By this measure we should (if they proved to be enemies) prevent them from getting between us and the hills, and thereby cutting off our best line of retreat.
Meanwhile the cloud grew bigger.

Before long we could distinguish those whom it had hidden, without, however, being able to decide whether they were friends or foes.
Carmen thought they numbered at least two hundred, and there might be more behind.

But who they were he could, as yet, form no idea.
The nearer we approached them the greater became our excitement and surprise.

A few minutes and we should either be riding for our lives or surrounded by friends.

We looked to the priming of our pistols, tightened our belts and our horses' girths, wiped the sweat and dust from our faces, and, while hoping for the best, prepared for the worst.
"They see us!" exclaimed Carmen.