“Then let’s be off!”
They started at a canter up the road to Callao, knowing the wisdom of not urging the horses at the start. As for the course they pursued, the topography of the land was such that the marauders could have taken no other. In the city they received information that directed them still farther. A policeman near the English railway station had seen the soldiers going rapidly to the northeast. Yes, he had noticed two señoritas in the party, and he had believed the troops were escorting them. Did they call out? No.
“Then,” said General Matajente, “they must have been gagged, or else the scoundrels rode close and threatened them. Tell me,” he inquired of the policeman, “were the señoritas mounted—each on a horse by herself?”
“Yes, señor commandante.”
“Forward, then!” And the party started across the city in the direction indicated. At the farther end, not far from the Baños del Oroya, they came upon a sentinel on guard near an artillery camp, and from him they also secured information. The kidnappers had passed on beyond Callao, going in the same general direction.
“They have taken the road to Bella Vista, that’s certain. Now we can go faster.”
Spurs were pressed to flanks, whips were let fall, and the horses dashed forward on a run. The three men were in front and the boys close behind. The animals that had been brought from the Santa Rosa fort were the best in the stables, for General Matajente, who had been the guest, during the evening, of the commanding officer, and had heard Louis’s and Harvey’s petition for steeds, had warmly seconded their request and finally had selected the mounts himself. Accustomed to command, the little officer had unconsciously taken the head of the party; and Mr. Dartmoor was rejoiced thereat, for the courage and ability of the general had been tested many times, and was known to equal that of any man in the service of Peru.
It is two miles from Callao to Bella Vista, and within five minutes after leaving the city they drew rein in the little settlement, their horses snorting, with heads uplifted, necks arched, flecks of foam dropping from their mouths, and sweat commencing to show on their shoulders.
“Two roads branch from here,” said the general, “and we must decide quickly which to take. Señor Cisneros, perhaps you can aid us again.”
The resident of Huari had already dismounted, and he went at once to the fork, then walked rapidly in a stooping posture along the highway to the right. It was still bright moonlight and would be for several hours, so that he had little difficulty in scanning the ground. After going a hundred feet or so, he returned with the information that no one had recently passed that way, except a party of two or three, and they had moved at a walk. Then he moved over the left branch, going even farther this time, and upon returning he said:—