But their rejoicing was short lived.
Aware, from the shots and shouts, that the fight was on, Texas and the rest of the bandits hastened up the trail, reaching the top just as their leader and Wild Bill were retreating toward the edge of the cliff.
"Hold your ground! We're coming!" yelled Frank.
Never were words more welcome than these as they rang in the ears of the sorely pressed outlaws.
And even as they heard them, a volley crashed from the guns of their fellows.
Surprised at the unlooked for re-enforcements, the bucks, however, held their own.
But only for a few minutes.
The fusilade of lead poured into them was too galling.
Though they outnumbered the bandits almost two to one, for death had thinned their ranks, Jesse and his men fired three times as rapidly.