The three sped lightly over the ground and had gone some distance when they heard a shout from behind, followed by the sharp reports of several rifles.
Dick stopped suddenly and called to the girls to halt. They obeyed instantly.
“There is no use being shot,” said Dick quietly, “and although they are poor shots they would be sure to hit one of us sooner or later.”
“Then what shall we do?” cried Mabel.
“There is only one thing to do,” was the reply. “Surrender.”
“Dick is right,” agreed Shirley. “It is foolish to attempt to escape.”
In the meantime the band of revolutionists had been coming toward them, and at length surrounded the three figures. A man, who appeared to be the leader, though he wore no uniform nor mark of distinction, advanced and addressed Dick.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” he demanded in English.
Dick explained, and the man heard him through quietly.
“And who was it hurt Pedro back there?” and the leader waved toward the spot where Dick had struggled with the Nicaraguan.