General Orizaba seemed to hesitate, following these words. Then he became even angrier than before. He was about to speak, when a horseman clattered up.
The general turned to him and they conversed in low tones. Then the horseman dismounted, and leaving his horse, made his way to where the rest of the revolutionists sat upon the ground some distance away.
General Orizaba again faced Dick.
“Dog of an Americano!” he thundered. “You shall be shot for daring to interfere with one of my men.”
Dick only smiled.
“I guess you don’t mean that,” he replied quietly.
“I don’t, eh? You shall see.” He paused a moment. “But you shall live until sunset.”
He turned to call one of his men; and at that moment, Mabel, who stood closest to the riderless horse, suddenly leaped forward and sprang upon the animal’s back.
So sudden was her movement that for a moment the Nicaraguans failed to realize her intention.
That moment was sufficient for Mabel to seize the reins and turn the horse’s head toward the city. Then she dug her heels into his flanks and away they went.