“Won’t that Spaniard be taken aback when he learns that we have escaped,” said Gus. “He was so positive he had outwitted you!”
“We must find our way back to camp at once. Mr. Whyland will be getting anxious concerning us.”
“You are right. Let’s see, I think the spot is in that direction.”
“So do I, just beyond the three tall trees.”
A minute later, after a whiff of fresh air, they struck out for the camp. They had hardly appeared in sight when Mr. Whyland came running out to meet them.
“You have been gone longer than I expected!” he exclaimed. “Where are your mules?”
“We have got a long story to tell,” said Oliver and Gus in a breath. And sitting down beside the sheltered fire Mr. Whyland had started, they related their adventures.
Of course the gentleman was much astonished.
“It sounds almost too strange to be true,” he said. “Let me see that statement that was left by James Barr. No doubt it will prove of the utmost importance to us.”
He took the leaves, and by the light of the blazing fire read them aloud. All hands listened with rapt attention.