We must run for it.

We can leave this lumbering Spaniard behind, I have no doubt," and sheathing their dirks, the boys set off at full speed.
The Spaniard appeared inclined to follow them, but distrusting his powers, he paused, gave a long, shrill whistle, twice repeated, and then mounted his donkey and driving the mules before him, he followed the boys at a hand gallop.
They had, however, a good start, and maintained their advantage.
"I don't think," Jack said, "we have passed a village for the last hour.

When we get to one, we'd better rush into a house, and ask for shelter.

These fellows will hardly dare to touch us there." Had the race been simply between the boys and their immediate pursuer, it is probable that they would have won it, for they were light, active, and in good condition, while the animals behind them had already been travelling for five hours, at a rate considerably above the speed to which they were accustomed.

The road, however, was an exceedingly winding one, which gave time to the confederates of the mule-driver to make a short cut, and, as the boys turned a sharp corner, they saw three men barring the road in front.
"It's all up, Jack," Hawtry said, pausing in his run.