“We shall not, if such proves to be the fact; but if there are more, it is not well to attack until that is the only means left. It will be little trouble for Martella to learn the truth.”
“Do you mean that he shall make himself known?”
“If necessary; what objection is there to that?”
“He is a deserter from the service of General Yozarro, who will show him no mercy if he once lays hand on him.”
“It cannot be generally known as yet; I understand he merely came away with you, as if for a visit; he will be safe for several days. Such is my view; am I right, Martella?”
“Perhaps so, but I am not afraid of the risk.”
“I do not wish you to run into unnecessary danger, but you need no instruction from me; make all haste.”
The native strode from them at an even pace until he was shut from sight by the bend in the trail. We know what he then did. He did not think it wise to reveal himself at the time and made his reconnoissance therefore from a distance. It did not take him long to learn that the Castle was guarded by a dozen men at least and probably by more. This was reported to his friends on his return.
“That puts a different face on matters,” was the comment of the American; “it would be madness to attack such a force when we have only one rifle among us.”
Until now Major Starland had held slight opinion of the courage and ability of the deserter, but the latter straightway made a proposal whose daring fairly took away his breath.