"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. Damon dropped back to try and hold off the enemy.
They had not far to ride nor long to wait They could hear the fierce yells of the victorious tribesmen as they came back to their ruined village, and though there were doubtless sad hearts among them, they rejoiced that they had defeated their enemies. They knew they could soon rebuild the simple grass huts.
"Small charges, just to stun them!" ordered Tom, and the electric rifles were so adjusted.
"Here's a good place to meet them," suggested Ned, as they came to a narrow turn in the trail.
