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stepped forward.

"So!" he sneered. "You pretty nearly got away with it, didn't you?"

The captives did not answer. They were sick with disappointment. Just when escape had been within their grasp the smugglers had outwitted them.

"You bit off a little more than you could chew when you stacked up against me," bragged Snackley.

"What'll we do with 'em, chief?" asked one of the men.

"Take them back to the cave. We'll get them out to Li Chang right away. If they get away again there'll be trouble for you. Keep an eye on them."

"Shouldn't we tie them up?"

"There's no rope. It doesn't matter. Put a bullet through the first one that makes a false move. You hear that?" he said, turning to