[CHAPTER X.—SANTIAGO’S STRATEGY.]
Guadalupe was a girl of spirit. Through her veins flowed the blood of fighting ancestors, and, when she felt herself so suddenly seized upon, she had no mind to give up her freedom without a struggle.
Wrenching herself free, she gave one scream. Before she could repeat it, she heard Tanto utter a fierce growl, and the next minute felt her captor fall.
Turning quickly to discover what had happened, she saw that Tanto had grasped her assailant by the throat, and that man and dog were engaged in a fierce fight upon the ground at her feet.
Even while she looked the man ceased to struggle and lay still.
Calling to the dog, Guadalupe started to leave the spot, but was prevented by the appearance of two more men. They both started back with surprise, at sight of the girl and dog, and the lifeless figure at their feet.
Turning from the prostrate form, Tanto drew back, facing the newcomers.
“Caramba!” exclaimed one. “Shoot the brute. I’ve left my pistol in the cave.”
“And I, too,” said the other. “I have nothing but my knife.”
“Well, then, use your knife. I’ll take care of the girl,” and he advanced upon Guadalupe.