They had disappeared over the other side of the mountain. As this was heavily wooded pursuit was out of the question. The voyagers were much disappointed that they could not have driven the greasers to decisive battle. The wily rascals, however, well knew that the result would be serious for them and acted accordingly. The Steam Man now was upon the tip of the mountain spur. A fine view was to be had of the whole mountain range. They could now almost look down upon the greasers’ stronghold. The tall derricks used in excavating the mine shaft were to be plainly seen, and smoke rising above the trees suggested the presence of a steam engine of the stationary kind. “It is evident that there lies the gold claim which rightfully belongs to Harvey Montaine,” mused Frank. “I can understand now Senor Ravello’s assertion that the position of the greasers was unassailable. Indeed, with a handful of men a small army could be held at bay here.” This had certainly the appearance of a logical fact. One thing was sure, the greasers had guarded the approaches to their mine well and strongly. Frank gazed reflectively at the distant camp and thought of Harvey Montaine presumably a prisoner there. “We must effect his rescue in some manner,” he muttered. “But how?” Frank took a careful survey of the valley and the hills but he could see no way of reaching the greasers’ camp. Yet he felt sure that there was a way. How to find this was the problem. However, nothing was to be gained by remaining in his present position. It was plainly impossible to effect an entrance by that side of the mountain. “What am we gwine to do, Marse Frank?” asked Pomp, after a time. “Indeed, that is a hard question for me to answer,” declared Frank. “Bejabers, I think the best thing we kin do at all, at all, is to go back the way we cum,” declared Barney. Frank nodded his head. “I declare, I believe you are right, Barney,” he said. “Well, so be it.” The Steam Man was turned about and started down the mountain. They had not proceeded more than one hundred yards, when the patter of bullets came against the cage. Looking back, the travelers saw that the top of the mountain was covered with the greasers. They had been in secure hiding near by all the while. Had any of the travelers ventured to leave the cage while on the mountain, they would have been shot down instantly. Barney and Pomp returned the fire with telling effect. The bullets rattled against the impervious steel netting of the cage in a shower. The greasers made the air ring with their defiant yells and cries. But Frank kept on to the foot of the mountain. A little while later the Steam Man was speeding over the plain. The greasers did not pursue them. They remained upon the mountain and were quickly lost to view. Frank kept the Steam Man on a westerly course. He had decided to cross to the opposite wall of the mountain range, with the hope of finding an entrance there.