s
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 flashing
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.

"Now!" suddenly called Rosemary to her brother.

"Come on!" he echoed.

Together they rushed from the cave, straight toward the band o