www.freeclassicebooks.com

they desisted from their efforts to fire the house or rush it, and contented

themselves with firing an occasional shot through the windows opposite them.

"They're waiting for dark," said Bridge to Mr. Harding during a temporary lull in

the hostilities, "and then we're goners, unless the boys come back from across the

river in time."

Couldn't we get away after dark?" asked the Easterner.

It's our only hope if help don't reach us," replied Bridge.

But when night finally fell and the five men made an attempt to leave the house

upon the side away from the office building they were met with the flash of

carbines and the ping of bullets. One of the Mexican defenders fell, mortally

wounded, and the others were barely able to drag him within and replace the

barricade before the door when five of Pesita's men charged close up to their

defenses. These were finally driven off and again there came a lull; but all hope of

escape was gone, and Bridge reposted the defenders at the upper windows where

they might watch every approach to the house.

As the hours dragged on the hopelessness of their position grew upon the minds

of all. Their ammunition was almost gone--each man had but a few rounds

remaining--and it was evident that Pesita, through an inordinate desire for

revenge, would persist until he had reduced their fortress and claimed the last of

them as his victim.

It was with such cheerful expectations that they awaited the final assault which

would see them without ammunition and defenseless in the face of a cruel and

implacable foe.

It was just before daylight that the anticipated rush occurred. From every side

rang the reports of carbines and the yells of the bandits. There were scarcely

more than a dozen of the original twenty left; but they made up for their depleted

numbers by the rapidity with which they worked their firearms and the loudness

and ferocity of their savage cries.

And this time they reached the shelter of the veranda and commenced battering

at the door.

At the report of the rifle so close to them Billy Byrne shoved Barbara quickly to

one side and leaped forward to close with the man who barred their way to

liberty.

293

The Mucker