Almost in an instant the crevices between the rocks ahead were full of red flashes.
Bullets sped, struck rocks with spiteful thuds and flattened out before bounding into the air again.
"Lie down, men!" shouted Captain Cortland. "Give it to the rascals as long as they shoot at us."
All in a moment this rock-strewn spot had become a bedlam of discharging firearms.
Two regulars were hit before they could find cover from which to fire. These men, however, made no outcry, but, finding themselves unable to handle their rifles, lay quietly where they had fallen until the time came for them to have attention.
Though he had sharply ordered his men to lie down, Captain Cortland did nothing of the sort himself. Instead, with his revolver drawn, he stood up, peering ahead and trying to get sight of the scoundrels beyond.
Bullets flew all about the captain, many of them passing his head. But he stood there calmly until he caught just the opportunity for which he had waited.
Then his pistol spoke, and a groan beyond showed that he had been a successful marksman.
"Squad, rise!" shot out the commander's order. "Charge!"