At the summit of the clay bank, shadowed by the forest growth encircling them, were the others who had gathered at this war rendezvous, the majority dismounted, holding their horses in readiness for action.

As we rode in among them neighbors clasped hands silently, but the words exchanged were few.

Farrell forced his horse through the press toward where a tall figure sat stiff in the saddle, and my own horse followed unguided.
"A goodly turn-out, Duval," he commented briefly.

"What was the number before we came ?" "Forty-seven rifles," the Lieutenant's voice nasal, and high pitched.
"The men from Orchard and Springdale are not in yet.

How many arrived with you ?" "Twenty; ample for our purpose, even if the others fail us.