"If Frank keeps that racket going," Ned answered, motioning the group
toward the door by which he had entered, "we may be able to get out
without being seen. You can tell me how you got caged later on. Now
we'll try the door."

"Wait!" whispered Jimmie.

"Wait!" said Dode.

Ned turned and faced both boys with enquiring eyes.

"Why wait?" he asked.

"I want my gun!" Jimmie replied. "They searched us and put the
plunder in that alcove in the rock on the other side of the fire.
We'll need the guns, I take it."

The three boys, Jimmie, Teddy, and Oliver, made a quick rush for the
alcove and soon came back with their guns and electrics. The firing
outside was again farther away, and the chances for getting out
without being attacked appeared to be good.

"What is it?" Ned asked Dode, as he pulled at his sleeve.

"There's another door," the lad explained. "It opens on the slope on
the west side of the ridge we are under. We can go that way without
being seen."

"That's just the thing!" Jimmie exclaimed. "We can get out and join
Frank in the mess outside! Then I reckon we'll put the skids under