Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/277

 XVIII

VISITORS FROM THE SOUTH

"Not wild Indians; Spanish, rather," mused the lieutenant, as, standing motionless, he and Stub gazed. "Hah! They may be videttes (scouts) from a large party, or they may be hunters like ourselves. We'll turn back, my boy; not from fear but to avoid trouble if possible."

So they turned back, in the direction of the stockade. Glancing behind, Stub saw the two horsemen descending the hill at a gallop.

"They're coming, lieutenant. They've seen us."

"The sound of our gun no doubt attracted them first. They seem to be alone. Very well. They must not be permitted to think that we're afraid of them. Should they persist in coming on, we'll face them."

The two horsemen did come on, flourishing their lances as if in a charge. They were closing the gap rapidly—were within gunshot, when the lieutenant barked the brisk order:

"Now! Face about! We'll show them the muzzles of our guns."