At the very
edge of the cliff stood the big freight wagon. Behind it, between
the wagon and the steep river bank, stood two horses. At one end
two more lay prostrate on the ground. In front a light barrier of
boxes and barrels rose a few feet from the ground. And there, a
rifle at his shoulder, knelt Elmer Grissom, their friend and
servant. Buck was nowhere in sight.
Their worst fears were realized.
As the dramatic picture flashed from view each boy knew that it was
time to act.
"What's to be done?" exclaimed Alan, his voice choking.
"There can't be many of them," answered Ned finally, as if thinking,
"or they would pushed their attack. If we could locate them the
rest would be easy. Let Bob take the wheel and try to get over the
wagon again; I have an idea."
The Cibola again answered the rudder and circled, Ned flashing the
bulb until the river came beneath them. This required but a few
moments, but, before the craft had gathered momentum on the way
back, there were four shots almost together about three hundred
yards to the right of where they supposed the wagon stood, and a
quick reply from the river bank.
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