best of his way back at once. His prayers, apologies and
explanations for the loss of the horses may be imagined as he faced
Ramon's wrath. In fact, but for the intervention of Hickey, it is
likely the old mestizo would have been flung into the water by his
enraged employer.

A halt occurred on the river bank, while some peons were despatched for
fresh horses to a ranchero known to be friendly to the insurrectos.
Then began the ride to Madero's camp, which ended as we know.

CHAPTER XVII.

BOB HARDING DOES "THE DECENT THING."

"Back into the cave, fellows!"

It was Jack who spoke, in a tone as low and cautious as they had
adopted since the beginning of their flight.

"Say, Jack, if they ever do locate us, we're in a regular mouse-trap,"
exclaimed Ralph, gazing back into the cave, which had no outlet except
at the front.

"Can't be helped. Needs must when a certain person drives," responded
the rancher's son. "Listen, they're coming closer."

The trampling of their pursuer's horses could, in fact, now be heard
quite distinctly in the gulch below. Suddenly all sound ceased.

"They've stopped to listen," whispered Jack. "I only hope they hear
our horses up ahead."

Apparently the searchers did hear, for, after a brief pause, on they
came again. As nearly as the boys could judge, there seemed to be
several of them. They made a formidable noise, as they came crashing
along below. Hardly daring to breathe, the boys crouched back into
their retreat. Their nerves were strung as taut as vibrating electric
wires, their hearts pounded till they shook their frames. The crucial
moment was at hand.

If the insurrectos passed the cave-mouth without glancing upward and
noticing it, the boys were out of the most imminent part of their
peril. If, on the other hand--but none of the party concealed in the
cave dared to think of that.

On came the trampling, and now it was quite near. A few moments would
decide it all. Voices could be distinguished now. Among them the boys
recognized the quiet tones of Madero himself.

"You say, Senor Harding," he said, using English, "that those boys came
this way?"

"I am almost certain of it, general," returned the voice of the
traitor. "I saw their tracks, and, as you know, called your attention
to them."

"If you find them, Harding, you shall have the reward I promised. I
would not have them slip through my fingers now for anything in the
world. Merrill's so