A terrible hand-to-hand conflict was waged. Fortune would favor one side, then the other. Finally, the two leaders came together in the middle of the little valley at the head of the cañon. The giant made thrust after thrust of his lance at the Indian, who parried successfully, pressing his opponent hotly in return.
The stallion's part in the combat was no small one. He whirled his master out of harm's way, or pushed into the fight, at a simple turn of the rein.
Yoscolo's horse stumbled. The stallion sounded its scream, and rushed against the other mount, throwing it from its feet.
The Indian sprang free from his falling horse, and, grasping O'Donnell's stirrup-strap, vaulted to the back of Drumlummon. His face snarled furiously as he struck his knife at O'Donnell. Before the blow could fall a backward thrust of O'Donnell's lance ended the outlaw's life.
Morando's command attacked the renegades' front. The deep-shadowed cañon rang with carbine volleys, the screaming of horses and the shouts of men.
The Indians were dismayed at the leader's fall, but Stanislaus took charge, and urged on the fight. Nightfall, however, saw the complete defeat of the robber band. Stanislaus was captured.
"I've settled with Yoscolo. Now I'll ride to Mission San José and finish my call on Mendoza," was O'Donnell's laconic remark.
CHAPTER XVIII
FARQUHARSON MEETS WITH A LOSS
"The Cap'n wants me to give this 'ere paper to the padre and nobody else. Consequently, nobody else gets it."