The very reckless abandon of their advance expressed the conception they had of the situation--they had witnessed the flight of the two fugitives, the runaway of the wheelers, and believed the remaining passengers would be helpless victims.

They came on, savage and confident, not anticipating a fight, but a massacre--shrieking prisoners, and a glut of revenge.
With one swing of his body, Hamlin was upon the ground, and had jerked open the inside door of the coach, forcing it back against the dirt of the bluff which towered in protection above.

His eyes were quick to perceive the peculiar advantage of position; that their assailants would be compelled to advance from only one direction.

The three within were barely struggling to their feet, dazed, bewildered, failing as yet to comprehend fully those distant yells, when he sprang into their midst, uttering his swift orders, and unceremoniously jerking the men into position for defence.
"Here, quick now! Don't waste time! It's a matter of seconds, I tell you! They're coming--a horde of them.

Here, Moylan, take this rifle barrel and knock a hole through the back there big enough to sight out of.