Immediately cries of fright were uttered by the twain in their lofty ambush, but neither man offered to move. The companions of Ronie and Riva Baez, who had fallen behind a little, startled by these shots and outcries, now dashed hurriedly upon the scene.
"Cover the other rebel up there with your Mauser, Jack," commanded Ronie. "Do not hesitate to fire if he dares to lift a finger."
Jack quickly comprehended the situation, and no sooner had his youthful commander spoken than he took swift aim at the trembling wretch in the tree, saying, loud enough for the victim to hear:
"Ay, sergeant; I glory in such shooting!"
By this time Riva had succeeded in quieting his horse, which had not received a fatal wound, and the veteran scout was ready to do his part in the exciting drama.
"Stand at the foot of the tree to receive them, boys," ordered Ronie. "I am going to invite them to join us. Their company may be more desirable than we think."
Then, addressing the twain above, he continued in the best Spanish he could command:
"Come down, señors, as quickly as may be."
"Spare our lives, señor!" begged the one whom the young American had selected as his victim.
"Upon the condition that you surrender peacefully. As proof that you mean what you profess, please drop your weapons down to my men."