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, senores,” said Carmen, so soon as we were within speaking distance.

“Buene noche, senores.  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, senores?”

“I am Sancho Mencar, at your service, senor coronel, a Government messenger, carrying despatches to General Salazar, at La Victoria.  My companion is Senor Tesco, a merchant, who is journeying to the same place on business.”

“Good! you can go on.  You will meet two troopers who are bringing on a prisoner.  Do me the favor to tell them to make haste.”

“Certainly, senor coronel.  Adios, senores.”