ntil Tom Bodine came to inform them the
sun was near setting and to ask what they intended to do that night.
By then, however, they had obtained from Stone all the information he
could give them, which was considerable; Bob had had another talk by
radio with his father, and a plan for further proceedings had been
worked out.

Jack and Bob were to make the attempt at the rescue of Mr. Hampton
alone. They were to fly to the Calomares ranch in the airplane with
Bob at the wheel, as Jack was not so experienced a flyer. Bob, on the
other hand, knew his machine thoroughly, and was familiar with its
every trick, a knowledge much to be desired as airplanes even more
than motor cars and ships develop temperament and have got to be
"humored," so to speak.

Frank rebelled at the part assigned him. He was to stay behind at the
cave with Tom Bodine and Roy Stone, guarding the prisoners, Morales
and Von Arnheim. When they had rescued Mr. Hampton, Jack and Bob would
take him in the airplane and start flying to the Hampton ranch.

By means of the radio in the airplane, which could send 150 to 200
miles, although it could receive messages from a much greater
distance, the Hamptons and Bob would notify the party left behind in
the cave. Then Frank, Tom Bodine and Stone would ride for the border
on horseback. Morales and Von Arnheim would be left bound so as to
prevent their giving an alarm or offering any interference with the
programme. After the party had been given time to make its way well
along toward the border, rebel headquarters was to be notified by
radio from the Hampton ranch of the location of the prisoners. The
latter would, therefore, suffer nothing but inconvenience.

"But what fun do I get out of this?" lamented Frank, enviously
regarding Bob and Jack. "You fellows get all the fun and all the
glory. I ride tamely back to the ranch."

"It is hard luck, Frank," said Bob. "But your shoulder is sore and
aching from your fight last night, and I'm in better condition to
operate the plane. Besides, you know we can't take you, as the plane
will hold only three and when we get Mr. Hampton we'll have our full
complement. Some one of us has to stay behind. You've had your share
of the fun so far, anyhow, and your turn will come again."

"I don't see it," said Frank. "It looks to me as if when you rescue
Mr. Hampton the fun will all be over. But that's the way with you big
bullies. Always picking on the little fellow."

"Wel