“Cease fire, dammit! We ain’t made of shells!”
The other riders lowered their rifles and watched the outlaws turn tail. “Bunch a’ pussies,” Quills said, spitting. “We gonna’ give chase?”
“Edge is the senior rider here,” Ringo replied. “Up to him.”

Edge paused to consider, idly scratching his stallion between the ears. Jehzi shifted behind him, anxious..
“We need to clear these outlaws out,” he said at last. “They’re a menace to the peace-lovin’ folk what live ‘round here.” Jehzi groaned, sliding the bolt back on her rifle. “Let’s get it over with,” she sighed. “I got a bottle back home what’s callin’ my name.”

They crested the ridge with a clatter of hoof and a cloud of dust, obsuring their dark forms from the light of the pale moon. The outlaws had turned to present arms, firing into the night. Bullets whipped through the air, slipping by the weaving forms of the riders.
“Kill ‘em all,” shouted Ringo. “Let God sort ‘em out!” The Long Patrol opened fire at full gallop, speeding towards their foes.