She had never thought of escaping before, she said, but when she saw Bob she felt sorry for him and resolved to free not only him, but herself.
“We ride faster,” she said, after several miles had been covered. “Gettin’ late. Men come back from feast find us gone, they ride after.”
She urged her pony to a gallop and Bob’s animal followed its leader.
“If I only had a revolver or a gun I’d shoot some of them if they tried to take us back,” Bob said to himself. “I hope we can get away.”
In a small village, about ten miles from the camp of the Mexicans, Vasco and his friends were having a great time. There were wild music and dancing, and plenty of food well seasoned with red pepper. The Mexicans were having what they called fun.
Noddy, with Jack and Bill Berry, looked on, taking no part in the revels. They had come over in the automobile, while Vasco and his gang rode their horses.
It was past midnight when the leader of the Mexicans decided that it was time to start for home.
“Come on,” he said. “Who knows but what our prisoner has escaped.”
“Not much danger of that,” said Dalsett. “I told Maximina that if he got away we’d hold her responsible and give her a good lashing. She’ll not let him get away.”
But neither Dalsett nor Vasco knew what they were talking about. The Mexicans were reluctant to leave the dance, but Vasco insisted. Soon the whole party was riding back to camp, Noddy being in advance in his auto.