And then the outlaws' shrift would be short.
But no word of protest did the others offer.
In deciding upon the sortie, the bandit-chieftain had counted on the cavalrymen mistaking him and his pals for Indians while he hoped the savages would think them troopers.
Furiously was the battle raging as Jesse finished the announcement of his plans.
From the yells and shouts, he decided that the soldiers were driving back the redskins.
And, with hope high, he began to crawl through the hole onto the field of strife.
Rapidly his five pals followed.
As they gained the larger cave, they saw that the troopers had, indeed, forced the braves back.
"Don't shoot till we get on top of 'em," breathed Jesse. "I'll give the word. Ready! Charge!"