"Say, Bud, there's not much point in this. The broncs will never go near enough for us to see anything. What say we get off and walk? I don't think there's much chance of Delton shooting at us. If we really want to find out anything we better get off these horses." "Guess that's right," agreed Bud as his mount reared high. "Fast, though--snap to it, Nort!" The boys turned their ponies away from the fire and rode swiftly back. They dismounted and without hesitation, ran again to the burning house. They made for the side, from where the Mexican cook had staggered out. "There ought to be an entrance to the cellar about here," Bud panted as he ran on. "The Mex said they were down there!" As they neared the building they saw that this was so. A small door indicated the way to the cellar. The heat was tremendous, and Nort wondered if their errand hadn't been in vain. It didn't seem possible that there living creatures were voluntarily remaining within. Just as Nort was about to tell Bud his thought, a figure emerged and staggered toward them. It was the man who had protested at Delton's treatment of Bud when the boy had been taken, bound, to this very house. The man was in sad case. His breath was coming in sobs, and he maintained an upright position only by a supreme effort. One side of his face was badly burned. "Help--" he gasped. "Help--men in there----" "What is it? Speak quick!" Bud commanded. "Can't they get out? Are they in danger?' "Trapped! Delton--in there--can't move--hit on the head----" The next moment the man collapsed at their feet, unconscious. CHAPTER XXIV THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD "Quick, Nort! Pull him back out of the heat and call the others! We've got to save those men!" "What's the matter?" Dick cried as he came up. "Aren't they out of that furnace yet?" "No--they're trapped inside! We've got to get them out! Billee Dobb--is--is he dead?" "No--he's better! He insisted on my coming over when he saw the smoke. Thought I might be needed. No time for talk now--we've got to get busy!" "It's sure death to enter that!" Hawkins cried as another huge tongue of flame shot heavenward, sending the boys reeling back. "You'll only throw your lives away!" "I can't help it--we must do something! We can't see them burned to death!" At that moment Bud felt a tug at his sleeve. He jerked around. At his elbow was the Mexican cook. He motioned to himself, then toward the cellar. Then he leaped forward. "Follow him!" Bud cried. "He knows how to get in safely!" With a rush the others were on the heels of the Mexican. "Someone has got to stay here--help them out if we do get them!" exclaimed Hawkins. "Nort--you and Dick wait!"