ace again for all the
gold and silver in the world."

"It was pretty rough for sure," admitted Donald. "I just caught a
glimpse as the torch fell among them, but it was so quickly
extinguished by the wriggling mass I only shot once for fear of
hitting you."

"It was the darkness that frightened me," Strong explained
feebly. "If I hadn't let go my torch to hold on with both hands,
I don't think I would have minded so much. But the darkness hid
what was below and it just seemed as though they were right after
me. I'd have been a goner sure if it hadn't been for good old
Ambrosio," and he laid his hand affectionately on the ape's head.

"Do you think you'll be able to climb out of the mine?" asked
Billie as they reached the main shaft.

"Yes, with Ambrosio's aid; but I'm going out first. I don't think
I have nerve enough left right now to be the last out."

The exit from the mine was much slower than the descent had been,
but in the course of an hour they were all once more out under
the stars.

"What about the bandits?" queried Billie.

"Take my advice," said Strong, "and let them alone. This is none
of your quarrel. If the Mexicans want to fight among themselves,
let them. It's a family quarrel and you will only make matters
worse by interfering. The time may come when these very men may
prove your best friends."

"That's the advice I gave when we first discovered them to-day. I
wish now we had all followed it."

"If we are not going to do anything," declared Adrian, "the
quicker we get out of here the better."

"I consider that more good advice," laughed Billie, "especially
as I am just reminded that I haven't had a bite to eat since
noon. But I have no horse."

"That's easily remedied," replied Strong.

He went into the old ruin and in a few minutes returned with a
very good animal, all saddled and bridled.

"It will not be missed," he said. "Now ride for your lives. Take
the trail to the left and don't let moonlight catch you within
five miles of here."

"Aren't you coming with us?" asked Donald.

"No! I am better off here."

"How will you account for your white hair?"

"I'll tell them it is a charm. They'll believe it and it will
make me that much more valuable. Now go!"

Without wasting more words the boys put spurs to their horses and
were soon out of the basin and on their way to Pachuca.

"It seems like a year since we came down here," remarked Adrian
to Billie as they galloped along.