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speed that they might avoid a meeting if possible; but it soon became evident that

the strangers had no intention of permitting them to go unchallenged, for they

altered their course and increased their speed so that they were soon bearing

down upon the fugitives at a rapid gallop.

"I guess," said Billy, "that we'd better open up on 'em. It's a cinch they ain't no

friends of ours anywhere in these parts."

Hadn't we better wait a moment," said Mr. Harding; "we do not want to chance

making any mistake."

It ain't never a mistake to shoot a Dago," replied Billy. His eyes were fastened

upon the approaching horsemen, and he presently gave an exclamation of

recognition. "There's Rozales," he said. "I couldn't mistake that beanpole

nowheres. We're safe enough in takin' a shot at 'em if Rosie's with 'em. He's

Pesita's head guy," and he drew his revolver and took a single shot in the

direction of his former comrades. Bridge followed his example. The oncoming

Pesitistas reined in. Billy returned his revolver to its holster and drew his carbine.

"You ride on ahead," he said to Mr. Harding and Barbara. "Bridge and I'll bring up

the rear."

Then he stopped his pony and turning took deliberate aim at the knot of

horsemen to their left. A bandit tumbled from his saddle and the fight was on.

Fortunately for the Americans Rozales had but a handful of men with him and

Rozales himself was never keen for a fight in the open.

All morning he hovered around the rear of the escaping Americans; but neither

side did much damage to the other, and during the afternoon Billy noticed that

Rozales merely followed within sight of them, after having dispatched one of his

men back in the direction from which they had come.

After reinforcements," commented Byrne.

All day they rode without meeting with any roving bands of soldiers or bandits,

and the explanation was all too sinister to the Americans when coupled with the

knowledge that Villa was to attack an American town that night.

"I wish we could reach the border in time to warn 'em," said Billy; "but they ain't

no chance. If we cross before sunup tomorrow morning we'll be doin' well."

He had scarcely spoken to Barbara Harding all day, for his duties as rear guard

had kept him busy; nor had he conversed much with Bridge, though he had often

298

The Mucker