The men were thus stretched right across the plateau from one cliffside to another, and about a hundred yards apart, just over the ranch.
But though each man spread his blanket, he did not go to sleep.
All were too anxious to make some discovery that would enable them to entrap the outlaws.
If there was an alarm, they were to rally toward their chief, and if their foes proved too numerous they were to give a signal for help from the hacienda, and then retreat toward the cliff overlooking it.
Midnight came and passed without any sound, and then Texas Jack, who held the end position on the right, beheld a form in white coming from the cliff that looked down from the range over the plateau, and which rose several feet above it. He was instantly on the alert, and expecting that the one he saw was not alone, he dared not yet give the alarm.
Nearer and nearer drew the form in white, gliding quickly along, until suddenly Texas Jack called out sharply:
“Halt! Hands up!”
There was a startled cry, a quick shot at random toward Texas Jack, and the white form was off like a deer toward the cliff.
Seeing that he must get away, Texas Jack raised his rifle and fired as the shadowy form was disappearing in the darkness.
Instantly all was excitement on the plateau, the scouts rallying quickly toward Texas Jack, who had darted forward in pursuit, calling to his comrades to follow.