Three of the greasers suddenly appeared not ten feet below. They saw the escaped prisoners and a cry of alarm escaped their lips. “My soul! we are lost!” cried Montaine. But Frank Reade, Jr., was seized with a mighty desperation. Weapons they had none, save the shovel and the iron bar which they had brought with them from the old shaft. But Frank raised the bar and hurled it with all his might at the foe. It struck one of the greasers fair across the breast. He went down like a shot. The other greasers retreated, giving yells of alarm. Frank recovered the iron bar and Montaine secured a couple of pistols from the fallen greaser. The heroic little trio meant to die game if the foe should venture up the stairway again. But they did not. Circumstances occurred to prevent this contingency. Loud shouts went up from below, and great excitement seemed to ensue. Then the distant exchange of rifle shots was heard. Frank exchanged startled glances with Montaine, and a sudden inspiration seized him. “My soul!” he cried. “Do you believe it possible that Silver Sam and his men have whipped the greasers and have penetrated to this place?” “Begorra, there’s a fight goin’ on out there phwativer it manes!“cried Barney. “Yes, and a hot one,” added Montaine. This was true. The report of rifle shots were now rapid and near at hand. The yells and cries of the contestants could be plainly heard. The amphitheater had been cleared of greasers in a twinkling. It seemed to the prisoners a good opportunity to make an attempt to escape. So they rushed down into the place, but scarcely had their feet touched the cavern floor when half a dozen armed men burst into the cavern. At first Frank thought they might be some of the greasers returned, and consequently foes. But a loud cry of joy went up the next moment. “Hooray!” shouted a hearty voice, “however did you come here, Mr. Reade?” It was Silver Sam and five of the hardy miners in his employ. “We are saved!” cried Frank, joyfully. “Your men have the best of it, Sam?” “Cert,” replied the sport, readily. “We scattered them like chaff. Oh, I tell ye, one good man can whip three greasers any time.” It was the truth. The prospectors had given the greasers a tremendous defeat. Miguel Costello fell at the head of his men. After his fall, the band became demoralized and was easily broken up. The mine and the whole mountain was quickly in the possession of the miners. Montaine was surrounded by a legion of his friends. Frank Reade, Jr., turned to Barney and said: “Our mission is ended, Barney. Now let us return to Readestown the quickest way.” “All roight Misther Frank. I suppose the fust thing is to find the naygur and the Steam Man.” “Yes, if Pomp is still in the place where we left him all will be well.” But at that hour it was not deemed safe to venture down the mountain side. But daylight was close at hand and they decided to wait for it.