“Quien sabe?” (who knows) and he shrugged his shoulders again. “We shall have the money.”
Harvey pushed forward his horse just then to the side of General Matajente, and began to whisper earnestly in his ear. After a few minutes the officer said:—
“This young man wishes to return with you and reassure his sister and her companion. Will you take him?”
“What answer shall I give the captain?”
“That depends upon whether the señoritas are unharmed and whether you do what we ask. When the boy returns you come with him and we will give the reply.”
“Very well, señor commandante. I can see no harm in that,” and wheeling his horse he went back over the road, with the boy following.
As soon as they were out of earshot General Matajente said earnestly:—
“When they return, hold your horses ready for a sudden dash. Draw your revolvers, but keep them concealed.”
“What do you propose?” asked Señor Cisneros.
“I do not understand clearly myself, as yet. Harvey has formed some plan, and will tell more when he has seen his sister and Señorita Caceras!”