can that this loss will affect only the stockholders of the bank and -that the bank is able and ready to pay every depositor dollar for -dollar. We shall issue a signed statement to that effect, and I think -that the bank stands high enough in the confidence of our people to have -that statement accepted at par value.”</p> -<p>They bade him goodby and went out through the bank and down the steps. -They were questioned eagerly, and told freely what Mr. Eldridge had -said. There was a buzz of excited comment as the amount of the loss was -made known and deep regret was the prevailing note.</p> -<p>If this was lacking in any one, that person perhaps was a dissipated -looking young man, about twenty years old, who stood near the bottom of -the steps and stared with unfriendly eyes at the boys as they passed -him, at the same time muttering something in a low tone.</p> -<p>Dick hesitated an instant as though inclined to go back.</p> -<p>“Did you hear what ‘Rocks’ Gurney said?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Something about ‘heroes’,” answered Phil. “I suppose that was meant for -a dig at us. But come along,” he continued giving a tug at his -companion’s sleeve. “Don’t waste any thought on anything that Gurney -says. He doesn’t count. He’s never liked the color of our eyes and hair, -and he’s been especially sore on you ever since your father fired him -from the bank for neglecting his work.”</p> -<p>“One thing struck me as a little queer,” remarked Tom.</p> -<p>“I happened to catch his eye just as some one mentioned the fact that -the bank’s loss amounted to forty thousand dollars, and if there was -ever a look of satisfaction in any one’s eyes it was in his at that -moment. It was more than satisfaction; it was triumph. It was all the -more noticeable too because every one else seemed to be sorry and -indignant. You might almost have thought that the bank’s loss meant -money in his pocket.”</p> -<p>“He’s a rotter all right,” said Dick, “and I suppose he’s got such a -grudge against the bank because it dispensed with his valuable services -that he takes delight in any bad luck that comes to it. That would be -just about his size.”</p> -<p>“He’s getting pretty near the end of his rope in this town anyway,” -remarked Phil. “He’s in with the gambling crowd and he’s been mixed up -with two or three more or less shady affairs lately. He’s bad medicine -and the less we have to do with him the better.”</p> -<p>For the next two weeks the bank robbery furnished the chief topic of -conversation in Castleton. Nothing on so bold and large a scale had ever -stirred up the town.</p> -<p>As Mr. Eldridge had surmised, the frank and prompt statement issued by -the bank had a beneficial effect, and there was no run on the -institution.</p> -<p>Descriptions of the robbers were sent broadcast all over the United -States, and a reward was offered for their apprehension. Especial -emphasis was laid on the scar that disfigured the leader of the band, -and it was thought by the more hopeful that this mark of identification -would lead to his speedy capture. But as the days passed by and lapsed -into weeks without any news of the outlaws this hope began to wane and -the conclusion gained ground that they had perhaps gotten over the -border into Canada or Mexico.</p> -<p>Mr. Weston made speedy progress toward recovery and was soon able to be -around again with his arm in a sling. But though he mended bodily, his -spirits were greatly depressed. A large part of his own modest savings -was invested in the stock of the bank, and the assessment that was -levied on the stockholders to make good the loss occasioned by the -robbery taxed him severely. He chafed moreover at the inaction forced -upon him. Dick, who idolized his father, was full of rage at the men who -had brought this shadow upon him, and it would have gone hard with any -of the bandits if he could have got them within his reach.</p> -<p>The two robbers already in jail had been interrogated again and again in -the hope that they might let something fall that would give a clue to -the whereabouts of their chief. But despite all threats and cajoling, -they remained stubbornly non-committal. Their finger prints had been -sent to the police headquarters of all the great cities, as well as -their photographs. By means of these they had been identified as -desperate criminals and members of the notorious “Muggs” Murray gang. -And as Murray was known to have a scar similar to that of the leader of -the bandits in the Castleton robbery, it was pretty clearly established -that he had been in command on that occasion. So far so good. But where -was Murray? That was the question that thousands were asking, but which -the police and detectives, even spurred on as they were by the promise -of a reward, had not yet been able to answer.</p> -<p>That same question was being asked by the Radio Boys also by means of -their sending sets. They had powerful transmitters, and scarcely a night -passed without their sending out a reminder that “Muggs” Murray was -wanted for the robbery of the Castleton bank. With the reminder they -sent also a description of the outlaw and mentioned the five thousand -dollar reward that was offered for his capture. They flung out these -messages into the ether, knowing that it was only a chance, but still -that it was a chance. They knew that their message was heard by -thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands within a radius of hundreds of -miles. Who knew but that one of those thousands might have seen such a -man an hour before receiving the message and might be able to tell the -police where they could lay their hands on him?</p> -<p>Dick, Tom and Phil were at the latter’s home one evening, bending over -the radio set, when Professor Denby of the Castleton Academy dropped in -upon them. He was a genial, likeable man, with none of the traditional -primness of the pedagogue about him, and the boys had a great esteem and -regard for him and had always regarded him more as a comrade than a -teacher. He in his turn liked the boys immensely and was a frequent and -welcome visitor to their homes.</p> -<p>“Transmitting again, eh?” he said with a smile as he shook hands all -around and took the chair that Phil proffered him. “You boys are radio -fans of the thirty-third degree.”</p> -<p>“You’re responsible,” laughed Phil. “It was you who set our feet upon -this path of crime. When it comes to radio, that’s your middle name. -There’s nobody in town that’s such a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast.”</p> -<p>“Or that knows so much about it,” added Dick.</p> -<p>“Guilty on the first charge, but not sure about the second,” said the -professor. “At the rate you fellows are going you’ll soon be able to -give me points. But what are you sending out now? Something special?”</p> -<p>“Broadcasting the story of the robbery once more,” answered Phil. “We’ve -been doing that for several nights, but nothing has come of it yet and -we’re beginning to think it’s a forlorn hope.”</p> -<p>“Not by any means,” replied Mr. Denby. “Radio has a long arm, and it may -reach out and clutch its fingers on a rascal’s neck even at the other -end of the continent.”</p> -<p>“It used to be possible,” he continued, warming to his subject as he -always did when the conversation turned on radio, “that a criminal could -jump on a train, ride for a few hours until he came to a remote country -place and feel as safe as though he were in the wilds of Labrador. The -chances were a hundred to one that the people of a lonely little village -or of a sparsely settled farming district would never hear of him or his -crime, and he could lie low there in reasonable security until the hue -and cry was over. But that time passed with the coming of radio. In the -very farmhouse that the criminal may be approaching or past which he may -be riding or walking, there may be a radio set at which the farmer or -his family may have been sitting a few minutes or hours before and -hearing the whole story. A stranger attracts attention anyway, and they -might recognize him at once and put the police on his track. Instead of -a few sleuths being on the rascal’s track, there are hundreds of -thousands.”</p> -<p>“In other words,” put in Phil, “radio organizes the whole country into a -society for the detection of crime.”</p> -<p>“Exactly,” agreed Mr. Denby. “It weaves an invisible net around the -criminal and multiplies the chances of his being caught in the meshes -sooner or later. He can’t go to any place where the radio hasn’t been -before him. At the most he can go sixty miles an hour. A radio message -can go at the rate of 186,000 miles a second. It puts the rogue under a -tremendous handicap. Then too, the very knowledge that he has of the -odds against him makes him nervous and uneasy and his very manner may -betray him. That’s why I say that you’re not working on a forlorn hope -in keeping after ‘Muggs’ Murray.”</p> -<p>“Well, we’re keeping everlastingly at it anyway and we may hit the -bulls-eye at last,” replied Dick. “But now we’ve finished sending for -tonight. What’s the matter with switching off and doing a little -listening in? The Chicago station has a good program on for tonight.”</p> -<p>All were agreeable, and for perhaps half an hour they sat back and -listened. They did not have to use earpieces, as Phil’s set was equipped -with a loud speaker, and they heard the monologues and music as clearly -as though the performers were in an adjoining room.</p> -<p>During an interval they were chatting together, when suddenly a voice -was heard that brought Phil to his feet in an instant.</p> -<p>“By the great horn spoon!” he ejaculated. “If that isn’t Steve Elwood’s -voice I’m a Chinaman.”</p> -<p>“Go way,” said Tom incredulously. “You’re spoofing us.”</p> -<p>“No kidding,” replied Phil earnestly. “I’ve heard it too often to be -mistaken.”</p> -<p>They listened intently, but now all they could hear was a medley of -screeches and wailing with only a few broken words that were -intelligible.</p> -<p>“Sounds like the three witches in Macbeth,” remarked Dick. “Guess you -were dreaming things, Phil.”</p> -<p>“Dreaming nothing,” Phil answered. “It’s static that’s kicking in and -making all this racket.”</p> -<p>“It didn’t bother us much when we were listening to the concert,” -objected Dick.</p> -<p>“That’s because the weather isn’t as hot up here as it is in Texas,” -explained Phil. “It’s the heat that makes all kinds of trouble in radio. -Just wait until I do a little tuning. I’ll get in consonance with -Steve’s wave length in a jiffy.”</p> -<p>He moved his knobs with expert skill, and in a moment or two his efforts -were rewarded. Into the room came a voice about which there could be no -mistake. All recognized it as that of their absent chum, who for some -months past had been serving with the Texas Rangers along the troubled -Mexican border.</p> -<p>Static still persisted to some extent, and they occasionally missed a -word or part of a sentence, but they caught the sense of the message -without much difficulty.</p> -<p>“Hello there, Castleton,” the voice said. “Steve Elwood talking. Are you -getting me? If so give me the signal. Have—important—to tell you. -It’s—Muggs Murray.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chV' title='V: On the Trail'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER V</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>On the Trail</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>The boys jumped to their feet, wild with excitement, and even Mr. Denby -was shaken out of his usual calm.</p> -<p>“Muggs Murray!” cried Phil.</p> -<p>“Good old Steve,” exclaimed Dick jubilantly. “Is it possible that he can -give us a tip on the scoundrel?”</p> -<p>“Looks like it,” said Tom. “Let’s get busy on the sending.”</p> -<p>They switched off the receiver and Phil sent out his message.</p> -<p>“We got you, Steve,” he radioed. “I’m going to repeat this at minute -intervals for the next five minutes. Then I’ll switch off and listen for -your answer. For the love of Pete, old boy, keep at it if it takes all -night. This means more to us than you know.”</p> -<p>Five times he repeated the message, and then they turned on the receiver -and sat breathlessly awaiting a possible answer.</p> -<p>It was not long in coming, and this time static was almost eliminated.</p> -<p>“I’m here with bells on, Phil,” said the voice, “and ready to pour into -your shell-like ears the sad story of my life.”</p> -<p>“Sounds like Steve,” chuckled Dick. “Can’t you see the old -freckled-faced, red-haired sinner sitting at the sending set with a grin -spreading from ear to ear?”</p> -<p>“Now listen, Phil, and the rest of you yaps, for I suppose Dick and Tom -are with you as usual,” the voice went on. “I’ve got something to tell -you about that fellow Muggs Murray that you’ve been broadcasting about, -and who seems to have stirred up quite a bit of excitement in your young -mind. At least, I think I have, if he’s the same fellow I had a little -mixup with lately. I didn’t know a thing about this robbery until I -caught your broadcast tonight. Down in this neck of the woods we don’t -see much but the local papers, and they didn’t carry the story. Too far -off, I suppose. What news we get is mostly about the ructions the -Mexicans are stirring up, and take it from me that’s plenty. Those -fellows are sure keeping our hands full.</p> -<p>“Now I tell you what let’s do. You go ahead and tell me the full story -of the robbery. What you sent out tonight was only an outline, and I’m -rather hazy about the details. Be sure to give me the last bit you know -about the man’s appearance. I’ve had a pretty good slant at the fellow I -have in mind, and I’ll see if the description tallies. I’m going to stop -now and listen to your dulcet voice and then I’ll horn in again.”</p> -<p>The voice stopped, much to the chagrin of the listeners, who were keyed -up to a high pitch of impatience.</p> -<p>“Hurry, Phil, and give him the dope,” urged Dick. “I’m just crazy to get -him started again.”</p> -<p>“The old rascal is just keeping us on the anxious seat on purpose,” -grumbled Tom. “He knows he has a good story and he wants to get our goat -by keeping us waiting.”</p> -<p>Phil needed no urging and he was soon giving the details for which Steve -had asked. He went into all the particulars he remembered about the -bandit leader’s height, dress and appearance, dwelling particularly on -the scar. His companions put in a reminder here and there; and by the -time he had finished the description was as complete as anyone could -want.</p> -<p>“That gives him an ear-full,” remarked Tom. “Now if he’ll only get a -hustle on and tell us what he knows.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps it won’t amount to anything after all,” said Dick -pessimistically. “There may be hundreds of men with scars just like -Muggs Murray.”</p> -<p>“To be sure that wouldn’t in itself prove anything,” agreed Phil, “but -there may be other things to corroborate it. At any rate give the old -boy a chance to tell his story before you begin glooming.”</p> -<p>A short time elapsed, although it seemed to the boys like ages, and then -Steve’s voice again made itself heard.</p> -<p>“Good stuff,” it said. “’Pon my word, Phil, you ought to be a lawyer. Of -course, you left out a good deal I’d have been glad to know about that -airplane stunt of yours and Dick’s, but I put that down to your natural -modesty. Glad you jugged two of the robbers anyway. Now ‘listen my -children and you shall hear’ not ‘of the midnight ride of Paul Revere’ -but of something that concerned yours truly a good deal more.</p> -<p>“Two days ago there was an attempt to hold up this station. We’re -accustomed to rough stuff of that kind down here, and we usually try to -be ready for it. At the time there was only Captain Bradley and myself -in the place. Bradley, by the way, is the captain of the troop of Texas -Rangers that I’m connected with, and believe me he’s some man. You’d -like him if you came to know him. The pay chest of the troop was in my -cabin, and though we try to keep that sort of thing quiet somehow or -other it must have got abroad. We were going over some papers together, -when suddenly a shot came through the window and took off the captain’s -hat. Naturally, that peeved him somewhat, he not being a lamb by nature, -and he reached for his gun, while at the same time I grabbed mine. The -door was locked, but on looking through one of the peepholes with which -the place is provided, we saw half a dozen fellows coming full tilt for -the cabin while at the same time a volley of bullets whistled their way -into the logs. Our guns barked back and one of the fellows went down. We -kept our revolvers going, and I guess the gang thought that there were a -good many more of us in the cabin than they had counted on, for after -doing a little more shooting they picked up their pal and beat it back -out of range.</p> -<p>“There they stopped and held a pow-wow. We reloaded and then I got out -my glasses and took a good squint at the band. The fellow who was -evidently the leader was the dead image of the man you described. He had -a scar that reached almost from his mouth to his ear on his right cheek -and tallied with your man in all the other respects you mention. He -wasn’t a greaser either. Just the tough gunman type you see in the slums -of any big city. I studied him hard and know I would recognize him -instantly again if I should ever meet him.</p> -<p>“They palavered a while and then concluded that they had had enough of -our game and called it off. They rode off toward the Mexican border, -that no man’s land that is as full of tough characters as a dog is full -of fleas. Some time later a bunch of our boys who had heard the shooting -came hurrying up, and the captain put himself at their head and went in -pursuit. But the fracas happened just at the edge of dusk, and in the -darkness the fellows got away. Probably crossed the Rio Grande.</p> -<p>“Now, that’s my little spiel and you can take it for what it is worth. -It’s the same kind of a man as robbed the Castleton bank and he’s -playing the same kind of a game. Of course, Laguna is a long way off -from Castleton, but he’s had plenty of time to get here, and as a matter -of fact, he’d naturally put a big stretch of country between himself and -your town. If I were you I’d give the tip to the detectives who are -looking for him and let them come down and get him if he proves to be -the man they’re after. Or better still, come down and get him -yourselves. I’m not kidding. Come down and get him yourselves. Mull this -over in what you call your brains and call me again in five minutes.”</p> -<p>The voice ceased, and the listeners looked at each other with a new -thought stirring in their minds.</p> -<p>“What do you think of it?” Phil asked of Mr. Denby.</p> -<p>“If you are referring to the clue,” answered the professor, “I think -it’s a good one. Certainly it is one that you can’t afford to disregard. -Detectives have traveled across a continent on much less than that. Of -course, he may not prove to be the man, but there’s at least a good -chance that he is. Nothing venture, nothing have.</p> -<p>“As to what he says about you boys going down there yourselves and -trying to round the man up,” he continued, “that of course, is a matter -on which I wouldn’t venture an opinion. Your families,” he smiled, “may -have decided views on that point.”</p> -<p>“I suppose they might,” agreed Phil somewhat dismally. “Still they let -us go before in that matter of running down the counterfeiters, which -was quite as dangerous as this if not more so. And you’ll notice that we -came through that all right.”</p> -<p>“Yes,” agreed the professor, “but you have to admit that you had some -mighty close shaves when there was only a slender margin between you and -death. Your folks may think that there’s such a thing as tempting Fate, -you know.”</p> -<p>“But just to think of it,” mused Phil. “Those Texas plains, the Rio -Grande, the free wild life—”</p> -<p>“Sleeping under the stars,” interrupted Tom, “mixing it with the -greasers—”</p> -<p>“And above all, nabbing that scoundrel who shot my father,” put in Dick. -“Fellows, there’s no two ways about it. We’ve just got to go.”</p> -<p>“Seems to be unanimous,” remarked the professor looking around with a -smile at the eager, ardent faces, “but all the same it will bear a lot -of thinking over. Better call up your friend again and see just what he -has in mind.”</p> -<p>Phil complied with the suggestion, his words fairly tumbling over each -other in his eagerness.</p> -<p>“You’ve got us guessing, Steve,” he said. “Just how much in earnest were -you in what you said in your wind-up? Talk turkey now. What’s the game? -Get right down to brass tacks.”</p> -<p>After a brief interval Steve’s answer came.</p> -<p>“Stirred up the animals did I with that innocent remark of mine?” he -said. “Well, Phil, old boy, here’s what I mean, straight from the -shoulder.</p> -<p>“I want you and Dick and Tom to come down here and join me in the -service of the Texas Rangers. They’re the finest kind of a bunch, -straight fellows, dead shots, daring riders, just the kind of men you -boys would like to pal up with. The border troubles are getting so -serious here that we need more men. Of course, there are Government -troops here but only a handful, and the border line is so long that they -can’t possibly police it. So we Rangers get in and help on the job. The -discipline is good—our Captain Bradley is an old West Pointer—but it’s -nothing like so irksome as it is in the regular army. I can guarantee -you plenty of excitement and adventure with very little of the red -tape.</p> -<p>“Above all we’re short of flying men and we need them more than anything -else. In chasing the Mexican guerrillas or warning of their approach on -one of their frequent raids they’re invaluable. Now, you and Dick and -Tom are as much at home in a plane as you are on the ground, and the job -is just cut out for you. I’ve talked the matter over with Captain -Bradley and he’s keen to have you in our flying service.</p> -<p>“Then as to that matter of Muggs Murray, I honestly think you’d stand a -first-class chance of nabbing him if you came along with us. In the -course of your work, aloft in the air, you’d be called on to scan -practically every foot of the border in this section. Sooner or later -you’d be likely to come across him and his band. And you’d have the -whole troop of Rangers behind you to help you round him up.</p> -<p>“Now that’s the whole story. I’ll have to stop now as I have to turn in -a report. Think it over carefully, old scout, and call me up tomorrow -night. Regards to the rest of the boys and so long.”</p> -<p>The voice ceased, leaving the listeners’ minds in a tumult.</p> -<p>“Are you game, fellows?” asked Phil.</p> -<p>“You bet,” replied Dick emphatically.</p> -<p>“Lead me to it,” exclaimed Tom.</p> -<p>“Well,” said Phil, “we’ll put it up to the folks. I have a hunch that -before many days have passed we’ll be in Texas, down by the Rio Grande.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chVI' title='VI: A Lively Fight'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER VI</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>A Lively Fight</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“If you do get there,” remarked Mr. Denby as he rose to go, “I can see -that there isn’t going to be much monotony in your lives for the next -few months. You boys certainly have a knack for finding adventure, and -what is more important still a knack of coming through it somehow with a -whole skin. Let’s hope that this won’t prove an exception to the rule. -At any rate I’m glad that you are going to have a chance to ferret out -and capture that rascal Murray. Now,” he added with a smile, “you see -that I was right when I denied that you were relying on a forlorn hope -in trusting to radio. It showed you tonight what it could do.”</p> -<p>“I should say it did,” agreed Phil warmly as he accompanied him to the -door. “It’s the most wonderful thing in the world.”</p> -<p>He bade the professor good night and returned to his companions. They -were all too wrought up to think of sleep, and they sat up late -discussing the possibilities that had opened up so suddenly before them.</p> -<p>The next day was spent chiefly in argument with their respective -families. As they had feared, they met at first with the stiffest sort -of opposition. Their parents took a much more sober view of the -enterprise than did the boys themselves and conjured up all kinds of -harrowing things that might happen to them. But the boys urged their -case with such fervor and persistence that Phil and Dick finally carried -the day.</p> -<p>Tom’s task was the more difficult, as his parents lived in Chicago, and -he had to communicate with them by radio. His father had a powerful set -and was almost as much of a radio “fan” as his son himself, and both -were kept busy the greater part of the day in transmitting and receiving -messages arguing the case pro and con. But from Tom’s point of view the -day was well spent, for he was able at the end of it to come to his -chums with the joyous news that his father had yielded a final, albeit a -reluctant consent.</p> -<p>So that it was in a jubilant mood that they called up Steve that night -and told him that the preliminary battle had been won and that he might -expect them at some time within the next week or ten days.</p> -<p>“Bully,” was Steve’s reply. “Best news I’ve heard since Sitting Bull sat -down. Come a runnin’. And say, fellows, if you can, bring the <i>Arrow</i> -along with you. It’s a dandy machine and you’re so used to it that you -can probably get better results with it than you could with any plane we -could furnish you. It’ll be a nice cross country trip for you, and beat -traveling in stuffy railroad cars, to say nothing of making better time. -I’ll tend to everything on this end of the line, see that your quarters -are prepared for you and every other little thing. Believe me, fellows, -you’re going to have the time of your young lives.”</p> -<p>There was a host of questions to be asked and answered, but by the time -that the interchange of messages had ceased, the boys had the fullest -information they needed to form their plans and map out their journey.</p> -<p>It goes without saying that they had informed the authorities of all -that they had learned as to the possible whereabouts of Muggs Murray. -The Texas police authorities were communicated with and were asked to -give all the assistance in their power. Mr. Eldridge further stated that -the bank would send on a special detective at its own expense to run -down the clue.</p> -<p>“Now,” remarked Phil, when they had thus disburdened their mind of all -the information they had in the matter, “we’ve done our duty by the bank -and the police, and it’s up to them to do what they think best. But -we’ll play our own little game our own way and we’ll see who comes out -best. I don’t mind saying that I think we have the inside track.”</p> -<p>“I feel the same way,” agreed Dick.</p> -<p>“At any rate if we fail it won’t be for lack of trying,” concluded Tom.</p> -<p>The next few days were busy ones, for a host of preparations had to be -made for the journey. The boys had hailed with delight the suggestion of -Steve that they make the journey by plane, and the first thing they did -was to equip it with a complete radio apparatus. Great stress had been -laid upon this by Mr. Denby, who rendered them valuable aid in the -installation of the set, the making of the counterpoise that served in -place of a ground connection and a variety of other details in which he -was past master.</p> -<p>“Nobody ought to go aloft these days whether in a balloon or an airplane -without a complete radio equipment,” he counseled. “All Uncle Sam’s Air -Mail planes have them, and by that means are able to keep in constant -touch with the earth beneath them. If a storm is coming, the Government -broadcasting station can send out storm warnings to the air pilots so -that they can descend until the storm is past. If they are in doubt as -to where they can find a safe landing field, all they have to do is to -radio and find out. In that way they can avoid the danger of wreck that -is always present when they have to make forced landings. In storm or -fog the radio is like an invisible thread guiding the plane to safety.</p> -<p>“Especially will you find it indispensable in the work you are planning -to do in Texas,” he continued. “Your plane might be disabled and you be -forced to descend in a desert, where, if left alone, you might perish of -hunger and thirst. The radio will tell your troop where you are and -bring them to your rescue. Or if you are flying on reconnoitering -service, you can tell the men on the ground below just what you are -seeing without having to return to the ground. On the other hand, if -your commanding officer wants to give you additional orders, he can -radio the message to you up there in the sky just as easily as he could -give it to you if you were seated at his desk. In a hundred ways you -will find it a vast convenience, and in many cases an absolute -necessity.”</p> -<p>They felt the force of the reasoning and worked heartily with his -assistance in the perfecting of the set. And when one day the -installation was complete, Phil and Dick went up on a trial flight to -try it out, Tom remaining at the radio station in Phil’s home to send -and receive.</p> -<p>To the delight of all three, the set worked to perfection. Phil and Dick -were wearing the special helmet constructed for aviators to shut out the -roar of the motor so that they could perceive the radio signals, and -they had no trouble at all in receiving Tom’s messages. He on his part -had equal luck in catching without difficulty the signals of his -friends, and all were in high, good humor at the success of the tests.</p> -<p>Phil and Dick, after an hour or more spent in this way, were flying back -toward Castleton and were still some miles distant from the town. They -were only a few hundred feet above the ground and could see everything -beneath them with great distinctness.</p> -<p>Suddenly Dick touched Phil’s arm.</p> -<p>“Something going on down there,” he said.</p> -<p>Phil looked in the direction indicated, and saw what seemed to be an -angry conversation going on between a girl and man. Even as he looked, -the girl started to run. The man ran after her and caught her by the arm -and seemed to be trying to drag her toward an automobile drawn up at the -side of the road.</p> -<p>“Here’s where we get busy,” exclaimed Phil.</p> -<p>He grasped a lever and the machine with a great sweep came down in a -field only a short distance from the couple.</p> -<p>In a moment the Radio Boys were out of the fuselage and hurrying toward -the scene of commotion.</p> -<p>As they neared the two, the girl gave a glad cry, wrenched her wrist -from the man who now seemed willing enough to release her and came -running toward them.</p> -<p>“Oh, I am so glad you came,” she cried, the tears streaming down her -face.</p> -<p>“What’s the trouble?” asked Phil.</p> -<p>“It’s that man,” replied the girl. “I was walking along the road when he -stopped his car and asked me for some directions. I gave them to him and -then he wanted me to get into the car and take a ride with him. I had -never seen him in my life before and I refused and started to run. He -ran after me and caught my arm and tried to make me get in the car.”</p> -<p>“That’s enough,” said Phil briefly. “Dick, just look after this young -lady for a moment.”</p> -<p>He went up to the man who had been standing in a defiant attitude beside -his car, his cap drawn over his eyes. As Phil approached, the man looked -up and Phil recognized “Rocks” Gurney.</p> -<p>“So you’re the cur that insulted this girl,” said Phil with cutting -scorn.</p> -<p>Gurney flushed purple.</p> -<p>“What’s that you called me?” he cried in a fury. “Take it back or it -will be the worse for you.”</p> -<p>For answer Phil’s fist shot out and caught Gurney full on the point of -the jaw, and the latter measured his length in the dust of the road.</p> -<p>He was up again in a moment, spluttering with rage, and made a rush at -Phil. The latter avoided the rush and met Gurney with a blow that jarred -him to his heels. Then for a few minutes they went at it hammer and -tongs.</p> -<p>Gurney was a trifle heavier than Phil and two years older. But he was -dissipated and self-indulgent, and no match for the trained athlete he -was up against. Phil went round him like a cooper round a barrel, -avoiding his lunges and getting in his blows where they would do the -most good. In a few minutes the fight was over, and Gurney lay in the -road, half sobbing with shame and pain.</p> -<p>“I guess that’ll be about all,” remarked Phil. “Now Gurney, get into -your car and drive wherever you like. Only get away quick.”</p> -<p>“I’ll get even with you for this,” mumbled Gurney through his swollen -lips, as he climbed painfully into the machine.</p> -<p>“I suppose you’ll try to,” answered Phil, “but that isn’t worrying me.”</p> -<p>With an imprecation flung back over his shoulder, Gurney started off. -Phil watched him until the car was out of sight and then turned to Dick -and the girl. The latter was profuse in her thanks. They learned that -she lived only a little ways up the road in the direction opposite to -that in which Gurney had gone. They felt safe therefore, in leaving her, -and having said goodbye they climbed again into their machine and -mounted into the upper air.</p> -<p>“You certainly trimmed him good and proper,” remarked Dick.</p> -<p>“He had it coming to him,” replied Phil. “It was a sin and a shame -though,” he added with a grin, “to spoil such a gorgeous suit of -clothes. Did you see how he was dressed? Solomon in all his glory hadn’t -anything on him.”</p> -<p>“That was a nifty car too,” said Dick. “What’s made him blossom out so -suddenly? A little while ago he was looking seedy. Now he seems to have -slathers of money. Where does he get it?”</p> -<p>“Search me,” Phil answered carelessly.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chVII' title='VII: Crooked Work'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER VII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Crooked Work</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“There!” exclaimed Phil, two days later straightening up, and wiping his -hands on a piece of cotton waste. “If that engine doesn’t tick like a -Swiss watch now, it won’t be our fault. It ought to make the run to -Texas without a miss.”</p> -<p>“I’ve got a hunch it will,” said Dick, confidently. “Let’s see if we’ve -done everything now,” and he proceeded to count off the operations on -his fingers. “Scraped carbon out of cylinders; took up on main bearings -and big end bearings, overhauled oil pump and strainer, cleaned spark -plugs and timer points, put in new piston rings. Whew! Sounds like a lot -when you say it slow, doesn’t it?”</p> -<p>“It seems to me it’s quite a lot no matter how you say it,” remarked -Tom, “but with an aeroplane, it certainly pays to have everything -right.”</p> -<p>“You can bet it does,” said Phil, emphatically. “When you’re a thousand -or two feet up, it gives you a mighty comfortable feeling to know that -everything is in fine condition.”</p> -<p>“And a mighty uncomfortable one if you think it isn’t,” supplemented -Tom, with a laugh.</p> -<p>“I’ll say so!” agreed Phil. “But now that we’ve done so much work, let’s -take a trial flight. If we find everything O. K., we can start for Texas -early tomorrow morning. How does that sound?”</p> -<p>“Great! Fine!” exclaimed his friends.</p> -<p>“All right, then; hop in,” said Phil. “You spin her over, Dick, will -you?”</p> -<p>“Sure thing,” acquiesced Dick. “Just say the word when you’re ready.”</p> -<p>Phil climbed into the pilot’s seat, and Tom clambered in beside him. -Dick gave the big propeller a whirl, and the motor started with a roar. -Phil quickly throttled it down, and Dick cast off the holding ropes and -clambered to his seat.</p> -<p>“The old motor sounds pretty sweet,” he yelled.</p> -<p>Phil nodded his head, and after opening and closing the throttle a few -times to warm up the engine and test its response, he “gave it the gas” -and the plane glided forward over the green turf.</p> -<p>Phil was just about to move the elevating controls when his action was -suddenly arrested by Dick’s voice in his ear.</p> -<p>“Don’t go up, Phil,” he yelled, excitedly. “Something is wrong with the -guy wires. I saw one break just a second ago.”</p> -<p>Phil closed the throttle, and the plane slowed down and came to rest.</p> -<p>“You must be seeing things, Dick,” said Phil, twisting around in his -seat. “I tested out every wire in the machine a couple of days ago, and -they were all in fine condition.”</p> -<p>“Well, I saw one break, just the same,” said Dick, positively. “We’d -better go over them all once more. It does seem queer, though.”</p> -<p>“Well, accidents will happen,” said Phil, removing his goggles and -leather helmet. “Let’s have a look at the one that you saw snap, Dick. -Which was it?”</p> -<p>“Just a second and I’ll show you,” replied Dick, leaping to the ground. -“It was this one over here,” and he picked up a long wire that was -trailing on the ground.</p> -<p>Phil took the wire from him, and rapidly followed up its length until he -came to the loose end.</p> -<p>What he found there made him emit a long whistle.</p> -<p>“Say!” he exclaimed. “It’s no wonder this wire broke. It’s been filed -half through!”</p> -<p>“Filed!” exclaimed Dick, seizing the wire from Phil, while Tom leaped to -the ground and came running around to where they stood. “It can’t be, -Phil. Who would have done such a thing as that?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, but just take a look at it,” said Phil. “You can see the -smooth part left by the file, and the rough surface where the wire -actually parted.”</p> -<p>“Let’s see, Dick,” said Tom, and all three boys examined the broken wire -carefully.</p> -<p>“You’re right, Phil; that was no accident,” was Dick’s verdict, and Tom -agreed with him. “There’s only one man I know that would be capable of -doing such a thing,” he added.</p> -<p>Phil nodded his head. “Rocks Gurney,” he said, briefly. “You know after -that licking I gave him he swore to get even with me, and this is the -method he has used.”</p> -<p>“Just like him, too,” exclaimed Dick, indignantly. “Why, if that stay -had broken while we were in the air, we’d have been in serious trouble.”</p> -<p>“Luckily for us, he filed a bit too deep, and the stay broke sooner than -he thought it would,” said Phil. “The chances are he didn’t stop at just -that one, either. We’d better go over every bit of the machine, and see -if he’s monkeyed with anything else.”</p> -<p>This they did, and it was not long before Tom discovered a deep nick in -another wire. In all they found five wires in different parts of the -machine that had been partially cut through, enough to have caused -disaster had they given way while the machine was in the air.</p> -<p>“I’m going to make inquiries and find out if anybody around the house -has seen anything of Gurney or any other suspicious person lately,” said -Phil. “I don’t think the machine was tampered with during the night, -because the hangar is securely locked, and I didn’t notice anything -wrong when I opened up this morning.”</p> -<p>The Strongs employed an old negro gardener, and when questioned he -remembered seeing somebody near the hangar the previous evening while -the family was at supper, but he thought it was some friend of the boys, -and had not paid much attention to him.</p> -<p>“But didn’t you recognize him?” asked Phil.</p> -<p>“Ah couldn’t rightly say Ah did,” said the old negro, doubtfully. “Ah -cain’t see much widout mah specs, but come to think of it, he looked -somethin’ like young Marse Gurney. It was gettin’ powerful dark, though, -an’ Ah ain’t sure.”</p> -<p>“I guess your eyes didn’t fool you, Mose,” said Phil, grimly. “There’s -no doubt in my mind that it was Gurney, all right, but I suppose there’s -no way to prove it.”</p> -<p>“Let’s hunt him up and accuse him of it,” exclaimed Tom, hotly.</p> -<p>“Oh, what’s the use,” said Phil. “He’d only deny it, and we haven’t any -time to waste on him, anyway. It won’t take us long to replace the -wires, and we know everything else is all right, because we’ve just -finished overhauling them.”</p> -<p>His friends reluctantly agreed to leave Gurney’s punishment to some -future date, and returned to the aeroplane. It was no great task to -renew the damaged wires and pull them taut with turnbuckles, and soon -the machine was as good as ever. After this, they started once more for -a trial flight, and this time nothing occurred to hinder them. The motor -worked beautifully, and the boys were delighted with its performance.</p> -<p>“I told you those new piston rings would make a big improvement in the -motor,” said Dick. “I put the same kind in our automobile, and it made a -new car out of it.”</p> -<p>“Yes, unless you’ve got good compression, you can’t get power,” agreed -Phil. “But I guess the machine is fit for anything, now. ‘Texas or bust -tomorrow.’ How about it?”</p> -<p>“Bet your sweet life,” exclaimed Dick, and Tom was no less enthusiastic. -After a few more sweeping circles, Dick brought the aeroplane gently to -earth, and the boys proceeded to fill the gasoline and oil tanks, and -pack their traveling equipment aboard.</p> -<p>The following morning they were up at daylight, and after a hearty -breakfast went out to the hangar, accompanied by their families, who had -all congregated at the Strong’s to see them off. The boys wheeled the -aeroplane out, and made a last inspection, to make sure that it had not -by any chance been tampered with during the night. Everything was just -as they had left it, however, and after saying good-bye the boys climbed -to their places.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chVIII' title='VIII: The Jaws of Death'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER VIII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>The Jaws of Death</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>A light breeze was already blowing, and amid cries of farewell and -encouragement from those on the ground the boys headed their aeroplane -into this and took off to a perfect start just as the rim of the morning -sun appeared over the horizon. The glorious beams flooded the beautiful -green landscape below them, and the boys felt a wonderful surge and -uplift of spirit that matched the upward flight of the aeroplane as it -climbed swiftly toward the clouds. Higher and higher they went, until -the little group of waving figures became mere dots, and then were -entirely lost to sight.</p> -<p>The motor roared its rhythmic speed song as Phil opened the throttle bit -by bit, until their instruments registered an altitude of a thousand -feet and a speed of ninety miles an hour. This was not by any means the -maximum speed of which the machine was capable, but they were not out to -break speed records, and preferred to save both gasoline and excessive -wear on the engine.</p> -<p>The light breeze with which they had started freshened after awhile, but -it was steady, and so did not interfere with their progress as an -unsteady, puffy breeze would have done. The sun climbed higher in the -heavens, but the wings of the plane protected them from the intensity of -its rays, and they could not have been more comfortable nor felt more -secure had they been seated in rocking chairs at home.</p> -<p>After they had been traveling a few hours, however, the weather became -somewhat hazy, and suddenly, before Phil could change his course, they -had run into a solid bank of dense gray fog that shut off the genial -rays of the sun and sprinkled them liberally with moisture.</p> -<p>“Good night!” exclaimed Dick. “I hope it doesn’t take us long to get out -of this, Phil. It’s as damp and cold as a vault.”</p> -<p>“You don’t want to get out any more than I do,” returned Phil. “About -the only thing we can do is hold our course and hope that the fog belt -isn’t very wide. Chances are we’ll run out into the sunshine within a -few miles.”</p> -<p>This prediction proved to be far too optimistic, however, for after they -had traveled half an hour the fog seemed even more dense than before, -and at last Phil decided to descend and try to get under it. Piloting an -aeroplane in a fog is almost as bad as trying to walk blindfolded on the -ground; one never knows what unexpected object he is going to collide -with.</p> -<p>Phil’s instruments told him that he was several hundred feet above the -earth, but he knew that they were flying above hilly country, and it -does not take a very pretentious mountain to be five hundred or so feet -high. However, something must be risked in order to win clear of that -clammy, clinging fog, so Phil headed the plane steadily earthward. At -length the boys could see a lightening of the fog, upon which they all -gave three lusty cheers. A few moments later they swept out into -dazzling sunlight, but what they saw struck the shouts of gladness from -their lips.</p> -<p>Directly in their line of flight towered a high and threatening wall of -rock, so close that Dick and Tom gripped the sides of the aeroplane with -every muscle tense, waiting for the crash to come.</p> -<p>On every hand rose other jagged peaks, so that to veer away from that -grim wall ahead was useless, even had they had time. The last chance -left them was to rise—to soar up and over that formidable barrier of -weather-worn rock. To fail meant instant death against the cliff or -among the tumbled boulders at its base.</p> -<p>Phil tugged desperately at the elevating controls, and opened the -throttle wide. The aeroplane responded instantly, sweeping up with a -rush and roar. But they were terribly close to the cliff now, and the -boys held their breath in an agony of suspense. Could the trusty machine -make it, or would their trip end so quickly in black tragedy?</p> -<p>The cliff overhung at the top, and was fringed with a dense growth of -scrub and small trees. Had it not been for this they would probably have -won clear, but as it was, as they swept up, the wheels and framework -under the fuselage caught in the dense undergrowth, and the boys could -feel their speed suddenly slacken. The heavy pull underneath dragged the -nose of the machine down, which caused the propeller to become entangled -also. Phil tried desperately to get the machine clear of the tenacious -brush and creepers, but finally he saw that they were hopelessly -entangled. Fortunately, they were over the edge of the cliff, at any -rate, and on a small fairly level plateau at the top of the mountain.</p> -<p>Phil shut off the motor, in order to keep the propeller from getting -broken, and the aeroplane crashed down among the bushes and floundered -to a standstill.</p> -<p>The boys gazed ruefully at each other, and for a few moments no one -spoke. Then Phil climbed slowly from his seat, and dropped to the -ground, the others following suit.</p> -<p>“We’re in a fine mess now,” he remarked. “It looks to me as though this -is about as near Texas as we get this trip.”</p> -<p>“I don’t care,” said Tom, mopping big drops of perspiration from his -face. “I’m glad enough to be right here. I don’t mind admitting that I -thought we were all goners a few minutes ago. I don’t know yet how you -got us over the edge, Phil.”</p> -<p>“Neither do I,” said Dick. “We must have gone pretty near straight up, -Phil, to do it.”</p> -<p>“I guess we did,” nodded Phil. “It was the good old machine that did the -trick, though, not I. But never mind about that now. Who can tell me how -we’re going to get away from here?”</p> -<p>“Is the machine damaged much?” inquired Dick. “I suppose we’d better -make an examination and find out what’s broken before we figure how to -get away.”</p> -<p>Fortunately for the boys, the aeroplane had suffered only minor -injuries. Both rubber tires on the landing wheels were punctured, and -some of the framework supporting the wheels was badly bent, but there -was no damage done that they could not repair on the spot.</p> -<p>“It might have been a lot worse,” said Phil, at length. “I guess we’d -better break out our axes and clear a space where we can work. After -we’ve fixed the machine, I don’t see anything for it but to chop a clear -space big enough to get started in. And that’s going to be some job, -too, believe me.”</p> -<p>“It certainly looks as though it might be,” said Tom, gazing ruefully at -the tangle of bushes and vines. “But before we start in, why not have -something to eat. I’ve got a feeling that it’s way past lunch time right -now.”</p> -<p>This suggestion met with instant approval, and they all ate with -appetites unimpaired by their recent narrow escape. Having finished, -they rested for a brief spell, and then, getting out their axes, -attacked the thick undergrowth in earnest. After an hour’s hard labor, -they had a space cleared under and around the aeroplane, and then -proceeded to straighten the bent framework and repair the tires. They -worked fast, and in a surprisingly short time had everything in good -shape. Then they turned their attention to clearing a path sufficiently -long to allow the aeroplane to gather speed for its take-off. But here -they found themselves in a quandary. Less than three hundred feet from -the edge of the precipice there were a number of large trees, and to cut -these down and level off the ground there was out of the question. -Toward the brink of the cliff there was only the underbrush, but to -take-off in that direction was perilous in the extreme. It meant heading -straight for the edge of the abyss, and what if the aeroplane could not -gather sufficient speed in that short distance to rise? In that event -they might plunge downward, and so meet the very death that they had so -lately avoided.</p> -<p>They fell to work on the stubborn undergrowth, but although they worked -with desperate haste and energy, the sun was close to the horizon before -they were finally ready to take their hazardous start.</p> -<p>“Well, fellows, I guess we’ve done all we can,” said Phil at length, -mopping at a countenance that was fiery red from sunburn and exertion. -“We’ve done our part, and now it’s up to the old machine. If it rises, -all right, if not—” he shrugged his shoulders.</p> -<p>The boys climbed to their places in the machine with grave faces. Phil -ran the motor until it was thoroughly warm, and then, with lips grimly -set, opened the throttle.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chIX' title='IX: Deeds Of Darkness'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER IX</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Deeds Of Darkness</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Bushes and small trees in back of the machine were bent almost to the -ground by the force of the wind driven rearward by the propeller, and -the machine leaped ahead, bumping and swaying drunkenly over the uneven -ground. Bushes caught at the wide-spread wings, retarding their speed, -and the rough ground also hindered. As they approached the sheer edge of -the chasm, and the awful expanse of empty air was almost under their -wheels, Phil moved the elevating controls, but the aeroplane had not -gathered sufficient speed to rise. It shot out over the brink of the -abyss, the nose pointed downward, and with a tightening sensation around -their hearts the boys realized that they were falling into the dizzy -depths at sickening speed.</p> -<p>For a few seconds the aeroplane dropped like a stone, with Phil fighting -to get control. The rocky floor of the canyon rushed up at them, but -just at the moment when it seemed as though they must strike, the -aeroplane flattened out, quivered and vibrated, and then swooped upward -into the rays of the setting sun.</p> -<p>The genial rays of the luminary had never seemed so welcome to the three -Radio Boys, for they had steeled their hearts to meet death, and they -felt as a condemned prisoner must when a last minute reprieve arrives.</p> -<p>For a time they flew in silence, each one thinking of this last narrow -escape, and breathing a prayer of thankfulness that they were still -alive and uninjured.</p> -<p>“Phil, that’s twice you’ve pulled us out of the hole when it didn’t look -as though we had a chance,” said Dick, at last. “What I want to say is, -that you’re competent to handle an aeroplane, and no mistake.”</p> -<p>“Aw, shucks,” said Phil; “either you or Tom would have done the same -thing. I came pretty near to shaving the tops off a few of those -boulders in that last dive, though. Another hundred feet, and our -troubles would all have been over.”</p> -<p>“I’d just as soon keep my troubles for a while,” said Tom, with a feeble -effort at a joke. “They don’t bother me half as much as the thought of -smashing down on those rocks does.”</p> -<p>“That goes for me, too,” said Dick. “But let’s let bygones be bygones. -We’re right here, scooting along at a fast clip, and not a scratch on -us. The question then arises, ‘where do we stop for the night’? It will -be pretty dark in another hour.”</p> -<p>“I’m going to land at the first decent place I can find on the far side -of these hills,” said Phil. “I don’t feel any longing to land on top of -another mountain.”</p> -<p>“You said it!” agreed Tom. “The mere thought of it makes me see double. -Land on the lowest place you can find on the map, Phil.”</p> -<p>This was precisely what Phil intended to do, and it was not long before -the opportunity appeared. Passing over the last of the hill range, they -saw a level country spread out before them, which offered plenty of -ideal places to make a landing. Phil volplaned down until they were only -a hundred feet up, and then, selecting a smooth stretch of meadowland, -glided swiftly down to a perfect landing.</p> -<p>“Wow!” exclaimed Tom, as he climbed out and stretched prodigiously. -“This looks a little better than our last landing place, fellows. I’m -going to break out some grub in short order, because this has been a -hard day, and I’m as hungry as a wolf.”</p> -<p>This suited the others, too, and they all ate a hearty meal. Then they -stretched out under the wings of their trusty machine, and slept soundly -until awakened by the beams of the morning sun.</p> -<p>They lost no time in getting started, as they were behind their schedule -owing to the mishaps of the day before. They spent an hour’s hard work -on the <i>Arrow</i>, putting fresh oil into the engine, turning down grease -cups, and testing the spark plugs. Then they packed up, Dick spun the -propeller over, and the motor took hold instantly. Dick clambered in, -and they soared aloft into the blue sky and gleaming sun. All day they -flew without mishap, Dick taking a spell at the controls during the -afternoon. They landed only once to replenish their gasoline and oil, -and eat lunch. That day they covered over eight hundred miles, and when -they landed for the night they figured that, barring accidents, they -would reach Laguna early the following morning.</p> -<p>Steve had sent them a rough map showing the prominent landmarks in the -vicinity of the Rangers’ headquarters, and late in the forenoon they -picked up the first of these, a large, mushroom-shaped rock, projecting -forty feet from the level surface of the plain. Others followed in quick -succession, and it was not long before they descried the long, low -building, with the Stars and Stripes floating above it. The boys were -evidently expected, for they could see a number of men on the ground, -who, as they drew nearer, waved broad-brimmed sombreros and shouted.</p> -<p>Phil, who was piloting the <i>Arrow</i> at the time, circled once or twice -looking for a landing, and then, selecting a level stretch, landed -gently.</p> -<p>The men who had been waving at them now ran in their direction, and as -the boys descended they had no difficulty in recognizing Steve among the -foremost.</p> -<p>“Hi, yi!” yelled Steve, exuberantly. “Welcome to Laguna, you worthless -old mavericks! The boys never thought that you’d get here in that -overgrown kite, but I told ’em you’d get here if you had to tie a -balloon to it.”</p> -<p>“Oh, nothing like that,” grinned Phil, “although a balloon might have -come in pretty handy at one time. But the old <i>Arrow</i> usually gets where -its going pretty near on schedule time.”</p> -<p>“Well, we’re all mighty glad to see you, anyway,” declared Steve, “step -up and I’ll introduce you to this bunch of Piute Indians that have the -nerve to call themselves Texas Rangers. They’re a terrible bunch, but -they all have one good point—they all hate greasers like poison.”</p> -<p>After this foreword the Radio Boys were formally—or rather, -informally—introduced to all the Rangers who happened to be present, and -then they all gathered curiously about the aeroplane, and the boys had -to explain some of its mysteries to the interested Rangers.</p> -<p>“That ought to put the fear of the Lord into them greasers, derned if it -shouldn’t,” remarked one tall and sunburnt fellow, whom the others -addressed simply as “Chips”. “They’ll think the great American Eagle has -sure got after them at last.”</p> -<p>“Well, it’s pretty near time,” remarked another. “They’re sure gettin’ -peskier and meaner every day. We’re too blamed easy with them, that’s -the trouble.”</p> -<p>The others seemed to be of the same opinion, and as they walked toward -headquarters, the boys heard more than one tale of looting and outrage, -that made them glad that they were to engage in the work of prevention -and punishment.</p> -<p>“Captain Bradley will be glad to know you’ve arrived,” said Steve, after -they had reached the bunk house and had washed up. “He didn’t figure -you’d get here much before tonight or maybe tomorrow morning, and he’s -gone to Austin on some official business. We expect him back in a day or -so.”</p> -<p>“Well, we can spend the time in getting acquainted,” said Phil. “I only -wish we had been here when you had the fight with those bandits that you -told us about by radio.”</p> -<p>“I sure wish you had,” said Steve, “If we had that plane of yours then, -we’d probably have caught them. As it is, though, they seem to have got -away clean, and nobody’s seen or heard of them since. They’re bad -medicine, that gang.”</p> -<p>“They’d give a lot to have their hands on them back in Castleton,” said -Dick. “We haven’t much doubt that the man with the scar that you saw is -the same who engineered the holdup in the bank, and if he is, he’s still -got nearly $40,000 of the bank’s money.”</p> -<p>“Whew!” whistled Steve. “That’s some chunk of kale, isn’t it? If the -Mexicans will stay quiet for a while, we’ll get after that Murray bunch -in earnest. But of course, our first duty is to guard against the -greasers.”</p> -<p>“Are they giving so much trouble at present, then?” queried Tom.</p> -<p>“Trouble!” echoed Steve, “why, a Mex’s middle name is trouble. They’re -all bad, but some are ’specially bad. There’s one gang, headed by a -thieving, murdering son of a sea cook that they call Espato, that’s got -more poison in his make-up than a rattlesnake. We’ve all got scores to -pay off against him, but he’s a cunning devil, and so far, while we’ve -winged a number of his band, he’s always got off scot free. We’ll get -him yet, though,” and Steve’s fingers unconsciously sought and gripped -the butt of his revolver.</p> -<p>“Tell ’em about how he shot up Jack Sanderson’s farm, Steve,” said -another of the Rangers, who was lounging nearby.</p> -<p>“Yes, that was an especially bad case,” said Steve, with a dark frown on -his sunburnt countenance. “This Espato and his gang picked out an -especially dark night a few weeks ago, crossed the border, and -surrounded Sanderson’s farmhouse so quietly that nobody in the place -dreamed that there was a Mex within ten miles of them. Some of them -sneaked up to the barn and set it on fire, and when the people in the -house saw the flames, of course, they rushed out to try and save the -barn. As they ran out of the house, the Greasers picked them off one by -one—wiped out the whole family. Then they looted the house, and set that -on fire, too. And if we ever get our hands on the murdering -gang—well....” Steve did not finish the sentence, but his silence was -more eloquent than words.</p> -<p>“There’s nothing would be too bad for them!” exclaimed Dick, hotly. “I -suppose they got away before you fellows got news of the raid, eh?”</p> -<p>“Yes, they made for the border lickety spit. Of course, after we got the -news, we set off after them, but they had too much of a start, and had -reached their mountains before we could overtake them. Once there, it’s -hopeless to chase them any further—for, horsemen, anyway. That flying -machine of yours might have better luck, though.”</p> -<p>“The varmints hole down in them mountains, and it would take an army to -locate them,” explained the other Ranger. “There’s caves and passes that -only they know anything about.”</p> -<p>“It’s just possible that we might come at them from air, though, as -Steve says,” remarked Phil. “You can see a pretty big stretch of country -when you’re up five or six hundred feet.”</p> -<p>“Gosh, it’s a great sensation,” said Steve, “will you give me a ride -some day, Phil? It’s a long time since I’ve had one.”</p> -<p>“Surest thing you know,” promised the young aviator. “I’ll do a few tail -spins and nose dives while you’re along, just so you’ll really enjoy the -trip.”</p> -<p>“Nothing doing,” declared Steve, emphatically. “It will suit me if you -keep on just an even keel. I don’t crave to imitate a pinwheel, not -nohow.”</p> -<p>Phil was about to make a laughing rejoinder, when suddenly there was a -commotion outside, and a tall, handsome man, dressed in military -fashion, strode into the room.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chX' title='X: Flight and Pursuit'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER X</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Flight and Pursuit</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>The Rangers all scrambled to their feet, and after Captain Bradley had -asked a few questions and given some directions Steve introduced the -Radio Boys to him.</p> -<p>“Here are the aviators I told you I was going to enlist, Captain,” said -Steve. “They just landed a few hours ago.”</p> -<p>“Good enough,” said the leader, heartily, and he shook hands with each -in turn. “You’re a mighty welcome addition to our force. We’ve got -plenty of work cut out for you, too.”</p> -<p>“We’ll do our best to make good,” said Phil. “After some of the stories -we’ve heard about these cowardly raiders, we’ll be glad to go on the -warpath any time you say.”</p> -<p>“That’s the spirit,” said the Captain, approvingly. “You’d better spend -the next few days in getting acquainted and learning something of the -country, though. I suppose your plane will require some attention after -such a long drill, too.”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t be surprised if we could find something to do on it,” -grinned Phil. “We like to keep it in good shape, and Dick here is a -regular bug. He can worry more about a thousandth of an inch play in a -bearing than anyone else I know.”</p> -<p>“Well, it’s best to be on the safe side,” said Captain Bradley. “I -understand from Steve that your plane is equipped with a wireless set, -too.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir, we put that on after we decided to join the Rangers,” said -Phil.</p> -<p>“You can join right now, if you want to,” said the Captain heartily. -“That’s entirely up to you, though, you know.”</p> -<p>“The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned,” said Phil, glancing at -his friends, who both nodded. “I guess we’re ready if you are, sir.”</p> -<p>“Fine!” exclaimed the Captain. “Quick action is what we like around -here. Come on over to my shack.”</p> -<p>Fifteen minutes later the boys had taken the oath, and were duly -inducted into the Texas Rangers. They were supplied with the usual -outfit of khaki shirt and trousers, high-laced boots, and broad-brimmed -sombrero. These clothes set off their athletic young figures to fine -advantage, and the Captain inwardly congratulated himself on this -addition to his forces.</p> -<p>The following days were busy ones for the Radio Boys. The Rangers were -all crack shots with rifle and revolver, and daring and expert horsemen. -The boys had had comparatively little experience in either of these -exercises, but it was not long before they could ride and shoot in a -manner to win words of commendation from the hardy men of the plains.</p> -<p>“That’s purty dern good shootin’”, remarked one old timer, as he watched -Phil riddle a condensed milk can at a hundred paces. “’Pears to me, -though, that that can would look better if it didn’t have no cover on -it. Let’s have your rifle, young feller, an’ I’ll see if I can take it -off.”</p> -<p>Lifting the rifle to his shoulder, he fired three times in rapid -succession, and the cover went spinning into the sand, neatly severed -from the rest of the can.</p> -<p>“Good night!” exclaimed Tom, “that would be a good way to open a can if -you were in a hurry.”</p> -<p>“Some shooting,” said Phil admiringly.</p> -<p>“Show him the poker chip trick, Dan,” grinned Steve. “Here’s a few I -happened to have in my pocket.”</p> -<p>Taking the chips, Dan drew his revolver, and tossed five chips into the -air. His revolver barked five times, and the five chips were shattered -into fragments.</p> -<p>“How do they do it?” exclaimed Dick, amazed. “How long did you have to -try before you could do that, Dan?”</p> -<p>“It’s all a matter of practice, I reckon,” said the other. “If you stay -out here long, you’ll learn to do the same thing. When your life’s apt -to depend on your quick shootin’, you don’t waste any time learnin’ -how.”</p> -<p>In addition to riding and shooting, the boys took many flights over the -surrounding country, accompanied by Steve or one of the other Rangers -who was thoroughly familiar with the country. They soon had acquired a -good working knowledge of the surrounding territory, and all felt -competent to do useful service if called upon.</p> -<p>Nor was their opportunity long in coming. Early one morning one of the -patrol riders came dashing into camp, leaped from his horse, and dashed -into Captain Bradley’s bungalow. A border town had been raided by the -Mexicans the previous night. The citizens had put up a desperate fight, -but they were far outnumbered, and during the battle several were -killed. Fires were set at different points, and in the resultant -confusion the guerrillas made their escape, taking two girl prisoners -with them.</p> -<p>As soon as the camp heard this news, all was bustle and preparation. -Word was sent out for the Radio Boys to report at Captain Bradley’s -office immediately.</p> -<p>They found the Ranger leader pacing up and down the small room, a grim -and relentless expression on his face.</p> -<p>He spoke in curt, incisive tones.</p> -<p>“I want you fellows to locate those desperados and, if possible, find -out where they go,” he ordered. “They’ve got a big lead over us, and our -chances of catching them on horseback or even with automobiles is small. -But with your aeroplane you may be able to succeed where we would not. -And above all things, we want to get those two girls back. Let that be -your first duty. You can start at once, can’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” said Phil. “We’re ready, and so is the machine.”</p> -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Bradley. “If you travel almost due south, you’ll be -the most likely to pick up their trail. Do your best, and luck be with -you.”</p> -<p>The boys saluted, and hurried out, breaking into a run as soon as they -were in the open.</p> -<p>“We’re off, Steve,” shouted Phil, as they passed their friend.</p> -<p>“So are we,” said Steve, as he threw a saddle onto his horse’s back. -“But you’ve got a big advantage over us. Go to it, though, we’ll all be -rooting for you. I only wish I were going with you.”</p> -<p>The boys wheeled the <i>Arrow</i> out of the rude shed that had been -constructed for it. They had no need to make an inspection, for they had -been over everything the previous afternoon, and knew that everything -was as it should be. Phil and Tom leaped into their places, Dick spun -the propeller, and as the engine took hold, leaped to one side and -scrambled aboard as the plane began to gather headway. Amid the cheers -of the Rangers they roared along the ground and then soared swiftly -aloft to begin the most exciting flight they had ever known.</p> -<p>They climbed steadily, holding a southerly course as Captain Bradley had -directed. Far away they could see a blotch of smoke, and they headed for -this, rightly conjecturing that it marked the site of the raided town. -Phil opened the throttle, and the <i>Arrow</i> sped with breath-taking speed -through the crisp morning air.</p> -<p>In a few minutes they had covered the distance that it would have taken -a horse hours to traverse. Arrived over the town, they could see the -hills in the distance toward which the raiders were probably at that -moment travelling. They could make out a deep cleft between two -mountains, and Phil decided to head toward that, as it was probably a -pass through which the Mexicans would have to go.</p> -<p>Phil let the <i>Arrow</i> out at full speed, and at the same time swooped -earthward, the better to see objects on the ground. The brown desert had -given way to green vegetation, and still they had seen no sign of the -raiders, when Tom, who was scanning the earth through a strong pair of -field glasses, uttered a cry.</p> -<p>“There they are, Phil,” he shouted, “Bear a little to the right, and -we’ll soon be right over them.”</p> -<p>Phil shifted his lateral controls, and in a few moments he and Dick -could see the column of raiders without the aid of glasses. The raiders -saw them, too, and there were wild shouts and gesticulations in the -cavalcade as the boys swooped down close to it. They could plainly see -the two girls, who were mounted on two mules. The girls realized that -the aeroplane must contain their countrymen, and stretched up imploring -arms toward it. But it would have been madness for the boys to attempt a -rescue in broad daylight against such overwhelming numbers, and they had -to content themselves with keeping track of the cavalcade.</p> -<p>The bandits were panic stricken under this surveillance, and hastened -their progress as much as possible, heading for the gap in the hills -that the boys had previously noted. Toward evening the bandits passed -through this gap, and laid their course for a tall mountain a few miles -from it. Through the field glasses the boys could see them winding up a -path, and finally saw them disappear in what seemed to be a big cave in -the side of the mountain. Several remained outside evidently as -sentries, and to deceive these, the boys turned about and headed north, -toward Laguna, as though giving up the chase for the night.</p> -<p>But this was far from being their intention. After carefully locating -the cave, the boys flew about ten miles, and then descended on a level -place to eat supper and hold a council of war.</p> -<p>“My idea is this,” said Phil. “Let’s wait until after dark, and then fly -to the foot of that mountain and land. I noticed a fine level place -there, and I think I can find it again, even after dark. Then, we’ll -leave the plane there, and creep up to the camp. Once there, we’ll have -to see how things look, and plan accordingly. We’ve got to get those -poor girls away from them, some way or other.”</p> -<p>“You bet,” said Dick. “It certainly hurt to have to leave them this -morning. I guess we’re about their last chance, for they can expect no -mercy from Espato.”</p> -<p>Night descended quickly, and after a hasty inspection of their firearms -the boys climbed aboard the <i>Arrow</i>, and started on their mission of -rescue.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXI' title='XI: Desperate Chances'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XI</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Desperate Chances</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>They flew slowly, so as to make as little noise as possible, but it was -not long before they spied several twinkling camp-fires shining against -the black background of the mountain. The bandits were drinking and -carousing, and, having convinced themselves that the aeroplane had -returned to civilization, they were not keeping much of a lookout. A -brisk breeze was whistling through the pine trees, and this, together -with the noise of their revelry effectually prevented them from hearing -the exhaust of the aeroplane.</p> -<p>Taking no chances, Phil shut off the motor while they were still some -distance away, and volplaned silently down. When they were close to the -ground, and below the level of the cave, Dick switched on their powerful -searchlight, and with its aid they made a safe though bumpy landing.</p> -<p>And now the time had come for utmost caution. They were on the enemy’s -ground, and capture would mean not only their own deaths but those of -the two girls as well.</p> -<p>Silently as shadows the three friends climbed up the steep slope of the -mountain, guided by the distant flicker of the camp fires through the -trees. Soon they had reached a place where, peering through a screen of -trees and underbrush, they commanded a full view of the Mexicans’ -encampment.</p> -<p>The black mouth of a giant cave yawned against the side of the mountain, -and in front of this was a broad level space, on which grew a few -straggling trees. The clearing was bounded on all sides by dense forest, -and afforded an excellent hiding place for evil-doers.</p> -<p>Three great fires roared and crackled in this clearing, and about these -the bandits sprawled, some eating, others drinking, gesticulating and -swearing. The Radio Boys looked anxiously for the two girls, and were -not long in discovering them. The Mexicans had bound them to the largest -of the trees growing in the clearing, so tightly that they could not -move hand or foot. They were in the full glare of the fire, so that the -boys had to bide their time until the bandits should tire of their -carousal and go to sleep, allowing the fires to die down.</p> -<p>About ten o’clock the moon arose and this added to the boys’ -difficulties, for as it climbed higher in the heavens it lit up the -whole landscape, making it almost as light as day and rendering -concealment difficult.</p> -<p>With what patience they could muster, the boys waited for the raiders to -quiet down. At last, rendered unconscious by their potations, the -bandits one after another dropped into drunken slumber. The fires died -down, and now the time for action had arrived.</p> -<p>Between the forest and the trees to which the two girls were bound there -lay a clear space some thirty feet wide, and to cross this meant to run -a fearful risk of detection. Fortunately, however, the moon was obscured -at intervals by clouds scudding before it, and the boys waited until the -dark shadow of a cloud crept over the clearing, and then crept silently -forth from their concealment.</p> -<p>A low moan came from the tree where the girls were tied, not one of the -bandits having taken the thought or trouble to loosen their bonds. Phil -drew his sharp hunting knife in readiness to cut the ropes that held -them, but the three boys had hardly crossed half the open space before -the moon began to emerge from behind the cloud.</p> -<p>“Lie down, fellows, quick!” hissed Phil, and threw himself flat on the -ground. The others did likewise, but had one of the Mexicans wakened at -that time, they would certainly have been discovered. Fortunately, the -raiders were so intoxicated that even the sentry had fallen into a heavy -drunken stupor. The boys lay tense, ready at the first alarm to rush to -the girls, cut their bonds, and then dash for the aeroplane. But as yet -they were undiscovered, and after what seemed an age of waiting, another -cloud crept over the moon.</p> -<p>Scarcely had its shadow encompassed them, than the boys were on their -feet, gliding toward the unfortunate captives. The girls did not know of -their presence until they felt their bonds fall away as keen-edged -knives undid the Mexicans’ brutal work.</p> -<p>“Don’t cry out,” whispered Phil. “We are friends, and are here to get -you away.”</p> -<p>The poor girls were so exhausted that when their bonds fell away they -sank to the ground, almost incapable of movement. This was something the -boys had not foreseen, but this was no time for hesitation. Phil glanced -up toward the moon, and saw that the cloud was already beginning to thin -and shred away.</p> -<p>“You take one, Dick, and I’ll take the other,” whispered Phil, “you go -ahead, Tom, and break a path for us through the woods.”</p> -<p>Stooping, he took one of the exhausted girls in his arms, and made for -the concealment of the forest, closely followed by Dick with the other -girl.</p> -<p>Before they could reach the friendly shelter of the trees, however, one -of the bandits turned over restlessly, sat up, and rubbed his eyes. The -vacant look turned to one of surprise as he caught sight of the -Americans, who were quite close to him. He sprang to his feet, but -before he could utter a cry of warning Tom leaped at him like a panther, -and struck him a stunning blow with the butt of his revolver. The man -sank to the ground, and Tom hastened after the others, who by now had -reached the welcome shadows of the forest.</p> -<p>Here progress was slow. Branches and creepers tore at and clung to them, -but they kept doggedly on, spurred on by the knowledge that the man whom -Tom had felled might regain consciousness at any moment and give the -alarm. They had covered about half the distance to the plane, when there -was a wild shout from the raiders’ camp, and a bullet whizzed through -the branches above them. Other voices took up the cry, and soon the boys -could hear men crashing through the forest behind them.</p> -<p>Roused by the sounds of pursuit, the girls regained some of their -strength, and insisted that they could run, so the boys set them down. -They were still weak, but struggled bravely down the steep -mountain-side, assisted by the boys. Progress was slow, though, and they -realized that their pursuers were gaining.</p> -<p>“Wait!” commanded Phil, as bullets began whistling uncomfortably close. -“We’ll give them a taste of their own medicine.” He drew his revolver, -as did the others, and they emptied them in the direction of the -pursuing Mexicans. Yells and cries of pain came from the raiders, and -the boys knew that their bullets had found a mark. The pursuers -hesitated, and taking advantage of this momentary respite, the boys -plunged forward again.</p> -<p>They knew that they must be close to their plane by this time, but now -the bandits, only momentarily checked, had resumed the pursuit, urged on -by the cries of their leader. By the time the little party reached the -plane, the Mexicans were close at their heels, and had they not been -such poor marksmen the Americans would have had little chance of escape. -Bullets clipped the bushes on every side of them, for the moon lit up -the clearing where they had left the plane so that it was almost as -bright as day.</p> -<p>Phil and Dick caught up the girls, and raced across the clearing to the -plane. They had barely reached it, when the bandits came swarming out of -the forest, yelling and cursing.</p> -<p>“Quick, fellows!” exclaimed Phil, “Spin the propeller, Tom, and you get -the girls in, Dick. If the engine balks, we’re done for.”</p> -<p>But in this time of deadly peril the aeroplane responded nobly. At the -first whirl of the propeller the engine took hold with a roar, and Tom -leaped for the fuselage as the aeroplane started to move. The Mexicans -were daunted a moment by the noise of the engine, but then, urged on by -their leader, they rushed forward again.</p> -<p>The aeroplane was headed toward them, gathering speed with every turn of -the powerful propeller. The bandits scattered to either side, but as the -aeroplane left the ground, one, more courageous than his companions, -leaped for the fuselage. He knew nothing of that powerful propeller, -backed up by the might of six roaring cylinders. As he leaped the -whirling blades caught him fair, and sheared his head from his -shoulders.</p> -<p>The shock was hardly felt in the plane, but Phil glanced over the side, -and as he saw the headless trunk drop to the ground, he shuddered. He -knew that the rascal deserved his fate, however, and wasted little -sympathy on him. Other things occupied his mind, for they were still in -danger, as the bandits fired a fusillade after them, some of the bullets -even tearing through the wings. But the powerful machine was ascending -at the rate of seven hundred feet a minute, and they were soon far -beyond the reach of their baffled enemies.</p> -<p>Phil switched on the little lights over the instruments, and when he had -attained a height of a thousand feet, set out for the Ranger’s camp at a -speed of ninety miles an hour.</p> -<p>“You’d better send them a radio that we’re coming,” yelled Phil to Dick, -“it will help us to land if they show some flares.”</p> -<p>“All right,” nodded Dick, and started clicking at his key. He knew that -Steve would probably be at his instrument, waiting for some news from -them, nor was he mistaken. Hardly had he finished sending Steve’s call -when he got a reply, and then for fifteen minutes the man on the ground -and the one a thousand feet up in the dark night exchanged questions and -answers almost as readily as though they had both been seated in the -same room.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXII' title='XII: From Savage Clutches'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>From Savage Clutches</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“Steve says he’ll set some flares right away,” shouted Dick in Phil’s -ear, and the latter nodded.</p> -<p>“We ought to be pretty nearly there,” he said, and had hardly ceased -speaking when several bright lights flamed out from the darkness almost -directly below them.</p> -<p>“Whoa!” exclaimed Phil, “we pretty near ran past our station that time. -It’s a good thing that Steve was on the job.”</p> -<p>He shut off the engine, and started down in narrowing circles. Now that -they could make themselves heard, the two girls started to pour out -their gratitude to their rescuers, but before the embarrassed boys could -answer they were going down so fast that conversation ceased for the -time being. The girls gripped wildly at the sides of the car, and -screamed as the wheels bumped the ground.</p> -<p>In a second the aeroplane was surrounded by excited Rangers, who lifted -the girls out, and hoisted the Radio Boys joyously onto broad shoulders. -It was a real triumphal procession that marched back to headquarters, -where Captain Bradley awaited them.</p> -<p>“Boys, you’ve certainly proved that you can deliver the goods,” he -exclaimed, his usual reserve cast to the winds in the excitement of the -moment. “And how are your pretty passengers?” he added, as the two girls -were ushered in by admiring but somewhat bashful Rangers.</p> -<p>“Thanks to these young men and their aeroplane, we are all right,” -answered the elder of the two, Alice Brady. “They snatched us right out -from under the noses of the Mexicans, when we had given up all hope of -ever getting away from them.”</p> -<p>“Tell us about it,” directed the Captain, “I know I’d never get half the -story from Strong and his friends. They’re too modest.”</p> -<p>“Oh, we just did what we were sent to do,” muttered Phil, uncomfortably; -“any of the rest of the bunch would have done the same thing if they’d -been in our places.”</p> -<p>“You keep quiet,” ordered the Captain, with twinkling eyes, “let the -young ladies have their say.”</p> -<p>The young ladies had their say, and painted their rescue in glowing -colors. When they had finished, Captain Bradley nodded.</p> -<p>“I guess I sent the right men for the job, all right,” he remarked. “You -couldn’t have done better, and the Rangers are proud of you.”</p> -<p>And the boys soon found that this was no idle phrase. The Rangers <i>were</i> -proud of them, and were not backward in letting them know it. The Radio -Boys had won a secure place for themselves in the esteem of these daring -frontiersmen, which further acquaintance only served to strengthen.</p> -<p>The Rangers took an added interest in the <i>Arrow</i> from that time on, and -whenever the boys were working on it, they always had an interested -audience. After their return with the two girls they had had -considerable trouble patching the wings, where they had been torn by the -Mexicans’ bullets, but at last succeeded in getting everything in fine -shape again.</p> -<p>“Them Greasers is sure poor shots,” commented Dan, as he viewed the -aeroplane critically the day after the boys’ triumphant return. “Ef -they’d been anyway decent shots, they’d sure have drilled a hole or two -in that thar gasoline tank, and then you’d have been out o’ luck.”</p> -<p>“You can bet we were thinking of that all the time we were going up,” -grinned Phil. “It was pretty dark, though, and we were moving kind of -fast.”</p> -<p>“I’ve got to admit I didn’t take a heap of stock in what that machine -could do, when you fellers first landed here,” observed Chip, who was -cleaning and oiling his revolvers. “I gotta take off my lid to it now, -though. Looks to me as though I’d orter sell my cayuse now, and rustle -me one of them aryplanes.”</p> -<p>“Huh!” snorted Dan, “you’d bust the critter clean to bits the fust time -you tried to land it. We’d have to collect your remnants with a broom -an’ shovel.”</p> -<p>“I reckon you think you’d jest have to step in an’ say ‘giddap’ to it, -an’ it would up an’ fly like that there flyin’ horse that the college -sharp was tellin’ us about one time,” retorted Chip. “I might have a -chance to learn how, but you’re too old to learn them new tricks, Dan.”</p> -<p>“Mebbe so, mebbe so,” said the other. “I’ll stick to my pinto awhile -yet, anyways. He spied a rattlesnake the other day, and blamed if he -didn’t jump almost as high as that machine kin fly. That pony could give -points to a jack rabbit when it comes to jumpin’.”</p> -<p>“Some day I’ll take you up for a flight, Dan, if you think you’d like to -try it,” offered Phil.</p> -<p>“Nary flight, thanks just the same,” said Dan, shaking his grizzled -head. “I’ll stick to hosses awhile yet, when I want to go anywhere. They -ain’t as fast, but still I’ve got a pretty good idea what they’re goin’ -to do next, and I wouldn’t have in that aryplane.”</p> -<p>“Go on, Dan, take a chance,” urged Steve, a mischievous light in his -eyes, “You can’t any more than get killed, anyway.”</p> -<p>But the old plainsman was obdurate, and could never be persuaded to set -foot in the machine. But there was no lack of passengers, nevertheless, -for most of the men were only too glad to take a trial flight when -opportunity offered.</p> -<p>In the meantime, the Mexicans continued to give trouble at different -places along the border, although more than once the boys, patrolling in -their machine, detected raiding bands and gave warning in neighboring -towns so that the raiders’ reception was considerably warmer than they -had anticipated. A number had been captured, and from them it was -learned that the Radio Boys had incurred the undying hatred of Espato -and his band, who had sworn to kill them.</p> -<p>“Threatened people live long,” quoted Phil, when he heard of this.</p> -<p>“You said it,” agreed Dick. “I never thought that Espato would love us -for what we did to his gang.”</p> -<p>“They’d probably kill anybody they got hold of, whether he’d ever done -anything to them or not,” observed Tom. “I guess with the help of the -old <i>Arrow</i> we can do him more harm than he can us, anyway.”</p> -<p>When this conversation took place, the boys were gathered in Steve’s -radio shack, whither they had repaired with the intention of trying to -get in touch with Dr. Denby at Castleton.</p> -<p>“My set is no great shakes,” apologized Steve, “but under favorable -conditions, I think we can reach your town, all right. It did once, -you’ll remember.”</p> -<p>“I’ll have a try at it, anyway, if you don’t mind,” said Phil, and -seated himself at the key.</p> -<p>B-z-z-z, whir-r went the motor-generator, as its first low hum mounted -in tone to a strident whine, and the blue sparks crackled from the -aerial. Time and again Phil called Dr. Denby’s signal, but it was not -until he was almost ready to give up in despair that he at last got an -answer in the earphones.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXIII' title='XIII: Gun Play'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XIII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Gun Play</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“Good!” exclaimed Phil, as he recognized Doctor Denby’s sending. For -some time he and the Doctor exchanged news, and while Dick and Tom and -Steve waited with what patience they could muster to learn what it was -all about. At last Phil swung away from the key, took the head set from -his ears, and mopped at a perspiring brow.</p> -<p>“Whew!” he exclaimed, as he switched off the generator, “that’s pretty -hot work for a night like this. I wish I could jump into a nice cold -bathtub right now.”</p> -<p>“If you’d talked there much longer, we’d have hunted one up an’ thrown -you in,” said Dick. “What’s all the news from home, anyway?”</p> -<p>“Why, they don’t seem to be any nearer to getting the $40,000 back than -they were when we left,” said Phil, ignoring Dick’s threat. “Mr. Denby -says that ‘Rocks’ Gurney left town day before yesterday, and nobody -seems to know where he’s disappeared to.”</p> -<p>“Left town, eh?” said Tom, thoughtfully. “I wonder where he’s bound -for.”</p> -<p>“Probably thought it would be safer to light out before somebody -arrested him on suspicion,” suggested Dick.</p> -<p>“He’ll get his some day, though,” remarked Steve. “There are plenty of -bad men in this part of the country that get away with murder for a -while, but they generally get theirs in the end.”</p> -<p>“It doesn’t always work that way, though,” said Dick, with mock -seriousness. “Look at the fierce jokes that Tom has gotten away with, -and he seems to be as far from punishment as ever.”</p> -<p>“Oh, it’s punishment enough to have to tell good jokes to an -unappreciative gink like you,” retorted Tom. “You wouldn’t know a good -joke if it came up and shook hands with you.”</p> -<p>“Maybe not,” agreed Dick, “I hear so few good ones, that I can’t say I’m -an expert at recognizing them.”</p> -<p>“How about that one I told you the other day, about the Irishman that -fell off the scaffold?” asked Tom, in an injured tone. “Didn’t you even -like that one?”</p> -<p>“Well, it wasn’t so bad,” conceded Dick. “It was a little better than -most of them, anyway.”</p> -<p>“Tell it again, and I’ll be umpire,” laughed Steve. “I’m willing to take -a chance on anything once.”</p> -<p>“Well, it seems this Irishman was standing on a scaffolding, laying -bricks,” commenced Tom, “and while thinking of something else he stepped -back a little too far, and fell off. He landed with an awful thud, and a -friend who happened to be near ran to his assistance.</p> -<p>“‘Mike, me poor bye, are yez dead?’ he asked.</p> -<p>“Mike’s eyelids fluttered. ‘Oi am,’ he said.</p> -<p>“‘Shure, and Oi think you’re lyin,’ said Pat.</p> -<p>“‘That proves Oi’m dead,’ says Mike, ‘fer if Oi wuz alive, you’d be -scared to call me a liar.’”</p> -<p>The boys could not help laughing, and Steve expressed his belief that -the story was O. K.</p> -<p>“I don’t think your jokes are half as bad as these two Indians say they -are,” declared Steve.</p> -<p>“They couldn’t be half as bad as that,” said Tom, laughing ruefully. -“They’d be terrible jokes if they were.”</p> -<p>“Well, you can try it on the rest of the gang, if you want to take a -chance,” said Steve. “You’ve got to be mighty sure a joke’s good, -though, before you spring it on them. They’re all pretty handy with a -six-shooter, you know.”</p> -<p>“I’ll risk it,” said Tom, “let’s go over to the bunkhouse, and I’ll give -them all a treat.”</p> -<p>While they were strolling over, Phil gave them all the other news that -he had received from Doctor Denby. All the home folks were well, and -Dick’s father had so far recovered from the bullet wound as to have -resumed his duties in the bank. The detectives who had been employed to -catch the hold-up gang had been foiled at every turn, and now it seemed -unlikely that the robbers would be captured and the money recovered. The -Radio Boys, however, still believed that the man with the scar, whom -Steve had noticed during the brush with the desperados, would prove to -be the notorious Murray. If that were the case, and he were still in the -Rangers’ territory, the boys still had hopes of coming across him.</p> -<p>When the boys entered the bunkhouse, they were greeted heartily by all -the Rangers who happened to be in the building.</p> -<p>“Here’s somebody that’s going to tell us some swell jokes, fellows,” -said Steve. “Light up your pipes and listen. He’s got a large variety, -and they’re all good.”</p> -<p>Shouts of approbation greeted this announcement, and for once in his -life Tom found what he had longed for so often—an appreciative audience. -Without having to be coaxed too much, he told about all the jokes he -could think of, and they were all rewarded with laughter and applause.</p> -<p>When he had at last reached the end of his stock of humorous anecdotes -he was voted the best story teller in camp.</p> -<p>“I’d ruther listen to them funny stories of yourn than any of those -vaudeville sharps I’ve heard in town,” remarked Dan. “Most o’ them are -about as funny as a funeral bell.”</p> -<p>“Well, I’m glad you liked my jokes,” said Tom, with a meaning glance at -Dick and Phil. “Some people are so pig-headed that they won’t admit a -story is funny just on principle.”</p> -<p>“I guess you haven’t been to many shows, have you, Dan?” asked Phil.</p> -<p>“Huh!” snorted the old plainsman. “They’re all fakes, anyhow. I rec’lect -one I went to, where the feller was supposed to shoot at the keys of a -piano and play a tune on it. Waal, it seems this feller had a partner, -and he’d stay behind the scenes and play each note hisself, while the -feller out in front with the gun was only firin’ off blanks. This yere -plan worked perfect for a while, but then these short horns had some -kind of a fallin’ out, and the feller that hit the notes on the piano -decides to double-cross his pal. Which this happens the same night I -sees this show in Tucson.</p> -<p>“Waal, at first everything goes off accordin’ to Hoyle, and the sharp -with the gun plays the tune on the piano as usual. But when he stops -shootin’, the piano kep’ on playin’ jest the same. It was real funny at -first, but after a while some of the boys gets kind of peevish at the -way they’ve been took in right along.”</p> -<p>“What happened then?” asked Phil, as Dan stopped to light his pipe.</p> -<p>“Waal, a whole lot happened pretty pronto,” replied the other. “Fust -thing you know, some impulsive maverick near the front of the theatre -pulls his six-gun, an’ ’lows he’ll try his hand at playin’ a tune on the -piano. This seems to be a good idea to lots o’ the others, and they -tries long and earnest to get a tune out o’ that unfortunate -instrooment, but by the time they gets through they ain’t much left of -it but splinters. Howsumever, we all figgered that the show had been -wuth the price o’ admission, and we filed out contented an’ happy.”</p> -<p>“It must have been a nice pleasant evening,” said Steve, laughing with -the others. “How many people were killed, Dan?”</p> -<p>“Nary one,” replied that individual, knocking the ashes out of his pipe. -“When the first gun went off, most of the audience that ain’t carryin’ -armament ducks under the seats, and stays there snug an’ quiet until the -gun play is over. But it’s gettin’ kind o’ late, an’ I’m goin’ to pound -my ear. You mavericks kin stay up all night if you wants to, but not for -me.”</p> -<p>“I guess we’d better all turn in,” said Phil, as there was a general -move toward retirement. “We’ve got to go on a long flight tomorrow, you -know, so it won’t hurt us to get a good night’s sleep.”</p> -<p>The Radio Boys were up at dawn the next morning, giving the <i>Arrow</i> a -last inspection before starting. Captain Bradley had directed them to -fly some hundred miles into the interior in order to discover, if -possible, the hiding place of Espato’s band. It was a mission fraught -with peril, and the boys realized the seriousness of their commission.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXIV' title='XIV: Aerial Scouting'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XIV</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Aerial Scouting</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>“I guess we’re all set,” said Phil, after giving one last twist to a -turnbuckle. “The machine is in first class shape, and we ought to make -the trip without any trouble. How is the radio outfit, Dick? Seem to be -working all right?”</p> -<p>“Fine as silk,” answered his friend. “This set is a pippin, Phil, let me -tell you. It may be small, but it certainly can deliver the goods.”</p> -<p>“Well, that’s what we want,” nodded Phil. “I guess we didn’t make any -mistake when we bought it. It came rather high, but a set like that is -cheap at any price.”</p> -<p>“I’ll say it is,” agreed Tom, as he climbed into his seat. “Our lives -are apt to depend on that set more than once before we get through.”</p> -<p>Phil nodded, and climbed into the pilot’s seat. Dick gave the big -propeller a spin, and amid the cheers of the Rangers who happened to be -off duty and had gathered to see them start, they shot up into the -sun-drenched atmosphere.</p> -<p>It was a glorious day for flying. The air was clear as crystal, and the -boys had a view of the surrounding country that was nothing short of -magnificent. Below them stretched and wound the silver ribbon of the Rio -Grande, while far in the distance they could see the shimmer and glint -of the Gulf of Mexico.</p> -<p>The exhilaration of flight went to their heads like wine, and as they -swooped through the bracing air they shouted and sang, oblivious of the -perils that in all probability awaited them. They were young and life -was sweet, and the prospect of danger and adventure was a thing to be -welcomed rather than dreaded.</p> -<p>Dick and Tom took turns at the wireless apparatus, keeping in touch with -Steve and the camp as long as possible. But gradually the signals became -fainter and fainter, and before long they were beyond their sending -range, although they could still hear Steve.</p> -<p>“Can’t hear you any more,” clicked Steve, at length. “I’ll go and report -to Captain Bradley. So long, and good luck.”</p> -<p>Now Dick and Tom exchanged their headsets for powerful field glasses, -and swept the country below them for any sign of Espato and his band. -They flew first to the cave from which they had rescued the two girls, -but there was no sign of life about it, and indeed, they had hardly -expected to find any, for the wily bandit would not be likely to use -that place again after he knew that its location was known to the -Americans.</p> -<p>However, the boys had the advantage of knowing that the bandit’s main -stronghold was probably on the continuation of a line drawn from Laguna -to the scene of the rescue, as the Mexicans had travelled in that -direction continually after leaving American soil.</p> -<p>“Let’s land here and see what that cave looks like inside,” shouted -Phil, and as this suited the others, too, he pointed the nose of the -aeroplane downward, and they made a landing on the level plateau in -front of the cave.</p> -<p>“Suppose you stay with the machine, Dick, and keep a sharp lookout, -while Tom and I look around inside,” said Phil. “It might be a good idea -to keep the engine running, so that we can make a quick getaway if we -have to.”</p> -<p>“Well, just as you say,” agreed Dick, a little reluctantly. “It’s right -enough that somebody should stay outside with the machine, though.”</p> -<p>Phil left the motor turning over slowly, and he and Tom, with revolver -in one hand and little electric flashlight in the other, stepped warily -from the brilliant sunshine outside to the damp gloom of the big cave.</p> -<p>But they found little to reward them for their trouble. The floor of the -cave was littered with old cans and broken cooking utensils, and bore -other signs of having been used extensively by the bandits. There was -nothing to give the boys a clue to the where-abouts of the main -stronghold, however, and at last they emerged blinking into the -sunshine, disappointed at the fruitless result of their search.</p> -<p>“How about it?” inquired Dick, eagerly, as they emerged. “What is it -like in there, anyway?”</p> -<p>“Not worth the trouble of going in,” said Phil, disgustedly. “It’s a -fine big cave, though, and I suppose Espato is mighty sore because we -discovered it.”</p> -<p>“Well, I’m glad I stayed out here, then,” said Dick. “The propeller is -better than an electric fan to keep a fellow cool on a hot day.”</p> -<p>“Oh, well, I didn’t really expect to find much here,” said Phil. “I -suppose we might as well get going again. As long as you’re in the -pilot’s seat, Dick, you might as well steer the old ship awhile. I’d -like to sit back and loaf for a while, the way you and Tom usually do.”</p> -<p>“Huh!” snorted Tom, “whose fault is that, I’d like to know. We’d drive -all the time, if we got the chance.”</p> -<p>“Yes, but then you wouldn’t have time to think up those swell jokes of -yours, and think of what a loss that would be to everybody,” grinned -Phil.</p> -<p>“It would be pretty tough on the world, I’ll admit,” said Tom. “I -suppose I really should never have joined the Rangers. If you or Dick -gets killed, it doesn’t matter, but if I do, it will be a big loss to -humanity.”</p> -<p>“Oh, I guess humanity would manage to stagger along some way, even -without the joy of hearing your jokes,” said Dick. “The world got along -fairly well before you came romping around with that phoney brand of -humor, you know.”</p> -<p>“Yes, but then people didn’t know what they were missing,” said Tom, -modestly.</p> -<p>“If they had known, wouldn’t they have been thankful?” retorted Dick, -and before Tom could think of a suitable retort, he had opened the -throttle, and the <i>Arrow</i> was once more soaring high above the green -earth.</p> -<p>They flew in great sweeping circles, raking the hills and valleys below -with their powerful fieldglasses, but saw nothing that would indicate -the presence of the bandit stronghold. Noon came, and the boys decided -to land, have lunch, and let the motor cool off awhile.</p> -<p>They landed in a grassy meadow, close to the edge of a forest of stunted -trees. At the edge of the woodland flowed a little brook of clear cold -water, and Phil and Tom agreed that Dick was a good picker of locations.</p> -<p>“There are plenty of big logs lying around to lean against, anyway,” -said Dick. “There must have been a bad windstorm to knock so many trees -down.”</p> -<p>“It’s queer, though, that they’re so much larger than any of the trees -growing around here,” said Phil. “They feel mighty hard, too.”</p> -<p>He drew his hunting knife and tested the surface of the prostrate -cylinders, but instead of its sinking into soft wood, it gave the gritty -sound of steel scraping against stone.</p> -<p>“What the dickens is it, anyway?” asked Tom, in surprise. “It sounds -like stone, but I’ll be blamed if I ever saw a rock that shape before. -It looks like a big stone column.”</p> -<p>“It looks so much like one, that I think it is one,” said Phil.</p> -<p>“But how can it be?” protested Dick. “We’re in the heart of a wilderness -here. Who’d drop a load of stone pillars down here, I’d like to know.”</p> -<p>“I’d like to know, too, and I propose that we investigate,” said Phil, -scraping at the thick coating of moss that covered one of the columns. -“Look here!” he exclaimed, a moment later. “Call me a Chinaman, if there -aren’t carvings on this stone. Look here, fellows,” and the excited boys -bent over the pillar, on which were carved characters and symbols of -various kinds.</p> -<p>“That’s writing, all right, but whoever chipped that out, certainly -didn’t understand English,” said Tom. “I can’t make out a word of it.”</p> -<p>“Oh, quit your fooling and be serious for once,” exclaimed Phil. “It -looks to me as though we had discovered something big. You know that a -few centuries ago the Aztecs had big cities and buildings, and we may -have stumbled on the ruins of one. Let’s get a bite of lunch, and then -we’ll go on an exploring expedition.”</p> -<p>The boys were almost too excited to eat, and it was not long before they -were ready to test the truth of Phil’s theory.</p> -<p>The fallen pillars were thicker in the vicinity of the woods, and from -this they inferred that if there actually was an old Aztec city here it -must be among the trees, which had sprung up around the ancient -buildings.</p> -<p>Accordingly, they entered the forest, climbing over fallen pillars and -mounds of broken stones. They had struggled through the tangled vines -and creepers only a little way, when they all stopped with exclamations -of astonishment, and gazed wide-eyed at an imposing ruin that reared its -huge bulk in their path.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXV' title='XV: Menace of the Cave'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XV</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Menace of the Cave</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Rows of big columns supported a carved and decorated portico, which, -while it had crumbled away and fallen in many places, still showed -enough of its original grandeur to convince the boys that it had been -erected by craftsmen of no mean ability. Trees had sprouted and -flourished in what had once been the temple sacred to the God of Fire. -Great vines and creepers writhed and twisted about the columns, some of -which had ceased to be supports for the vines, but were in reality kept -by them from falling.</p> -<p>In the center of the ruined facade was a huge arch giving access to the -interior. Black and mysterious it looked against the brightness outside, -as though inviting the boys to explore its ancient secrets, but at the -same time suggesting an indefinable menace to whoever should dare to -profane its sacred precincts.</p> -<p>The boys felt a sense of impending peril, as though some unseen but -hostile presence were hovering over the place, menacing the unwary human -who might presume to probe into the hidden secrets of the ancient pile. -But the boys were not to be easily deterred by vague premonitions, and -they were determined to explore the ruins.</p> -<p>“Come on, fellows,” exclaimed Phil, after a short period of astonished -silence. “Let’s go in and see what this place looks like. There’s no -telling what we may find inside.”</p> -<p>“We may find more than we bargain for,” muttered Tom, with an -involuntary shudder, as the boys climbed over fallen pillars and entered -the black doorway. A close, musty air filled the place, and for a few -moments the boys had to stop and accustom their eyes to the gloom -within. In places the roof had fallen in, but these openings were so -overgrown by vegetation that they did little to dispel the gloom.</p> -<p>The beams from their flashlights seemed lost in the vast place, but as -their eyes grew more accustomed to the darkness, they could make out a -huge object looming at the further end of the temple. Stepping -cautiously over the rough and broken floor, the boys approached this, -and found it to be a big idol, skillfully carved from a single huge -block of granite.</p> -<p>As Phil played his flashlight over the hideous countenance of the image, -the boys gave a cry and started back, for two glowing red eyes seemed -gazing balefully down at these presumptious invaders of age long quiet.</p> -<p>“What was that, Phil?” asked Tom, in a voice that shook a little in -spite of himself.</p> -<p>“I think there must be two jewels set into the idol’s head as eyes,” -said Phil, as he flashed his light once more on the face of the image, -and the baleful eyes flamed and glowed. “They look rather scarey, don’t -they? I don’t think that fellow is very glad to have us visit him.”</p> -<p>“But if those are real jewels, they must be worth a fortune,” said Dick, -excitedly. “Why not take them back with us?”</p> -<p>“Gosh, leave them alone,” protested Tom. “Let’s look around first, -anyway. I’ve got a hunch that no good would come from monkeying with -that idol.”</p> -<p>“Well, I’m going to have a try at them on the way out, hunch or no -hunch,” declared Dick. “But look, fellows. This must have been an altar, -or something of the kind.”</p> -<p>“It looks like one,” said Tom, as all three boys played their lights on -the object in question. “But what are all those streaks down the side, I -wonder.”</p> -<p>“Can’t you guess?” asked Phil, in a curious voice. “Those are -bloodstains, Tom, in all probability. One of the favorite indoor sports -of the Aztecs was offering up sacrifices to their gods.”</p> -<p>“I’ll bet you’re right!” exclaimed Dick. “And I remember reading that -they didn’t stop at animals, either. Humans were the favorites, weren’t -they, Phil?”</p> -<p>“I think so,” nodded Phil. “But let’s see what else we can find.”</p> -<p>The boys left the giant statue brooding in the gloom, and circled the -interior. At one point they found an opening leading into another, -smaller temple, in which was an altar elaborately carved with figures of -men and beasts. At the back of this altar the flooring had broken away, -and, peering into this opening, the boys could see a flight of rough -stone steps leading downward.</p> -<p>Phil looked questioningly at the others, and they both nodded. Without -further hesitation, Phil started down the steps, which had deep hollows -worn in them by feet that had been dust for centuries. The steps went -down steeply for perhaps twenty feet, and then the boys found themselves -standing at the entrance to a dark tunnel, from which issued a strong -draught of cold, damp air.</p> -<p>Starting down this, they soon found that the walls widened out, the roof -sloped upward, and expanded into a big cave. The walls of this cave had -numerous ledges projecting from them, and on these ledges were ranged -rows of stone caskets. The boys surmised, and rightly, that this was the -burial vault of the priests who had officiated in the temple above. A -heavy dust lay thick over everything, and when the boys spoke, it was in -hushed tones.</p> -<p>At the further side of the cave a door opened onto another tunnel, and -after the boys had traversed this a short distance they found that the -main passageway branched out into others, which in turn were subdivided. -They kept on for a time, but at length Phil called a halt.</p> -<p>“We don’t seem to be getting anywhere, and if we’re not careful we stand -a fine chance of getting lost,” he said. “I think we’d better start -back.”</p> -<p>“So do I,” said Dick. “We’d better be careful of our flashlights, too. -The battery in mine is beginning to get a little weak.”</p> -<p>“Mine isn’t any too good, either,” said Tom.</p> -<p>“I put a new battery in mine yesterday, so it’s all right yet,” said -Phil. “We’ll just use mine, and you can both save yours for emergencies. -They’ll recuperate if you don’t use them for a little while.”</p> -<p>Phil had taken careful note of their direction, and was making his way -unerringly through the many twists and turns of the underground passage, -when suddenly he was halted by an exclamation from Dick.</p> -<p>“Just a minute, Phil,” he said, excitedly. “Where’s Tom?”</p> -<p>“Tom,” echoed Phil. “How do I know? I thought he was right in back of -you.”</p> -<p>“So he was, up to a minute ago,” said Dick. “He stopped for a moment to -tie his shoe, and I thought he’d catch right up to us. Flash your light -back, and see if we can locate him.”</p> -<p>But there was no sign of Tom, and when his friends shouted his name they -received no answer but a hollow echo that came reverberating out of the -dim reaches of the tunnel.</p> -<p>Phil and Dick gazed at each other in consternation.</p> -<p>“We passed a fork just a little way back,” said Dick. “He must have -taken the wrong turning.”</p> -<p>“Let’s go back, then, quick!” exclaimed Phil, and the two boys raced -back to the point where the subterranean passage forked. They raced down -the second tunnel, only to find that, after a short distance, that also -forked into three branches.</p> -<p>Here the boys halted, dark forebodings clutching at their hearts.</p> -<p>Phil drew his revolver, and fired twice into the air. The noise of the -reports almost deafened them, the sound caroming from the narrow walls -and echoing away down the complicated passages.</p> -<p>The boys listened for some answering sound from their missing comrade, -and their hearts leaped as they heard a muffled explosion in the -distance.</p> -<p>“Thank heaven,” exclaimed Phil, fervently, and forgetful for the moment -of caution, he and Dick hastened in the direction from which the shot -had seemed to come. Phil fired again, and this time the answering report -was much nearer. At last, turning a corner, they caught sight of Tom’s -flashlight, burning dimly through the darkness.</p> -<p>“Hurray!” yelled Phil and Dick, and were answered by a welcoming shout -from Tom. The friends raced toward each other, and in a few moments were -laughing and pounding each other joyously.</p> -<p>Tom, it turned out, had stopped to struggle with a refractory shoelace, -and when he had finally got it fixed had run after his two friends, -expecting to catch up with them at once. When he saw no sign of them, -however, he knew that he must have taken a wrong turn, and had about -given himself up for lost when he heard the distant report of Phil’s -revolver.</p> -<p>“Well, let’s get out of this, quick,” said Phil, when Tom had finished. -“This place is hoodooed, and the sooner we’re out in the sunshine again -the better I’ll like it.”</p> -<p>But this was not so easily to be accomplished. While searching for Tom, -the others had been so anxious over him that they had failed to take -careful note of their route, and now, after half an hour of wandering in -the endless passages, they were forced to admit that they were -hopelessly lost.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXVI' title='XVI: The Race for Life'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XVI</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>The Race for Life</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>When this fact became apparent to them, they stopped and held a council.</p> -<p>“Fellows, we seem to be in a pretty bad fix,” said Phil. “If you have -any ideas for getting out, now’s the time to say so.”</p> -<p>“Search me,” said Tom, shaking his head. “All I can see is, to keep -going and trust to luck to come out somewhere before we starve to -death.”</p> -<p>“Shucks!” exclaimed Phil, “that’s no kind of an idea. Can’t you think of -anything better, Dick?”</p> -<p>“Well, I don’t know,” returned his friend, slowly. “I’ve noticed there’s -a slight draught through these passages, and it must come from some -opening into the outer world. I think that if, at every fork, we turn in -the direction that the wind is coming from, that we may land out -somewhere. How does that strike you?”</p> -<p>“I was thinking the same thing,” nodded Phil. “We were careless to get -in this fix without having anything with us to eat. I’m half starved -already.”</p> -<p>“I’m about nine-tenths starved,” lamented Tom. “I was never so hungry in -my life.”</p> -<p>They started on again, following Dick’s suggestion. At some of the -forks, however, they found that a draught blew up every one, so that -they were no better off than before. The air was dark and chilly, too, -and in spite of the exercise they were chilled to the bone. They kept -doggedly on, but were almost ready to give up hope, when Phil stopped -and listened.</p> -<p>Far away in the depths of the black passageway they could hear a faint -murmur, like the sound of running water. They pressed onward, the sound -growing ever louder as they went. Soon the murmur had grown to a roar -that filled their ears, and made it impossible for them to hear each -other’s voices.</p> -<p>Two of their three flashlights were useless, the batteries being -completely exhausted. The third gave only a dim light, that seemed only -to accentuate the darkness through which they groped. It sufficed, -however, to show them the cause of the roar that echoed through the -subterranean caverns.</p> -<p>Their passage opened out into a vast cave. From a point near the roof of -this a great waterfall thundered down a wall of glistening black rock, -and then swirled away in a rushing torrent.</p> -<p>The boys gazed awe-struck at this mighty spectacle, drenched by the -spray that seemed to fill the vast cavern. As he gazed, a desperate plan -took form in Phil’s mind, and he lost no time in communicating it to the -others.</p> -<p>He pointed to the rushing river, and started removing his coat and -shoes. The others divined his purpose, and with a reckless light in -their eyes they followed suit.</p> -<p>They had heard of underground rivers, and knew that they nearly always -come out into the open at some point. They were all good swimmers, and -preferred to trust to the river rather than waste their strength in -aimless gropings through the endless subterranean tunnels. But it -required the highest kind of courage to plunge into the black and raging -torrent, knowing that the chances were all against them.</p> -<p>Phil was the first to take the plunge, closely followed by the others. -The roaring flood caught avidly at them, like some ferocious monster -seizing his prey. They were whirled away like chips on the surface of -the torrent, caught up in eddies, drawn under the surface, battered and -buffeted, but always fighting gamely for life against overwhelming odds. -The river flowed deep and strong, and they were carried at tremendous -speed for what seemed an infinite lapse of time. In the black darkness, -no one knew what had become of the others, but each one struggled -valiantly against the mighty torrent that was beating the life from him.</p> -<p>At last, far away, they caught a glimpse of daylight, and the sight put -renewed strength into their tired muscles. Buffeted about on the -torrent, they shot out from black gloom into the glorious light of the -setting sun. By some miracle, they were all close together, and they -started then to work across the stream toward the bank. After the river -emerged from the mountain, it broadened out and slowed down somewhat, so -that it was not long before the three comrades reached the bank, and -dragged themselves out onto a gravelly beach.</p> -<p>Chilled to the bone by the icy water, and exhausted by the struggle, -they could hardly move at first, but soon their lusty youth asserted -itself. Phil was the first to struggle to his feet, pale and dripping, -but with a brave attempt at a smile nevertheless.</p> -<p>Dick and Tom sat up, and then got to their feet, and the three friends -silently shook hands. Then they set out to locate the aeroplane, as they -knew it would soon be dark, and they had no desire to spend the night -hungry and in their wet clothing.</p> -<p>But it took them longer to find the <i>Arrow</i> than they had anticipated. -The place where the river emerged from the mountain was almost on the -opposite side to that where they had left their machine, and it was only -after nearly two hours of heartbreaking struggle through dense woods and -underbrush that they finally came in sight of the white-winged airship. -But almost at the same moment they caught sight of something else that -whipped their flagging energies into instant action.</p> -<p>On a slight eminence about a mile distant were gathered a group of -horsemen. They had caught sight of the airship, which was a conspicuous -mark against the green background. They were pointing and gesticulating, -and even as the boys watched them, headed their horses at a gallop in -the direction of the airship.</p> -<p>The Radio Boys were several hundred yards from the <i>Arrow</i> at this time, -and they fought their way silently and savagely through the dense -underbrush. As they neared their machine, they could hear the Mexicans’ -horses crashing through the bushes and the cries and oaths of their -riders.</p> -<p>Drenched with perspiration, their breath coming in great gasps, and all -but exhausted, Phil hurled himself out into the clearing. Tom and Dick -laboring close behind. Heads down, and traveling sheerly on will power, -the boys sprinted for the machine.</p> -<p>“You fellows get her started,” gasped Phil, “I’ll stand them off until -you get moving.”</p> -<p>Dick waved his hand in token of understanding, and he and Tom leaped for -the plane, Dick throwing himself into the control compartment, while Tom -summoned up the last vestige of his waning strength to turn the -propeller. The engine was cold, however, and it was not until the fourth -time that it consented to start.</p> -<p>Meantime, Phil kept on until he had passed the plane and was between it -and the oncoming Mexicans. Their leader had outdistanced the others, and -Phil had barely passed the airship when this man dashed into the -clearing. He was a squat, powerfully built man, and as he rode he -spurred mercilessly at his horse. Some hundred paces behind him rode the -rest of his band, shouting and cursing. Phil had only four cartridges -left in his revolver, but as the leader, who was none other than the -notorious Espato, broke into the clearing, Phil emptied his revolver at -him. The first shot went low, and the bandit’s horse pitched to earth, -hurling its rider headlong. But the Mexican was on his feet like a cat, -and sprang at Phil.</p> -<p>The latter heard the roar of the engine, and a shout from Dick told him -that the <i>Arrow</i> was moving. His revolver was empty, but as Espato -sprang at him, Phil clutched the barrel, and brought the butt down on -the bandit’s head in a sweeping blow that cut his swarthy face to the -bone.</p> -<p>The Mexican staggered back and slumped to the ground, and Phil, hurling -the empty weapon at the oncoming horsemen, turned and ran like a deer -after the <i>Arrow</i> which was gathering speed rapidly. As he neared it, -Tom reached over the fuselage, and Phil made a flying leap just as the -wheels left the ground. He caught Tom’s arm, swayed dizzily in the air a -moment, and then half climbed and was half dragged into Tom’s -compartment.</p> -<p>“The bomb, Tom, drop it!” gasped Phil.</p> -<p>The Mexicans had leaped from their horses, and were grouped below the -aeroplane, unslinging their rifles in preparation for a volley. In -obedience to Phil’s command, Tom reached down and pressed a lever, -releasing a small bomb containing a charge of high explosive.</p> -<p>Swift and sure as doom itself dropped this missile. It landed close to -the group of bandits, and exploded with a terrific report.</p> -<p>The aeroplane rocked and pitched violently in the terrific uprush of air -that followed. As the smoke cleared away the boys could see the -surviving Mexicans rushing wildly in all directions, leaving several of -their number where they had been thrown by the force of the explosion. -Spent and well nigh exhausted, but victorious, the Radio Boys winged -their way into the calm evening sky, and straightened out for the flight -to camp.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXVII' title='XVII: A Perilous Mission'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XVII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>A Perilous Mission</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>As though nature repented of being too generous in the matter of -sunshiny days, there came a depressing period of rain and fog during -which the plane lay idle and the boys fumed in their restlessness. Had -it not been for radio they might have done something desperate in their -quest for excitement. As it was, there was the never-ending fascination -of snatching messages, some trivial, some amusing or romantic, some -weighted with affairs of international importance, from the overcrowded -ether. One of the chief charms of radio was its unexpectedness. One -never knew when clapping the ear phones to expectant ears what new -surprise might be in store.</p> -<p>And then, of course, there was always the music—good music for pleasant -days, jazz for rainy weather. No matter how much they might become -accustomed to the modern miracle, the thrill was never absent from the -fact that, by merely turning a knob, one might tune in upon any kind of -amusement desired. Talk about the Arabian Nights—!</p> -<p>Steve was always tinkering with his receiving set and although his -apparatus was remarkably efficient he never seemed quite satisfied with -the results.</p> -<p>“I get just fine results from nearby stations,” he was complaining on -one of these rainy afternoons when the boys, bent earnestly over his -set, were examining it minutely to see if they could suggest any -improvements. “But when it comes to distance, in spite of the most -careful tuning, and I’ve spent hours over it, I can’t seem to catch a -really clear message. And if a set isn’t good for distance then, I ask -you, what good is it, at all?” he added, standing off and viewing his -handiwork with a rueful mixture of affection and disgust.</p> -<p>“Say,” remarked Tom, glancing up at him with a grin, “I’d sure like to -be in on the rumpus if any of us started to knock your apparatus.”</p> -<p>“Yes, how do you get that way?” Dick wanted to know. “I’ve seldom seen a -classier bit of mechanism.”</p> -<p>Steve flushed at this whole-souled praise, but he still protested -dissatisfaction with the results.</p> -<p>“It won’t pick up messages at a distance—not clearly, that is,” he -persisted.</p> -<p>“There’s nothing the matter with this set, old fellow,” said Phil, -thoughtfully. “You’re getting the very best results possible with the -receiving circuit you’re using.”</p> -<p>“The circuit I’m using,” repeated Steve, mystified. “Why, I’m using the -only one known.”</p> -<p>“Till recently, yes,” nodded Phil, while the others stopped tinkering -and stared at him in surprised interest. “Didn’t you read about that new -contrivance that was demonstrated in New York, the other day?”</p> -<p>The boys shook their heads. They were still mystified, but their -interest was unfeigned.</p> -<p>“Shoot,” demanded Dick.</p> -<p>“If you know anything, spill it,” added Tom with a grin.</p> -<p>“Oh, keep still and give the boy a chance,” Steve demanded impatiently. -“You mean there has been a new discovery, Phil?”</p> -<p>The latter nodded, his eyes kindling with interest in the subject.</p> -<p>“It’s a new regenerative circuit,” he explained. “From the account of it -in the paper, it must be a pippin. I think they’ve dubbed it the ‘Super -Regenerative Circuit.’”</p> -<p>“Gee, that sounds like the right kind of medicine for me,” cried Steve -joyfully. “Just what does this ‘super’ do?”</p> -<p>“We-el, I’m not overly clear on the subject, myself,” said Phil. “But -from the newspaper description of it, I reckon it just about does -everything on the calendar, in the amplification line, that is. -Armstrong claims that a message from a distant broadcasting station, so -faint, as to be barely heard when the ordinary regenerative circuit is -used, can, by the use of the ‘super’, be amplified so as to be heard -distinctly in every part of a large room. Now, if you were to ask me, -that’s some classy amplification.”</p> -<p>“I’ll say so,” agreed Dick, his keen mind already occupied with the -possibilities of this new discovery. “Armstrong was the fellow who -invented the present regenerative circuit, wasn’t he?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Phil, adding approvingly, “There’s nothing slow about that -boy.”</p> -<p>“You said it,” said Tom, with a sigh. “Wonder why we couldn’t all have -been born with brains like that.”</p> -<p>“Speak for yourself, old timer,” grinned Steve, adding, as he turned -eagerly to Phil, “Such a circuit would sure solve my problem, Phil. But -I suppose it would be harder to operate than the one we have.”</p> -<p>“No, it isn’t, that’s just the beauty of it,” said Phil, -enthusiastically. “Armstrong declares it’s easier of operation than the -old regenerative circuit. He claims, too, that the invention will -eventually do away with the outside aerial. In his demonstration, he -used only a small loop.”</p> -<p>“That sure would be a big advantage, too,” said Dick. “The regular -aerial surely has caused a great deal of trouble.”</p> -<p>“I wonder,” said Steve, a contemplative eye upon his set, “when I could -get this wonder-working contrivance. It sure would be one joy to me.”</p> -<p>“They will probably be in general use before long,” suggested Phil, “and -then you could either buy the apparatus or model one of your own on the -same plan.”</p> -<p>“Well, I suppose I’ll just have to wait,” admitted Steve grudgingly. So -accustomed was he to modern miracles, that it seemed to him as though -the apparatus he so ardently desired must be wafted to him on some magic -Hertzian waves, to be delivered, ready for use, on the table before him!</p> -<p>After a while, since the weather showed no signs of clearing, and -becoming tired of tinkering, the boys clapped on the head phones and -prepared for an interesting hour or two of “listening in.”</p> -<p>They listened to a bit of good music, tuned in on a minstrel show, -listened to some more or less interesting weather reports—they would -have been more interesting, if they had been more hopeful—heard some -distinctly uninteresting stock quotations and then, suddenly—a message -in a familiar tone that made them sit up and stare at each other.</p> -<p>It was Doc. Denby’s voice announcing to all who might be interested and -hoping, of course, that the message would reach the boys, that the trial -of the two thieves who had been caught in the bank robbery, had been set -for an early date. Only a little over a week from that time.</p> -<p>Then the voice ceased to be replaced by others that held no interest. As -though by common consent the boys removed their headphones, -congratulating themselves that they had been lucky enough to catch Doc. -Denby’s message.</p> -<p>“They ought to hang those fellows,” said Dick, scowling as he remembered -how close his father had come to being killed. “They should treat a -thief just as they do a murderer, for every thief is ready to murder if -he finds himself cornered.”</p> -<p>“Well, I’ll be satisfied if they get a jail sentence, provided it’s long -enough,” said Tom. “I wish the cops had managed to wing a couple more of -them, just the same, when they had the chance,” he added bloodthirstily.</p> -<p>“It does make your blood boil to think of the other scoundrels, -especially that fellow Muggs Murray with the scar, getting off scot -free,” agreed Phil, adding confidently, “Never mind, we’ll get ’em, -yet.”</p> -<p>It was a few days later when Captain Bradley summoned Phil and told him -that he wanted him to go on a mission for him to another camp of Rangers -about fifteen miles distant.</p> -<p>Phil fairly leapt at the chance and Captain Bradley smiled at his -enthusiasm.</p> -<p>“Nothing can scare you fellows, that’s one sure thing,” he said -approvingly. “I’ve had plenty of daredevils in my command before, but -none of them ever ate up danger quite the way you boys do. And there is -danger too, plenty of it,” he said, more seriously. “Espato’s gang is on -the rampage. They’re out for blood. These darn Mexicans are regular man -eaters when they get going—”</p> -<p>“And they’re ‘going’ most of the time,” interjected Phil, with a smile.</p> -<p>“Right,” laughed the Captain. “Whatever else we may have against them, -we can’t complain that they’re slow. Well, now you know that there is -plenty of danger mixed up in this canter of yours and I want you to take -every possible precaution.”</p> -<p>“I will,” Phil assured him. “They’ll have to get up early in the morning -to catch me.”</p> -<p>And so, fully forewarned of the perils before him, Phil started off one -sunshiny morning, with the affectionate farewells of his friends ringing -in his ears. If he had any doubts of the successful outcome of his -mission, he was certainly not aware of them. He was conscious, mostly, -of being sorry for the boys because they had to stay at home.</p> -<p>They had asked permission to accompany him but Captain Bradley had -refused, on the ground that one rider could get through where three or -four could not.</p> -<p>“A company would attract attention—and probable disaster—not only to -themselves,” so he explained to them, “but to the message which it is -most important that I get through to Major Gaynor,” the latter -commanding the neighboring camp of Rangers, “without delay. I’m sorry to -disappoint you lads, for I know what joy it would be to you to go -but—you see how it is.”</p> -<p>The fact that they “saw” did not keep them from being considerably -disgruntled. They were apprehensive, too, for Phil’s safety.</p> -<p>“If he gets spotted by a band of those guerrillas,” grumbled Dick, “he -won’t have one chance in a hundred of getting out of it alive. I don’t -care what the Captain says, I believe in the safety of numbers.”</p> -<p>“But the message—” began Steve.</p> -<p>“Oh,” said Dick impolitely, “Hang the message!”</p> -<p>However, as far as any danger was concerned, Phil might have been -cantering along a bridle path in his beloved Castleton. His horse, a -beautiful big bay, was possessed of a steady, apparently easy going -stride which, nevertheless, ate up the miles with surprising rapidity.</p> -<p>He passed some rangers on the way whom he saluted easily, but not a -Mexican of any kind did he see. Mixed with relief over this fact, was a -queer disappointment. The journey was not living up to its reputation, -as far as danger was concerned. If he could have looked ahead for only a -few hours into the future—but then, perhaps, it was just as well that he -couldn’t.</p> -<p>By noon time he had reached the ranger camp. He handed the message to -Major Gaynor,—a weather-beaten old soldier who had seen many long years -of guerrilla warfare,—with a tremendous feeling of relief. He had -accomplished his mission, anyway and now, if anything happened to him it -would be his own affair.</p> -<p>The rangers received him like a long lost brother and insisted that he -should stay and have some “chow” with them. This they had little trouble -in persuading him to do for he was nearly famished and the smell of -cooking things from the mess tent was irresistible.</p> -<p>And after “chow” he lingered, so interested in the merry stories of camp -life bandied about by the fellows that it was with surprise and a bit of -consternation that he realized the afternoon was “getting on.” And not -even Phil was anxious to ride far in the Mexican country after dark.</p> -<p>His new-found friends, flung jolly farewells after him, mingled with -advice as to how to find the shortest way back to camp. Phil shouted his -answers and then urged on his horse, determined to reach his destination -before nightfall.</p> -<p>His horse had been well fed and cared for and the two or three hours -rest bore fruit now in his speed. He put out at a great rate and -probably everything would have been well had not Phil, in some way or -other, mistaken his path. Probably the many suggestions of the rangers -had confused him. At any rate, he did mistake the way and spent an hour -or two of fruitless wandering before he struck the right path again. And -when he once more started for camp, the shadows were lengthening in the -west.</p> -<p>Dusk was almost upon him, when, riding as noiselessly as he could -through the trees, he was startled when a sudden turn in the path -disclosed a fire deep in the woods. It was evidently a camp fire for it -burned with a steady glare.</p> -<p>“A meeting place for some of Espato’s band,” thought Phil, checking his -horse and trying to peer deeper into the gloom. As his eyes became -better accustomed to the glare of the fire he thought he could -distinguish figures grouped about it.</p> -<p>Swinging quietly to the ground, he tethered his horse to a tree. Then, -with as much caution as a native “Mex”, he crept forward toward the -light among the trees.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXVIII' title='XVIII: The Outlaws’ Rendezvous'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XVIII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>The Outlaws’ Rendezvous</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed -by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire -in the woods, especially alone.</p> -<p>Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that -he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him -on.</p> -<p>Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows -of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as -a cat, toward the fire.</p> -<p>Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like -the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on -the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered -his horse, should the need of action arrive.</p> -<p>But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, -the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water -somewhere in the distance. And each time he crept on with greater -caution than before, almost afraid to breathe for fear the sound might -betray him.</p> -<p>Once he had the impression that he was being watched, that someone was -close to him, keeping stealthy step with him.</p> -<p>Driven by the vividness of this impression he twice whirled suddenly -about on his heels, hoping to trap the stalker, if he really were being -followed. But nothing was visible in the deepening dusk of the woods. -Chiding himself for the obsession, he straightened his shoulders and -crept on doggedly toward the sinister mystery of the camp fire.</p> -<p>Yet, reason with himself as he might, he could not shake off that weird -impression of an unseen adversary, stalking him, warily.</p> -<p>“Phil, old boy,” he muttered, as on hands and knees, he wormed and -wriggled himself toward the illumined space, “guess you’d better go home -and sit in a rocking chair with your hands folded—if you’re going to get -many fool ideas like this.”</p> -<p>There came the sound of voices now but the owners of them, evidently -realizing the need for caution, were speaking so guardedly that Phil -knew he would have to get quite close to them before he could catch what -they were saying.</p> -<p>There was a huge boulder just at the very outermost edge of the fire’s -glare and Phil knew that if he could reach the cover of it he would be -close enough to overhear the fellows’ conversation without running any -risk of being observed.</p> -<p>But how to reach this coveted spot without being seen? This was indeed a -problem for the trees were rather sparsely grouped at this point and he -would be obliged to come almost into the open before he could reach the -shelter of the rock. And still—the eerie sensation of that invisible -enemy crouching at his elbow!</p> -<p>Only for a moment did Phil hesitate. Then, crouched almost double, he -sprang across the cleared space and reached the safety of the boulder. -So silent and quick was his action that the men grouped about the fire -did not pause for a moment in their talk, did not even glance in his -direction. Evidently they had no suspicion that they were being watched.</p> -<p>For a full moment Phil did not dare alter the cramped position in which -he had landed behind the rock. Holding his breath, straining his ears to -catch the first sound that might denote suspicion, he crouched there, -every sense on the alert.</p> -<p>After awhile he began to distinguish something of what they were saying. -And after his conviction that they were not aware of his presence had -become a certainty, he finally shifted his position ever so slightly, so -that he might peer around the edge of the rock.</p> -<p>What he saw caused him to start involuntarily—his foot, dislodging a -small stone, sent it clattering noisily, for the man whose sullen, -dissipated face first came within the range of his vision was “Rocks” -Gurney. There could be no mistake about it—it was no other than the -rascal himself.</p> -<p>Phil’s start of surprise almost proved his undoing. For at the sharp -rattling of the dislodged stone several of the men about the fire jumped -suspiciously to their feet.</p> -<p>“There’s someone listening in on this,” said Rocks Gurney, gruffly. -“Better take a little look about, friends.”</p> -<p>Following his suggestion, they took a look about, while Phil crouched -breathlessly in the shadow of his boulder and prayed that they might not -detect him. As a matter of fact they did not, for Phil’s shadow fitted -so closely into that of the rock that they overlooked him entirely.</p> -<p>After thrashing about among the bushes for awhile, one of them coming so -close to Phil as almost to touch him, they straggled back to the fire -again and resumed their conversation.</p> -<p>Phil, breathing freely once more and taking himself to task for the -carelessness that had almost been his undoing, ventured to peer around -the rock again, taking care this time that his foot touched no -treacherous stone.</p> -<p>There were five of the rascals in all, big, hulking, villainous looking -men and something tightened about Phil’s heart when he saw that the man -who was evidently the leader—judging from his authoritative manner—bore -a large, ugly scar across his face.</p> -<p>“The leader of the robber gang,” flashed across his mind, his nerves -tingling with excitement. “Gee but I’m in luck,” he thought exultantly. -“If I could get back the rest of that money, it would sure put the bank -on its feet again.”</p> -<p>Then, tense in every muscle, determined to glean as much information as -was possible, Phil listened to what “Rocks” Gurney was saying.</p> -<p>“It’s up to you to do something, Murray, and do it quick,” he was -addressing the man with the scar, in his usual surly tones. “Them two -guys are plumb scared out of their senses. They’ve a hunch they’re going -to get a bundle of years out of this fracas and they’ve gone loco over -the notion that all they need is money to buy a lawyer and they’ll get -out of the whole thing scot free.”</p> -<p>No answer from the leader of the gang, save a deepening of the scowl -upon his face. However, Phil noticed that the other outlaws glanced at -each other uneasily and drew a little closer to the fire.</p> -<p>“What do they want of me?” asked the man with the scar, at last.</p> -<p>“Money,” answered Rocks, laconically. “Bunches of hard cash.”</p> -<p>“And if I refuse?” asked the leader in the same tone.</p> -<p>“Then it’s set the cops on your trail,” observed Gurney, and at this the -man with the scar lost a little of his stolidity. There was a muttering -from his followers like the threatening growl of some vicious animal.</p> -<p>“They will, will they?” muttered Murray, his fist clenching into what -might be, Phil thought, a most formidable weapon in a hand to hand -struggle. “Well, we’ll see about that.”</p> -<p>For a while he sat silent while his men watched him furtively and Rocks -Gurney sat staring into the fire. Phil, cramping in his strained -position, waited impatiently.</p> -<p>Murray was speaking and Phil held his breath to listen. If only he might -learn of their plans—.</p> -<p>“Meet me here, day after tomorrow,” Murray was saying, adding with a -growl for the men who were blackmailing him, “When they are free we will -deal with them as one deals with a traitor. But now—they will get what -they want.”</p> -<p>Phil was exultant. He had learned what he had wanted most to learn! Day -after tomorrow Murray and his gang, Rocks Gurney and—the money would be -here on this spot. But—the Rangers would be here too!</p> -<p>Silently, knowing that every minute he lingered made less likely his -escape, Phil slipped from the shelter of the rock and crept back toward -his horse.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXIX' title='XIX: A Blow in the Dark'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XIX</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>A Blow in the Dark</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Perhaps, the thought leaped into his head, lending speed to his retreat, -if he hurried, he might even now get back to camp and summon help in -time to apprehend the rascals.</p> -<p>And always as he crept along he had the sensation that someone was -following him, keeping step with him. Once he could almost have sworn -that he detected a footstep other than his own. Yet, when he stopped, -nothing but deep silence greeted him. There was no sign of a human -presence.</p> -<p>He had begun to fear that, in the darkness he had mistaken his path -again when a soft whinning right ahead of him, made his heart jump with -gladness. A few steps more and he could see the bulk of his bay horse -looming against the dusk. The animal was straining a little at the leash -and stamping impatiently.</p> -<p>“Getting hungry, poor old boy,” thought Phil, adding, with a grin, as he -stepped out into the open. “And he isn’t the only one. Say, won’t the -fellows open their eyes when I spin my yarn to them? They’ll be green -with envy to think they weren’t in on it. Hi, old boy,” this last softly -to the big horse, as he began to unfasten the tethering rope, “it’s us -for camp now as hard as you can gallop.”</p> -<p>He was about to swing into the saddle when again the suspicion, -amounting, this time, to certainty that someone was following him, -caused him to turn sharply about.</p> -<p>A rustling of underbrush, the swift vision of a villainous club upraised -to strike, then—a terrific pain in his head, a drifting off into -illimitable space, then—nothingness!</p> -<p>It was a long time before Phil awoke to the consciousness of anything. -And then, the pain in his head was so unbearable that he almost wished -he might go back to sleep again.</p> -<p>He was lying on something that bumped horribly and it was several -minutes before he summoned interest enough in life to find out what it -was. There was a terrible pain in his wrists and his whole body felt -numb and dead.</p> -<p>At last he was able to prop his swollen eyelids open far enough to find -that he was bound fast to his horse and that a villainous-looking -person, mounted on a rangy Mexican pony was urging the big bay on at a -pace that was almost a gallop. No wonder his head ached, bound as he -was, face down to the loping animal.</p> -<p>There were other horsemen in the party, a considerable number, Phil -thought, judging from the noise they made. They were evidently quite -hilarious, gutturally shouting coarse jokes back and forth.</p> -<p>Because the pain in his head was so great, Phil closed his eyes. He -tried to think. These were Mexicans who had captured him, without a -doubt, in all probability a band of the dreaded outlaws. If they were -some of Espato’s men, then indeed was he in a tight fix. Espato had -sworn to have the lives of his chums and himself. Well, here was his -chance to have a hack at one of them anyway. It is characteristic of -Phil that, even in this moment of danger, he could spare a thought for -his chums. He was glad that Captain Bradley had been firm in his refusal -to allow them to accompany him on this adventure. At least they were -safe at camp.</p> -<p>At thought of camp Phil shivered a little, a wave of intense longing -engulfing him. Would he ever see camp again? Then, because it made his -head ache worse than ever, he tried not to think. It was no use. The -horrible thoughts whirled about in his aching brain maddeningly.</p> -<p>Espato! Those tales they had heard in camp of his cruelty to prisoners. -Such hideous things had been done in that remote camp of his in the -mountains. Phil shuddered again and the slight motion caused the bonds -about his wrists to cut deeper into the flesh. They sure had trussed him -up neatly, he thought with a grimace of pain as he crouched closer to -the neck of his horse.</p> -<p>The Mexican who was riding next to him noticed the motion and laughed -hoarsely.</p> -<p>“Aha, young feller,” he cried in his broken English. “You have decide to -come back to this cold world, eh? I theenk you will find it one verry -cold world—yess.” Again he laughed and the laughter was taken up by the -others, sneering, mocking, making the blood run cold in Phil’s veins.</p> -<p>The next moment he was on fire with rage. Cowards—to taunt a fellow when -they knew he was helpless to strike back. Just let them loose those -cruel bonds from his hand and feet and he’d show ’em.</p> -<p>But in his heart he knew there would be no loosening of those bonds and -he had to grit his teeth to bear the pain of them. The Mexicans -continued to laugh and jeer at him and he tried his best to close his -ears to their taunts. If only he could manage to keep quiet! If only he -could make them think that he did not hear!</p> -<p>He knew the hopelessness, under the circumstances, of answering them. It -would only be giving them the chance they were looking for, to hurl -further insult upon him.</p> -<p>Those bonds, those bonds—if only he might have them loosened for half a -moment, just long enough to allow the blood to flow into his numbed -fingers. A groan found its way to his tightly pressed lips, but he -managed, somehow, to stifle it. He would not make an outcry. He would -die before he would let them know how he was suffering! Doggedly, he set -his teeth still harder.</p> -<p>He tried to think back to that moment when he had been struck. He -remembered thinking in that second of time before the uplifted cudgel -had crashed down on his head that he had been discovered by some of -Murray’s gang. That was the natural supposition. Having caught him in -the act of eavesdropping and fearing that he knew too much of their -plans, the thieves would want nothing so much as to put him out of the -way.</p> -<p>But it had not been one of Murray’s gang who had struck that murderous -blow. That was moderately certain since he was now riding over the -desert, a captive of Mexican bandits. It had almost surely been a -Mexican who had attacked him.</p> -<p>Then, like a flash, came the recollection, of his strange certainty that -someone had been dogging his steps back there in the woods. He had -thought it only his imagination, when, in reality it had been fact.</p> -<p>Followed as a cat follows a mouse, silently, relentlessly, awaiting the -right moment to spring. At the thought, a creepy sensation traveled up -and down his spine. It was horrible to think of himself being followed -like that.</p> -<p>And now, that the cat had caught the mouse, he supposed that the cat -would proceed to play with it, in the playful little manner that is -common to cats.</p> -<p>Phil’s heart misgave him. It was not a pleasant thought, being played -with by Espato! The old scoundrel seldom killed his victims outright. He -took plenty of time about it so that he might enjoy the execution to the -full. Espato was even longer on torture than the cat. Having come this -far in his reflections, Phil refused to think further. It wouldn’t do to -think very much about such things.</p> -<p>Then he thought of Murray and his gang of thieves going scot free and he -was forced to smother another groan. If only he might have managed to -get his message through to camp before his capture. It would have been -such a great thing, to have apprehended the thieves and perhaps have -restored the entire amount of money stolen from the Castleton bank. And -now they in all probability would be allowed to get away without any -punishment at all.</p> -<p>He had little time to think about this however, for the sinister little -group of horsemen soon deserted the desert for the woods and there began -a slow and tortuous climb up a steep, rocky, mountain path, that seemed -to Phil a never-ending horror.</p> -<p>The little Mexican ponies made easy work of it, but Phil’s big horse, -urged on relentlessly by the Mexican who rode close to them, stumbled -several times and once almost fell, wrenching Phil’s tortured wrists so -horribly that in spite of all he could do a little whispered cry of pain -escaped him.</p> -<p>“Aha,” cried the Mexican delightedly. “The Americano suffers. Good. But -it ees nothing to what he will suffer. Be prepared, Americano. Espato, -he wait for you!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXX' title='XX: In Bitter Bondage'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XX</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>In Bitter Bondage</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>At the sound of the dreaded Espato’s name, uttered by the little -Mexican, Phil had a fleeting instant of despair. He had guessed into -whose hands he had fallen but he had not been sure. While there had been -a shadow of uncertainty, there had been also, hope. But now—.</p> -<p>Up, up, climbed the straggling party till it seemed that they must reach -the top of the world. Twice again Phil’s horse stumbled and almost fell, -only to be lashed viciously to his feet. And each time Phil struggled -with the desire to cry aloud in his agony. How much further? How much -further?</p> -<p>And yet, even while he longed for the end of this nightmare ride, Phil -shuddered away from the thought of what would really happen to him when -they reached the end of it. Torture—death—if only they would put death -first!</p> -<p>There might be a chance of escape, but that chance would be slight, to -say the least. Espato’s mountain strongholds were famous because they -were well nigh impregnable. Once within one of those dungeons—again Phil -stopped thinking.</p> -<p>There was Dick and Steve and good old Tom, and for a moment, the thought -of them brought hope. But the next moment his heart sank again. He knew -how slight the chance of rescue was. Why the fellows had no clue to work -on. To them it would seem that he had disappeared just as completely as -though the earth had opened and swallowed him up.</p> -<p>Then, the relief of traveling on even ground again, the glare of an -immense camp fire in his eyes and the mingled shouts and commands and -greetings uttered in the guttural Mexican tongue.</p> -<p>The little Mexican who had ridden close to Phil, now leaned over with a -leer on his evil face.</p> -<p>“We have arrive, Americano,” he announced. “Awake so that you may meet -the great Espato with all the humility which ees due so great a man. -Arouse yourself, Americano.” And with the words he kicked the captive -scornfully.</p> -<p>Phil’s helpless fingers gripped themselves together, causing the bonds -to bite deeper into the raw flesh. Phil never felt the sudden increase -in pain. He was too hot with rage.</p> -<p>“The dog,” he fumed helplessly. “If I ever get out of this, I’ll show -him.”</p> -<p>Amid a confused impression of innumerable horses and men, a babble of -coarse jests and laughter and the sullen flickering of the fire, Phil -was dragged from his horse and was half led, half pushed, half carried, -along by a couple of ruffians who spat upon him and called him vile -names. Then he was flung unceremoniously into a dark apartment, a final -kick administered by way of good measure and he was left alone. A -padlock clicked ominously and Phil could hear the voices of his captors -dying away as they went to join their comrades.</p> -<p>For a moment he lay as they had left him, face lown on the dank stone -floor, too utterly exhausted to move a muscle.</p> -<p>His body was bruised with the kicks and cuffs of his captors, the pain -in his wrists and ankles was almost unendurable, his head throbbed -dully. And yet there was a great relief in lying upon a surface that did -not rock and jolt, upon which one might lie quiet, conscious of each -aching muscle—.</p> -<p>After awhile he started to roll over slowly, painfully, upon his back. -It was an almost impossible feat, considering that his hands were bound -behind him and his ankles tied together so that every motion caused him -almost unendurable agony.</p> -<p>But after an age of dogged trying, he accomplished it at last and lay on -his back, straining his eyes in the attempt to distinguish the outlines -of this prison.</p> -<p>There was a slit about big enough to allow a man’s hand to pass through, -evidently a crevice in the rock. Phil figured that if he were standing -the slit would be about on a level with his head. Through this -make-believe window there flickered a faint red glow, probably a -reflection of the glare from the fire without.</p> -<p>As Phil’s eyes became more accustomed to the darkness he distinguished a -bulky object running along one side of the dungeon—probably belonging to -that type of prison furniture which serves as a bench in the day time -and a bed at night.</p> -<p>There was a damp, musty smell about the place, intolerably close and -stifling and there was a scuffling over in one corner suggestive of -rats.</p> -<p>If he could only get his feet free for a moment, thought Phil -desperately. There must be some way out of the place if he could only -find it.</p> -<p>For a moment he thought furiously of breaking his bonds by sheer -strength, but his tortured flesh cried out so in protest that he was -forced to give up the attempt.</p> -<p>Anyway, if he should break his bonds, what good would it do him? Here he -was in what seemed to be a cavern hollowed out from the heart of the -rock. There was one little aperture about big enough for his hand to go -through. The only other exit was the door and that was bolted and -padlocked securely.</p> -<p>“I’m caught and I might as well make up my mind to it,” he thought -bitterly. Then, because it hurt his wrists still more to lie on his -back, he began the slow and painful process of turning on his face -again.</p> -<p>He was conscious suddenly of a new and overwhelming discomfort. He was -hungry—ravenously hungry. For an hour, whose every minute seemed an age, -he lay there, motionless while his feet and hands lost all sense of -feeling. He wondered miserably if part of Espato’s plan of torture -included starving him to death.</p> -<p>At last came the sound of a bolt being withdrawn, a key clicked in the -lock and two men entered his prison. Looking up, he saw that one of them -was the little Mexican who had ridden close to him on that nightmare -journey.</p> -<p>“Take the rope off hees feet, Pedro,” he directed his companion. “It is -necessary that he walk into the great Espato’s presence.”</p> -<p>The rope was being removed from about his feet—none too gently, at that. -Then the two men lifting him up, forcing him to stand upon what seemed -like two flabby pincushions, into which the pins were beginning to stick -agonizingly.</p> -<p>Phil never forgot that awful march into the presence of the bandit -chief, his two captors driving him on relentlessly with blows and kicks, -his feet aching with a pain that is like nothing else in all the world, -the pain of blood rushing into a part of the body from which it had been -cut off.</p> -<p>Then he had been pushed into the glare of the fire, swaying on his -tortured feet while innumerable swarthy faces leered at him mockingly. -Summoning all his strength he gave them back glare for glare -dauntlessly.</p> -<p>There was a murmuring in the crowd of men, a deferential giving way as a -swart, stocky man, pushed his way through. Instantly Phil forgot all the -others as he gazed at this man. For there was a long, ugly gash across -his forehead and in that startled moment Phil recognized the man as the -one whom he had struck with his revolver upon that memorable day when -the Mexicans had tried to surround the plane and he and his chums had -made their spectacular escape.</p> -<p>And by the gleam in the other’s eye it could be seen that he also -recognized Phil.</p> -<p>“So,” said the Mexican in a soft, drawling voice—Phil was later to learn -that when this man spoke in his gentlest accents, the danger was -greatest, “You have come to me, Americano, like a little lamb to the -slaughter. You fight well, senor,” with a slight motion of his hand -toward the scar on his forehead. “But something, perhaps it is a little -bird, whispers to me, the great Espato, that you have fought your last -fight, Americano.”</p> -<p>Then the great truth dawned upon Phil. It had been no other than the -bandit Chief himself who had been knocked out in such a masterly manner -by the blow of his—Phil’s—own revolver. At memory of that beautiful -scrimmage Phil momentarily forgot his great danger. He even grinned.</p> -<p>“Well, Espato,” he said, “perhaps you’re right about my having scrapped -my last scrap, but at least,” his mocking eyes on the ugly scar which -adorned the man’s forehead, “I gave you something to remember me by.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXI' title='XXI: Threats of Torture'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXI</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Threats of Torture</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>This remark of Phil’s came near to being the last one that he would ever -make. With a snarl like some ferocious animal, Espato leaped forward and -struck him full in the face. Phil reeled at the blow, stumbled and would -have fallen save that he came into dizzying contact with a great tree -directly behind him.</p> -<p>Against this support he leaned, praying for strength to meet whatever -horrors might be in store for him. He had angered the villainous Espato. -Now he must pay the price.</p> -<p>The chief of the Mexicans came close to him, his lips drawn back from -his strong white teeth in a snarl. His face was convulsed with fury.</p> -<p>“Dog, fool of an Americano,” he shouted, shaking his fist beneath Phil’s -nose. “You think to taunt Espato in his stronghold, eh? Dios, you shall -taste of his vengeance. Yess.”</p> -<p>He struck Phil again and the latter ground his teeth in impotent fury. -If he could only get his hands free. Just for one little moment!</p> -<p>Espato must have read his thoughts, for he laughed softly, gloatingly.</p> -<p>“Ah,” he said, his voice once more gentle and drawling. “The Americano -wish to have his bonds cut, eh, so that he may fight Espato? No. That is -not Espato’s way.”</p> -<p>“No, you blackguard,” cried Phil, furiously. “I know well it isn’t your -way to give a fellow a fighting chance. Take these ropes off my hands -and I’ll fight you unarmed.”</p> -<p>“Is he not courageous, the Americano,” sneered Espato while the grins -deepened on the faces of his followers. “But you will need all of your -courage, little one, never fear. Before we get through with you my game -cock, you will be crying aloud for mercy. Where will your fine courage -be then, Americano?”</p> -<p>“You lie,” muttered Phil, between clenched teeth. “You can kill me, of -course. I’m helpless. But you won’t get a sound out of me.”</p> -<p>“We will kill you, oh, yess, we will kill you,” said Espato, and the -voice of the bandit sounded to Phil like the hiss of some poisonous -snake. “But we will not kill you at once. Oh, no. That would be too good -for one who has defied the great Espato. We will hang you up by your -thumbs, my little friend, until they have been pulled from the sockets. -Then, if you faint, we will take you down and revive you. Ah, yess, it -iss no part of our plan that you should faint.”</p> -<p>A hoarse chuckle from someone in the shadows and over Phil there passed -a deathly nausea. He was sick and dizzy from the blow on his head and he -was weak from lack of food. If the villains intended to torture him why -didn’t they hurry up and get to it, he thought, miserably. Anything -would be better than this!</p> -<p>“And after we have revive you,” Espato was saying in his maddening -drawl, “then we will perhaps open up a vein or two and into your hot -blood, my friend, we will pour a little boiling lead. That is to cure -you of hot temper, my Americano.”</p> -<p>“I should think,” said Phil, with defiance in his tone, “I should think -that would cure anybody.”</p> -<p>“Ah, you see fit to joke, my frien’,” remarked Espato with an evil -smile. “Good, it will give me great pleasure to erase the smiles from -your face. Ten minutes in the torture dungeon an’ you will not smile. -Ah, no, they do not smile then. You will look like this then, my -friend.” He distorted his face into a horrible grimace of agony and Phil -turned away, sickened.</p> -<p>“Ah,” cried the rascal, delightedly, turning Phil’s face about roughly, -so that he was forced to look at him. “You are not, perhaps, quite so -happy as you were, eh? Good. We have already begun to erase the smiles -from your face. You look sick, my frien’. Ah, I remember,” he added, in -the apologetic tones of a host who has forgotten his duty toward a -guest. “You are hungry. Ah, yess, you mus’ be famish’. Tony, Tony -Gomez,” he called and from the shadows there stepped forth a young -Mexican, who stood sullenly awaiting further orders from his chief. “You -will take this so distinguish visitor of ours,” with a mocking sweep of -his hand toward Phil, “back to the guest chamber. An’ then you will take -to him food, the best what we have. It is not our intention, senor,” he -swept Phil a low bow, “to starve you to death. Ah, no. We wish that you -be in the best of good spirits, so that you may the better enjoy the -entertainment which we bring to you later. Ah, yess. You must be strong -an’ well, my game cock, so that we may the better enjoy your enjoyment. -Good night, an’ the mos’ pleasant of dreams, Americano.”</p> -<p>The young Mexican, Tony Gomez, seized Phil roughly by the arm and -hurried him past the group of sneering faces about the fire and thrust -him again into the damp, evil-smelling dungeon which he had occupied -before.</p> -<p>Gloomy and forbidding as the place was it was a relief after his recent -ordeal for here at least, he could be alone. He sank wearily down upon -the stone bench at the farther end of his prison while Tony Gomez with a -muttered word or two about bringing some food, went out, closing and -barring the door behind him.</p> -<p>The prison was absolutely dark, save for that little slit far up in the -wall. The flickering of the firelight through this aperture seemed only -to emphasize the gloom.</p> -<p>But dark as was his prison, Phil’s thoughts were darker and gloomier -still. To him, at that moment there seemed no possible way out of his -horrible predicament.</p> -<p>If he had only his radio outfit. His face brightened at the mere -thought, then clouded again. What was the use of thinking of the -impossible, he asked himself bitterly. He had no radio outfit and there -was about as much chance of getting one as there was that Espato might -relent and let him go free.</p> -<p>But in spite of all he could do, he could not get rid of the idea. -Radio—and the solution of his desperate problem! By this time of course, -the Radio Boys had missed him, in all probability were at this moment -searching frantically for him. If he had a radio set, even the smallest -and most primitive of sets, he might get a message through to them—a -message which would bring the Rangers galloping to his rescue.</p> -<p>At the thought a thrill shot through his veins, a light came in his -eyes—the light of battle. Then he pulled himself together, calling -himself all sorts of names for being such an idiot.</p> -<p>“I might just as well say,” he mused, relaxing wearily on the unyielding -stone of the bench, “that if I could find a million dollars, I’d be a -millionaire. If I could find a radio set, I’d be a free man. There’s -about as much chance one way as the other.”</p> -<p>In a few moments the man called Gomez returned, bearing with him a -steaming tray of eatables. Now, when Espato had devilishly promised to -give him plenty to eat so that he would be in shape to suffer longer the -torture that was in store for him, Phil had made a resolution then and -there, to eat nothing, no matter how much he might be tempted.</p> -<p>But now, when Gomez laid the tray upon a stone table which, in the -darkness, Phil had not seen, the temptation was more than he could bear. -He was famished, he was young and, in spite of the trap into which he -had fallen, life was still mighty sweet to him.</p> -<p>Gomez lighted a candle which he had brought in with him and set it upon -the table. By the flickering light Phil could see that besides bread and -butter, there was a steaming dish of some Mexican concoction, that under -other circumstances might have seemed villainous but just now appealed -to him as most savory and appetizing.</p> -<p>Gomez removed the bonds from his numbed hands and as soon as he had -regained the use of them at all, Phil set to with a will. When he was -finished there was not enough left on that tray to feed a hungry kitten.</p> -<p>And through it all the young Mexican called Tony Gomez stood immovable -beside the captive, watching him. And was it possible that in his sullen -black eyes there was just a trace of sympathy?</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXII' title='XXII: Held For Ransom'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Held For Ransom</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>And while Phil was eating his meal, a conversation was taking place -between Espato and Juan Arigo, his lieutenant, which affected the -captive very closely.</p> -<p>Directly after Phil had been locked up in his prison again, Arigo had -drawn his chief apart from the others and had begun to talk earnestly -with him, hands and arms gesticulating wildly.</p> -<p>At first Espato had not appeared particularly pleased with the -suggestions of his lieutenant, but gradually his face had cleared and -into his eyes had crept a covetous gleam.</p> -<p>“Perhaps you are right, Arigo,” he said at last and fell to stroking his -chin thoughtfully.</p> -<p>“I know I am right,” retorted the lieutenant with a mixture of deference -and boldness. Next to the bandit chief he was the worst feared man in -all the Mexican country. “Loot has been scarce. Our larders are nearly -empty. Someway we must fill them. This young Americano is a chance sent -from heaven.”</p> -<p>The chief nodded slowly.</p> -<p>“His friends will pay one grand ransom,” he said, rubbing his hands -together as though he already felt the good American gold between them. -“They think much of this Americano—and with reason. He is dangerous to -the Mexicans—ver-ry dangerous. He rob us of prisoners, of money, he make -of me a marked man, this scar upon my forehead so that everyone may know -me. He is most desperate. He iss dangerous to Mexicans. He should die.”</p> -<p>It was plain that he was working himself into a passion and Arigo -shrugged indifferently.</p> -<p>“Kill the Americano—no loot,” he said, adding slyly, “The money of the -Americanos buys many things.”</p> -<p>Espato hesitated, the scowl on his scarred forehead deepening.</p> -<p>“It is true that we need gold,” he said, “But to let that scoundrel go -free, to fly in his accursed bird machine over the Mexican camp, -dropping bombs, to laugh as the Mexicans die. No, it is too much you -ask. Not even for the sake of gold—much gold—will I relinquish my -vengeance.”</p> -<p>Then it was that Arigo leaned over to whisper slyly into the ear of his -chief. Whatever his message, it had an instantaneous and most happy -effect upon Espato. He smiled, he beamed, he clapped Arigo heartily upon -the back.</p> -<p>“Aha, you are of good counsel, my frien’,” he said, beamingly. “It is -queer that I did not think of the thing myself. It is so ver-ry simple. -We get the money from the stupid Americano—lots money, yess—an’ we still -have the young Americano in our power for which they pay this gold. We -shall still have our vengeance. A joke, Arigo. How we shall laugh!”</p> -<p>Together they roared with laughter and then went jovially back to join -their comrades about the fire.</p> -<p>Meanwhile, Phil, finishing the last crumb on the tray, was feeling -distinctly more hopeful. In spite of the fact that there still seemed no -possibility of finding a convenient radio set anywhere, he had begun to -believe, against reason, perhaps, that some way or other, his chums -would find out his whereabouts and come to his rescue.</p> -<p>The taunts of Espato and his threats of torture began to seem -impossible, fantastic. In these days such things didn’t happen. And yet, -despite all his hopefulness he knew beyond a shadow of reasonable doubt, -that such things did happen, in Espato’s camp, at least.</p> -<p>When he had finished, the Mexican who, all this time, had remained at -his side, grunted something and Phil glanced up at him inquiringly.</p> -<p>The Mexican was holding out the rope which he had removed from Phil’s -wrists so that he might eat. Phil understood. The fellow was going to -bind him up again.</p> -<p>He looked at his wrists, red and swollen from the pressure of the ropes -and then glanced up at the sullen Mexican with a disarming smile.</p> -<p>“I couldn’t get out of this place,” he said, waving his hands at the -blank walls, “not if I had twenty arms and legs and all of them free, at -that. It would be lots more comfortable if you didn’t truss me up -again.”</p> -<p>The Mexican hesitated, and in his eyes was again that strange, softened -look. If the fellow was not actively sympathetic, then neither was he -actively unfriendly.</p> -<p>Phil sensed something of all this and he thrilled with hope. If he could -make a friend at camp—but again he laughed at himself for being an -idiot. Imagining the impossible again!</p> -<p>The Mexican was slowly shaking his head.</p> -<p>“No can do,” he said in laborious English. “Espato say ‘Tie up -Americano.’ Ver’ well, Tony Gomez he do so. Espato word—law, senor.”</p> -<p>Something about the way he uttered Espato’s name made Phil glance at him -sharply. He was dreaming again—or had there really been a cold dislike -in the man’s voice?</p> -<p>But no, the Mexican’s dark, sullen face was as impassive as ever. He was -still holding out the bonds with a resigned patience. With a sigh Phil -rose and clasped his hands behind his back. There was no use fighting. -He might just as well submit.</p> -<p>But the Mexican grunted again and again Phil looked at him inquiringly. -The man was motioning him to put his hands in front.</p> -<p>“No tie ’em behind back,” he said. “Americano no can sleep. Tie ’em in -front.”</p> -<p>Phil was duly grateful for this small kindness and told the Mexican -so—although, as a matter of fact, he couldn’t imagine himself sleeping -in that rat-infested place, especially with a hard pallet as his only -bed.</p> -<p>Tony Gomez left him soon after that, taking with him the empty tray and -the candle. Not another word had passed between Phil and the young -Mexican, and yet, foolish as he told himself it was, he had been -strangely reassured by the other’s manner.</p> -<p>“That fellow isn’t very much in sympathy with old Espato,” he thought -as, stretched out on his hard bed, he thought over the harrowing events -of the night. “There was something in his voice when he spoke of him a -while ago, that sounded as if he had it in for the old scoundrel, I -suppose that isn’t unusual though,” he added, thoughtfully. “Probably -there are lots of his men who aren’t in sympathy with all the things -their chief does. They simply obey him because they’re afraid to do -anything else. But there you are again,” he told himself, once more -yielding to utter discouragement. “Even if this Antonio Gomez, or -whatever his name is, really wanted to help me out—which of course, he -doesn’t—he wouldn’t dare. I suppose that old scoundrel Espato would hack -him into little pieces if he should find him out. He seems to enjoy -doing that sort of thing.” And he shivered as he thought of the various -kinds of torture Espato had promised him.</p> -<p>Outside there rose the sound of loud laughter. Evidently Espato and his -followers were making merry—celebrating his capture, perhaps and the -enjoyment they expected to have in torturing him, later on.</p> -<p>It was maddening to lie there so near the outside world and freedom and -yet to feel himself bound, a captive, utterly at the mercy of a -scoundrel who was notoriously known to show no mercy.</p> -<p>Phil ground his teeth and tried to shift to another position which might -prove a little less uncomfortable.</p> -<p>“If ever I get out of this alive,” he thought, miserably, “Make believe -I won’t appreciate a good bed again. It’s funny how you never do half -appreciate those things until you have to do without them. But I guess I -won’t have to worry about beds or anything else very much longer,” he -added, bitterly. “I guess Espato was right. I’ve pretty near fought my -last fight.”</p> -<p>Toward morning, just as dawn was breaking over the hills, he fell -asleep.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXIII' title='XXIII: The Bandit’s Messenger'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXIII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>The Bandit’s Messenger</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>It was a gorgeous day, that first day of Phil’s imprisonment in the -dungeon with the slit high up in the wall, a kind of day when boys, -especially the Radio Boys, always longed to do something particularly -daring and thrilling—anything, so long as it promised adventure.</p> -<p>Alas for poor Phil! Rising from his hard bed, cramped and aching in -every muscle of his body, so stiff that he could hardly move, he gazed -longingly at the patch of intensely blue sky that could be seen through -the makeshift slit of a window.</p> -<p>“Such a day for flying,” he groaned, sinking down on the stone bench -that had served him for a bed, his head hanging dejectedly. “Say, just -to jump in the <i>Arrow</i> and fly through that golden air, eh? Seems as if -I’d had my last look at that old boat.</p> -<p>“Just the kind of a day, too,” he added, staring up again at that -tempting bit of sky, “for sending and receiving radio. There would -hardly be any interference from static. But there I go again, talking -like an idiot. What good is radio, anyway, if, when you most need it you -can’t have it.</p> -<p>“And there’s Rocks Gurney too, the scoundrel,” he reflected, after an -interval during which he had wondered which ached the more, his body or -his mind. “Mixing it with ‘Muggs’ Murray’s gang, getting rich on that -haul from the bank. That’s why he blossomed out so suddenly in flashy -clothes and a car and all. It’s a wonder we didn’t catch on at the time. -We knew he was no good, but we didn’t think he was quite that bad.</p> -<p>“That’s how the thieves happened to know just the right time to pull off -the robbery too,” he added, waxing excited as the whole despicable plot -revealed itself to him, like the pieces of a picture puzzle being fitted -together. “Gurney knew just the day when the mills paid their men and -when the bank had a big amount of cash on hand. Then ‘Rocks’ tipped off -his information to ‘Muggs’ Murray and his gunmen and—there you are. As -simple as A B C when you know the answer. Rocks Gurney is worse than -Murray’s gang because he ought to know better. Wouldn’t I like to get my -hands on that fellow. I’d give him a lots worse trimming than I did -before.”</p> -<p>He clenched his hands in the desire to get hold of Rocks Gurney and the -action caused him to glance down at them despairingly. Oh, yes, he would -do a lot, he would, bound hand and foot, captive to Espato and, for all -he knew, only a few hours more of life before him. For all he, Phil, -could do, Gurney and Muggs Murray’s blackguards could escape without -even a scratch to tell them how near they had come to capture.</p> -<p>Oh, they would escape all right and it was all his fault too, for not -being more careful. He wondered, feeling horribly hungry again, if he -was to be given anything to eat, or if Espato proposed doing away with -him before breakfast.</p> -<p>But no, that would be too quick a death and Espato had promised him a -slower and harder path out of this good old world. He recalled some of -the scoundrel’s blood-curdling descriptions of what was to happen to him -and he shuddered. They were not particularly pleasant reflections for -the early morning—especially a glorious morning like this when all -nature was vibrant with life.</p> -<p>After a while the door of his prison opened and Tony Gomez, the -mysterious young Mexican with the sullen eyes, came in. He bore a tray -in one hand and a basin of cool water in the other.</p> -<p>At sight of the latter vessel, Phil could hardly repress a shout of -delight. He wanted a wash almost more than he wanted food.</p> -<p>Gomez, without a word, untied his hands and joyfully Phil dipped his -face into the basin of cool, refreshing water. From this he emerged, -shaking his head like a half-drowned puppy and Gomez thrust a towel into -his hand.</p> -<p>This was indeed luxury, far more than he had dared to hope for. He told -Gomez so and the Mexican stretched his mouth in a wide grin showing all -his startlingly white teeth.</p> -<p>“Tony bring water,” he said. “Senor pretty dirty.”</p> -<p>“Say,” said Phil, staring at the fellow with surprise and gratitude. -“You sure are a dead game sport, Tony. How did you know I’d almost -rather wash my face than eat?”</p> -<p>But the smile on the Mexican’s face vanished. He looked alarmed and -pressed a finger to his lips in a gesture of caution.</p> -<p>“The senor must take care,” he said, his voice lowered to a guttural -growl, “Espato find Tony kind to Americano, Tony die too.”</p> -<p>“All right, old scout,” said Phil, in a whisper—he was strangely hopeful -and elated, now that his face was washed and he saw food before him once -more. “I’ll do whatever you say from now on. And I’ll be careful about -raising my voice, too. There’s no use both of us being hung up by our -thumbs.”</p> -<p>The Mexican’s face blanched a sickly grey and Phil was suddenly very -sorry for him. He watched him curiously as he ate ravenously of the food -on the tray.</p> -<p>He guessed, in fact, he almost knew from what scraps of conversation had -already passed between them that this young Mexican was unhappy and -restive under the brutal command of Espato.</p> -<p>And Phil thought that there was some special reason underlying the -fellow’s dislike—perhaps hatred—of his Chief. Perhaps there had been -some personal wrong committed against himself or some member of his -family.</p> -<p>At any rate, Phil thought, he had been mighty lucky to have fallen under -the direct surveillance of one who was at least not actively unfriendly -to him. Perhaps—if he should win the fellow’s confidence—. But no, there -would be little chance of securing Tony’s assistance in a plan of -escape. Tony was too terrified by Espato to join in any conspiracy -against him. Probably he had been too long a witness of his commander’s -methods to enjoy being a victim of them.</p> -<p>But anyway, the chance was worth considering, thought Phil, desperately, -since it was the only possible chance in sight. If he could just get one -word through to the fellows. But he might just as well wish for a trip -to Mars.</p> -<p>After a while Tony departed, bearing with him the empty tray, and Phil -was once more left to his none too pleasant reflections.</p> -<p>Meanwhile a messenger had been dispatched to Captain Bradley of the -Rangers, informing him that one of his men was captive to Espato, the -latter demanding ten thousands dollars in gold as the price of the safe -return of said captive.</p> -<p>Captain Bradley, who had just returned at the head of one of the search -parties who had been searching high and low for the vanished Phil, -received the messenger none too cordially and demanded absently to know -what the fellow had to say.</p> -<p>But at the greaser’s first words he sat up in his chair, a look of utter -amazement and incredulity on his face. This expression quickly changed, -first to gladness at the thought that Phil was still alive, then to rage -as he realized the insolence of the demand for ransom.</p> -<p>“You stay here for a minute,” he said to the greaser, then called to a -young lieutenant who was passing. In a moment the latter was starting -off to find the Radio Boys and bring them into the presence of their -Captain.</p> -<p>The boys answered the imperative summons of their chief instantly, on -their faces a queer mixture of hope and fear. They guessed that the -Captain had some report of Phil and they were almost afraid to hear it.</p> -<p>The hours since Phil had disappeared had been the hardest ones his chums -had ever spent. They had eaten little, slept scarcely at all, their -entire energy concentrated on the finding of their comrade.</p> -<p>And when, despite all their efforts, they could discover no clue as to -the whereabouts of the missing boy, they had begun reluctantly, sick at -heart, to give him up for dead.</p> -<p>“I knew it was a fool stunt for him to go alone,” Dick had almost -sobbed. “What chance would he have, alone, against a bunch of villainous -greasers.”</p> -<p>“I wish we’d made him take us along now,” said Tom, miserably. “Believe -me, if I had it to do all over again, I’d go with him, Captain Bradley -or no Captain Bradley. I wouldn’t care what he said.”</p> -<p>“Well, we haven’t got the chance to do it all over again,” Steve had -reminded him, moodily. “Phil’s gone and the chances are that if we -haven’t found him now, we won’t. Not but what we’ll keep on trying,” he -added doggedly, “and if it’s the greasers that have got him, we won’t -give up till every one of the scoundrels is dead.”</p> -<p>“You bet we won’t,” Dick had agreed, but in his heart he was thinking -that no amount of vengeance would bring Phil back to them, Dear old -Phil, with his fun and his undaunted courage. He clenched his fists -belligerently. The greasers had better keep out of his way, if they knew -what was good for them!</p> -<p>And now had come this summons for Captain Bradley. Hardly knowing what -to expect, the boys entered his presence and faced him eagerly.</p> -<p>In their excitement, the boys had completely overlooked the fellow -standing stoically in one corner of the room but as the Captain pointed -to him they turned to him, eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and -intense dislike.</p> -<p>“Now repeat what you just said to me,” Captain Bradley commanded of the -greaser.</p> -<p>Obediently and without the slightest trace of emotion, the fellow did as -he was bid.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXIV' title='XXIV: Caged'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXIV</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Caged</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>As the substance of the Mexican’s message made itself clear to the boys, -they almost went mad with joy. They pounded one another on the back, -shouting that dear old Phil was still in the land of the living.</p> -<p>Captain Bradley smiled in sympathy with their frenzy, but he gradually -brought their attention back to the matter of the ransom.</p> -<p>“Ten thousand dollars this fellow wants for the return of your comrade,” -he reminded them. “It’s a pretty big price, boys.”</p> -<p>And when they brought themselves to consider this part of the -proposition the boys were just as indignant at the insolence of the -demand as the Captain had been.</p> -<p>They turned upon the greaser, who stood impassively regarding them, as -though they would have taken the greatest pleasure in pounding him black -and blue—which as a matter of fact, they would have.</p> -<p>“You darned guerrilla,” muttered Steve, only his deference to his -superior officer keeping him from committing personal violence upon the -indifferent-eyed messenger, “What’s to prevent us from taking you out -and lining you up before a firing squad.”</p> -<p>“That death’s too good for him,” growled Dick. “We ought to follow the -example of his gentle master Espato and torture him for about a week.”</p> -<p>“Fine idea,” said the usually good-natured Tom, ferociously. “I’d want -to be the one to do the job, too.”</p> -<p>The greaser shrugged his shoulders with maddening indifference.</p> -<p>“Do as you wish with me, senors,” he said, the shadow of a smile -touching the corners of his cruel mouth, “But if I am not back in two -days, the Americano dies—and his death will not be of the kind which his -friends would wish to see him die, either.”</p> -<p>The boys shuddered at the thought of Phil’s peril and they fumed -helplessly, striving to think of some way in which they might outwit the -villainous Espato. The bandit had surely caught them in a fine trap. For -Phil to have fallen into the hands of such a man—.</p> -<p>“And if anyone attempts to follow me, senors,” it was the Mexican -speaking again, gaining confidence from the strength of his position, -“the prisoner dies also—as well as the man who is foolish enough to -follow.” He passed his hand with a significant gesture across his -throat, and the boys had need of all their will power to keep from -springing upon him.</p> -<p>They knew it was as the man said. Any act of violence on their part -would only make things harder for Phil, perhaps would even cost his -life. They were helpless to act because the safety of their chum -depended upon their discretion.</p> -<p>It looked as though someway or other, impossible or not, they must -manage to raise that insolently demanded ten thousand dollars. Phil must -be saved.</p> -<p>But how was it to be done? Certainly they could not expect to raise that -amount of money in no time.</p> -<p>This time it was the captain who spoke, as though anticipating their -thoughts.</p> -<p>“It will take a little time to raise ten thousand dollars,” he said, -speaking to the Mexican. “Your chief cannot expect that it will be -produced in a day.”</p> -<p>“My chief, he is not unreasonable man,” said the rascal, again with that -shadow of an evil smile. “He will wait, three, four days, maybe week—but -no longer. Then, no money—prisoner will die.”</p> -<p>“Oh, you’ll have your money—or rather, our money—don’t worry,” cried -Steve, still fighting the desire to plant his fist in the greaser’s -sneering face. “Go back and tell your chief that we will have the money -for him in a week’s time. Now get out of here, quick, before I give you -what you deserve.”</p> -<p>The rascal seemed satisfied with the proposition but he impudently took -his time about leaving.</p> -<p>“Si, senor,” he said, making them a mocking bow. “I shall return for the -gold at the end of a week. It will be well not to disappoint. Adios,” -and with another sweeping bow he went out, leaving the boys to swallow -their rage as well as they could.</p> -<p>“The confounded scoundrel,” raged Dick. “I’d follow him and put a bullet -in him if it weren’t for Phil.”</p> -<p>“Captain,” Steve broke in eagerly. “If it’s Espato who has captured -Phil, what’s to prevent our mustering out some of the boys and going -after him?”</p> -<p>“Say, why couldn’t we?” added Dick and Tom looked his eagerness.</p> -<p>The Captain smiled but slowly shook his head.</p> -<p>“It wouldn’t be any use, boys,” he said, adding, as he saw how their -faces fell. “I hate to discourage you but you know as well as I do that -Espato has a dozen hiding places in the mountains and to try to find the -one in which Phil is imprisoned would be decidedly like hunting for a -needle in a haystack. Not but what I’d like first rate to get a hack at -Espato,” and his eyes flashed and his figure straightened after the -manner of a good soldier.</p> -<p>Reason being against them, the boys were forced to give up their idea of -a dashing rescue and fell to work on the rather discouraging problem of -raising the ten thousand dollars of Phil’s ransom.</p> -<p>“Anyway, the main thing is to know that Phil’s alive,” said Dick, -stoutly. “What’s ten thousand dollars beside that fact, anyway.”</p> -<p>“A mere bag of shells,” returned Steve, trying to sound cheerful and -quite failing as he added, dolefully, “But I wish some kind little bird -would whisper to us where the filthy lucre can be found.”</p> -<p>And meanwhile, knowing nothing of all this, Phil was suffering as -acutely as if every moment had really been his last. Every time voices -sounded without his dungeon the thought flashed through his mind that -they had come to take him to the torture chamber.</p> -<p>But as the hours passed, afternoon darkening into dusk and nothing -startling happened, he began at first to wonder, then to take heart of -hope.</p> -<p>Perhaps something had happened—something to his advantage. It was not -like Espato to delay his vengeance in this manner. He liked to punish -his prisoners while still his temper was in the red hot stage, so that -vengeance might be all the sweeter. Surely, by this time his temper had -begun to cool——.</p> -<p>Tony Gomez had entered his prison once since morning and this for the -purpose of bringing him in a frugal lunch. Evidently the Mexicans did -not think much of lunch, or else Espato had repented of treating him too -well and had decided to start in the starving process after all.</p> -<p>On this occasion Tony Gomez had not said a word, and what is more, had -stubbornly refused to be drawn into conversation. As a result, Phil -concluded that he had been too hasty in supposing that the Mexican had a -grudge against Espato. His heart sank as this one faint hope appeared -about to elude him.</p> -<p>Toward evening the suspense became almost unbearable. Despite the ache -in his muscles, Phil paced the tiny prison with the restlessness of a -caged animal. He almost wished that Espato would make up his mind to -kill him at once. Anything would be better than this.</p> -<p>And still the never-ending hours passed slowly, monotonously. Phil -wondered at the absolute stillness in the camp. Espato’s greasers were -usually a noisy lot. The dead silence was getting on his already -over-wrought nerves. He caught himself listening breathlessly for some -sort of noise from the outside. He began almost to wish for the opening -of the door, even if it should be Espato who entered.</p> -<p>Then he started as there was the noise of a rusty bolt being slipped -aside and the heavy door of his prison opened slowly.</p> -<p>Phil braced himself, ready for anything, taking his stand at the back of -the cell. Then, his mouth dropped open in utter surprise. For, instead -of the brutal Espato whom he had expected to see, there crept through -the narrow aperture made by the partly opened door, a pretty Mexican -girl!</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXV' title='XXV: The Visitor At Dusk'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXV</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>The Visitor At Dusk</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>To say that Phil was astonished, would have been to be putting it -mildly. The sight of this young, dark-haired, dark-eyed girl, where he -had more than half expected to see the villainous face of Espato, robbed -him for a moment of the power of speech. He simply stood and stared.</p> -<p>The girl had closed the door, or rather, signaled that it should be -closed, for it was pushed to from the outside, and had turned to him -with a shy smile on her face.</p> -<p>“You are surprise to see me, senor, are you not?” she asked in a soft -voice.</p> -<p>Then as Phil, fearing a trap, still did not answer but just stood -staring at her as though she had been a ghost, the girl gave a musical -little ripple of laughter and moved closer to him.</p> -<p>“You do not trust me, senor, perhaps,” she said, and Phil flushed as he -saw she had read the thought in his mind.</p> -<p>“I—I—,” he began and then stopped short again, absolutely unable to -think of a sensible thing to say. He hoped he didn’t look as foolish as -he felt.</p> -<p>But the girl had stopped laughing and now she laid a timid hand on -Phil’s arm.</p> -<p>“You are tired and ver-ry miserable,” she said with a pretty -seriousness. “Will you not sit down on the bench, an’ I will sit on the -other end of it so we may talk?”</p> -<p>With a feeling that he must surely be dreaming he did as the girl bid -him, watching her incredulously.</p> -<p>Could it be that she was actually friendly to him and was trying to make -him understand? In this camp of enemies such a thing seemed impossible.</p> -<p>“Why do you stare at me so,” she reproached him and at the words he drew -his eyes away from her, flushing uncomfortably. He must have been -staring foolishly.</p> -<p>“I—beg your pardon,” he began and again she laughed that soft little -ripple of laughter.</p> -<p>“You are very polite, Americano,” she said, adding demurely as she -seated herself and pulled her short skirts down as far as they would go, -“But I do not mind, really. It must be much surprise to you that I am -here.”</p> -<p>“Well, yes,” said Phil, beginning to pull himself together and act a -little more normal. “I must say I wasn’t really expecting you.” He -smiled and the girl clapped her hands gleefully.</p> -<p>“Good,” she cried in her pretty voice, “It is good the Americano can -still smile.”</p> -<p>Then she clapped a hand over her mouth and glanced at the door -apprehensively.</p> -<p>“If I let them know of my presence here,” she said, half as though she -were speaking to herself, “I will neither be able to help you—or save -myself. I must use—what is it you Americanos say—I must use the -caution.”</p> -<p>She smiled at Phil showing two rows of even white teeth, and for the -first time hope really began to stir in the boy’s heart. If it were not -all an elaborate trap—and somehow he thought of Espato as being more -direct in his methods of vengeance—then this girl might really prove a -valuable ally in escape.</p> -<p>Escape! The camp again, life and adventure, freedom! At the thought his -eyes began to sparkle and he looked at the girl with new interest.</p> -<p>As though once more she read his thoughts, the girl’s face clouded and -she moved closer to him.</p> -<p>“You are thinking that I have come to help you to escape,” she said -quickly. “But you must not hope, Americano. Hope is dangerous. It makes -us do rash things. I tell you, it is almost impossible to escape from -the camp of Espato.”</p> -<p>Phil’s heart sank again. For a moment in his disappointment he felt -almost a dislike of this girl. Why had she come to raise his hopes, if -all she intended to do was to dash them to the ground again? It wasn’t -fair.</p> -<p>“But you must not feel altogether discourage’, my frien’,” she went on, -swiftly, her voice softened almost to a whisper, and glancing still more -often at the door. “For I, Juanita Marino, have come to help you if such -a thing is possible.”</p> -<p>Phil glanced at her gratefully. He was ashamed of his impatience of a -moment before. He knew that she was risking a great deal by coming to -him this way. If she should be found out, in all probability her -punishment would be almost as hard as his own, if not quite. She would -be tried as a traitor—and Espato was not kind to traitors. He wondered -how she dared.</p> -<p>Impulsively he reached out a hand to her.</p> -<p>“You are very kind, senorita,” he said, gratefully. “You should not risk -so much for me—.”</p> -<p>“Ah, but I am not risking as much as you think,” she broke in quickly. -“I should not have dared to come to you as I have today only that Espato -and his men are afield and the camp is almost deserted. I watched my -chance when no one was looking and then with the help of Tony Gomez—” -she paused and bit her lip as though she had said more than she had -intended. She glanced at Phil anxiously, as though she hoped he had not -heard.</p> -<p>But Phil had heard. He leaned toward her eagerly.</p> -<p>“Then it was Tony Gomez who opened the door for you tonight,” he said, -more as a statement than a question. “Then I was right in thinking the -fellow wasn’t altogether unfriendly?”</p> -<p>The girl bit her lip and turned away. When she turned back to him again -Phil was surprised and chagrined to find that her eyes were filled with -tears.</p> -<p>“Ah, if I have so much as harm’ one hair of my Tony’s head, I hope that -I may die,” she said tensely, then added, quite simply as though she had -known him all her life, “Tony an’ I, we love each other, senor. If -anything should happen to him, I know that I would not live.”</p> -<p>And suddenly Phil felt a warm affection for this simple little Mexican -girl who confided her heart secrets to him with all the naivete of an -innocent child, and yet who had courage enough to risk her own safety by -coming to help him, a stranger.</p> -<p>“You needn’t be afraid that I’ll do anything to harm Gomez,” he said, -gently. “An American never harms anyone who tries to do him a good -turn.”</p> -<p>“Ah, senor, I knew you were like that,” said the girl, a smile banishing -the tears in her eyes. “If I had not thought that you were good I should -not have tried to help you.</p> -<p>“Listen,” she added hurriedly. “I have not much longer to stay. Every -minute I stay is dangerous both to you and to me. If Espato should find -me here—.</p> -<p>“Listen, senor. I was among those on the outskirts of the fire the night -they brought you here. I do not often stay to watch the treatment of -prisoners, for it sickens me. But when I saw you, I was interested. You -were so young an’ you talk back to our great chief so fearless’. I was -fill with admiration an’ my heart boil’ at the way Espato, he treat -you.</p> -<p>“I say to myself, Juanita, if you can help that young Americano to -escape, you must do so. He iss too young an’ too courageous to die by -the hand of Espato. An’ so I will Americano, if I can but find the -smallest chance.</p> -<p>“An’ now, I mus’ go. Perhaps I have already stay too long. Adios, -Americano, an’ be of good heart. Juanita is your frien’ an’ Tony Gomez, -also. There will come a chance—Adios, senor.”</p> -<p>And before he had time to speak, before he had even a chance to thank -her the door opened by unseen means and Juanita Marino flitted out of -his vision as swiftly and as silently as she had entered it.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXVI' title='XXVI: Prisoners and Loot'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXVI</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Prisoners and Loot</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Phil never forgot those next few days of his imprisonment. Monotonously -the hours dragged by while the prisoner paced the tiny cell, grinding -his teeth in rage at his predicament.</p> -<p>If it had not been for the occasional visits of the friendly Mexican -girl, Juanita, and the strong, though silent, sympathy of Tony Gomez, -his imprisonment would have been altogether intolerable. But the thought -that he had two good, though probably helpless, friends in the enemy -camp, helped to buoy him up with the hope that, sooner or later, there -might come the chance for his escape.</p> -<p>Tony Gomez was not so much Phil’s friend—though in his heart was a -sincere admiration for the Americano’s courage—as he was Espato’s enemy.</p> -<p>Phil, trying to draw the Mexican out, one day as to the cause of this -enemy, finally drove Gomez to a pitch of excitement where he momentarily -forgot caution.</p> -<p>“Why I hate this man, this dog, this devil,” he cried, turning upon -Phil, his lips pulled back from his strong, white teeth like a snarling -animal, “You ask that, Americano? Then I, Antonio Gomez, son of the -great Pedro Gomez, I will tell you why it is I hate. Listen, Americano.”</p> -<p>He came closer to Phil, his strong hands clenched fiercely and Phil -experienced something of the same thrill he would have felt if, when -baiting a wild animal, he had succeeded in rousing it to the height of -its jungle fury. For Antonio Gomez was roused.</p> -<p>“You ask me why I hate Espato,” he repeated, his voice tense, “Then, -thees is why. My father Pedro Gomez, one of the mos’ great man ever -live, he serve’ under Espato for many year’. My father, he love the -chase, he love get much rich loot, he love to feast and drink and make -merry. My father, he great man, he love the life of the woods, the so -great excitement. But my father he also have the great heart. He love -not the torture.”</p> -<p>Antonio paused and Phil saw that there were tears in his eyes. Were they -tears of rage?</p> -<p>“He make the big talk with Espato, sometimes,” the man continued, half -turned from Phil, his hands still clenched fiercely. “He tell him no -murder, no torture prisoners. He say, take prisoners, yes, demand the -ransom, yes—that is fair, that is just, my father say. But when the -ransom come, then let go the prisoner. That, also is fair. So my father -say.”</p> -<p>“Do you mean to say,” Phil demanded excitedly, “that Espato will not -release the prisoner once he has received the ransom?”</p> -<p>Tony Gomez turned upon him a look full of scorn for his innocence.</p> -<p>“Sometime he do,” he said, “and sometime he do not. When he have for the -prisoner great hatred, when the prisoner have been so unfortunate as to -have angered the so great Espato, then he keep the ransom and the -prisoner, also.”</p> -<p>Phil whistled his surprise. It was hard to believe that such despicable -conduct was possible even on the part of a Mexican bandit. Tony went on, -speaking rapidly, as though he had not noticed the interruption.</p> -<p>“Ah yes,” he was saying bitterly, “An’ because my father did not agree -with him Espato he began to hate him secretly, planning to let him go on -until he should be betrayed into doing something for which Espato could -have his revenge.”</p> -<p>Phil was listening, eagerly now.</p> -<p>“Yes?” he queried breathlessly as Gomez paused.</p> -<p>“My father was lieutenant to Espato then and all the band loved him. He -had almost more power than Espato himself. Espato knew this and so he -feared, while hating him. He dare’ not kill my father without -something—what you call?—a good excuse. There was danger that the men -might turn upon him, Espato, himself.</p> -<p>“An’ so he waited. An’ while he wait he bait my father. He torture -prisoners so vilely that my father would walk off into the woods -striving to deafen himself to their cries of agony. Then Espato, he -laugh an’ scoff, calling my father a coward, a weak woman who can not -stand an evening of fun.”</p> -<p>Tony paused again but this time Phil made no comment. He was afraid that -he might break the spell.</p> -<p>“An’ so,” Tony continued, quivering with emotion as he hurried to the -climax of his story, “One night they brought in a prisoner, a mos’ -distinguish man an’ even while Espato dispatch a messenger for ransom, -he plan to torture this one.</p> -<p>“In vain did my father, the great Pedro, plead with him—the prisoner had -done to my father a favor, once an’ my father, the great Pedro, he never -forget the one who do him a favor. So my father, he plead with Espato. -He ask that he be content with a so fat ransom an’ spare the man’s -life.</p> -<p>“But Espato would not listen. He taunt, he insult my father until, in a -rage, he fling off into the woods. I see him go, my father, the great -Pedro and timidly I follow him. I am only twelve year old then but I -remember all that happen’ that night as though it had been burn’ into my -brain.</p> -<p>“I follow’ my father for a long way before he notice’ me. Then he turn -an’ smile’ through his black wrath at me.</p> -<p>“‘Tony,’ he say, an’ put his big han’ so gentle on my head, ‘Tony, it is -not right that one man torture another. That way is not greatness won. -Remember that, my son.’</p> -<p>“An’ then,” there was almost a sob in Tony’s voice and Phil, greatly -moved, leaned closer so that he might not miss a word, “my father, the -great Pedro, he go back an’ he watch his chance an’ he try to rescue the -prisoner, this one who was kind to him.</p> -<p>“Espato he caught him, my father, an’ the prisoner also. He call’ my -father, the great Pedro, traitor, declare’ that he too, then, should -suffer the fate of the man he had try to save.”</p> -<p>Tony’s voice broke and he stood silent for a moment. Phil realized now -the meaning of the tears that had been in his eyes.</p> -<p>“They keel him, my father the great Pedro,” cried Tony, turning upon him -in a sort of fury. “They tie him to a tree beside the man he had try to -help an’ they torture him—torture him till his great heart break an’ he -die. You hear—he die, my father, the great Pedro, there in the shadow of -the fire, without a moan to tell of his agony. An’ I—I try to reach him -an’ they thrust me back with vile words. An’ then I rush into the fores’ -an’ I lie on my face an’ I think I die too. I hope I die. I pray I die. -I think no one can bear such pain an’ live. My father what I love, the -great Pedro. An’ there they fin’ me an’ drag me back an’ make me -live....”</p> -<p>A deep silence, during which Phil’s throat felt constricted and dry. He -wanted to say something, felt the need of saying something, but didn’t -know what to say.</p> -<p>“Tony,” he said, finally, his voice husky with sympathy. “He was a great -man, Pedro, your father.”</p> -<p>“Si, senor,” said Tony quietly and without another word, picked up a -tray from the table and went out.</p> -<p>For a long time after he was left alone Phil could think of nothing but -Tony’s tragic story. He forgot temporarily his own desperate plight in -contemplation of the other’s problem.</p> -<p>At the time, it seemed to him about the most important thing in the -world that Tony should be given his revenge upon Espato.</p> -<p>But he was a fine one, thought Phil bitterly, as he began once more to -pace up and down, up and down his cell, to help anyone get even with -Espato!</p> -<p>Juanita had told him of the messenger who had been sent for his ransom -and while the impudence of it had made him rage, as it had his chums, -still it had given him some hope of release.</p> -<p>But Tony had given him to understand that Espato did not always release -his prisoners, even upon receipt of a ransom, especially if Espato bore -the prisoner a grudge. And surely Espato bore him a grudge and a half!</p> -<p>Things certainly looked bad for him, thought Phil, as he stared up at -the little slit in the wall just above his head. If he could only get a -message through to the fellows, if he only could. Soon it would be too -late.</p> -<p>Juanita had told him that Espato seldom was away more than a week on a -raid and several days had already passed. He might be back any time -now—ready for his entertainment!</p> -<p>Phil stared up at that patch of blue sky and once more his bound hands -clenched in impotent fury. In imagination he was in the <i>Arrow</i>, flying -through those fleecy white clouds, fleet as the birds themselves and -just as free. Free——!</p> -<p>Again, as he had done so often in the nightmare of the last few days, he -wondered what the boys were saying and doing, dear old Dick and Steve -and Tom. He knew they must have been appalled by the demand for ransom -and he wondered how they were meeting the problem.</p> -<p>Poor fellows, they sure were up against it. But then, no more so than -he! he added grimly.</p> -<p>That very afternoon Espato and his roystering band came back. Phil knew -that the raid had been successful by the noise they made. They had made -a rich haul of loot and had brought in several prisoners. Since Tony had -told his story, he hated these men more furiously than ever.</p> -<p>Just give him a gun and let him loose among them. He would die gladly -for the privilege of “getting” a couple of them first.</p> -<p>But he wouldn’t be given a gun, he thought, raging. He would be taken -out and tied to a tree. He wondered how long Espato would be in getting -around to his “entertainment.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXVII' title='XXVII: A Gleam of Hope'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXVII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>A Gleam of Hope</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>The bandits had spent the greater part of the night in wild revelry, and -it was late the next morning before there was any noticeable stir of -life about the camp.</p> -<p>Toward noon however there was an activity which indicated that there was -something important on foot. Phil could hear the tread of many feet -coming and going, and it was evident that most of the band had remained -in camp for some purpose instead of going out on some foray. There was -laughter and jesting and a general air of festivity prevalent, and Phil -wondered what was in prospect.</p> -<p>It was not long before he found out. His door was flung open by a surly -Mexican, who told him that he was to come with him into the presence of -Espato.</p> -<p>“Is this the end, I wonder,” Phil said to himself as he followed the man -out into the open air. He had steeled himself to the thought of death, -which he knew might come to him at any moment. Was this the moment?</p> -<p>What he saw after his dazzled eyes had become accustomed to the -brilliant sunlight was not calculated to reassure him.</p> -<p>Espato was seated on a rough box in the center of the clearing. About -him in a semicircle, some standing, others squatting on the ground, were -his followers, all with an air of expectancy on their faces.</p> -<p>A group of four prisoners who had been brought in on the recent raid had -been brought out and ranged before the bandit chief. Their hands were -tied behind their backs but the bonds had been removed from their feet.</p> -<p>Two hundred feet from where Espato was sitting, the plateau terminated -abruptly at the edge of a precipice. This ran down a sheer seven hundred -feet with jagged rocks at its foot.</p> -<p>An evil sneering smile was on the face of the bandit leader as Phil was -brought before him.</p> -<p>“So here is the Americano,” he said and made a mocking bow. “It ees good -of him to be present at our leetle merry-making. Perhaps he will even -take part in it.”</p> -<p>The significance of the last phrase was not lost on Phil, but his blue -eyes had the coldness of ice and the hardness of steel as he gazed -unflinchingly at the man who had him so completely in his power.</p> -<p>The bandit glared back at him, but in the duel of eyes his own were the -first to fall. He turned to one of his henchmen.</p> -<p>“Put him with the rest,” he commanded.</p> -<p>Phil was pulled roughly away and stationed at one end of the line of -prisoners.</p> -<p>Espato whispered to Arigo. The latter gave an order, and a squad of men -selected one of the prisoners and ordered him to march toward the -precipice.</p> -<p>The wretched man hung back, but was urged on by the pricking of knives -and bayonets to the edge of the precipice. Phil shut his eyes. There was -a piercing scream and a chorus of jeers and laughter from the crowd. -When Phil opened his eyes the prisoner had disappeared, and the guards -were marching back for another victim. And way off in the sky was a -black spot that rapidly grew larger and was joined by others. They were -vultures already gathering for the feast.</p> -<p>Again and again the terrible drama was enacted, until Phil was the only -prisoner left standing. With each one massacred he himself felt the -bitterness of death.</p> -<p>The vultures were no longer visible. They had swooped down to the rocks -at the foot of the cliff. Phil knew only too well what they were doing.</p> -<p>He thought that he knew why Espato had reserved him for the last. It was -to spin out his agony, to multiply his sufferings many times. He found -himself almost longing to have the thing over.</p> -<p>What was his surprise therefore to see Espato rise and signify by a wave -of his hand that the horrid treat that he had given his bloodthirsty -followers was over. The crowd dispersed, reluctantly, Phil thought, as -though they were not yet sated, and this impression was confirmed by the -many malignant looks cast at him as the throng gradually drifted away, -leaving the solitary prisoner alone with Espato and his lieutenant.</p> -<p>The bandit chief sauntered down to where Phil was standing.</p> -<p>“Eet was a long time waiting for your time to come, eh Americano?” he -said with a mocking grin. “But no. That would have been too e—eezy. When -ze time come for you to die, eet must be hard and slow and long. Yes,” -he repeated, “hard and slow and long. Take him away, Arigo.”</p> -<p>Phil followed the lieutenant, hardly able to believe that he had a -reprieve. But what a reprieve and with what unimaginable horror at the -end!</p> -<p>Still he was alive, while had he met the fate of the others, he would -already have been food for the vultures. The hope that springs eternal -still buoyed him up.</p> -<p>Almost exhausted by the terrific strain he had undergone, he was -dragging himself over to the stone bench in his cell when he stumbled -and would have fallen had he not reached out his hand against the wall -and steadied himself. In the dim light he saw that he had knocked -against a box that, with a number of other articles of loot, had been -piled in his room during his absence.</p> -<p>He reached the bench and threw himself down on it. The tension under -which he had been made him feel bruised and sore all over.</p> -<p>For a long time he lay there, resting and brooding over his plight. The -entry of the man who brought his midday meal aroused him. He ate -heartily and his spirits revived in some measure.</p> -<p>The box over which he had stumbled met his eye. He glanced at it -indifferently, and then something familiar in it aroused his curiosity. -Then suddenly with a great leap of his heart he realized what it was.</p> -<p>A radio set! Gathered in with the other loot by the ignorant bandits who -had not the slightest idea of its use, but, struck by its aggregation of -wires and tubes, thought it might have some value and had brought it -along with the rest.</p> -<p>With fingers that trembled with excitement, Phil went over the set and -established that it was complete, batteries and all. The aerial had been -cut away to permit of the set being removed as had the wire that -constituted the ground connection, but with these exceptions it seemed -to be in perfect shape, although the box bore evidence of rough and -careless handling.</p> -<p>Hardly convinced that he was not dreaming, Phil buried his head in his -hands and tried to think. He must have an aerial and a ground -connection. But how could he get them?</p> -<p>Feverishly he went through the other bundles and packages that littered -the room. All sorts of plunder gathered up hastily and indiscriminately -were in them, and among them to his joy he found a coil of copper wire. -A little later his fingers closed upon a metal disk about three inches -in diameter. Here then were the materials for his aerial and ground -connection.</p> -<p>But his first elation was followed by a sinking of the heart. Of what -avail were these, he thought bitterly, to a prisoner. If but for an -hour, one little hour, he might have his freedom!</p> -<p>Then suddenly a thought struck him and brought new hope. There was Tony, -the one man in the whole band who had not been brutal to him, the man -who he felt sure hated Espato. Would he help him? Could he help him?</p> -<p>It was his only hope. If that failed him he was doomed.</p> -<p>He knew that Tony would soon come bringing his supper, as was his custom -every night. In the meantime, he attached the wire to the metal plate -which he intended to use as his ground, and also fastened one end of the -coil of wire to the connection for the aerial. Then he waited, with his -heart beating so fast that it seemed as though it would leap from his -body.</p> -<p>At last the door opened and Tony came in with his supper. But Phil had -no desire to eat just then. The moment the door was closed, he laid his -plan before the Mexican in the broken combination of Spanish and English -that was common on the border and enabled him to make himself easily -understood.</p> -<p>Would Tony do one little thing for him? It was a very little thing. This -metal disk that Phil held in his hand. He would throw it out through the -slit in the wall. Would Tony dig a little hole in the damp ground and -bury it? A work only of one, two, or three minutes. Surely a little -thing. And this long wire. Phil would put one end through the slit in -the wall and when it was dark, if Tony would climb the big tree growing -close to the wall and fasten the wire to the trunk of the tree high up. -That would be a little harder, but still it would be only a little thing -to do for a poor prisoner. Would he do this? Phil would reward him. God -would reward him. Would he do it?</p> -<p>As he poured out his very soul in this entreaty, Phil studied Tony’s -face. There was sympathy there—yes, but also fear. The shadow of the -dreaded Espato hovered over him. He shook his head.</p> -<p>“I dare not,” he said. “Espato—he keel.”</p> -<p>Again Phil renewed his pleading but apparently to no effect. Then he -played his last card.</p> -<p>“Ask Juanita what you shall do,” he urged. “Ask Juanita.”</p> -<p>Tony nodded in assent.</p> -<p>“Maybe I come back,” he said, and gathering up the dishes with the -untasted food left the room.</p> -<p>An hour passed and then another, while Phil paced the narrow room like a -caged tiger. It was entirely dark when the door opened softly and Tony -glided into the room.</p> -<p>“Juanita say yes,” he whispered. “Tell me now what I do.”</p> -<p>Phil gave him the most careful directions and Tony slipped out of the -room. Perhaps half an hour had elapsed when he again opened the door.</p> -<p>“Eet is done,” he whispered, and vanished like a shadow.</p> -<p>Two hours more Phil waited, until he was sure that the camp was sunk in -slumber. Convinced of this, he turned on his batteries and saw the light -spring into the filament.</p> -<p>Then Phil touched the key!</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXVIII' title='XXVIII: In Hot Haste'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXVIII</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>In Hot Haste</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>Dick and Tom were in Steve’s quarters that night, a prey to the deepest -restlessness and anxiety. The amount of the ransom had been collected, -and they were awaiting the return of the messenger from Espato’s band. -He had promised to be back in a week for the money but was already a day -overdue.</p> -<p>“What could have happened?” fumed Dick, as he paced restlessly about the -room.</p> -<p>“All sorts of things,” replied Steve gloomily. “It’s possible that in a -fit of drunken rage Espato may have killed Phil. Or again Phil may have -tried to escape and have been brought down by a shot.”</p> -<p>Tom winced at the very possibility.</p> -<p>“Even then, though,” he suggested, “the Mexican might come for the money -just the same in the hope that he’d get it anyway and then give us the -double cross.”</p> -<p>“If the scoundrel does, he’s got the biggest surprise of his life coming -to him,” snapped Steve. “I don’t know just what plans Captain Bradley -has for ensuring Phil’s safe delivery in case the ransom is paid, but -he’s a wise bird and you can bet that no greaser will be able to put one -over on him.”</p> -<p>Just at that moment the Captain himself stepped into the room and they -stood at salute.</p> -<p>“Happened to be passing,” remarked the Captain, “and stepped in on the -chance that you may have heard something about that Mexican from -Espato’s camp.”</p> -<p>“Not a thing,” returned Dick. “We were just talking about that when you -came in. We can’t understand it and we’re almost wild with anxiety about -Phil.”</p> -<p>“I don’t mind admitting I’m worried myself,” returned the captain. -“Those Mexicans are slow and lazy, but not when such a large amount of -money is concerned. Still, some accident may have happened to detain him -and he may turn up at any time.”</p> -<p>Just then there was a signal from the radio set and Steve turned to take -the message. He listened a moment and then jumped as though he had been -shot.</p> -<p>“It’s Phil!” he shouted. “Phil’s sending. Do you hear me, fellows? It’s -Phil!”</p> -<p>There was a wild yell from Dick and Tom as they rushed to his side, -crazy with delight and scarcely able to believe their ears. Phil, good -old Phil, still alive and talking to them. Was it possible or was it -only a dream?</p> -<p>Captain Bradley, scarcely less upset than themselves, had joined the -excited group about the instrument. The message was coming in the code, -and as they were all familiar with it they could read it from the clicks -as it came along.</p> -<p>“Phil Strong sending,” spelled out the message. “Prisoner in Espato’s -camp. Am hoping this will reach Captain Bradley’s camp of Texas Rangers -at Laguna. Need help and need it quick. Some prisoners killed today. I -may be next. Espato planning to make my death slow and hard. No time to -lose. Will stop now and wait for answer.”</p> -<p>The clicks ceased, and the excited auditors looked at each other, -delight that Phil was still alive and rage at his fiendish captor -mingled on their faces.</p> -<p>“Answer him,” cried Captain Bradley. “Don’t wait a minute. Tell him -we’re coming to his help. Get from him whatever he knows that can guide -us to the camp. Quick!”</p> -<p>Steve needed no urging, for before the captain had finished speaking his -finger was busy with the key.</p> -<p>“We got you, Phil,” he said. “Thank God you’re still alive. Captain is -here and Dick and Tom. They’re wild to be after you. Keep up heart. Tell -us as nearly as you can where you are. Give us something to guide us.”</p> -<p>They waited with thumping hearts and bated breath for the answer which -came promptly.</p> -<p>“Thank Heaven you heard me, Steve,” it clicked. “Here are the directions -as far as I know them. I’m nearly a day’s journey away. When I came to -myself after being knocked on the head I saw that the greasers were -taking me in a general south by southwest direction. The cave is on a -plateau near the top of a mountain. There are two peaks, one of them -like a church spire, the other with a rough likeness to a dog’s head. -It—”</p> -<p>“I know it,” cried the captain. “It’s the Monte de Cano. I know just -where it is. That’s enough.”</p> -<p>Then he checked himself, for the message was continuing:</p> -<p>“It’s impossible to get there tonight, but you might make it tomorrow -easily. Hope you recognize it. If you don’t it’s probably all up with -me. Answer.”</p> -<p>Scarcely had the clicking stopped then Steve, following the captain’s -directions, was sending.</p> -<p>“Captain Bradley talking,” he radioed. “He knows the place. We start at -once. Travel the rest of the night, lie low in the day to avoid -observation, reach you tomorrow night. Count on us. Be on your toes when -the rush comes. Don’t answer. We’re off.”</p> -<p>“Get ready, boys,” said the captain. “We start in half an hour. Report -at headquarters at the end of that time. See that your plane is in -perfect condition, for there must be very careful reconnoitering on this -trip.”</p> -<p>He left the room hurriedly to give his orders.</p> -<p>Steve looked enviously at his two friends who were in a perfect frenzy -of eagerness and anticipation.</p> -<p>“Some fellows have all the luck,” he grumbled. “Here I am tied to this -shack while you ginks are on your way for a fight with the greasers. It -isn’t a square deal.”</p> -<p>“You’re getting your share all right,” replied Dick. “We wouldn’t be -going at all if it hadn’t been for this old shack, as you call it, and -the radio set that’s in it. Then too, perhaps you’ll have another -message from Phil tomorrow. If you do, let us have it right away. We’ll -keep in touch with you by radio from the plane.”</p> -<p>“You bet I’ll stick to this old radio set like a long lost brother,” -replied Steve. “Probably though, Phil won’t dare to radio in the daytime -for fear of being observed, and on the other hand I won’t dare to send -to him for fear the clicking of the signal may betray him. But if -anything does come, I’ll be right here.”</p> -<p>As the boys were about to go out, the door was flung open without -knocking, and into the room swaggered the insolent Mexican messenger of -Espato’s whom they had been expecting.</p> -<p>“Ah, senors,” he said with a sweeping bow that had mockery in it, “Eet -ees me, you see. A leetle late but still I come. Zee money. Ees eet -ready?”</p> -<p>Behind his back the boys carefully closed the door.</p> -<p>Steve rose slowly to his feet.</p> -<p>“It has been hard to get,” he said apologetically. “In fact, I’m afraid -we can’t give you so much.”</p> -<p>As he spoke he edged imperceptibly nearer.</p> -<p>The beady eyes of the Mexican glittered like those of a rattlesnake.</p> -<p>“Zen ze Americano die,” he exclaimed angrily, “and O, how he weel die!” -he added, smacking his lips gloatingly.</p> -<p>Like a battering ram Steve’s fist shot out and smashed the scoundrel -straight between the eyes. The man went down to the floor with a crash. -He struggled groggily to his feet and tried to draw a knife, but Dick -wrenched it from his hand, and in a moment they had him bound fast with -a cavalry belt that Tom snatched from a nail on the wall.</p> -<p>“Now, you skunk,” said Steve, “let me tell you something. You’re not -going to get ten thousand dollars and you’re not going to get a cent. -And what’s more, we know where the prisoner is and we’re starting out -tonight to get him. And we’re going to get Espato too and wipe that camp -of yours off the map. Sabe?”</p> -<p>If looks could kill, Steve would have been blasted on the spot by the -hate that shot from the malignant eyes of the prisoner.</p> -<p>“Now, fellows,” Steve continued, “I know you’ll have to be hurrying but -just take a minute and run over to the captain’s quarters and tell him -we’ve got this reptile. He may be able to do something with him that -will help you on this trip.”</p> -<p>“All right,” agreed Dick.</p> -<p>“And you’re the fellow that was growling just now because you weren’t -going to be mixed up in this expedition,” laughed Tom. “Seems to me -you’ve had considerable fun already.”</p> -<p>“Yes,” grinned Steve. “It sure has helped some. It’ll be a satisfaction -as long as I live to think that I had a crack at this fellow. I’ve been -aching to ever since he was here a week ago.”</p> -<p>The boys hurried over to the captain’s quarters and told him of the -capture of the messenger. He was highly pleased and sent Chips and -another of the Rangers over to Steve’s cabin to get the fellow, whom he -decided to take along with him on the expedition. He might be forced -into giving important information regarding the mountain pass that led -to the camp.</p> -<p>At the end of the half hour everything was ready. The notes of a bugle -rang through the camp. The airplane carrying Dick and Tom whizzed into -the air and the Rangers leaped into their saddles.</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXIX' title='XXIX: To the Rescue'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXIX</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>To the Rescue</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>When Phil had flung his radio message out into the night he knew that he -had but a slender chance. Suppose static interfered and prevented the -reception of his signals. Suppose Steve had been called away from his -post. Suppose he were asleep. A score of suppositions forced their way -into his tortured brain.</p> -<p>Still, it was a chance, and after he finished his first message he -strove to get a grip on himself while he waited for a possible answer.</p> -<p>A click! There it was! And then a perfect delirium of delight swept -through him as he spelled out the words:</p> -<p>“We got you, Phil. Thank God you’re still alive!”</p> -<p>There they were, his tried friends and comrades, Dick and Tom and Steve, -alert, excited, “wild to be after you.” And the captain was there too, -ready with his gallant Rangers to come to his help.</p> -<p>The reaction was so great from despair to hope that he almost lost -control of himself. Then by a mighty effort he pulled himself together -and continued the interchange of messages.</p> -<p>When these were finished he turned off the batteries and flung himself -down and tried to sleep. But his brain was in a whirl and sleep was a -long time in coming.</p> -<p>Radio! That blessed radio. The most wonderful thing in the world. Doc -Denby had called it that one time, and Phil had rather felt inclined to -smile at his enthusiasm. Now he was ready to agree with him.</p> -<p>He dropped off to sleep at last, a sleep filled with dreams, in which he -seemed to hear the roar of the airplane and the thud of hoofs as the -troop of Rangers rode to his rescue. But he heard screams too of -tortured men driven over the precipice, he saw the ghoulish vultures -tearing at their prey. And many times there rose before him the face of -Espato with that livid scar on his forehead, his eyes gleaming with -ferocity, his lips parted in a fiendish grin full of cruelty and menace.</p> -<p>It was late when he awoke from his feverish slumber and opened his eyes -upon the day that was to be the most momentous in his life. What did -that day hold in store for him? Would it see him restored to friends and -freedom? Or would it mark the vanishing of his last hope?</p> -<p>Even if the Rangers came, he was still environed by hideous peril. At -the first warning of attack, Espato would probably kill him instantly. -Everything depended upon an absolute surprise.</p> -<p>Marked by alternate hopes and fears the day wore on. To Phil it had -never seemed so long. He craved the coming of the night as men athirst -in the desert crave water.</p> -<p>Dusk came at last and deepened into darkness.</p> -<p>Phil was waiting, every nerve strained to the highest point of tension, -when the door opened to admit one of the brigands, who ordered him to -follow him into the presence of Espato.</p> -<p>For hours the bandit chief had been drinking heavily. Ever since he had -been forced to drop his eyes before the cold defiant stare in the eyes -of Phil, the incident had rankled in his mind like so much poison. He -had been used to seeing only fright and pleading in the eyes of his -helpless prisoners. Yet here was this young Americano, bound, utterly in -his power, who had outfaced him—him, the great Espato—and had made him -lower his eyes. It was intolerable. Would he tamely endure such an -affront and not wreak his rage on the beardless youth who had offered -it? No! Por Madre de Dios, no!</p> -<p>The more he dwelt on it the more he worked himself into a hot fury, -until he could restrain himself no longer and ordered the prisoner to be -brought into his presence.</p> -<p>The more cautious Arigo, with his eye on the expected ransom, sought to -appease his chief.</p> -<p>“Wait,” he urged. “The messenger ought to be back tomorrow. If he has -the money, well and good. Then you can work your will on the prisoner. -But perhaps there will be conditions. It may be that we can do more with -a live body than with a dead one. Revenge is sweet but money—ten -thousand dollars in American money—ah, it is much.”</p> -<p>“Fool,” snarled the chief, “I shall not kill him—not yet. That would be -too quick and easy. Tonight I shall play with him as the cat plays with -the mouse. I shall make him want to die, but I will not let him die. I -shall make him scream. I shall make him beg. I shall break his courage. -I shall teach him that it is not good to stare into the eyes of Espato.”</p> -<p>When Phil came before the bandit leader, he saw at once the drunken rage -that looked through his reddened eyes, and drew from it the conclusion -that at last his hour had come. But he braced himself to meet the -ordeal, and there was no sign of blenching in the look he turned on his -captor.</p> -<p>Once more Espato glared into Phil’s eyes, and once more, after an -interval, his own wavered before the indomitable light in the eyes of -his captive.</p> -<p>“Take him to that tree,” he ordered, his face congested and the veins -standing out turgidly on his forehead, “and tie him fast. I do not want -him to squirm too much when I get busy with him,” he added, drawing his -knife from his belt and testing its edge with his thumb.</p> -<p>Phil was dragged roughly away and tied to the tree indicated, which -stood just at the edge of the zone of light cast by the fire about which -the bandits were sprawled, drinking and waiting with keen zest for the -next move of their chief.</p> -<p>The latter sat brooding, his brows drawn into a heavy scowl, enjoying -his vengeance in anticipation and planning how he might inflict the most -exquisite torture on the prisoner. There was no hurry, as he wanted Phil -to suffer the agony of suspense while he awaited the will of his captor.</p> -<p>Phil’s hands had been drawn back by a rope that was fastened on the -further side of the tree. His feet were fastened in similar fashion. The -cords cut into him cruelly, but his physical pain was as nothing to his -mental anguish.</p> -<p>If only one more day had intervened! Already the Rangers must be nearing -the mountain stronghold. But hours might elapse before they got there -and in those hours—</p> -<p>What was that? The wind soughing through the trees? No, there was not a -breath of air stirring. Still that hum, that soft steady hum that -persisted for a while and then died away into silence.</p> -<p>Phil’s heart gave a tremendous leap. The airplane! That hum came from -the motor of the <i>Arrow</i>. And the silence that had followed meant that -the engine had been shut off and that Dick and Tom had made a landing. -And if the airplane was there, the Rangers were there too, for Phil knew -that they would keep pace with each other.</p> -<p>He glanced toward the chief and his followers. Had they heard anything? -A moment and he was reassured. They were too absorbed in their drunken -revelry to notice anything, and as for Espato, he was too deep in his -schemes of torture to think of anything else.</p> -<p>Perhaps half an hour dragged by while Phil listened intensely for any -sound that might come from the surrounding forest. But not a rustle -broke the silence.</p> -<p>At last the bandit chief arose and came toward his prisoner, knife in -hand. Within a foot of him he paused, his eyes glowing with the baleful -ferocity of a wild beast.</p> -<p>His followers had risen and stood at a respectful distance behind him, -intent on the new and devilish entertainment which they felt sure was -coming.</p> -<p>“Now,” hissed Espato, as he fondled the haft of his knife caressingly, -“listen to the screams of the Americano as I carve my name on his -forehead in payment for the gash he dared to cut in mine. Six -letters—E-S-P-A-T-O. It will take a long time to do the carving, for the -letters will be wide and the cutting will be deep.”</p> -<p>He raised his knife.</p> -<p>A rifle cracked and from the shattered wrist of the bandit chief the -knife clattered to the ground.</p> -<p>Then came the shrill sound of a bugle, and out of the woods and into the -clearing the Texas Rangers came charging in a wild rush that swept -everything before them!</p> -<div class='chapter'> -<h2 id='chXXX' title='XXX: Rounding up “Muggs” Murray'> - <span style='font-size:1.2em'>CHAPTER XXX</span><br /><span style='font-size:1.0em'>Rounding up “Muggs” Murray</span> -</h2> -</div> -<p>In an instant the camp was in pandemonium. Revolvers cracked and bullets -whizzed and bandits and Rangers were at death grips. The Mexicans -grasped their arms, and under the threats and curses of Espato tried to -rally. They were fully equal in number to the Rangers, but far inferior -in stamina and courage, and were steadily driven back to the edge of the -plateau.</p> -<p>Dick and Tom were in the van of the charge, and after the first volley -they rushed to the tree where Phil was bound. A slash of their knives -cut the ropes, and then they threw their arms about their comrade and -fairly hugged him in the exuberance of their delight.</p> -<p>Phil was quite as incoherent in his rapture as they, but the fight was -on and all were eager to join in the fray.</p> -<p>“Rub my arms and legs, fellows, and get the blood into them,” cried -Phil, “and then give me a gun. I’ve got a score to settle with Espato.”</p> -<p>They set to work, and in a minute or two Phil was ready for action. They -gave him a Colt’s, and all three ran in the direction of the melee.</p> -<p>But by this time the fight was nearly over. Many of the Mexicans had -fallen, and others as they neared the edge of the frightful precipice -had thrown down their arms and surrendered.</p> -<p>Espato himself was on the very edge of the cliff engaged in a desperate -knife contest with an antagonist. As the boys rushed toward him, Phil -gave a gasp of surprise as he saw that that antagonist was Tony.</p> -<p>At the same moment Tony’s knife found its mark and was buried to the -haft in Espato’s breast.</p> -<p>With a wild scream the scoundrel toppled over the cliff. Shriek followed -shriek as he whirled over in that appalling flight. Then came a crash -and—silence.</p> -<p>Tony wiped his knife on his shirt and thrust it back in its sheath.</p> -<p>“For my father,” he muttered, as he walked back toward the Rangers with -his hands uplifted in token of surrender.</p> -<p>A few more scattering shots and the fight was ended. The surviving -members of the band were disarmed and placed in the center of the camp -under guard. Several of the Rangers had been wounded but not seriously, -for the Mexicans, indifferent marksmen at the best, had shot even more -wildly than usual owing to the completeness of the surprise.</p> -<p>After everything had been attended to, Captain Bradley had time to -congratulate Phil and to receive the warm thanks of the latter for -having come to his help in his sore extremity.</p> -<p>“That’s all right,” smiled the captain. “I’m only glad that we got here -in time. You surely had a close call. It was the radio that saved you.”</p> -<p>“Radio and you combined,” replied Phil, “and it proved a strong -combination. I want to ask one more favor of you Captain,” he continued, -“and that is to let two of your prisoners go.”</p> -<p>He pointed toward Tony and Juanita, the latter of whom was sitting in a -group of the women, her dark eyes filled with fright.</p> -<p>He briefly related how he owed his life to them and the Captain nodded -sympathetically.</p> -<p>“Of course, I’ll let them go,” he answered. “As a matter of fact,” he -continued, “I don’t see how I’m going to take any prisoners back with -me. You see this whole thing is rather irregular”—he smiled -whimsically—“as we technically have no right to invade Mexican -territory, even though we’re doing a service to civilization in wiping -out this den of rattlesnakes. It might stir up a row at Washington, even -though Washington at heart might be glad we did it. We Texans don’t care -much for red tape ourselves, but there’s no use in embarrassing the -Government. Espato and his lieutenant are dead, and the rest of these -rascals can drift away wherever they will. But I’ll give this Tony and -Juanita, as you call them, a pair of horses and let them get a head -start for fear some of these fellows may have it in for Tony because he -killed Espato. The rest I’ll keep till tomorrow and then turn them -loose.”</p> -<p>He was as good as his word and in a little while Tony and Juanita were -started off, with fervent thanks from Phil and as much money in their -pockets to start housekeeping with as the boys could scrape up between -them.</p> -<p>The next morning the rest of the prisoners were released, after they had -been given a stern warning by Captain Bradley that their lives wouldn’t -be worth a moment’s purchase if they were ever again found on the other -side of the Mexican border. Then the troop took up its march to Laguna, -while Phil, Dick and Tom hovered over them with the plane.</p> -<p>The Radio Boys were in the highest spirits, and Phil was kept busy -telling his companions all the details of his capture and imprisonment.</p> -<p>“It made me sore,” he said, “to have them nab me before I could get back -to camp and give you the tip on the ‘Muggs’ Murray gang. We could have -caught them dead to rights and rounded them up without any trouble.”</p> -<p>“That’s queer,” muttered Dick, who at the time was scanning the -landscape with his glasses.</p> -<p>“What’s queer?” asked Phil and Tom in the same breath.</p> -<p>“That auto,” replied Dick, passing the glasses over to Phil. “You don’t -see many of them in this forsaken country. And whoever’s at the wheel is -driving like mad.”</p> -<p>“Coming as if the old boy were after them,” agreed Phil, focusing the -glasses upon the machine. “From the direction of the border too. By the -great horn spoon!” he shouted suddenly. “Do you know who’s in it? Muggs -Murray and Rocks Gurney or I’m a Chinaman.”</p> -<p>“Go way,” exclaimed Tom unbelievingly.</p> -<p>“Sure as shooting,” persisted Phil. “The States must have got too hot -for them and they’re making tracks into Mexico where they can’t be -followed. Now’s our chance.”</p> -<p>With a great swoop he brought the plane to the ground and hurried up to -Captain Bradley with the news. From the ground the car had not come into -sight and was still several miles away.</p> -<p>A little way off was a clump of woodland through which ran the road -along which the car was coming. A few sharp orders, and the troop of -Rangers was deployed to the best advantage in the wood where they lay -flat on the ground sheltered by the trees. To the casual eye there was -no sign of life visible.</p> -<p>Soon the purring of the car was heard and before long the machine came -dashing along at a high rate of speed. It stopped abruptly, however, at -the sight of several huge rocks that had been rolled into the road by -the Rangers.</p> -<p>With a muttered oath, the men who were in the car climbed out to remove -the obstacles. And just then a volley of shots was fired into the air, -and up about the fugitives rose, as if by magic, a swarm of men with -leveled rifles.</p> -<p>There was a startled shout from the two rascals. Gurney—for Phil had -guessed correctly—turned fairly green from fright and held up his hands -promptly. But Murray was made of more desperate stuff and quick as -lightning made a move to draw his weapon. Before he could get it, -however, a half a dozen brawny hands had grasped him, and although he -fought like a tiger he was soon overpowered, bound and thrown to the -ground, where he lay still struggling to burst his bonds and hurling -imprecations at his captors.</p> -<p>“The jig’s up, Murray,” said Phil, who had been foremost of those who -had thrown themselves upon him. “Where’s that money you stole from the -Castleton bank? Come across now.”</p> -<p>His only answer was an oath.</p> -<p>“We’ll search the car,” said Captain Bradley. “No doubt he’s brought his -loot with him.”</p> -<p>Phil and Dick were delighted to do the searching, and in a moment there -was a cry of delight from the latter, as he lifted up the rear seat of -the car and discovered piles of bills bound together with strips that -bore the initials of the cashier of the Castleton bank.</p> -<p>The money was counted by Captain Bradley while the Radio Boys looked on -with feverish impatience.</p> -<p>“Thirty-eight thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars,” he announced at -last. “That accounts for most of the forty thousand you say he stole. -The rest I suppose he’s spent.”</p> -<p>“Thirty-eight thousand odd!” cried Dick in uncontrollable delight.</p> -<p>“Maybe we won’t have some good news to radio to Castleton tonight,” -exclaimed Phil, equally as elated.</p> -<p>“Glory hallelujah!” shouted Tom, as he clapped his comrades on the back.</p> -<p>Murray and Gurney were hustled into the car under guard, one of the -Rangers was placed at the wheel, the Radio Boys clambered into the -<i>Arrow</i> and the column took up its line of march.</p> -<p>If ever a plane carried light hearts, the <i>Arrow</i> did that afternoon. -The boys laughed, jested and chaffed each other and tasted to the full -the sheer delight of living.</p> -<p>“Well,” sighed Phil blissfully, “if we were looking for adventure when -we came here we sure have got our fill of it. We’ll never have such -exciting times again as long as we live.”</p> -<p>But Phil was mistaken, as will be seen by those who read the following -book of this series, entitled: “Radio Boys Under the Sea, or, the Hunt -For the Sunken Treasure.”</p> -<p>Steve’s delight when he welcomed Phil on the arrival of the Rangers at -Laguna that afternoon was beyond expression. He instantly radioed to -Castleton the story of the recovery of the bank’s money, and the answer -he received bore full testimony to the excitement and gratification -caused by the news. “Muggs” Murray and Gurney were thrown into jail, -there to await extradition and trial for their crimes.</p> -<p>That evening they all foregathered in Steve’s cabin, where once again -Phil had to go over the story of his adventures while he was in Espato’s -hands.</p> -<p>They sat till late, and then there came a moment of silence while each -was busied with his own thoughts.</p> -<p>Phil was gazing with rapt interest at Steve’s radio set.</p> -<p>“Hope you’ll know it when you see it again,” chaffed Steve. “What’s the -matter? Fallen in love with it?”</p> -<p>“Why shouldn’t I?” answered Phil. “Radio saved my life!”</p> -<div style='text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;'> -<div style='margin-top:1.4em;'>THE END</div> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Radio Boys in the Flying Service, by J. W. 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