Hardly had the pistols belched forth than the Indians opened fire, and four bullets buried themselves close to the firing-holes in the loft openings. "They mean to overpower us if they can," cried Dan. "We must load up as fast as we can!" The Indians, or at least the three that were not wounded, had now gained the door, and were trying to force it open.

Leaving Ralph to see to the defences of the ranch home, Dan hurried down to the cattle shelter. This was in plain view of the cabin and could readily be covered from two firing-holes left in the shutter which covered one of the windows of the sleeping apartment.