On each side of the row of bonfires
McKay placed flanking parties who stood with rifles ready to train
on the opening should the bandits seek to escape.
All that night and the following day did the Rangers keep silent
watch over the cave. The second night fires were built up as before,
and part of the force stood watch while the others slept on the
ground with rifles for pillows.
It was not until about noon of the third day that any sign of life
was observed in the cave. Willie Jones hailed the captain, declaring
that he was ready to surrender. Terms were quickly made. The men
were to walk out singly, leaving their arms in the cave. There was
no need to caution Willie Jones as to what would follow the least
sign of treachery. He knew without being told. Grim Rangers were
standing on one side so that they should have a clear shooting space
in front of them. Billy McKay stood directly facing the opening, as
if for the purpose of tempting one of those desperate men in there
to take a shot at him. None had the pluck to try it.
Jones was the first one out. He was manacled and searched. One by
one the bandits emerged until every man was a prisoner.
That afternoon all were on their way to El Paso. It would be many
years before they would again terrorize the Rio Grande border if at
all, for there were many charges against them. Among the charges
preferred against the bandits was that of aiding the Germans by
stirring up trouble on the border.
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