“Yah! Ain’t ’it anything,” growled Buck Denham.
“But where’s Peter? I heard two cooeys,” said Mark.
“Yes; that was me, sir. I ain’t seen him.”
“Well, now then, gentlemen,” said Buck Denham; “all loaded?”
“’Cept me,” said Dan.
“Take these. Here are some cartridges,” said Sir James.
“Now then—ready?” said Denham, quite loudly, and there was another burst of roars and snarls. “Thank ye,” said Denham; “that’s just let us know where abouts to fire. Now, all of you let them have it, as near as you can guess; and fire low. I’d kneel down. I’ll just give them a rouse up with a shout. That will make them roar again. Then you, doctor, give the word, and let ’em have it.”
“Right,” said the doctor.
“Ready, my lads?” whispered Buck.
There was a low murmur of assent, and the driver put one hand to his cheek. “Hullo, there, you!”