A second launch from the battleship had landed quietly at the fortress, and two men, disembarking therefrom, had run along the beach toward the group. It was one of these men who, taking in the situation, had crept up stealthily behind Ridder and taken him by surprise.
As the lieutenant struggled in the grasp of his assailant and a half dozen of the soldiers who went to the latter’s assistance, Portiforo’s face resumed its normal hue, and he expressed his relief by a hearty chuckle.
“Well done, Captain Reyes!” he cried approvingly. “Splendid work, my brave Ernesto!”
CHAPTER XLII.
GALE TURNS A TRICK.
Virginia Throgmorton, congratulating herself upon the success of the ruse by which she hoped to get Captain Reyes safely out of the way while the Camera Chap was carrying out his daring plan, had received an unpleasant surprise when the launch containing the Baracoan army officer, Gale, and herself reached the landing at Puerto Cabero.
Instead of disembarking there, Reyes had turned apologetically to the girl. “I am filled with a thousand regrets, señorita, to be compelled to transfer the privilege of escorting you to your home to our friend Señor Gale,” he said. “Not for a great deal would I forego the opportunity, but a soldier must place duty before pleasure, and I find I have an important duty to perform which demands my immediate attention.”
“A duty!” Virginia exclaimed apprehensively. “Where? Are you going back to the battleship?”
The Baracoan’s reply had filled her with dismay. “No, señorita; I am going to the fortress,” he announced.
The significant smile which accompanied these words increased the girl’s apprehensions. “But I do not wish Mr. Gale to escort me home,” she objected, refusing to recognize defeat. “In fact, there are reasons why I cannot consent to that arrangement. I must insist that you go with me, Captain Reyes. I shall be terribly disappointed if you don’t.”
“I am sorry, señorita,” he answered firmly, “but I am compelled to deny myself the pleasure.”