"Of course not. I shall run alongside of your horse, holding to its mane, Indian fashion. Now then, are we ready?"
"All ready!"
The great gate was opened noiselessly and, bidding a subdued good-bye to the family, the three passed out into the night.
"I should have throttled José ere I left," declared Mr. Black as they passed down the street.
"I wish we were as safe as he is," laughed Adrian.
For three blocks they wended their way as silently as possible and just as they came out into the open there came another bugle call.
"That's for us," said Adrian. "There is no mistaking that command. Now to run for it."
The two riders put spurs to their horses and Adrian bounded along at their side, running as lightly as an antelope. They were rapidly nearing the spot where the Americans were in waiting, when Adrian stepped into a hole and pitched forward onto his face.
"Don't stop for me!" he called. "I'll be there as quick as you are!"
He picked himself up and started to run, but his ankle gave him such a pain that he almost fainted.