"Whoever heard the like?" exclaimed Pietro, his mouth wide open. "Who could have thought of splitting us up into three parties? At the first it seemed madness, for surely we are stronger when fighting shoulder to shoulder. But this youth has thought the thing out, and I follow his reasoning. When we attack from different quarters we seem to be of bigger proportions than we really are. _Bueno_! I hope we shall beat these ruffians. If not, it will have been a fine fight, and we shall have enjoyed it. Boys, see that your shooters are loaded."
All were armed with revolvers, for these men earned good wages, and could afford the best of weapons. They sat their horses in silence now, staring after Pepito's party, and then at Dudley, who chatted with Pietro. The fine fellows were beginning to fret at the inaction. They fidgeted in their saddles, and reined their horses back sharply whenever the beasts attempted to move. But Dudley sat motionless, his watch in his hand, and the tip of one finger on the dial.
"I am giving them five minutes," he said. "When that time has gone, we will walk forward."
Snap! He closed his watch with a sharp click, and replaced it in his pocket.
"March!" he said shortly, and at once they were off, the men leaning forward expectantly, and all longing for the moment for attack to arrive. Ah! They mounted to the top of the long roll of the pampas, and there were the fires, duller now it seemed, and twinkling in the distance. They pressed on again, and very soon were within striking distance. Dudley pulled in his horse and rode round to the flank of the men.
"Party of seven move away now under Pietro," he said in low tones. "Halt till we shout, once you have gained your position. Now, boys, we will steal forward."
He placed himself at the head of the attacking party, and together they walked their horses still closer to the enemy's camp. Not a sound came from it at present, though from the herd of cattle a little to the right there came the gentle lowing of beasts and the occasional crack of a whip.
"They hear us, señor," whispered one of the gauchos. "The cattle hear sounds which we could not detect. They can tell that horses and men are about, and it makes them restless. The alarm will be sounded very soon if you do not fire your pistol. There!"
