Simultaneously, the men drew back a few paces, and then each one rushed for the breach he had made.
Walter saw one man burst through with a yell; the next moment he was upon him in close conflict.
Katie saw two more burst through, and, alive with fear raised the gun and fired at the foremost.
The aim was true; with a horrible oath, he fell, mortally wounded.
The other, disregarding her, rushed by her, toward Walter, who was fighting desperately with his adversary, a small, wiry fellow, with the activity of a cat and the muscle of a bear.
She saw the last man hurry on with gun ready for instant use; she saw others burst through the vines, with bloodshot eyes and inflamed passions; she saw, as she thought, Walter fall, wounded unto death, and knew no more.
As the whole gang effected an entrance and came rushing on Walter, he succeeded in dealing his antagonist a fatal blow in the side. He fell, with the blood surging from the wound.
At this critical moment, a loud cry came from the knoll above—a loud hurrah—then a succession of rapid shots and cries of pain; then another hurrah!
“Hold up, Walt! Keep cool!” came in ringing tones close by. Then came another voice, louder and shriller:
“Charge, boys—charge! Give ’em fits!”