The carriage came closer and it was only by a few inches that it missed striking Enrique Morano’s turnout. As it swept by the boys got a good look at the occupants.
“Dan Markel!” almost shouted Hockley and Mark, in a breath.
“That was Markel, just as sure as you are born,” came from Frank. “Who would have expected to meet him here?”
“We ought to go after him,” continued Hockley.
“You evidently know the man,” said Enrique Morano, bringing his team to a halt and gazing inquiringly at the boys.
“He is the man who robbed Hockley,” explained Professor. “He was captured once, down on the Orinoco, but he escaped.”
“Ah, I see. Yes, he should be caught. And the other man, what of him?”
He looked at the boys again, but all shook their heads. They could not remember having seen the individual before.
“Guess he’s another victim,” was Mark’s comment. “I don’t believe Markel had any money of his own. He has struck up an acquaintance with some newcomer and is doing the sponging act.”
“Or else he is spending the proceeds of another robbery,” said Sam.