but Hopalong had become lost to sight among the rocks along the right of way. "If I only had this a minute ago!" he grumbled.
The men in the grove, now in the saddle, turned and opened fire on the group by the train, driving them back to shelter. Skinny, taking advantage of the cover afforded, ran towards the grove, ordering his friends to spread out and surround it; but it was too late, for at that minute galloping was heard and it grew rapidly fainter.
Red appeared at the end of the train: "Where 's th' rest of the coyotes?"
"Two of 'em got away," Lanky replied.
"Ya-ho!" shouted Hopalong from the grove. "Don't none of you fools shoot! I 'm coming out. They plumb got away!"
"They near got you, Red," Skinny cried.
"Nears don't count," Red laughed.
"Did you ever notice Hopalong when he 's fighting mad?" asked Lanky, grinning at the man who was leaving the woods. "He allus wears his sombrero hanging on one ear. Look at it now!"
