Jean saw Daggs slip out of his saddle, rifle in hand.

Others of the gang did likewise, until half of them were dismounted.
"Dad, they're goin' to shoot," called out Jean, sharply.

"Yell for Guy and Jacobs.

Make them come back." The old man shouted; Bill Isbel yelled; Blaisdell lifted his stentorian voice.
Jean screamed piercingly: "Guy! Run! Run!" But Guy Isbel and his companion strode on into the pasture, as if they had not heard, as if no menacing horse thieves were within miles.

They had covered about a quarter of the distance across the pasture, and were nearing the horses, when Jean saw red flashes and white puffs of smoke burst out from the front of that dark band of rustlers.