“Forward, my brave men! Cut down the brigands! Kill the kidnappers of boys!” shouted the captain, waving his sword.
With a shout, the Mexican soldiers dashed forward to the fight. They might be slow, and given to too much delay and politeness, but when the time came they were full of action.
They yelled as they dug spurs into their horses, and the more excited threw their hats into the air. Several discharged their carbines when there was no chance of hitting any of the enemy. They were wild at the thought of battle.
By this time the brigands became aware of the pursuit. Vasco Bilette had, with a powerful field-glass, detected the advance of the horsemen some time back. But an accident to the auto had detained them, and they were three miles from the cave when he saw the soldiers dashing toward him.
He and his men strained every nerve, but they soon saw they could not get to their stronghold ahead of their enemies.
“We’ll have to fight ’em,” said Vasco. “I guess we can give ’em as good as they send. Noddy and Dalsett, you keep an eye on Bob, and if you get a chance, skip off with him. Go back to camp; they won’t think of looking for you there.”
Ten minutes later the soldiers were within shooting distance. They opened fire on the Mexicans, who, not daunted by the numbers against them, returned the volleys. At first so great was the excitement that no damage was done. But after a few rounds two of the troopers were injured, and one of the Mexicans had to withdraw, seriously wounded.
“We must never surrender!” cried Vasco.
“Exterminate the brigands!” shouted the soldiers.