That officer declared that he wanted no thanks.
“We are glad to have been able to take a shot at those fellows,” he said. “We have been wanting to do it for a long time, but this is the first opportunity we have had. We—Hello!”
He broke off suddenly. Riding rapidly toward them was a large body of men, and above them floated a white flag. They dismounted some distance away, and one approached.
The girls recognized this man immediately. He was President Garcia.
He rode up to the lieutenant, and introduced himself.
“And I would like the person of Orizaba delivered to me,” he said quietly.
“You shall have him,” replied the lieutenant. “It will save us trouble.”
The unfortunate revolutionist, fully recovered now, was turned over to the President of Nicaragua and marched away. Then President Garcia appeared to perceive Shirley and Mabel for the first time. He raised his hat to them.
“I am pleased that the senoritas have escaped safely,” he said quietly, and making a low bow to them, he turned his horse about, and a moment later was gone.
The lieutenant in command of the marines now ordered his men back to their ship, and the girls accompanied them on their return march through the town. Dark looks were cast at them from all sides, but none ventured a word.