Where Duty Called; or, In Honor Bound

by George Waldo Browne

"General Castro will act decisively when the time comes, according to his idea," said Ronie.

In the midst of this uncertainty word reached them from La Guayra that the cables were to be cut, and that Minister Bowen had sent to Washington for warships.

Castro's next movement was to take charge of his troops at Guaicaipuro, and to establish his government there. Then followed the week's battle with the insurgents led by Mendoza at La Gloria, which was to prove the turning point in the war. Colonel Marchand's regiment of volunteers was there, and in the thickest of the fight our heroes had ample opportunity to prove the metal of which American soldiers are made. It was a bitter fight, the more trying as it was made with bush-fighters—scattered bodies of men who fought after the style of the North American Indians, from behind trees, or whatever cover was at hand. Fortunately, our friends escaped without a scratch, though Colonel Marchand received an ugly wound that was likely to drive him from the field for a time.

His was not the only regiment that covered itself with glory, for there was another, led by a boyish captain, who seemed everywhere in the thickest of the fight. This little band gained the high-water mark of the battle, and it was that more than any other which turned the tide of the struggle and made of La Victoria a victory indeed. The name of that gallant leader, who received special mention in the list of honor, was Francisco de Caprian. General Castro had no longer any reason to doubt his loyalty to Venezuela, and the president greeted him with the promise that his conduct had chased away the shadows upon his family name.

The result of this victory for the government at La Victoria was such that Matos, the head of the insurgents, gave up active command, while Castro prepared for a triumphal return to Caracas.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE SPY OF CARACAS.

Immediately after the victory at La Victoria our three Americans were forced to part with Francisco, who was to return to the capital with General Castro, while they were called to Don Isadora's estate, the owner thinking he had got on the track of a clew to the whereabouts of Mrs. Rand. The don received them with open arms, he having fully recovered from the effects of his wounds, but the errand proved fruitless, and they felt obliged to abandon the quest in this vicinity.

So they again found themselves in La Guayra. But their stay here was short. Ronie was anxious to get to Caracas, that he might consult with Mr. Bowen, to see if nothing could be done by him toward finding his mother. General Castro was also to join with him, and altogether he felt very hopeful, though aware that his mother might be beyond his power of help before this. But he was a brave youth, and he resolved to do all he could and hope for the best.