The solitary shot, however, had been sufficient to cause the girls and their escort to draw rein.
"We've got to get 'em before they reach Sue and the others or we may hit them instead," hissed the great outlaw. "Rise in your stirrups! Ready; Fire!"
As the crash of the volley broke on the air, the six horsemen whirled in their saddles.
But before they could see whence the unexpected sound came, two of them toppled from their saddles while the horse of another fell in the roadway.
"Again!" yelled Jesse.
Yet in response to the second discharge of their rifles only one man fell.
"Steady, boys! Aim higher!" cautioned their chief. "One more volley and then we'll rush 'em!"
Recovering from the surprise of the attack, the remaining members of the middle group blazed away with their Winchesters.
"Out to the edge of the road!" commanded the bandit-chieftain, his voice sounding terrible in its fury.