Dick and Shirley were no less surprised than the Nicaraguans, and both uttered cries of alarm.
General Orizaba darted forward with an ejaculation, and called to his men.
“Shoot!” he cried.
Rifles were brought to bear, but the horse had gained his stride and was galloping along like the wind. Volley after volley was fired after the girl, but thanks to the movement of the horse and the poor marksmanship of the Nicaraguans, Mabel was not touched.
Rapidly she rode, nor did she draw rein when she entered the town but galloped straight to the pier. Here still lay the small boat of the Yucatan, manned by its crew. Rapidly explaining the situation, the girl urged the sailors back to the ship without waiting the return of the first officer, who was some place in the town.
About the ship, Mabel found that Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton were ashore searching for the girls, and so she went straight to Captain Anderson. That worthy acted promptly. He quickly signalled the cruiser Prairie, which Mabel, saw for the first time, perceived lay close by.
The Prairie signalled for the captain and Mabel to come aboard, which they did without loss of time. In a few words Mabel explained the situation to the commander of the cruiser.
Action came quickly.
A bugle sounded, piping the crew to quarters. The commander detailed a landing party of one hundred and fifty marines and sailors. These were quickly rowed to the shore—Mabel going with them as a guide, for she refused to be left behind.
Once ashore, the girl led the way toward where she had left her friends, the men going forward at the double-quick, their weapons ready for instant use.