Again Billy lifted Bridge in his arms and this time he
succeeded in reaching the ranchhouse without opposition
though a little crimson stream trickled down his left arm to
drop upon the face of his friend as he deposited Bridge upon
the floor of the house.
All night the Pesitistas circled the lone ranchhouse. All
night they poured their volleys into the adobe walls and
through the barricaded windows. All night the little band of
defenders fought gallantly for their lives; but as day
approached the futility of their endeavors was borne in upon
them, for of the nine one was dead and three wounded, and
the numbers of their assailants seemed undiminished.
Billy Byrne had been lying all night upon his stomach
before a window firing out into the darkness at the dim forms
which occasionally showed against the dull, dead background
of the moonless desert.
Presently he leaped to his feet and crossed the floor to the
room in which the horses had been placed.
"Everybody fire toward the rear of the house as fast as they
can," said Billy. "I want a clear space for my getaway."
"Where you goin?" asked one of the Clark brothers.
"North," replied Billy, "after some of Funston's men on the
border."
"But they won't cross," said Mr.
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