Tony made a quick examination to be sure there were no casualties. Out on the meadow several wounded Ifugaos, all of them with leg wounds, were being helped to safety.
"We can thank Nast and Lazada for this," Tony said bitterly. "Do you realize that we are in a very bad position?"
The Ifugao warriors were reforming. Nangolat, recovered from the numbing shock of Scotty's shot, stormed among them, getting them ready for another assault. But Nangolat was no longer waving a spear. He was now armed with a rifle.
CHAPTER XVII
Make or Break
"We can stand off their assaults," Tony said. "We can't stand sniping. Not for long, at any rate."
Scotty grinned. "Neither can Nangolat. Let's see if I can fix his wagon."
They watched as Scotty wet his finger, tested for wind direction, then set the sights on his rifle. On the other side of the road Nangolat was exhorting his troops like a good general, waving his rifle to emphasize his words.
Scotty took a classic sharpshooter's position, relaxed but braced. Rick saw him inhale and hold it. The rifle muzzle moved slowly, following Nangolat's movements. Then, suddenly, the rifle spoke.