ctively they retreat into the house, without taking their prisoner
along with them. Tied, he cannot stir from the spot. If he could it
would make little difference now. Their determination is to defend
themselves, if need be, to the death; and the hut, with its stout timber
walls, is the best place they can think of. It has two doors, opening
front and back, both of heavy slabs--split trunks of the palmilla. They
have been constructed strongly and to shut close, for the nights are
sometimes chilly, and grizzly bears stray around the ranche.

Hastily shutting to the doors and barring them they take stand, each at
a window, of which there are also two, both being in front. They are
mere apertures in the log wall, and of limited dimensions, but on this
account all the better for their purpose, being large enough to serve as
loopholes through which they can deliver their fire.

The position is not unfavourable for defence. The cabin stands close to
a cliff, with but passage way behind. In front the ground is open, a
sort of natural lawn leading down to the lake; only here and there a
tree diversifies its smooth surface. Across this anyone approaching
must come, whether they have entered the valley from above or below. On
each flank the facade of the precipice projects outward, so that the
abutting points can be seen from either of the windows; and, as they are
both within rifle range, an assailant attempting to turn the cabin so as
to enter from the back would be exposed to the enfilading fire of those
inside. For security against a surround, the spot could not have been
better chosen, and with anything like a fair proportion between
besiegers and besieged the former would fail. Under the circumstances,
however, there is not likely to be this, and for the two men to attempt
defending themselves would seem the certain sealing of their doom.

What chance for them to hold the hut against a force of fifty armed
men--soldiers--for if the whole of the troop is returning there is this
number? It may be not all have re-entered the valley--only a party sent
back to bring on the pilferer, who has been missed upon the march. In
that case there will be some chance of withstanding their attack. At
all hazards it is to be withstood.

What else can the two men do? Surrender, and become the prisoner of
Uraga? Never! They know the relentless ruffian too well, and with too
good reason. After their experience of him they