now from the discarded weapons of the raiders, and well

supplied with ammunition. The Chinaman and the loyal Mexican

also discovered themselves when they learned that the

tables had been turned upon Pesita. They, too, were armed

and all were mounted, and when Billy had loaded the remaining

weapons upon the balance of the horses the party rode

away, driving Pesita's live stock and arms ahead of them.

"I imagine," remarked Bridge, "that you've rather

discouraged pursuit for a while at least," but pursuit came sooner

than they had anticipated.

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

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