th the ugliness of
strained nerves. "I say stick to shelter while you've got it." He drew his
revolver as he spoke and examined it.

"They're coming fast." Hard's voice was tense. Herrick carrying three
rifles came out.

"Get inside--everybody!" ordered Scott. The party had turned in from the
road and were dashing toward them. Mrs. Conrad and Polly were already in
the house. The men followed. "They ride like Indians, Hard; I believe it's
Yaquis on the warpath!" He and Hard stationed themselves at the open
windows in the darkness. "I'm for waiting till they attack us; what do you
think?"

"Yes. Let them make the first move."

The intruders were at the gate. Now they swept in, a couple of score of
them. They whirled and made for the barn.

"They're Indians, all right," whispered Scott. "They're after the
horses."

The silence was complete for a few seconds, the women obediently crouching
in the darkest corner scarcely seeming to breathe, Scott and Hard, hidden
behind the light curtains, keeping their eyes fixed upon the swiftly
moving figures outside, Herrick standing just within the doorway.
Suddenly, cries broke the stillness. Two of the Yaquis who had entered the
barn came out with the news. The yells were of rage.

"No horses!" grinned Scott. "Their feelings are hurt. Here's where the
play begins."

"They're firing the barn," said Hard, grimly.

They were. It blazed like a child's bonfire and the shouts and curses of
the disappointed Yaquis rose with the flames.

In another moment the Indians had ridden toward the house. Polly, who in
spite of orders, had crept toward the window saw them in amazement.
Between the moon and the light of the blazing barn, they were distinctly
visible.

"But they can't be Indians!" she exclaimed, at Scott's elbow. "They're
just like our Mexicans!"

"Did you expect them to wear scalp locks? Get out of range, quick! Hard,
cover the second chap, there. I'm going to give the first boy a shock.
They'll be in here in half a minute if I don't."

His shot rang out and the bullet flew over the Indian's head. It was close
enough to make him pull his horse to its haunches while those behind him
did the same.

"While I'm talking to him, you women slide out the back door," muttered
Scott, hurriedly. "Make for the stream and the horses while they're
watching us. Hello, out there, what do you want?" he said in Spanish.

Mrs. Conrad gripped Polly's arm. "Come!" she said.

"We can't!