Simultaneously the officers and several of the "Meteor's" crew sprang to their feet, while at the signal those in ambush stepped into the path which the strangers had traversed.
In spite of the odds against them the three men were not wanting in courage, although deficient in strategy.
They stopped, unslung their rifles, and having given their opponents ample opportunity to shoot them down had the Englishmen felt so inclined, they flopped down on the rocky path and took what cover they could behind the small boulders.
"Amigos!" shouted Whittinghame.
"Si, señor," replied the elder man, and without any hesitation he jumped up, spoke a few words to his companions, and then strode towards the spot where Whittinghame stood.
"Americanos?" he asked interrogatively.
Whittinghame shook his head.
"Inglese," he replied.
"Bien," rejoined the stranger, removing his hat and making a profound bow. "I am ver' pleased to speak with you, monsieur."
"You are a Frenchman, then?"