The last speaker was Evan Harris, and his revolver, like Kit South’s carbine, covered Captain Jack’s head.
“Hold your fire till I give the word,” said McKay, “and when you do touch the trigger, mind that you don’t drop the gal.”
CHAPTER XV.
NEW ARRIVALS AT DEVIL’S BRIDGE.
The three rangers held their breath, and kept their eyes upon the striking tableau in the cave.
They waited for the further lifting of the knife that glittered in the scarlet hand of the Modoc brigand; then they would drive their bullets to his brain, and rescue Artena from “durance vile.”
The Indian guards had turned from their posts to witness the execution, and a fierce smile of approval played with their lips.
“Artena goes to the Great Spirit now,” said Jack, suddenly breaking the silence. “She will never—”
He was not permitted to finish the sentence, for, with a suddenness that startled every one, the Squaw Spy sprung upon him and wrested the knife from his hands.
He reeled backward with an exclamation of rage, and barely escaped the blow she aimed at his heart.