In six minutes I had reached my point and taken post in the throat of the pass, well in the shade.

And I was none too soon, for, almost at the same instant, three _llaneros_ dashed into the clearing, and then, as if uncertain what to do next, pulled up short.
"Whereabout was it?
What trail shall we take ?" asked one.
"This" (pointing to the road I had just quitted).
"Don't you hear the shouts ?--and there goes another pistol shot!" "Better divide," said another.

"I will stay here and watch.

You, Jose, go forward, and you, Sanchez, reconnoitre the llanos trail." Jose went his way, Sanchez came my way.
Still in the shade and hidden, I drew one of my pistols and cocked it, fully intending, however, to reserve my fire till the last moment; I was loath to shoot a man with whom I had served only a few days before.

But when he drew near, and, shouting my name, lowered his lance, I had no alternative; I fired, and as he fell from his horse, the others galloped into the glade.
"Forward! To the llanos!" cried Carmen; "they are close behind us.