s too, regulars like these don't amount to much; but
they are bound to be a long chalk better than this rowdy crowd of ours.
We've got a pretty fair chance to win, because we're in a strong
position, and because our people mean to wait until the other fellows
come at 'em; but I tell you what it is, if ever they manage to get
inside here, or if ever we go outside after them--that is, while they're
fresh and full of fight--it's bound to be all day with us. These miners,
and the rest of this Tlahuico outfit, will fight like wild-cats as long
as they're on top, but every bit of fight will go right out of them the
minute they find that they're beginning to get underneath. That's the
Indian way. I'm trying hard to believe that our crowd will whip the
other crowd; but I must say, Professor, that I'm not betting on it."

"Well, I'm bettin' on it, and bettin' on it high," said Young. "I don't
pretend t' know as much about this sort o' thing as Rayburn does; but I
do think I know a live devil when I see one--an' these miners are about
as lively an' about as devilly as anything that ever broke loose from
hell. They're just as full o' th' wickedest sort o' fight as they can
stick in their ugly skins, an' they're just sick for a chance t' let it
get out of 'em. All we've got t' do is t' worry th' other crowd for a
while by lettin' 'em monkey around tryin' t' bag us; an' then, when
they've been pretty well shot off, an' are gettin' tired, just make a
rush for 'em an' scoop 'em in. Regulars or no regulars, these miners 'll
go through 'em like a limited express; an' the' first thing th' Priest
Captain knows we'll have walloped him right smack out o' th' baggy
things he wears on his feet an' thinks are boots. That's th' size of it,
Rayburn. That's what's goin' t' happen right here--an' don't you forget
it! An' then, if there's any way out o' this d--n valley, we'll load up
with dollars an' pull out for home."

For my own part, I was not disposed to be either so doubtful as Rayburn
or so sanguine as Young. In what each of them said there was much truth,
and my inference from such of the facts in the case as were within my
knowledge and my comprehension was that the chances for and against our
success were very evenly divided. Had I listened only to the promptings
of my hopes, I should have entertained no doubt whatever touching the
certainty of our victory; for I was at that time so elated by the
knowledge that I had acquired, and that e