“Government boats,” he chuckled, “bringing those soldiers I spoke about.”
When they met the boats, they found the other monterias with them, manned by Biffs father, Mr. Whitman, and Jacome. The Venezuelan troops had arrived at the blockhouse during the battle and had helped rout Serbot’s followers, who were commanded by Pepito.
In the rapids, they had contacted Nara’s Wai Wais, who had overpowered and captured Urubu and his crew. Igo and Ubi would be along later, Mr. Brewster stated, bringing their prisoners with them.
“But we saw no sign of Serbot,” declared Mr. Brewster. “I think we should offer a reward for his capture. I’ll talk to Mr. Stannart about it, when I see him on the yacht.”
“You better wait, Dad, till we tell you what happened,” Biff advised soberly.
Mr. Brewster was shocked when he heard Biff’s story. “I can hardly believe it!” he exclaimed. “Gregg Stannart, of all men! But now that I think of it,” he added thoughtfully, “there’s been a piece missing from the puzzle right along—and Stannart was it!” He shook his head. “I still can’t believe it.”
Now Mr. Brewster was more eager than anyone to take Stannart and Serbot into custody. As they approached the Coronet, they noticed excitement on the deck. Mr. Brewster studied the yacht through his binoculars and announced:
“I see Stannart and Serbot, both of them. The crew must have found them in the cabin and released them.”
A fast boat containing a squad of Venezuelan soldiers sped ahead to board the yacht. Sight of the military uniforms must have quenched any desire for fight in Stannart and Serbot, for suddenly a little motor launch scooted from the far side of the yacht and bounded through the choppy waves toward the left bank of the river.
Only Stannart and Serbot were in the tiny tender. The boat with the Venezuelan soldiers turned to pursue it, opening rifle fire, but the fugitives kept on. Then, just as it seemed sure they would be overtaken, the chase ended. The soldiers, about to fire at close range, suddenly lowered their rifles.