"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 anything feasible. I like a fight immensely--when the odds are not too great--and I hope to die fighting. All the same, I have no very strong desire to die at this particular moment." "Neither have I. So let us go on like peaceable travellers, and the chances are that these men, taking for granted that the others have let us pass, will not meddle with us. If they do, we must make the best fight we can." "A happy thought! Let us act on it. If they ask any questions I will answer. Your English accent might excite suspicion." The party before us consisted of nine horsemen, several of whom appeared to be officers. "_Buene noche, señores_," said Carmen, so soon as we were within speaking distance. "_Buene noche, señores_. You have met the troops, of course. How far are they ahead?" asked one of the officers. "The main body are quite a league ahead by this time. The pack-mules and _arrieros_ passed us about fifteen minutes ago." "_Gracias!_ Who are you, and whither may you be wending, señores?"