There, I hear them again, sir.

I'm quite sure of it, and they're growing louder!" "And so do I!" exclaimed Colonel Winchester, now all life and activity.
"The sounds are made by a large body of men advancing upon us! Seize that bugle, Dick, and blow the alarm with all your might!" Dick snatched up the bugle and blew upon it a long shrill blast that pierced far into the forest.

He blew and blew again, and every man in the little force sprang to his feet in alarm.

Nor were they a moment too soon.

From the woods to the east came the answering notes of a bugle and then a great voice cried: "Forward men an' wipe 'em off the face of the earth!" It seemed to Dick that he had heard that voice before, but he had no time to think about it, as the next instant came the rush of the wild horsemen, a thousand strong, leaning low over their saddles, their faces dark with the passion of anger and revenge, pistols, rifles, and carbines flashing as they pulled the trigger, giving way when empty to sabres, which gleamed in the moonlight as they were swung by powerful hands.
Colonel Winchester's whole force would have been ridden down in the twinkling of an eye if it had not been for the minute's warning.