Five rifles spoke, instantly. Just in the act of reaching the saddle the stranger plunged sideways, fell to the roadway, the startled horse galloping off without its rider.
"Don't run to him," commanded Dave Darrin. "We'll reach him soon enough."
Close at hand it was seen that the man was in the uniform of a
Mexican officer. His insignia proved him to be a major.
"Dead," said Riley. "Two pills reached him, and either would have killed."
Dave nodded his head in assent, adding:
"Leave him. Our work is to keep the point moving."
When they had gone a quarter of a mile further, a sound of firing attracted the attention of the American detachment.
"Lieutenant Trent's compliments, sir," panted a breathless messenger, saluting, "and you will turn down the next corner, Ensign, and march toward the firing."
After a few minutes Dave sighted a large building ahead. He did not know the building, then, but learned afterwards that it was the Hotel Diligencia.
Almost as soon as Darrin perceived the building, snipers on its roof espied the Navy men.