Just as he reached them the man they were attacking was struck down, and two of his assailants threw themselves upon him.
Dick rushed upon the men, and felled one with a sweeping blow of his stick.

The other man who was standing up sprang at him, knife in hand, with a savage oath.
So quick was the action that he was upon Dick before he had time to strike a blow with his stick.

He threw up his left arm to guard his head, but received a severe gash on the shoulders.

At the same moment he struck out with his right, full into the face of the Mexican, who, as he staggered back, fell across the three men on the ground.

Dick seized the opportunity to draw his pistol, dropping his stick as he did so, as his left arm was disabled.