Gradually the fire from the enemy died down, and at last stopped almost
altogether. The precision of the white men astonished them, and they drew
behind cover and held a conference.
"Now's the time!" exclaimed Buck. "Into the coach, boys, and rustle out
the baggage. Lively's the word!"
All the little party, with the exception of the passengers, who seemed
too paralyzed with fright to move, dashed into the coach, and before the
Indians realized what was happening returned, each staggering under some
bulky article, trunk, or mail bag.
The savages sprang into life, and a hail of bullets struck against the
coach. But they were too late, and the defenders set to work to construct
a circular rampart, using the coach as part of it. After arranging the
baggage to their satisfaction they dug up earth and covered the
improvised ramparts with it.
"So far, so good," said Buck, when at last they stopped to draw breath.
"That will hold the red devils off for a time, anyway. But unless we get
help in some way I'm afraid we're done for, anyway. There's a big party
o' bucks there, and chances are that more will join them before mornin'.
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