Led into the defile by one division of the Apaches, the other had proceeded to block up the outlet, and thus literally the Vigilants were in a trap.
There was not the advantage in facing a foe in this manner that there was in having him wholly in the front.
To be attacked both front and rear would demoralize even the largest and bravest of armies. Harmon was completely taken aback.
“Wall, I swan!” he exclaimed, with earnestness, “I never believed an Injun could beat me in any such way as that. But we are in for it, boys, and no mistake. We’ve got to fight hard.”
The savages in front were keeping up a raking fire.
Those in the rear had now drawn near enough to also open fire. The fun had begun.
But the brave band of white men had no thought of fear or of retreat.
They at once, by Harmon’s direction, sought safe places of cover and proceeded to return the fire.
Every time an Indian’s top-knot showed above the fringe of rocks, it was made a target of.
Thus, the battle was kept up for over an hour.