“Jack Starland.”
CHAPTER XX.
It will be recalled that the catboat, in which Major Jack Starland was descending the river in company with Captain Guzman and the Atlamalcan deserter, Martella, landed them at the spot where the young women had left the tug the night before, the cause for which action on their part has been made clear. This took place early in the afternoon, and, under the guidance of Martella, the three started inland over the trail that had been followed by the two ponies less than four and twenty hours before.
While all doubt of the presence of his sister at the Castle had been removed, the young American officer did a big lot of thinking when tracing the path through the mountains. He felt certain that when General Yozarro sent the two thither under escort, he had arranged to prevent their leaving until it should suit his pleasure. It followed, therefore, that despite the outrage, it was necessary for Starland to act with great prudence. He had only two companions and he placed little reliance on the Atlamalcan. To attempt to bluff matters with such an insignificant force would be the height of folly. One man-of-war from the United States would find it child’s play to blow these miserable little republics off the face of the earth, and when his government should be appealed to, it would be certain to bring down a heavy hand upon the offenders; but days and weeks must pass before that could be brought about, and there was no saying what deviltry would be wrought in the meantime. If ever there was call for hurry and the display of the wisdom of the serpent it was now.
When therefore the three drew near the plateau on which the Castle stood, the Major said:
“You and I, Captain, will wait here while Martella goes forward and learns how the land lies.”
“If the Señoritas are restrained of their liberty by only five or six Atlamalcans, why should we hesitate?”