"Good!" exclaimed Bridge, "and now for upstairs. They'll
be howling around here in about five minutes, and we want
to give them a reception they won't forget."
He led the way to the second floor, where the five took up
positions near the front windows. A short distance from the
ranchhouse they could see the enemy, consisting of a detachment
of some twenty of Pesita's troopers riding at a brisk trot
in their direction.
"Pesita's with them," announced Bridge, presently. "He's
the little fellow on the sorrel. Wait until they are close up,
then give them a few rounds; but go easy on the ammunition
--we haven't any too much."
Pesita, expecting no resistance, rode boldly into the
ranchyard. At the bunkhouse and the office his little force halted
while three or four troopers dismounted and entered the
buildings in search of victims. Disappointed there they moved
toward the ranchhouse.
"Lie low!" Bridge cautioned his companions. "Don't let
them see you, and wait till I give the word before you fire."
On came the horsemen at a slow walk. Bridge waited until
they were within a few yards of the house, then he cried:
"Now! Let 'em have it!" A rattle of rifle fire broke from the
upper windows into the ranks of the Pesitistas.
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