CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE FINAL SUMMONS.
Now came hours of wearisome waiting, especially to the besieged, who found in their close quarters little freedom of movement.

Some of the men stretched out on the lower floor and slept; others talked and engaged in games of chance, while a desultory watch was maintained, through the doors and windows, upon the rustlers, several of whom were continually in sight.
Before the afternoon had half passed all doubt of the coming darkness was removed.

The sky became heavily clouded, the air was raw and chilly, and no moon was visible.
Several distant rifle-shots were heard an hour later, but no one could conjecture or discover the explanation.

Probably they signified nothing.
Fred Whitney showed himself on top of the ridge once, and waved his hand in salutation to his friends.

This was done to reassure his mother and sister, who were anxious, despite what he had said to them.
Many longing glances were cast across the broad plain in the direction of the mountains.