He was scarcely entrenched again, with the three magazine rifles
laid on the barricade before him, when his straining ears heard a
new sound. Far away and faint, but meaning only one thing, the soft
chugging of a motor. The Cibola! There could be no doubt of it.
The instant feeling of relief was shattered even as it gave Elmer
new courage; to attempt to light the signal fires would probably
mean instant death. And without them how would his friends know his
position or peril? But one thing he could do; and even knowing that
it would mean an answering shot from the skulking horse thieves he
discharged his revolver into the air.
Then the sound of the motor died away and the long minutes dragged
by. When it began again, and more softly, the sound was nearer.
Nearer, and nearer it came and then the circle of light fell on the
wagon and was gone. "At least they know where I am," thought Elmer
to himself, and settled down courageously for renewed attack,
determined to hold out to the last. At this moment came the shot
that put out the Cibola's light.
The nervy boy had been tempted to abandon the wagon and follow the
light, but his second judgment was against this.
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