“If it comes to the worst, I am not afraid to die. It will be in the service of our country and a man can die but once.”
“That’s the way to talk,” said Donald. “No matter what happens, we must be brave. If we die, it will be like Americans!”
He put out his hand, which was warmly clasped by Adrian.
“It shall be as you say,” he declared. “But I shall not give up hope till the very last minute.”
They were still standing with hands clasped, when they heard the key grate in the lock. They turned quickly at the sound, and, although it was still an hour until day, and, in spite of their determination to be brave, for a moment their cheeks paled.
But their time was not yet.
Instead of the file of soldiers which they feared they might see, their visitor proved to be Don Rafael.
“So!” he exclaimed, as he noticed the pallor upon their faces, “you are not so brave as you would have me think!” and he laughed scornfully.
The boys made no reply and he continued:
“You thought you would trap me, did you? You thought I wouldn’t recognize you as the ones who upset my plans at the cave? You are too young, my friends, to catch an old fox like me!”