of
shots, and the pounding of a multitude of hoofs.

Gentleman Geoff drew one slim hand across his reeking forehead.

"It's come. Boys! Steady now, to the finish!"

"Look here, Sir! I'm going to try for it." Thode caught his host by
the arm. "I can slip out before they have the house surrounded and
find a horse somewhere. If they down me, one man more or less here
won't make any difference, and it's a chance!"

"Look!" Gentleman Geoff waved the young engineer to a narrow window
beside the entrance door.

Down the straight level expanse of the Calle Rivera clattered an
unending stream of horsemen, their accoutrements jingling a sinister
diapason as they poured helter-skelter across the plaza in the waning
moonlight. Tatterdemalion as they were, the ragged army were
well-organized as Thode saw at a glance; no haphazard, leaderless crew
was this, for at their head rode a diminutive, jockey-like figure, his
face glistening and ebony in the eerie radiance, his teeth flashing
white as he turned in the saddle. The Little Nigger had come!

His company halted in an irregular line against the eastern end of the
plaza, flung themselves from their horses and came on in a rushing,
yelling horde. A weak scattered volley rattled from the dwellings
about the square, but the raiders made unswervingly for what was
obviously their main objective, the Blue Chip, where most of the male
population, unlimited alcohol and a fabulous ransom in gold were theirs
for the taking.

They had reached the center of the Calle, when Gentleman Geoff barked a
brief command and a withering blast of shots rang forth from the
besieged garrison. The advancing line crumpled, wavered, then at a
cat-like yowl from its dusky leader, closed in and came forward with an
answering roar.

Kearn Thode sprang from his point of vantage and faced the other man
once more with undiminished determination in his eyes.

"I've got to get to the barracks--it means death to us all if I stay
here! Isn't there a door on the other side of the house somewhere back
of the patio?"

"Yes. It opens on a little alley that leads to the plaza." It was the
girl's eager voice which replied.

"And the Carranzistas, the government troops, are ten miles away to the
north. I'm going to ride for it, Sir, it's the only chance. I can
slip out of that alley and around the edge of the plaza to where their
horses are picketed. There'll be interference there, and I may hav