They pass in a cloud of dust. After a short
interval another detachment sweeps by; then another and another.

"_Gracias a Dios!_ they are putting on more speed. At this rate we shall
soon be at liberty. But, _caramba_, how they might have been trapped,
Senor Fortescue! A few men on that height hurling down rocks, the defile
lined with sharp-shooters, half a hundred of Mejia's _llaneros_ to cut off
their retreat, and the regiment of Irun could be destroyed to a man."

"Or taken prisoners."

"I don't think there would be many prisoners," said Carmen, grimly. "These
must almost be the last, I think--they are. See! Here come the tag-rag and
bobtail."

The tag-rag and bob-tail consisted of a string of loaded mules with their
_arrieros_, a dozen women riding mules, and as many men on foot.

"Let us get out of this hole while we may, and before any of them come
back. Once on the road and mounted, we shall at least be able to fight;
but down here--"

"All the same, this hole has served our turn well. However, I quite agree
with you that the best thing we can do is to get out of it quickly."

This was more easily said than done. It was like climbing up a precipice.
Pizarro slipped back three times. Carmen's mare did no better. In the end
we had to dismount, fasten two lariats to each saddle, and haul while the
horses scrambled. A little help goes a long way in such circumstances.

All this both made noise and caused delay, and it was with a decided sense
of relief that we found ourselves once more in the saddle and _en route_.

"We have lost more time than I reckoned on," said Carmen, as we galloped
through the pass. "If any of the dragoons had turned back--However, they
did not, and, as our horses are both fresher than theirs and carry less
weight, they will have no chance of overtaking us if they do; and, as the
whole of the regiment has gone on, there is no chance of meeting any more
of them--_Caramba!_ Halt!"

"What is it?" I asked, pulling up short.

"I spoke too soon. More are coming. Don't you hear them?"

"Yes; and I see shadows in the distance."

"The shadows are soldiers, and we shall have to charge them whether they
be few or many, _amigo mio_; so say your prayers and draw your Toledo. But
first let us shake hands, we may never--"

"I am quite ready to charge by your side, Carmen; but would it not be
better, think you, to try what a little strategy will do?"

"With all my heart, if you can suggest anyt