Then the big mountaineer uttered a great shout and began to wave his hand at them.
"The road curves here a little among the rocks," said the sergeant, who unconsciously took command.

"Suppose we stop, sheltered by the curve, and ask them what they want." "The very thing to do," said Dick.
"Sass 'em, sergeant! Sass 'em!" said Red Blaze.
They drew their horses back partially in the shadow of the rocky curve, but the sergeant was a little further forward than the others.

Dick saw Skelly and a score of men emerge into the road and come rapidly toward them.

They were a wild-looking crew, mounted on tough mountain ponies, all of them carrying loot, and all armed heavily.
The sergeant threw up his rifle, and with a steady hand aimed straight at Skelly's heart.
"Halt!" he cried sharply, "and tell me who you are!" The whole crew seemed to reel back except Skelly, who, though stopping his horse, remained in the center of the road.
"What do you mean ?" he cried.

"We're peaceful travelers.