Part 29 (1/2)

CHAPTER XXV

”ALL'S WELL!”

What was taking place down below, Rosemary and Floyd could only guess at. But that the rescuers were taking advantage of everything possible was evident from the occasional hits they made among the Yaquis. More than one was killed and several wounded as they fired over the top of the wall, or through loopholes amid the rocks.

Then, soon after the determination at which Rosemary had arrived, there came a more violent fusillade than any that had preceded. In this several Indians were forced to retire because of serious wounds. Then the firing died away.

Though the captive lad and his sister did not know it, this sudden cessation in the firing of the attackers was due to an order of the commander of the troopers. The captain was, also, nominally in command of the boy ranchers and their friends.

”There is too much indiscriminate firing,” decided Captain Marshall.

”We haven't an unlimited supply of ammunition. We've got to go a bit slow. No telling how long we may have to camp on the trail of these imps.”

It was a wise determination as they all agreed, and the word went up and down the line of attackers to be sparing of powder and lead. This is what caused the troopers and cowboys suddenly to cease firing, following a desperate fusillade which they hoped would turn the tide of battle in their favor, but it had not done so.

”We must size the situation up,” decided the captain. ”Find out just how many more rounds we have left--counting also the supply of our friends from Diamond X,” he ordered an officer.

And the taking stock of the situation was soon under way. That the Yaquis were as glad of the respite, as were our friends, need not be doubted.

Advantage was taken of the lull to look after the wounded, and to bring water to the fighting men, for they were sorely in need of drinks. And warm as the water was, it seemed the best that had ever trickled down their throats.

Back in their prison, Rosemary and Floyd noted the sudden silence that followed the brisk firing. Brother and sister looked at each other, and there was fear in their faces.

”Do you suppose that means they have quit?” asked the girl.

”Who?” her brother wanted to know.

”The ones who are out there trying to help us--cowboys from our uncle's ranch, I hope.”

”I hope so, too, and I hope they haven't had to quit,” spoke Floyd.

”But we've got to go on with what we planned now. I'm for it as much as you are, Rosemary. Something has to be done! Are you sure you won't weaken at the last minute, and cave in?”

”Did you ever know me to do a thing like that?” she asked with flas.h.i.+ng eyes.

”No, I never did.”

”Well, I'm not going to start now! Don't worry, Floyd. Somehow I feel sure that this will pull us through! I thought of it in the night--perhaps I dreamed it--and I have a feeling that it is going to work out all right. Don't be afraid. Let's try it with all our might!

Are you ready?”

”As ready as I ever shall be,” was the grim answer. ”But if you're playing a 'hunch,' so to speak, that's different. You always were lucky!”

He laughed grimly, and Rosemary joined in. It was the first time they had laughed since being taken captives.

As her brother had said, Rosemary was ”lucky.”

For a moment brother and sister looked about them. They must act soon, and, after all, the consequences could not be much worse than those which continually were hanging over them.

”Whenever you're ready--give the word!” whispered Floyd.