There was now a long and serious talk concerning the course to be pursued. Jimmie and Jack told of meeting the man who had been followed to Yokohama, and also of the senator's son and the box he carried. The Filipino told what he knew of the plans of those on board the steamer, now gradually drawing away from them.
"Are you sure that the men in charge of the steamer are American military men?" asked Ned.
"Sure!" was the reply. "I came from Manila with them."
"And they are in the service of the government?"
"Sure!"
"Then what are they doing on that island, in company with the insurgent chiefs?" demanded Frank, but the Filipino only shook his head.
He insisted that Lieutenant Carstens, who was in command of the vessel from which the steam launch had come, was a fine officer, and high in the esteem of the Manila authorities.
"Then what is he monkeyin' with the rebel chiefs for?" demanded Jimmie. "It looks to me like Uncle Sam was goin' to get the double cross."
"Why don't you go back to the steamer," asked Pat of Ned, "and go on board?"
"That would be fine!" cried Jack.