"I am not sure they would follow me. Here comes Señor Riva."
"Sergeant Rand, Don Isadora begs me to tell you that he is better, but is not able to lead his men. He beseeches of you to do this."
There was no opportunity for hesitation. El Capitan was already advancing for his second attack.
"Help me rally them, Riva, and I will do it," replied Ronie.
Swiftly the word was carried along the ranks, when new life was enthused into the men, who were really brave fellows. The young sergeant decided that prompt action would be the most successful, and to meet El Capitan halfway would show him that the forces on the plantation were alive to the situation. So the word for an advance was passed along the line. It met with a hearty response, and as Ronie sprang forward with his rousing command he found himself supported by a determined force.
"Open fire—charge!"
The volley of shots was succeeded by loud cheers from the Venezuelans, who bounded forward under the lead of their gallant champion.
"Forward!" cried Sergeant Rand.
Harrie was close behind him, and so was Riva Baez, all three having dismounted from their horses as soon as returning to the estate. A random volley from the rebels answered their first fire, and at the second, in spite of all that the mountain chief could do, his followers fled in wild disorder, disappearing from the scene with a rapidity that was surprising.
That night, at the very outset of his campaign, El Capitan received his first defeat.