'It is the best thing that could have happened, but we shall have to be quick or those black fellows will kill them all. They will show no mercy to any of the gang,' said Machinson.
'We had better all advance in line, about a dozen yards apart,' said Mr Dauntsey, and to this the sergeant agreed.
No time was lost; the wounded man was left in as comfortable a position as possible, and they moved ahead.
'All fire quickly,' said Machinson. 'If you see no one, aim where the smoke is, on the off chance of hitting.'
In a few minutes, when Dalton and his men saw them again advancing, the firing recommenced, and it was sharply returned.
Above the crack of the rifles, however, was heard a terrific yell, which completely drowned the sound of the firing. There was a tremendous crashing in the bush at the rear of the houses and the cries of many blacks.
Dalton and his gang were surprised, and when they realised what had happened were almost in despair. They knew no mercy would be shown them by the blacks and preferred to risk capture at the hands of the police. They did not mean to give in without a desperate struggle, for their lives were at stake.
In Dalton's house, besides himself, were six of his men, including Seth Sharp and Rodney Shaw.
When Shaw discovered Sal had escaped, his rage knew no bounds, and he acted like a madman, so much so that his manager thought he had lost his senses.
Benjamin Nix tried to calm him and partially succeeded.