" replied Avon, replenishing the magazine of his gun and
keeping his gaze on the plain in front.

"It is well enough to drop a mustang, but it is better to tumble their
riders off them."

"I meant to do that, but failed."

The natural supposition of the friends was that the hot reception they
had given their assailants would check them, and cause their withdrawal
beyond the deadly range of their Winchesters. The reports must have
reached the cowboys, and both glanced at the ridge to the west, over
which they expected to see their comrades coming to their rescue.

But the Comanches could not have failed to know of the presence of
others near at hand, which fact warned them that whatever they did must
be done quickly. Instead of falling back, therefore, because of the loss
of a single warrior and steed, they rallied and pushed the fight with
greater vigor than ever.

In the face of the cracking Winchesters they rode closer than before,
and then branching apart, put their animals on a run while they
discharged their guns from every conceivable position. Instead of
wheeling about as at first, they kept them straight away on the circle,
which being less than before, enabled them to circumnavigate the
defenders in a brief space of time.

The captain and his nephew had their hands full, for assailants were on
every side of them, and the popping of their guns was continuous. The
attack was so serious, and the defenders were in such a conspicuous
position, that it was impossible to escape the storm of bullets flying
all around them.

A quick start on the part of Thunderbolt showed that he had been hit,
while almost at the same moment the rearing of the captain's mustang
proved that he, too, was hurt.

"Make your horse lie down," called the elder.

Avon had already determined on this recourse, and seizing the head of
his animal he ordered him down. Thunderbolt was well trained, but the
hurt already received made him restless, and his young master had to
engage in a partial struggle before he gathered his legs under him and
rolled over on his side.

The instant he did so Avon knelt behind his body and was in the most
favorable posture for defense.

Captain Shirril's task proved more difficult. His horse refused to go
down at his command, and it was necessary to throw him. He resisted
with such vigor that his owner dropped his rifle and was forced to use
his utmost strength before he could trip and bring him to the ea