"Tim! Jack! Thank God!" cried Philip, and urging his horse a little way to the side, jumped down from the saddle.
Tim gripped one hand, Jack the other, and Peter patted the baronet on the back. Philip looked worn and haggard, and winced as Tim seized his left hand.
"Are you wounded?" cried Tim, letting it go.
"Yes; but not badly! An Indian arrow through the fleshy part of the arm."
"Ah!" exclaimed Jack, anxiously, "then Cocom was right. You have been attacked by Indians."
"Two days ago! They surprised our camp by night, and came in in overwhelming force. Velez was unable to rally his men, and we were forced to retreat to Centeotl."
"And how many men have you brought, Philip?"
"Six hundred!"
"And one thousand started from Tlatonac," said Jack, sadly; "four hundred killed. Thank God, Philip, you at least are safe."