“It is impossible for us to get away without being seen,” said Santiago. “Can you send the dog home?”
“Yes.”
“Then do so, and trust to me.”
Bending over Tanto, the girl said in a firm, low voice: “Go home, Tanto! Go home and bring my father!”
The dog looked at her earnestly for a moment and then at Santiago.
“Go!” again said Guadalupe, and she reached out and took Santiago’s hand. “No one is going to harm me.”
The dog gave a low whine, as though he perfectly understood, and bounded away through the underbrush. As he disappeared, Santiago fired his revolver into the air and advanced toward the approaching footsteps. A moment later a dozen of the smugglers appeared.
“What’s the meaning of this shooting?” asked the leader.
“Go to the top of yonder mound and see for yourself,” was Santiago’s reply.
Several of the men hastened to follow the instructions. They scrambled up the mound, where they recoiled in fright at the sight of their comrades.