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174 The hollow was of indefinite length and about a hundred feet wide and ten to twenty feet deep. The Tagals were close to the south bank, while the Spaniards held a position a hundred and fifty to two hundred yards away. In fifteen minutes the volley firing ceased, but a steady pop-pop from one direction or another took its place.

"Each side is throwing out skirmishers," said Dan. "If any of them come down here I don't know what we had best do!"

"If it comes to the worst we'll have to throw our fortunes in with the rebels," I answered. "But I have no liking for either side."

We were armed with pistols, fine six-shooters, and we held these in readiness for use, should occasion require. Wamba acted as if he wanted to leave us, but doubtless the hope of getting money out of us made him remain.

As I have said, the natives were closer than the Spanish, and presently a dozen of them slipped down into the hollow. They were determined-looking fellows, much superior to the Tagals I had met up at the locality where the Dart lay stranded.

"They are coming this way!" whispered Dan. "I'm afraid, if they spot us, they will fire before we can explain who we are."

"We had better—" I began, when pop! went a rifle, and a bullet grazed my temple, causing