"There are forty-eight, and I am going to divide that number into three little parties for reasons you will soon understand. The duty assigned to thirty of the men will be hazardous. It will require dash and daring, and a heap of what we British call 'go.' I wish to ask for volunteers from amongst you for that party. Those who are willing to act, please ride forward a pace or so."
There was silence for the space of a few seconds, while the men drank in his words, and ninety-four shining and eager eyes stared at the white youth in the centre. Then there was a sudden movement and bustle, spurs tickled the flanks of the horses, and to a man the gauchos pressed forward, disputing the right of way with one another. Dudley grinned, an excited sort of grin.
"I see," he laughed, "all are volunteers. Then we must settle the matter quickly. The twenty-nine men to the right will ride away five feet from their fellows. Now, please. Don't hesitate."
There was a ring of authority in his voice, and at once the men trailed away, while the gauchos left behind scowled at their fortunate comrades.
"Now, the next ten ride forward a little. That is good. We are left with seven, and now I can give you all orders. The big party of twenty-nine will follow me into the Indian camp from this end, and will gallop through it, using their revolvers. They will not enter, however, till the party of ten have taken up their position and fired twice into the camp. That party will start from here at once. They will ride to the right, and when they are beyond the camp will steal up to it till well within range. When I fire a shot, they will open with their rifles, and remember, two shots only, please. Once we have charged through, they will also dash at them and cut right across the path we have taken, doing their best to scatter the horses, and when they are clear, they will turn to the right and join us. We will then all have another turn at them. Pepito is to command. Take your men, my lad."
He sat his horse in silence while the astonished gaucho jogged up to his own particular band, placed himself at their head, and went off with his following at a swinging trot.
"The remaining seven ride with us till we are nearly in position. They wait for us to charge, and then attack the cattle guards, and do their best to shoot down any Indian who attempts to break away. Remember, boys, we want to make this a lesson, and the sterner it is the better for all of you and for your master."
The good fellows would have cheered him had not silence been absolutely necessary. They were bold and courageous, as Dudley had already learned, but they had little initiative, and were content as a rule to act on the defensive. This attack was an entirely new idea, and the novelty and daring of it took their breath away. Then there was this plan.
"Whoever heard the like?" exclaimed Pietro, his mouth wide open. "Who could have thought of splitting us up into three parties? At the first it seemed madness, for surely we are stronger when fighting shoulder to shoulder. But this youth has thought the thing out, and I follow his reasoning. When we attack from different quarters we seem to be of bigger proportions than we really are. Bueno! I hope we shall beat these ruffians. If not, it will have been a fine fight, and we shall have enjoyed it. Boys, see that your shooters are loaded."
All were armed with revolvers, for these men earned good wages, and could afford the best of weapons. They sat their horses in silence now, staring after Pepito's party, and then at Dudley, who chatted with Pietro. The fine fellows were beginning to fret at the inaction. They fidgeted in their saddles, and reined their horses back sharply whenever the beasts attempted to move. But Dudley sat motionless, his watch in his hand, and the tip of one finger on the dial.