. There was a shrill cry, and the crash of
something rolling downward. At the same moment from below came a crashing
volley of shots, and bullets snarled upward by them like a swarm of bees.
The boys shrank back flat, then leaned over and returned two quick
volleys.

Another cry indicated that one of their bullets had found a mark, and
following a scattering return volley from the darkness there were sounds
of a hurried scuttling for cover.

"Anyone touched?" Jack asked.

"I think I lost a little hair," said Wilson quietly.

"Me too," said Alex. "But a miss is as good as a mile, you know. And we
have the advantage so far."

"Sh!" warned Jack. In the silence came the sound of running footsteps
farther up the gully, followed by a continuous rattle of falling stones.

"They're making a rush up another path. Quick, and stop them!" exclaimed
Wilson, starting to his feet.

"Hold on," Alex interrupted as they reached the crest of the slope.
"Perhaps it's a ruse to get us away, so they can start the fire. You two
run and chase them down, and I'll stay and watch here. If you need help,
shout."

Wilson and Jack sprang away along the brink of the ravine. A hundred
yards distant the sounds of men ascending rose from directly beneath
them. Without pause they fired. Cries of rage followed, and as the boys
dropped to the ground a dozen bullets whined over them. Promptly Wilson
replied with the entire seven shots from one of his pistols, there was a
crash as of someone falling, then a general scrambling as the entire
party apparently tumbled precipitately down the steep slope. Rising to
their feet, the boys fired several more shots, and hastened back toward
Alex.

As they neared him the crash of his rifle told he had guessed rightly
that another attempt would be made to light the fire.

"Quick!" he said, slamming the loading mechanism. "They're sticking to
it!"

Wilson and Jack saw several twinkling flames, and the roar of Alex's next
shot was followed by the crash of their own weapons. A cry of agony
followed, and one of the lights disappeared. Another faltered, and also
went out.

Alex once more brought up his rifle, took careful aim; the jet of flame
leaped from the muzzle, and with a shout the boys saw the last spot of
light describe an arc in the air, and go out.

An angry howl followed, then a continuous volley from several different
points. The spirit of fight had taken full possession of the three lads
on the