"It's only a woman, boys!" he shouted, with a scornful laugh. "A woman!"
"Bean," growled Stamford, "it may seem ungrateful, but why didn't you wait a second?"
"Shoot, you blasted idiot!" shrieked Dakota. "They're all in it. Get the boss and that editor-fellow anyway."
Stamford grinned sheepishly at Bean's lanky figure leaning over the rock, and turned to Isabel.
"I guess it's up to me to postpone the tale. I'm a bit too thin-skinned for this kind of a game."
"You don't need to postpone it—Morton," Isabel whispered.
"Yes, shoot, and do it quick!" muttered Stamford. "Before I waken. Do you know," he said, with a whimsical smile, "I've a feeling we're going to pull through."
Ten yards from Bean Slade rose the ruddy countenance of General Jones. Deliberately he raised his rifle.
Like a flash Bean fired, and with the report General crumpled out of sight.
"That's for Billy Windover," cried Bean, expectorating.