As soon as Maybe Dixon felt strong enough, they left the shack. Scarcely had they gotten outside than Si gave a cry:
"There they are now!"
"Where?"
"Up on yonder rocks!"
Maybe Dixon looked in the direction, and catching sight of one of the Mexicans fired the pistol at him. At once the man and his companion fired in return and then disappeared up the mountain trail, running as hard as they could.
"They won't come back now," said Si, after the momentary excitement was over. None of the shots had taken effect.
"They had better not," answered Maybe Dixon. "I am going armed after this, every day, so they had better beware."
Dixon was so weak that the two had to take their time about returning to the gulch. The want of water had almost driven him crazy, and he was more than bitter against the Mexicans every time he thought of them.
"I couldn't have held out much longer," he said. "I would have had to give in, if you hadn't 'a' come along."
"I am mighty glad I did," answered Si. "But I guess those greasers will be mad at me now too."