“Queer harp,” Mills muttered with a shiver.

“Just the same, that’s all it is, I’m sure. If you have been around the Andes much, you’ve heard something like it before—”

“Well, I haven’t been, and I’m getting out now fast as I can, see?”

“Come on,” Lang ordered, and putting Jim in front to lead the way, they started forward again, but now there were only four members of the gang with the Buddies.

The way was wide enough so that they could go side by side, and although their shoulders touched as they proceeded, they did not exchange a word, for Mills and Lang were right behind them. After all, it did not make much difference, but there was really nothing to say. The queer noise was repeated at intervals, but although it was terrifying enough, the men grew less fearful of it and seemed to accept Austin’s explanation as to its origin. The boy had thought it was the wind when he first heard it, but had kept silent partly because his opinion was not asked and partly because he felt that the bandits deserved a good scare. He reasoned that if they were frightened they might be less vicious in their dealings with their captives, but when he saw the havoc it was creating he endeavored to reassure them. However, if any of them appreciated his assistance no sign was made of the fact, and the pair were urged to proceed ahead.

“If there is danger they figure we’ll get it first,” Bob whispered, and Jim nodded.

“These kids are terribly slow,” snapped a man in the rear. “We want to get out of this place.”

“Sure, Lang, hurry ’em up,” said the other nervously. “This hole is spooky. Why in blazes didn’t you find out what was in it?”

“Shut up, I’m managing this,” Lang snapped back.

“If them kids has a pull with the Indians they’ll get us through,” Mills called, and then the Buddies understood that the leaders expected to share any protection that the presence of the “Don’s little pets” as he called them, might be to the gang. This was a phase neither of the boys had thought of, and now they exchanged swift glances.

“We’re going along nice now; when Red was leading it was tough,” added Lang, then went on to Bob, who had stared back. “Your help is appreciated a lot you can see, but any funny business and you’ll wish you had dropped over off the log with Red.”

“You said we’d be 

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