“I think they’re coming,” he announced in a voice little above a whisper. “I heard the crackling of twigs, and in a flare of light that came from the volcano I saw moving bodies some distance off in the woods. They’ll probably be here in ten minutes.”
After the long period of waiting the news brought positive relief. Here at least was a promise of action.
“Don’t fire until I give the word,” ordered Benton, as he disposed his little force to the best advantage. “Keep under cover as well as you can and make every shot tell. A good deal depends upon the hot reception we give them at the start. You, Phil, keep your finger near the key of the battery and be ready to press it on the instant.”
When all was ready a stillness as of death prevailed in the cave. With every sense on the alert, their ears strained and their eyes trying to pierce the darkness, the boys lay outstretched, their weapons in their hands, their blood racing madly through their veins, their hearts trumping in excitement.
Ten minutes passed—then twenty—thirty. Then to their ears came faint rustlings, and they thought, though they were not sure, that they could see shadowy forms stealing about from tree to tree like so many phantoms.
A period of absolute silence ensued. Then suddenly there rose a wild yell, a volley of bullets whistled over their heads and pattered against the stones of the barricade, and from all directions the outlaws came rushing toward the cave!
CHAPTER XXVIII
A FLAG OF TRUCE
Phil’s finger rested lightly on the key of the battery, ready to send the current through the wire at the word of command. But the word did not come.
For the first rush of the attackers had not been made in a mass. On the contrary they came in open order seeming to spring up from the ground at various points. At no moment were enough of them concentrated on or about where the mine was located to justify springing the mine. That must be reserved until it could be most effective.
Benton saw this like a flash and changed his tactics.