STANDING OFF THE JAYHAWKERS 



Such orders were hardly necessary, for we made 

 it a rule at all times to keep our arms in good 

 shape and cartridges convenient. 



*'Here they come!'* exclaimed Jack in great 

 glee, and, looking toward the store, we could see 

 a party of mounted men just coming out of the 

 timber at the creek crossing. As soon as the an- 

 nouncement was made Tom brought the field- 

 glass to bear on them and began counting: 



"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven — all 

 told." Then he added: "They would likely leave 

 only one man back to take care of camp; so eight 

 is about the full strength of the gang, just as we 

 heard." 



Passing the glass to me, he added: 



"As soon as they get in hailing distance I'll 

 halt 'em, an' you men will be ready to enforce my 

 commands. Ef they don't halt at the first com- 

 mand I'll halt 'em again, an' maybe the third 

 time, but not more. An' when I give the com- 

 mand, 'Fire!' remember your old training — aim 

 about the saddles an' let em' have it, an' don't 

 waste your ca'tridges. Let each one of us try to 

 see how many saddles he can empty." 



To me this sounded serious, but the veteran 

 was as cool about it as if giving instructions to a 

 squad of soldiers on skirmish drill. Jack always 

 seemed happy when there was a good prospect of 

 a fight before him. I must admit that I began to 

 feel a little squeamish as the jayhawkers drew near 



53 



