Sanderson determined to finish the battle before the darkness could
come to increase the hazard, and when he reached the spot in the
fissure he hurriedly took note of the strategical points of the
position.

There was not much concealment for his body. He was compelled to lie
flat on his stomach to be certain that no portion of his body was
exposed; and he found a place in a little depression at the edge of the
fissure that seemed suitable. Then he raised his head above the little
ridge that concealed him from his enemies.

He saw them all--every man of them. Some of them were crouching; some
were lying prone--apparently resting; still others were sitting, their
backs against their protection--waiting.

Sanderson took his rifle by the barrel and with the stock forced a
channel through some rotted rock on the top of the little ridge that
afforded him concealment. When he had dug the channel deeply
enough--so that he could aim the weapon without exposing his head--he
stuck the rifle barrel into the channel and shouted to the Dale men:

"This game is played out, boys! I'm behind you. You can't hide any
longer. I give you fair warning that if you don't come out within a
minute, throwin' your guns away an' holdin' up your hands, I'll pick
you off, one by one! That goes!"

There was sincerity in Sanderson's voice, but the men doubted.
Sanderson saw them look around, but it was plain to him that they could
not tell from which direction his voice came.