back just in the nick of time, for almost instantly 
the sharp reports of several rifles rang out and 
the sounds echoed and re-echoed between the 
canyon walls. 
**Run to the foundation,” exclaimed the man, 
erasping little Pearl by the hand. Once within 
its walls, which were now about four feet high, 
they crouched down and were safe for the mo- 
ment. The shots continued until at least fifty 
_ had been fired. The bullets knocked ashes from 
the campfire and one of them pierced the tin 
pail. Several hit the wagon and they could tell 
by the sounds of snorting and plunging that one 
of the horses had been wounded. 
In a few minutes the shooting ceased, but all 
night long the sheep-man stood guard with his 
rifle in his hand, not knowing but that the cattle- 
men would send some of their Indian and Mexi- 
can cowboys to raid the camp and finish their 
bloody work. But nothing more occurred. 
When morning came at last they ventured 
forth and, after a hasty breakfast, packed all 
their scanty outfit in the wagon in preparation for 
leaving. About nine o’clock a little procession 
212 
