"Reinforcements for Janjalla. I've no doubt," said Philip, grimly. "They are a trifle late. Come, gentlemen, let us see the officer in charge."
They urged their jaded horses towards the gate. At the sight of the little party, the soldiers halted, and an officer rode to the front.
"From whence come you, Señores?" he asked in surprise.
"From Janjalla."
"Janjalla? Why, we are just marching thither, Señor."
"You can spare yourself the trouble!" replied Jack, grimly. "Janjalla has fallen."
The news passed rapidly from mouth to mouth, and a cry of rage went up from the throng.
"Moreover," added Jack, quietly. "Puebla de los Naranjos has been attacked and sacked by the Indians!"
Another cry of rage.
"And," concluded this bearer of bad news, "Chichimec is now invested by six thousand savages."