"
"As I discovered," said Adrian.
"Yes," continued Billie, "he sent a bunch of soldiers to capture
us. The sentry heard them coming and gave the alarm. We went to
his aid and succeeded in rescuing him, but that is what got us
into this trouble."
"And now what?"
"Now we have to get away just as soon as we can."
"Right," said Mr. Black. "There is no enemy in sight at this
moment and the best thing we can do is to run for it. If we can
cross the valley safely, we shall have little trouble."
"I'd like to stay and give them a few shots," said the corporal,
"but it would probably be unwise."
"I'll tell you what, Brooks," suggested Billie, "suppose you and
I remain behind until we see the others well across the valley.
If there is any pursuit, we can hold them back for a few
minutes. They will not know how many we are and it will give the
others a chance to escort Mr. Black and his daughter to a place
of safety. You know that is what we really came for."
"Fine!" was the corporal's reply.
Mr. Black and Adrian protested, but they were overruled.
"It's a good idea," said the oldest of the troopers, "and now to
run for it."
It was fully five minutes after the others had left that Billie
and Brooks saw the Mexican infantry, some fifty in number, emerge
from the town and come slowly toward them.
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