“That will be delightful!” exclaimed the niece, and though it was not the exact arrangement her friend wished, she could offer no objection and it was so agreed.
Thus it came to pass that the General Yozarro steamed past Major Jack Starland and Captain Guzman, while the two sat smoking in front of the native’s hut on the northern shore of the Rio Rubio, without either party suspecting how near they were to each other.
The long day gave General Yozarro abundant time to perfect his schemes which were carried out with precision and a faultless nicety of detail.
Two miles beyond the hut, while the young women were partaking of refreshments in the Captain’s room, which had been specially fitted for their reception, he came to them in great agitation.
“I have just discovered that General Bambos has obtained a boat somewhere and is descending the river with the undoubted purpose of attacking Atlamalco.”
“Let us hasten back ahead of him,” said his startled niece, who like her friend was in dismay over the tidings.
“It will never do to flee before him; he must be kept from reaching our capital; a battle with him is a necessity.”
“With us on board?”
“I do not see how it can be helped—but hold! I will land you here and send you to Castillo Descanso, where you will be beyond all harm. Ah! that is it! That is it!”