Another volley, and another.
There was a sudden snap as a bullet found its way into one of the rear tires of Brown’s car. Then a baffled cry of rage rose on the air.
Swinging the little machine around at an abrupt angle, Danny started toward the other car, now arrested in its flight. As he pulled up a short distance away, a shot rang out and he heard the whistle of lead as it winged its way past his left ear.
“Down, men!” he shouted. “Crouch down!” And suiting the action to the word, the three men sought protection in the depths of the machine.
As they were preparing to return the fire, they heard the noise of Mr. Southwick’s machine as it approached from the opposite side. That redoubtable official had heard the sound of the shots, and as he came up, he took in the situation at a glance.
“Surrender!” he called out. “Surrender in the name of the Government of the United States!”
What feelings that voice inspired in the hearts of Brown and his confederates may never be known. But it must have sounded to them like the voice of doom, for now their consciences must have told them that retribution was at hand. They had dared to be traitors, and had sought to betray a great free country. For gold, they had sacrificed honor and respect, and now, gold had failed them, as gold always does.
Again Mr. Southwick’s voice boomed out:
“Do you surrender?”
There was no answer, but three dark figures stepped from the car, and with hands raised high in the air, moved into the open.