“It seems more likely to me that he came from the small boat; he may be a messenger from General Yozarro.”
“If so, his action is inexplicable. If a messenger, he would hurry to the Castle and deliver his message.”
“Perhaps he has done so and is going away.”
While all was conjecture, the man moved. It was then noted that he carried no gun though he doubtless had smaller weapons. He turned slowly about, facing the other way, strode a dozen steps or so and then passed from sight. Thinking he might appear again the two watched the spot for the following half hour, during which he was not seen again. Then, looking in the direction of Atlamalco they were unable to detect any trace of the finger of smoke which had faded out and which they thought might come to view again.
“General Yozarro may have sailed further up the river,” suggested the Señorita.
“What could he hope to accomplish by that, except to run away from General Bambos?”
“He may turn into the main stream, where it bifurcates, and come down to the junction, when he can steam up to Zalapata.”
“Let us stop speculating about him. Just now I am more interested in the stranger, and, as sure as I live, there he is again!”
The brief twilight was already closing in, when the form of a man—presumably the one whom they had already noted—came into view at the point where he was first observed. Instead of pausing as before, he continued to advance toward the plateau on which stood the Castle. His pace was an ordinary one, showing neither haste nor hesitation. It was a striking proof of the shortness of the tropical twilight that although the flickering figure steadily drew nearer, it as steadily grew more indistinct. When his head and shoulders rose over the edge of the plateau, it was almost impossible to see his countenance, though no doubt remained that he was an Atlamalcan soldier. A little closer approach and he was hidden from the sight of the watchers in the upper story.
The interior was now so dark that they descended to where the lamp supported by the bracket at the side of the wall, was lighted. At the same moment, the knock of the servant Juanita sounded, and she brought their evening meal. The Señorita questioned her and she said that a soldier had just arrived and was talking to Captain Navarro of the guard, but she knew nothing of his errand.