Chapter 3

An hour later,Randy pulled the van to an abrupt stop and said,“Wake up,Josh,there’s trouble ahead.”

Josh shot up from his reclining position and looked around.“What trouble?”

“Just down the road.Looks like some people in a Conestoga-style wagon are under attack by bandits on horseback.”

“Have the bandits spotted us?”

“Not yet,”Randy said.“I think they’re too busy tormenting those folks in the wagon.I’ll get my rifle.It looks like an easy shot from here.”

“Go for it,”Josh said,and reached under the driver’s seat.“I’ll bring my trusty six-shooter.”

“What about Rex?”

“Best leave him in the van,what with bullets flying around,and who knows what else.”

“Good,”Randy said.“Should I pull up closer to the fight?”

“If you can do it quickly and quietly.”

Randy started the van and pulled forward until they were within a hundred yards of the battle.As they hopped out of the van,he said,“I’ll go for the two riders at the back of the wagon,and you can take out the one in front.”