The force in the rear were coming to the attack.
But Harmon’s men were now in a position to command the defile.
A quick, sharp conflict ensued, and the Apaches were driven back with great slaughter.
The vigilants had thus far the best of it.
The enemy had been routed, and Bessie Rodman rescued.
Only one other thing now remained to be accomplished, and this was the rescue of Walter Barrows.
But even as the question was being discussed a loud cry arose, and the next moment a hatless, blood-stained young man came dashing down over the cliff and fell half fainting in the midst of the vigilants.
It was Barrows.
In the midst of the fight the plucky young plainsman had succeeded in breaking his bonds, and after a desperate fight with two of his captors, had made his escape.
Everybody extended congratulations to the young couple, and then plans for the future were discussed.