"Look here," Juan said, "I shall see every one of your faces plainly as you come down, and when you have thrown down your arms you will stand and face this rock so that I may have a good look at you. I warn you to leave San Diego as soon as you get back, for when I return I will have the town searched for you, and any of you found there will pay for this with your lives. Now you come down first."
One by one the six men came down, placed their weapons upon the ground, turned to the rock where Juan was lying, and then went down the pass without a word being uttered. When the last had gone Juan stepped down into the road, and was at once joined by Will, who had kept his rifle pointed on each man as he reached the road, in case he should intend treachery against Juan. Two of the vaqueros also stepped out.
"Where is Pedro?" Juan asked.
"He is dead, sir. He was shot through the body, but had just strength to throw himself in among the rocks. I heard him groaning just at first, but he was soon silent; I could see him from where I lay, and he has not moved since."
"See if he is dead, Sancho. This is a bad business."
The man returned in a minute.
"He is quite dead, señor."
"Where is the man you shot, Will? Let us see if my suspicions are correct."
Will led the way to the spot, followed by the others. Juan glanced at the dead man.
"It is as I thought," he said. Then he turned to the vaqueros. "You may as well search him. It is likely he has money upon him."