The boys almost held their breath as the figure of the messenger appeared, blocking the opening.

When they saw what the purpose of the wounded man was they shouted to Downs to warn him, but were too late.
The automatic sent a hail of bullets toward the opening, and Downs fell limply across the window-ledge.

At the fusillade of shots the outlaws came to the corner of the hut and glanced fearfully about.

The square of light before the windows showed Big Bob lying on the ground and Downs hanging, head downward, from the window.

Their natural supposition was that the hut had been attacked by a large force, so they took to their heels and were seen no more by the boys.
After a minute devoted to Black Bear hugs, and handshakes, and words of congratulation over his escape, the boys left Fremont in the shelter of the darkness and advanced to where Big Bob lay.
"It is all off with me, lads!" the big fellow said, as he turned his face to the boys.