"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.
Three of the lighter weight mules, who carried small burdens, were
quickly relieved of them, and mounting these steeds in preference to
the ones they had been riding since they took the trail, Tom, Ned
and Mr.
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