Stealthily the four villains crept upon the unsuspecting ones, and two minutes later all three of them were struggling in the grasp of the outlaws. Though it had been planned quickly, it was well done, and, unable to make an outcry, Hop and the two girls were carried bodily into the cave. A whistle brought half dozen to their assistance, and then the prisoners were bound and told to be silent. "If you scream it will do no good, for if your friends start to come in here they will be shot down like wolves!" said Cap Roche, smiling fiendishly. "The best thing you can do is to take it easy." Having said this, he turned to his men and ordered that the two bodies be brought in. This was done, though those who did it were very cautious in their movements, since they expected to be shot down at any moment. Much relieved, the outlaws carried the bodies through the cave to the hole outside. "Now," said the leader, "just tie the prisoners to the table." This was soon done, Hop pleading to be released in vain. "Go and fetch Young Wild West here," said Roche. "We will have them all together while I talk to them." Chuck Snivel hastened to do the bidding of his boss. He went out to the post and began untying the captive boy. "Cap Roche has got here, an' he wants ter see yer, Young Wild West," he said. "All right," answered the boy, not knowing whether to believe him or not. "He'll find that I am all right, I reckon." His ankles being untied, Wild walked along readily. The captain was standing near the table waiting for him. When Wild saw Anna, Eloise and Hop prisoners there he could scarcely believe his eyes. Things were surely getting worse, instead of better, he thought. But he did not let the captives think that he was anything like discouraged over the prospect. "How are you, Mr. Roche?" he said, coolly. "How is business over at the store and post office?" The villain smiled at this. "You're a pretty cool one, I must say," he retorted. "I suppose it was you who turned the sign over?" "Yes; I thought I would let travelers know that you were one of the outlaws who demanded toll from those who pass this way." "Well, I hardly think your plan worked, then, for I took the trouble to right the sign a little while ago. Well, what do you think of this business, anyhow? Sorry you came to Forbidden Pass, are you not?" "Oh, no. This is pretty bad for me just now. But it won't last very long. If you want to save trouble you had better release me, and the others you have got here, and then light out somewhere. If you don't you will only be sorry for it. You think you have got the best of me now, but in a short time you will find out that it will be just the other way. You don't suppose that I came here without knowing just what I was doing, do you?" "Well, you couldn't have known just what you were doing or this wouldn't have happened." Roche motioned toward the prisoners.