Jack snatched up a heavy brand from the fire, and coming behind the Spaniard, who was waiting, knife in hand, for an opportunity to rush in between the sweeping blows which Hawtry was dealing at him with the butt-end of the rifle, smote him with all his force across the side of the head.
With a scream of agony the Spaniard fell prostrate and Jack, snatching up his knife, while Hawtry still retained the rifle, they darted off at full speed along the brow.
Presently they heard footsteps of men hastily returning, and drawing aside, threw themselves down among some low bushes.

The men were talking eagerly.

They had heard the two reports of the guns, and had no doubt that the captain had discovered the fugitives.
When the Spaniards had passed, the boys rose to their feet, and continued their flight at the top of their speed.

The men had come from below, and the boys soon discovered traces of a path descending the slope.

This they at once took, proceeding with caution now, for the descent was an extremely steep one, and the path little more than a goat track.