Beadle's Dime Novels No. 316: Hurricane Bill — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

76 HURRICANE BILL. say it, simply and forcibly. He told them that the outlaws were in a strong position, and any hesitation upon their part would be almost certain destruction. , Their best plan was to make a sudden dash and reach the open ground beyond the pass. This once gained, they held the result in their own hands. ¢ There was no need for further speech, The Mexicians, with one voice, declared that they would ,follow Mustang Sum to the death. And he, though a little doubtful whether their courage would be proof against the test of fire, knew that it was best to strike while the iron was hot, without giv- ing their fervor time to cool. “ Be sure an’ keep close at my heels, pard, ” he hastily muttered to: Hurricane Bill, as they rode toward the pass. that was destined to be the scene ofta tragedy.. “ Don’t slop to burn ethno ontel we’re in Open ground. Them cusses hev got ie 0’ dornicks ready to roj]l down a-top o’ us, an’ we cain’t a’ford to lose Tornado or buck-skin, You won't fer- git ?” ’ Hurricane Bill replied by a look; but. no more words passed between the friends. They were now within. the pass, and a few moments more would bring them to the end. Mustang Sam, who had assumed the command, as it were, rode slowly along. He bad marked well the ambush and could tell at just what point actual danger cOmmenced. He felt confident that the outlaws would not open fire until their prey was almost directly beneath them, for fear those left by the first volley might seek safety in flight. The two scouts rode along quietly, as‘ though fully at ease, but, despite his directions, Mustang Sam could see the Mexicans casting anx- ious glances at the ledge above and before them. They pos- sessed little of the peculiar courage such an advance requircd. And Mustang knew that he inust make the dash specdily, if at all. With a shrill, piercing yell, he gave Tornado loose rein, and darted forward like a flash, closely followed by Hari}. cane Bill. The Mexicans, dsine the yell, also charged boldly, seeming to gather resolution from their own voices. “ Hire! let not one escape !” It was the voice of Black Garcia, rising high aboye the conmicloooks.comn)