There was a movement within and presently the door opened and José entered, closing the door behind him.
Adrian slowly arose to a kneeling posture.
"I wonder what the other will do now?" he wondered.
He did not have long to wait, for the other knocked on the pavement with his gun and presently several more figures appeared. Adrian had just time to throw himself to the ground and escape detection.
The men in front of the house exchanged whispered confidences and then all but one started to leave.
"If any one attempts to leave the house," was the command, "fire! If any one attempts to enter, allow them to do so and then give the customary call."
"Bueno!" was the response, and all but the one withdrew.
A minute later Adrian again arose to a crouching posture and as the sentry cautiously approached the door, he crept up behind him. An instant more and he was upon the man and had him by the throat.
The man was a wiry Mexican and evidently in training, for he squirmed and kicked vigorously; but Adrian's grip was too firm upon him and in a couple of minutes he sank down limp upon the ground.
The noise of the scuffle must have been heard inside, for the door cautiously opened and a head peered out.