"I'll tell you what, Brooks," suggested Billie, "suppose you and I remain behind until we see the others well across the valley. If there is any pursuit, we can hold them back for a few minutes. They will not know how many we are and it will give the others a chance to escort Mr. Black and his daughter to a place of safety. You know that is what we really came for."
"Fine!" was the corporal's reply.
Mr. Black and Adrian protested, but they were overruled.
"It's a good idea," said the oldest of the troopers, "and now to run for it."
It was fully five minutes after the others had left that Billie and Brooks saw the Mexican infantry, some fifty in number, emerge from the town and come slowly toward them.
Looking across the valley, they could perceive that the little band under the direction of Mr. Black was nearing the protection of the forest that covered the next hillside.
"Two minutes more and they will be safe," said Billie.
"Then we'll give them the two minutes," replied the corporal. "Cut loose at the bunch as soon as it is near enough."
A moment later two rifles spoke out and then they turned loose their automatics, to give the impression of a much larger force.
Two men fell and a minute later two more, as the boys' Winchesters again spoke.