“We must turn him back,” declared Osterman. “He can't go through here. We don't want him to take any news on to the marshal and S. Behrman.”
“I'll turn him back,” said Presley.
He rode out towards the market cart, and the others, watching from the road in front of Hooven's, saw him halt it. An excited interview followed. They could hear the Portuguese expostulating volubly, but in the end he turned back.
“Martial law on Los Muertos, isn't it?” observed Osterman. “Steady all,” he exclaimed as he turned about, “here comes Harran.”
Harran rode up at a gallop. The others surrounded him.
“I saw them,” he cried. “They are coming this way. S. Behrman and Ruggles are in a two-horse buggy. All the others are on horseback. There are eleven of them. Christian and Delaney are with them. Those two have rifles. I left Hooven watching them.”
“Better call in Gethings and Cutter right away,” said Annixter. “We'll need all our men.”
“I'll call them in,” Presley volunteered at once. “Can I have the buckskin? My pony is about done up.”
He departed at a brisk gallop, but on the way met Gethings and Cutter returning. They, too, from their elevated position, had observed the marshal's party leaving Guadalajara by the Lower Road. Presley told them of the decision of the Leaguers not to fire until fired upon.
“All right,” said Gethings. “But if it comes to a gun-fight, that means it's all up with at least one of us. Delaney never misses his man.”