guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears,
accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads
into the darkness beyond.

In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became
evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks
serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in
the darkness, from our bullets.

"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot
from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for
they'll allus aim too high."

"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh.

"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the
ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side.

"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said
Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We
must git inter their rear, somehow."

"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them,"
replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain
where we are."

"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire
from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff
ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few
shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't