J. Allan Dunn

“ He recognized the shrewdness with which Strong had chosen what Lobo believed could be at the best only a temporary refuge, and he gave orders for his men to gallop about the place to draw the fire of the defenders, while two of them, expert hunters of beasts and men, clambered up the cliff to where they could command the inclosure with a plunging fire. ”

“ An empty gun's a pore weapon when the other man's loaded, but you don't want to fergit they're goin' to run out of shells same as you do. If we rush 'em, an' I reckon thet's your idee, Strong, they'll be rattled some an' shoot fast. The faster they shoot the mo' li'ble they air to miss. If you don't aim, you're jest givin' away cartridges.”
“Don't shoot till Hurley an' me start,” warned Strong. “Now then, wait till I coax the roan round the edge of the pool an' ride him back. He'll be steady once he savvies he's got his footin'. ”

“ For better discipline, Hurley now brought up the rear, with the superstitious Mexicans ahead of him. Miguel whispered with chattering teeth and awe-struck voice.
“Thees ees hell itself. Señor, surely there are devils here! Men I do not fear, but devils——”
“I don't see 'em. Come on.” ”

“ There were trees growing here and there in little groves or standing apart—bushes and rock masses that must have fallen from the cliffs long since, vine-clad now. Along one cliff there showed the dim bulk of several cabins with lights in the windows of one or two of them. ”

“ We kin shoot better thet a way an' the hawsses might nicker if thar's any others nigh whar we come out inter their hideout.
“Miguel, an' you Pedro, an' Juan, don't chuck away yore lead. Squeeze yore triggers an' the guns won't throw up or sidewise. Aim befo' you loose, an' aim low. A body's a dern sight better target than a head.”
“Thet's the talk,” endorsed Hurley. His whispering voice was like the growl of an old dog, unleashed on a strong scent. ”

“ Them hawsses'll nigh fill up the space inside those rocks, but I reckon the men'll be takin' cracks at you. They'll tuck the gal in on the ground. If either of us git a good chance, what's the matter with lettin' thet Strong fella have it in the laig? ”