They started off, skirting the burned village to get on the trail beyond it. But hardly had they made a detour of the burned huts than one of the native drivers, who was in the rear, came riding up with a shout.
"Now what's the matter?" cried Tom, looking back.
There was a voluble chattering in Spanish between the driver and San Pedro.
"He says the natives that lived in this village have driven their enemies away, and are coming back--after us," translated the head mule driver.
"After us!" gasped Ned.
"Yes," replied San Pedro simply. "They are coming even now. They will fight too, for all their wild nature is aroused."
It needed but a moment's listening to prove this. From the rear came wild yells and the beating of drums and tom-toms.
"Bless my fountain pen!" cried Mr. Damon. "What are we going to do?"
"Stop them if we can," answered Tom coolly. "Ned, you and I and Mr. Damon will form a rear guard. San Pedro, take the mules and the men, and make as good time as you can in advance. We'll take three of the fastest mules, and hold these fellows back with the electric rifles, and when we've done that we'll ride on and catch up to you."
"Very good," said San Pedro, who seemed relieved to know that he did not have to do any of the fighting.