Suddenly from behind this barrier there came the flash of rifle muzzles, and a volley of bullets came rattling down through the defile.
Two of the vigilants were wounded, and Harmon instantly called a halt.
Cover was quickly sought behind rocks and corners near.
It was evident that the Indians had here made a stand. The Vigilant leader was puzzled.
But suddenly Frank Reade, Jr., gave a sharp cry:
“Listen!”
His acute ear had caught the sound of horses’ hoofs coming up the defile in their rear.
“By thunder!” ejaculated Harmon, with sudden terrible comprehension, “we are trapped!”
The men gazed blankly at each other.
Nothing was more apparent. The Apaches under the shrewd Red Bear had certainly very cleverly outgeneraled them.