e designs of
the Indians had been defeated thus far, and he believed they could be
stood off indefinitely, at least until the arrival of the cowboys, who
would then take charge of business.

The two matters that gave him anxiety were the presence of the warrior
below in the cabin, and the probability of himself being struck by some
of the bullets that he expected to come scurrying over the planking
every minute.

The two shots that had been fired came alarmingly near, and the next
were likely to come still nearer.

But immunity from harm gives one confidence, and only a few more minutes
passed when, instead of contenting himself with peering about him, the
captain began stealthily creeping toward the part of the eaves where the
last Indian had appeared and disappeared so suddenly.

Mindful of the risk of the action, he paused when close to the edge, and
waited several minutes before venturing to peep over. The stillness was
as if every living person were a hundred miles away. This, however, as
he well knew, might be the case with a score of Indians grouped directly
beneath.

But having gone thus far, he did not mean to return to his post without
accomplishing something. With the greatest possible caution, he raised
his head just far enough to look over. He held it in this position only
a second or two, for, if any of his enemies were on the alert, they
would be sure to observe him.

Nothing greeted his vision, beyond that which he had seen times without
number. He did not catch the outlines of a single person or mustang,
though convinced they were near at hand.

Had there been any doubt on this point, it would have been dissipated by
a repetition of the signals that seemed almost continually passing
between the besieging Comanches.

Captain Shirril noticed that the sounds came from the direction of the
mesquite bush, as though most of them had gathered there apparently for
consultation, and were calling in the other members of their party.

"If that is so, they can't do us much harm," was his conclusion, "but
they are not likely to stay there. I suppose they have gathered in Avon
and my horses long ago, and we shall have to ride other animals on the
tramp to Kansas."

On the whole, the result of his survey was satisfactory; whatever
mischief the Comanches were plotting, there was no immediate danger.
Minutes were precious, but they were more valuable to the defenders than
to the assailants. The cattlemen mu