“If we haven’t forgotten our tomboy days we’ll climb up there and watch the battle,” she declared.
She led the way, and in spite of her misgivings, Mabel followed.
CHAPTER XVI.—THE GIRLS SEE A BATTLE.
As Shirley and Mabel, from their shelter among the branches, peered across the plain, they saw puffs of smoke issue from the now kneeling body of men. Sharp reports came to their ears. The only man still standing erect, as they could see plainly, was President Garcia, who, with upraised sword, was directing the movement of his men.
A man dropped his rifle and fell to the ground, and Mabel shrieked.
“My goodness!” she exclaimed a moment later. “This is terrible, Shirley!”
Shirley’s lips were compressed, and for a moment she turned her eyes away.
The firing became louder now, and for the first time the girls noticed that President Garcia and his men were retreating toward them.
“We had better get down out of here!” exclaimed Mabel. “We may be struck.”
Shirley agreed, and they were about to descend, when, from behind them, came rapid footsteps, indicating the approach of a considerable number of men. Shirley and Mabel became silent.