When it gets dark divide the troop into two parties; keep one constantly under arms; place sentries in pairs at each end of the village, and keep a most vigilant watch.

Do not let the others scatter to the quarters the mayor has provided; but let all lie down here in the inn ready to turn out at a moment's notice.

They are a treacherous lot, these Spaniards, and we cannot be too strictly on our guard." The night passed, however, without an incident, and in the morning, the five wagons with grain and wine, and eight horses, were brought in.
Jack, rather ashamed of his suspicions on the previous night, thanked the mayor warmly.

Eight of the troopers took each a led horse.

The four countrymen in charge of the wagons shouted to their oxen, and the party moved out from Estrella.
"There are very few men about the village, Mr.Stilwell," the sergeant said, as Jack reined back his horse to speak to him.