So the scout decided to remain, and, after the meal was over, he secured the prisoners, left the negro in charge, and started out on a search. He was not long in finding a trail leading into a wild cañon, through which flowed a stream, like a river in wet weather, but at other times dry. Going down this, the scout saw that he had struck the gold beds of the people of the Lost Valley. It was a case of placer mining, the wash from the mountains of the particles of gold, and yet the pick and shovel had been brought into use also in the bed of the cañon. “They have gotten considerable gold out of here, that is certain, and these men have been steadily at work, I see; but where are the people of the Lost Valley, for only these two murderous scamps seem to be anywhere about.” So musing, Buffalo Bill went on through the cañon, came out into a large valley, and, climbing to the top of a lofty cliff, looked about, glass in hand. It was nearly sunset; and the rays of light were cast far down the valley, and the eyes of the scout fell upon moving objects there. At once he turned his glass upon them. “They are horsemen!” he cried, “and they are coming this way.” A moment after he continued: “There are two of them, but they are leading five horses. By Jove! I believe they are the pards of these two murderers, just returning. How lucky I did not return to my camp! “Yes, they must be their two comrades; and, if these men are murderers, they can be no better that are coming. “They are all of half a dozen miles away, and it will be an hour and a half before they can reach the cabin, and darkness will be in soon. I’ll go and prepare for them.” The scout took another long look at the far-distant horsemen, then descended from the cliff, walked rapidly back through the gold cañon, and reached the cabin just as dusk fell. “Men, I am sorry to have to gag you and make you more secure, but I am determined to be upon the safe side. Are you well enough, Bill, to help me?” “Oh, yes, sah.” “Then get two sticks, put a piece of blanket over the head of each, and have it so you can tie it back of their heads. “I will tie these men in their bunks, when they have been gagged and they will give us no trouble or anxiety.” “It will kill us,” shouted Rocks. “Oh, no; you don’t die so easily.” The two men, bound as they were, sought to resist, but they soon found that they were as children in the hands of the scout, and they were placed in their bunks, made fast there, and the gags put in their mouths so that they could utter no sound. To test this the scout gave each one a severe pinch, to make them cry out, but a low groan was all that they could utter. “You see, I discovered some visitors coming, and who I am sure are the pards of these two men coming for them; so we wish no outcries of alarm, for I shall capture them also.” The two men could hear, if they could not talk, and they writhed and moaned at what they heard.