They had reached a point on the river not far from Jose's
when a band of horsemen appeared approaching from the
west. Billy urged his party to greater speed that they might
avoid a meeting if possible; but it soon became evident that
the strangers had no intention of permitting them to go
unchallenged, for they altered their course and increased their
speed so that they were soon bearing down upon the fugitives
at a rapid gallop.
"I guess," said Billy, "that we'd better open up on 'em. It's
a cinch they ain't no friends of ours anywhere in these parts."
"Hadn't we better wait a moment," said Mr. Harding; "we
do not want to chance making any mistake."
"It ain't never a mistake to shoot a Dago," replied Billy.
His eyes were fastened upon the approaching horsemen, and
he presently gave an exclamation of recognition. "There's
Rozales," he said. "I couldn't mistake that beanpole nowheres.
We're safe enough in takin' a shot at 'em if Rosie's with 'em.
He's Pesita's head guy," and he drew his revolver and took a
single shot in the direction of his former comrades. Bridge
followed his example. The oncoming Pesitistas reined in.
Billy returned his revolver to its holster and drew his carbine.
"You ride on ahead," he said to Mr.
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