Many reports blended, and the leading team fell.
Shouts of rage arose from the drivers and the closing-in guard, but the first wagon came to a sudden stop, and before the others could cut around it the leader of the little band yelled:
“Down upon them!”
His men spurred forward, and rapidly closed in upon the little train, while at the same time the guards sent up their wild shouts as they rushed madly to the rescue.
“Halt!” cried the leader who had directed the charge. “Rifles up, and cover them so as to keep them at bay. Use the wagons for a barricade, for they outnumber us.”
The wagons had all been forced to come to a standstill by the stoppage of the first one, and the drivers had leaped from their seats with weapons clutched in their hands.
The guards were brought to a halt when within rifle-shot by the stern command of the leader of the attacking party.
“Halt!” he shouted. “Stand, or I shoot you down!”
They wisely pulled up, and sat still on their panting horses, covered by the weapons of the others, who were secured somewhat by the wagons.
“What’s the meaning of this?” demanded one of the drivers, striding up to the plucky little leader of the attacking band. “Who am I talking to?”