ng river bank
where they soon joined the wearied, but still vigilant, Yorke. The rest,
under the inspector, making a wide detour of the ranch, gained the brush
on its eastern side. Among this last party were Hardy, McSporran and
McCullough. In extended order they glided through the thick scrub and,
reaching its fringe, flung themselves prone with their carbines held in
readiness.

The inspector gradually wormed himself up beside Slavin who, in a few
tense whispers, acquainted his superior with all details of the
situation. Full well, both men realized what a perilous spot it was, for
all concerned, on the eastern front of the shack. Straining their eyes
in the gray, ghostly gloom they could just discern an open casement.
Apparently it was from this well-sheltered embrasure that Gully had
previously attempted to pick off Slavin. With the coming of daylight
their position would be absolutely untenable in the face of further fire
from the enemy. On the other hand, if they retreated further into the
scrub they would lose sight of their objective altogether.

So much Kilbride intimated to the sergeant as they held whispered
consultation. Also, he imparted reassuring news anent Redmond. The
latter's injury, though serious, was not a mortal hurt, according to a
report from MacDavid, who had left the doctor watching his patient
closely at the detachment.

Suddenly, a few paces to the right of where they lay, came the sound of
one of the party stealthily clearing his throat. Poor fellow! his
momentary lack of caution proved to be his death warrant.

Crack! A spurt of flame leapt from the velvety-black square of casement.
The horrid, unforgetable cry of a man wounded unto death echoed the shot,
and the startled besiegers could hear their comrade threshing around
amongst the dead leaves in his agony.

"Steady, men! steady now! don't expose yourselves!" yelled the inspector.
"Fire at that window, while I get to this man!--keep me covered!"

His commands were eagerly obeyed. Sheltered by the roaring burst of
carbine fire he wriggled sideways in feverish haste and eventually gained
the stricken man. The latter's convulsive threshing of limbs had ceased
and an instant's examination convinced the inspector that Gully's random
shot had been fatal.

For awhile the besiegers poured in brisk volleys upon the door and
windows, until the inspector gave the command to "Cease Fire!"
Suddenly--mockingly--hard upon the last