Page:Hendryx--Connie Morgan with the Mounted.djvu/135

Rh that, properly manned, it would prove a very effective fort—constructed as it was, of poles, and rocks, and newly-fallen trees. The fighting force Connie counted to be nineteen, exclusive of the women, children, and old men.

The captured Indian said there had been fifty of his own tribe, but that several had been drowned in the river after drinking liberally of "Soapy" White's liquor, and several more killed and wounded in the first attack on the village.

"They've got us at least two to one," said Connie, "but we'll hold 'em off! We've got the fort!"

"Besides, an' accordin' to which," interrupted Toad Jones, "we got the best end of it—they's twict as many fer us to shoot at. Ye kin hit 'bout forty men a heap easier'n what ye kin twenty er nineteen."

"'Cordin' to how the grub holds out," said Tex Gordon. "I reckon we kin slip a man down the trail at night fer water. But, grub—that's the main thing!" The man's words were cut short by a loud cry from the front—a cry that brought the whole force of defenders to the barricade with a rush. And then—a wild chorus of yells and