Dropping on one knee and firing, then rising and running forward a few steps, and dropping and firing again, they dashed toward the enemy. Surprised and confused by this sudden move, the horsemen halted, irresolute, then turned and fled down the road.
“Buffaloed!” yelled Mead.
“After ’em, boys!” shouted Judge Harlin. And the four started on the run after the retreating enemy.
“Chase ’em to Plumas!” yelled Nick.
“And learn ’em to let us alone after this!” bellowed Tom, in a voice that reached the ears of the flying party, above the muffled roar of their horses’ hoofs.
Halliday had got his horse under control again by the time he reached the place where Colonel Whittaker stood guard, beside the pack horses, and after a few hasty words with Whittaker he started back. When he saw the rout of his party he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and waving it aloft he came galloping on.
“Look at that, will you!” yelled Nick. “They want to surrender!”
“I reckon they want to have a conference,” said Judge Harlin.
The four men halted and stood with their guns in their hands, waiting Halliday’s approach.
“Emerson,” he called, “do you stick to what you told Mr. Wellesly?”