This was true, but the boys found that the fight was
not yet entirely over, for when they appeared in full view on the hill
there came a volley from the bank of the creek half a mile distant,
which was the nearest shelter that could be obtained on that side.

The height of the hill made the first flight of bullets fall somewhat
short, and, before the crowd could fire again, the boys had got out of
danger and returned the fire with interest. They had the advantage,
too, in firing down instead of up, and they kept the enemy close to
cover.

About the middle of the morning there was a furious fusillade from
both sides, the creek bank and the gully, against the stockade, which
was beginning to show quite a scarred appearance. The boys replied
with vigor; then suddenly the firing slackened and then ceased
altogether.

"I believe they have quit," declared Jo.

"I wouldn't be too sure," warned Jim.

"There they go up through those willows, near the creek," said Juarez.

"That's where I caught the trout," said Jo. He evidently considered it
a more historic spot than where the fort stood, being a true
fisherman.

"I really believe they are quitting," announced Tom.

"It's possible their ammunition has run low," suggested Jim.

"Another thing," put in Jo, "if big Gus is badly hurt, the rest of
that gang won't hold together."

"That's so," agreed Juarez. "Those Greasers are never to be trusted."

"He has bullied 'em too," said Jim, "and they would naturally turn on
him. But if you treat the Mexicans fair and square, you would find
that they weren't such a bad lot after all."

"Just as soon try to tame hyenas," said Tom.

"You are prejudiced, Thomas," reasoned Jeems. "That comes from being
an Anglo-Saxon."

"He's an _angler_-Saxon, you mean," said Jo. They all laughed at this.

"That's pretty good for you," said Jim. "Keep on you will be a wit."

"I am already," replied Jo modestly.

It seemed kind of natural to hear the boys joking so light-heartedly,
and like old times. The battle was over without any dramatic crisis.
Things do happen that way sometimes, and the boys were perfectly
satisfied to have it end without any grand blow out or blow up. They
soon found out that the enemy had indeed retreated, for they went up
the gully, that is, Jim and Juarez did, with due caution, and found
that Gus Gols and his gang had gone. They discovered the place where
their horses had been hitched.

"Good riddance to bad r