"The very thing that I fear this Antonio Sarvisti may do," said Dudley, a note of anxiety in his voice. "Now, listen. I have said that I refuse to surrender."
"Hooray!" shouted Harold, gripping his hand. "That's what the men feel about the matter. I have been speaking to a few. They will fight to a finish."
"Then we must prepare. We have two matters to attend to. We have to decide how to defend ourselves, and we must send news to our employer. If he is warned in time, no danger can threaten him, and in addition he could, by collecting gauchos from neighboring estancias, relieve this party, and perhaps even surround this band of robbers. Those two points must be seen to."
There was silence for a while as Dudley and Harold and the gaucho leader considered the matter. To Harold and Pepito it seemed hopeless even to consider the question of sending a warning to their employer, for an attempt had already failed, and it was clear that the enemy were in a close ring round them.
"What food and ammunition have we?" asked our hero suddenly.
"Abundance!" came the prompt answer. "The señor gave orders that each man should ride to-night with rations for two days. Those rations will last, at a pinch, for four days."
"And water?" suddenly demanded Harold.
"We have none, señor, but I had not forgotten its need. Do not forget that a forest in this pampas region spells water, for otherwise there would not be trees. I have been here before, and know that there are wells. If those are out of our reach, as seems probable, then a hole dug only a little distance into the soil will soon be filled with fluid. As to ammunition, each man has many rounds. Given a good position, there is sufficient here to protect the party for many hours."
"Then we will make the position," said Dudley, "and now I will tell you what I am going to do. I cannot expect any of my men to undertake a task which I do not eagerly accept myself. I place Harold Joyce in charge of this party once I am gone, while I myself am determined to get through these men and ride for the estancia. Listen!"
"You! It is madness! You are in command, and the defence depends on your being here. You are not serious!"