They had not long to wait, for in a few moments the crack of rifles was heard in the bush. A bullet whizzed past Jim Dennis, and he called out to Willie to follow him and galloped on some distance.
'Why does not Machinson give the signal?' he thought. 'It is not much good hanging around here to be shot at; I want to get at close quarters.'
A shrill whistle sounded, and Jim Dennis charged straight through the bush, followed by his son.
A shot from Jim's revolver was followed by a heavy fall, and he shouted,—
'Winged him, Willie; he's down. Come on!'
In a few minutes the little party were inside Barker's Creek, and they then saw Abe Dalton's plan of defence.
From Dalton's house, and the others near it, came a regular hail of bullets, and a mounted policeman threw up his arms and dropped out of his saddle like a stone.
One of his comrades dismounted, placed him across his horse, then sprang up behind and followed the others, Sergeant Machinson calling out,—
'Back! back for your lives! We have no chance in the open.'
It was a wise order, for there was nothing in standing to be shot at by men who were so well sheltered.