"Halt!" he ordered, a second time, as the man seized the horses's bridle ready to mount.
Quick as a flash the stranger drew a revolver, firing two shots down the street.
"Fire! Get him!" shouted Darrin.
Five rifles spoke, instantly.

Just in the act of reaching the saddle the stranger plunged sideways, fell to the roadway, the startled horse galloping off without its rider.
"Don't run to him," commanded Dave Darrin.

"We'll reach him soon enough." Close at hand it was seen that the man was in the uniform of a Mexican officer.

His insignia proved him to be a major.
"Dead," said Riley.

"Two pills reached him, and either would have killed." Dave nodded his head in assent, adding: "Leave him.