Turning, he motioned for the four to precede him. Captain Anderson was inclined to hang back, as were the others, but a word from Captain Von Blusen decided them to go on.
“They’ll shoot if you don’t go,” declared Von Blusen with a smile.
Shirley and Mabel, who had been standing nearby while all this was going on, now made as though to approach, but Mr. Willing waved them back.
“Go back to the consulate and tell the consul what has happened,” he called to her.
The girls turned to go, but Von Blusen, realizing what was going on, called to the officers to stop them.
“Run!” cried Captain Anderson, who was the only one who understood the import of the German’s words.
“Halt!” cried one of the Guatemalans, as the girls broke into a run.
But the girls did not understand him, and if they had, their actions would have been the same.
They set out for the consulate at top speed and they did not stop, in spite of pursuit and cries of “Halt!” until they dashed in the door.
The consul greeted them with an exclamation of surprise.