Such orders were hardly necessary, for we made it a rule at all times to keep our arms in good shape and cartridges convenient. "Here they come!" exclaimed Jack in great glee, and, looking toward the store, we could see a party of mounted men just coming out of the timber at the creek crossing. As soon as the announcement was made Tom brought the field-glass to bear on them and began counting: "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven--all told." Then he added: "They would likely leave only one man back to take care of camp; so eight is about the full strength of the gang, just as we heard." Passing the glass to me, he added: "As soon as they get in hailing distance I'll halt 'em, an' you men will be ready to enforce my commands. Ef they don't halt at the first command I'll halt 'em again, an' maybe the third time, but not more. An' when I give the command, 'Fire!' remember your old training--aim about the saddles an' let em' have it, an' don't waste your ca'tridges. Let each one of us try to see how many saddles he can empty." To me this sounded serious, but the veteran was as cool about it as if giving instructions to a squad of soldiers on skirmish drill. Jack always seemed happy when there was a good prospect of a fight before him. I must admit that I began to feel a little squeamish as the jayhawkers drew near us, but I was somewhat reassured by the firm and fearless demeanor of my comrades. As the jayhawkers approached it was seen that all except the leader, "Cap" Tucker, carried rifles, carbines, or shotguns in addition to their pistols. All seemed to be well mounted, but Tucker was particularly conspicuous by his fine black horse. They followed the main road till opposite the house where we were and then turned and rode toward us at a walk. As soon as they had approached within easy hail Tom took a few steps toward them and, bringing his Sharp's rifle to a ready, sung out: "_Halt!_" Jack and I moved up in his rear and came to the same position. The jayhawkers did not seem to be expecting such a manoeuvre on our part and did not promptly obey Tom's first command; but by the time he had repeated "_Halt!_" in a louder tone they took the hint, and Tucker quickly ordered his men to stop. Turning to us, he called out in a tone of indignant surprise: "What do you mean?" "Just what I say," replied Tom. "Ef you men have any business with us, one of you--and only one--can advance an' make it known. The rest'll stand where they are." Turning and speaking a few words to his men, Tucker then rode up to us. As the big captain halted a few feet from us he demanded angrily: "What do you men mean by drawing your guns on us an' halting us this way?" "In these doubtful times," replied Tom, "we don't propose to allow a party of armed men to enter our camp without first finding out who they are an' what's their business with us. Will you please tell us what yours is?"