José — page 264: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

JOSE. 257 menaced,” he cried.. “Four men are few, but they can accomplish much at the right time. Who chooses to assist Old Bob come along. Straight out to them !” He was on the back of his horse before he had finished speaking, and was speeding toward the mouth of the gulch without looking back. Close behind was Dutch Bill, who appeared to have only waited for the signal, and side by side the two chums brought up the rear. They had barely reached the open plain at a.point near the stream, when they were made to fully real- ize the situation. A band of probably twenty mounted whites had been cut off by a large body of Indians. The assailed had covered the'r backs by a high ridge, and judging from a number of riderless horses galloping aimlessly about, had boldly re- sented the attack; but on the opposite shore other forces of Indians were constantly appearing, readily effecting a crossifNg and combining with the assail- ants. “They must be crushed!” Bob called back, reining in his steed. “Let each man cover his game and then straight into them with butt or blade, just so we give them room. Surprise has done a great many incredulous things. Up with your rifles— now !” Loudly the death-dealing rifles rang out in con- cert, and with the knife between his teeth and the heavy gun swung aloft like a huge club, Bob dashed on in advance of his followers, straight toward the scene of battle. Eomichbooks (E(0) m