“Suppose we make a rush? We can fire half-a-dozen shots at short range, and jump in on them while they are in confusion.”
“It’s takin’ a big risk,” Jenkins replied, thoughtfully.
“Of course it is, but we’ve got to run the chances, or give up all hopes of doing anything.”
It was only natural for Jenkins to hesitate, knowing, as he did, that Captain Mansfield would hold him responsible if anything happened to the boys while they were thus virtually under his charge, but both were so persistent and impatient that he was forced to act upon their suggestion or see them start off alone.
“We’ll try it,” he said, with a long-drawn breath; “but remember, if anything goes wrong, that I advised ag’in a battle where we’re outnumbered at least ten to one.”
“I’ll take it on myself to say you shan’t be blamed, no matter how badly we are beaten,” Gil replied. “Now are you ready?”
“Yes; have your revolvers in hand. We’ll creep up as near as we can, an’ when I give the signal each must shoot as fast as he can till we’ve given ’em three shots apiece; then make a rush for Andy, an’ if we get hold of him, make the best time for the shaft. That’ll draw the whole crowd down on us, an’ we haven’t any water; but he’ll be safe for a while.”
“Go ahead; we’ll follow. Move quick, for it don’t improve a fellow’s courage to stand here thinking about what’s to be done.”