The trouble was not over yet, however.
When the first sentry rushed back to the pass, his cries aroused the whole troop, who were dozing among the bowlders at the other end.
Lieutenant Trenzini had wrapped himself in his cavalry cloak, and, with a cigarette between his lips, had found a nice shady spot, with green grass growing thickly on the ground. It was an ideal place for a rest, and the good lieutenant was making the most of it.
He was the first to hear the warning cry of the sentry. With a bound, he was on his feet.
The clattering of the accouterments told that his men had followed his example and were ready for orders. He rushed across the high ground and hailed the excited sentinel.
“What’s that?” demanded the lieutenant. “Do you say the car is coming? Are you sure? Did you see Prince Marcos?”
“Yes, sir,” returned the man, after gasping a moment to recover his breath. “I saw the prince. He is driving. It is almost here now. It came before we expected it. The trees, and the motor shut off, and——”
Crack!
From the other side of the pass came to their ears the sound of the sentry’s carbine, followed by the spiteful roar of Phillips’ revolver.
“Quick, men!” bellowed Lieutenant Trenzini. “Line the road, and, as the car comes through, be ready to shoot. Aim low and shoot to kill!” he added savagely. “They’ve killed one of our men, but we’ll make them pay for that. We shall be backed up at Penza. Don’t forget that. Prince Miguel——”