“Go back!” he ordered. “You are in danger.”
“——’s delight!” he exclaimed. “There must ’a’ been a break in the loco-lodge.”
And we watched him ride back to the top of the hill.
“Nithe generalthip,” applauded Middleton. “Look—thomebody elthe.”
Another rider had joined him, and they both came riding down to us.
“I shall be compelled to fire upon you if you come too close,” I warned them.
“Thoot —— out of them if they monkey with uth,” said Middleton.
The new one was very tall and grim-looking, with long mustaches and a very large hat. He appeared to uncoil a long rope, and then showed his teeth in a snarling grin.
“Going to shoot that thing, hombre?” he asked, and I nodded emphatically.
“You know best,” he answered. “Get all set, ’cause I’m coming to get you!”