Looking across the valley, they could perceive that the little
band under the direction of Mr. Black was nearing the protection
of the forest that covered the next hillside.
"Two minutes more and they will be safe," said Billie.
"Then we'll give them the two minutes," replied the corporal.
"Cut loose at the bunch as soon as it is near enough."
A moment later two rifles spoke out and then they turned loose
their automatics, to give the impression of a much larger force.
Two men fell and a minute later two more, as the boys'
Winchesters again spoke.
"Now for the horses!" cried Billie as the Mexicans threw
themselves upon the ground.
They sprang to their horses and dashed away down the valley.
They were not discovered until they had cleared the shelter of
the trees and then a volley was fired after them. The bullets
sang all around them, but they escaped unhurt, and before another
volley they were out of range.
"It's a good thing for us that they have no cavalry," said Brooks
as they sped along.
"Sure is," was the response, "and I hope they don't succeed in
getting word ahead of us."
"We'll fix that," said Brooks. "We cross the railroad just at the
foot of the hill and I'll climb up and cut the telegraph wires.
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