"We will not do so, and you will attack us at your peril," was the Mexican's sharp reply. "You are but four, while we number twelve." "We will fight, even so, senor. A Mexican never surrenders." "What if we starve you out?" "You cannot do that. Still, you may try it, if you wish," continued the _capitan_ hurriedly. If the Americans tried starving them out, it would give them time in which to perfect some plan for escape. The talk continued for several minutes, and then the Texan came back with the information that the enemy would agree to nothing. "He's willing to be starved out," went on the ranger. "But I think he wants the chance to get away in the darkness." "We will draw closer to the cave as the darkness settles down," answered Amos Radbury. This was the first time, as an officer, that he had been sent out on a commission, and he was resolved not to fail. The night came on swiftly. Evidently a storm was brewing, for not a star lit up the heavens. "We'll catch it, in more ways than one, soon," said Stover to Dan, suggestively. The Texans had had a small fire, but now this was deserted, and the party moved down into the ravine on foot. Just as the first rain of the coming storm began to fall, one of the men of the party set up a shout. "There they go!" He was right. The Mexicans were making a mad dash for liberty up the ravine, the four men on three mustangs. "Fire at them!" ordered Lieutenant Radbury, and instantly half a dozen shots rang out. None of the enemy was hit, but two of the mustangs pitched headlong, carrying three of the riders down with them. The fourth Mexican, the captain, continued on his way, forcing his steed along at a greater pace than ever. Before those on the ground could rise, they found themselves surrounded. "Surrender!" cried Lieutenant Radbury. "Surrender, or we must shoot you down!" "I surrender!" cried one of the Mexicans. "No shoot me!" And he held up his hands. But the others were game, so to speak, and, rising, they discharged their muskets, and continued their flight on foot. They had scarcely gone a dozen steps, when the Texans opened fire again, and one dropped, shot through the heart. The second man was wounded, but kept on and disappeared up the side of the ravine, in a thick pine brake, where all was now pitch dark. "Make that man a close prisoner!" shouted Lieutenant Radbury to two of his followers. "Come on!" and he dashed away after the Mexican captain. Several, including Poke Stover and Dan, followed him, while others went after the fellow in the pine brake. It was largely a go-as-you-please hunt, for, as mentioned before, the army was not yet sworn in, and every man felt that he could do about as he wished.