this narrow ravine, they had, in one sense, placed themselves between two
fires.

Hurriedly reloading his rifle, Mickey waited several minutes, determined
to fire the instant he got the chance, with the purpose of enhancing the
demoralization of the wretches. But they had received enough to teach them
caution, and as the minutes passed, they failed to expose themselves. They
had taken to shelter somewhere, and were not yet ready to uncover.

"When Mickey had waited a considerable time, he concluded to rejoin Fred
Munson, who, no doubt, was anxious over the result of his reconnoissance.
When he returned he found him seated upon the boulder, instead of behind
it. The Irishman hastily explained what had taken place, and added:

"I don't know what they will do next, but we've give the spalpeens a dose
that will kaap them in the background for a while."

"No, it won't, either," was the significant response.

"What do you maan, me laddy?"

"I mean that the Apaches, or some of them, anyway, have changed their
base. I've heard something overhead that makes me sure they're up there,
getting up some kind of deviltry."




CHAPTER XVII.