What is more to the point, he had a Mauser revolver in his pocket.

He jerked it out, and, despite a second shot from the picket, prepared to ride down upon the party.

An instant later half a dozen revolvers were blazing away at him.

Hobbs turned at once and rode in the opposite direction, whirling to fire twice at the unfriendly group.

Soon he was out of range and at leisure.
He saw the futility of any attempt to pass them.