Crack!
The report of a rifle rang out upon the still air.
Deadwood Dick gave a start, partly raised his right hand, and fell forward on his face.
Captain Joaquin looked around in greatest surprise, and hesitated only a moment before he sprang to the cover of a huge boulder that lay near at hand.
Evidently he did not want a dose of the same medicine.
A laugh rang out, the laugh of a woman, and a young woman made her appearance from the point where the rifle had been fired.
She was fair-looking, clad in a bright jacket, short skirt and a sombrero, her feet incased in stout shoes and leggings. She had a rifle in her hands.
At sight of her Captain Joaquin leaped from cover.
"Susana!"
"As you see, my love!"