Part 22 (1/2)

”Do same like soldiers,” went on Buck Tooth.

And, as I have said, the example of the troopers was one to be followed. This was not the first time they had been in Indian fights, and against more worthy foes of the redman type. Each trooper picked out such natural shelter as was available, and then began looking over or around it for a sight of some human target at which to aim.

This sort of warfare would be carried on until there was a chance to rush the Yaquis, when the horses could be brought up for this purpose, or the charge made on foot. The Indians, exercising as great care for their steeds as had the white men, had also sent the ponies to the rear.

The place of the fight was about the middle of a small valley, closed in at either end by broken hills of rock, while rocks and great boulders were scattered over the floor of the vale, thus affording natural shelter for both sides. The rising ground at the rear of each party prevented the chance of a rapid retreat, and it was evident that the fight would go to a ”finish.”

Just how large the party of Yaquis was could not be told, but Captain Marshall believed he had more men than were rallied to the support of Paz, the notorious leader of the Mexicans.

”But I haven't seen Rosemary or Floyd,” remarked Nort, as he wormed himself into a hollow place behind a rock, not far from d.i.c.k and Bud.

”Well, they are probably back in the rear. That's where they generally keep their captives,” explained d.i.c.k. ”If they see the fight going against them they'll send word back and some party will scoot out with our friends.”

”Then we'll have the chasing to do all over again,” ruefully observed Nort.

”Oh, I guess Captain Marshall knows a trick or two,” commented Bud.

”Look, he's sending some of his men out now to try and get in the rear of the Yaquis.”

d.i.c.k and Nort turned to see a detachment of the troopers making their way on hands and knees out among the rocks. Their object was what Bud had stated--to get in the rear of the Indians and not only attack them from that vantage point but also to prevent a retreat with the captives, in case Rosemary and Floyd were at that point.

And now the fight began in earnest.

With each party in a position advantageous to it the first few minutes of attack and defense were marked only by firing that accomplished nothing.

That is to say there was an exchange of bullets, most of which spattered against the rooks, sending up sprays of vicious lead or showers of pulverized stone, but inflicting no dangerous wounds. One of the troopers was temporarily blinded by some of this stone dust getting into his eyes when a bullet struck the rock just over his head, and several others, including Lieutenant Snow, were ”creased” by bullets when they exposed an arm or leg. But these were only trifles in the day's adventure.

If the Yaquis were not as romantic, tricky and brave as the old Apaches or Sioux, they were no quitters, and they seemed to be well directed.

For after the first scattered firing on their part, they began a fusillade which increased in intensity.

”They aren't saving ammunition,” commented Snake, as he drew a quick sight on an exposed head, and had the satisfaction of seeing it drop back out of sight in a manner that told of a hit.

”I guess they know it's a case of shoot or be shot,” remarked Yellin'

Kid, his tones low, for a wonder.

It must be stated that the troopers and those with them fought under a better system, and were better trained, to say nothing of being better individual marksmen. For this reason the casualties on the side of the Yaquis soon began to mount up. Occasional yells, and the spasmodic leaping up of some ”warrior” as he was. .h.i.t after a careless exposure of limb or body, told that the renegades were paying toll.

On the other hand more than one trooper was. .h.i.t, two being killed not far from Bud and his cousins.

Nor did our heroes escape. For Nort received a nasty, but not dangerous wound in the left leg, while d.i.c.k, incautiously looking from behind his rock, to see the effect of one of his shots, felt a bullet clip the lobe of his right ear, bringing pain and plenty of blood.

At first Bud and Nort thought d.i.c.k had been killed, for he fell back with a groan and his neck was stained a bright red, his ear bleeding freely. But after the momentary shock the lad raised himself--still keeping back of his rock, and cried:

”I'm all right. That ear always was too long!”

”Good stuff, kid!” cried one of the troopers. ”Here, wind some of this on,” and he tossed over a roll of antiseptic bandage.

Minor hurts were thus quickly bound up, and Bud, having received a painful wound in the right hand, had to retire from the fight. He did not actually go to the rear, however, but remained with Nort and d.i.c.k, handing them cartridges to reload their weapons.