CHAPTER XIX.
The American did not reply, but held her gaze upon the little vessel, whose curving to the right might change at any moment; but it kept straight on under the propulsion of the breeze until hidden from sight by the tops of the trees. The three men had certainly approached land, though it could not be said they had left the boat.
“What do you make of it?” asked Miss Starland.
“Probably three natives have run to shore for a little while and will soon pass out again and continue on their way.”
“Let us keep watch.”
They did so, and when an hour had passed and the sun was low in the sky, the craft had failed to appear. Far to the westward, a thin, dark, shadowy line lay motionless against the horizon, too far off to be identified.
“I think it is the smoke of the gunboat,” said the Señorita; “General Yozarro means to come to the Castle over the same course we followed.”
They looked long and anxiously, but the horizontal streak of vapor gradually faded without bringing the craft into view. The tug had steamed in the opposite direction, or there had been a change of mind and the fires were banked or allowed to go out.