"That big fellow is squarely in the path of anybody who advances to attack us, and adds materially to our breastwork.

If they'll only drop a few more they'll make an impregnable fortification for us." The third came as he spoke, but being a light one rolled away.

The fourth was also light, and alighting on the big one bounded back into the alcove, striking just between Ned and Obed.

It made both jump and shiver, but they knew that it was a chance not likely to happen again in a hundred times.

The bombardment continued for a quarter of an hour without any harm to either of the two, and then the silence came again.
Ned and Obed pushed the rock out of the alcove, leaving it in front of them and now their niche had a formidable stone reinforcement.
"They'll be slipping up soon to look at our dead bodies," whispered Obed, "and between you and me, Ned, I think there will be a great surprise in Mexico to-day." They lay almost flat and put the muzzles of their rifles across the log.
Both, used to life on the border, where the rifle was a necessity, were fine shots and they were also keen of eye and ear.