VICTORY AND PEACE.
Ronie and Harrie heard this announcement with considerable alarm, as with their first thought they believed they had come too late to accomplish their purpose.
"We must get back to the regiment as soon as possible," declared Ronie. "If we act promptly we may yet rout the inhabitants of the town and save mother. How many men has El Capitan under him, do you think, Manuel?"
"I am sorry that I am not able to tell," replied the Venezuelan. "I think by what I could catch that he is coming back with a large force."
"Which makes it the more necessary that we act quickly. Come on, boys!"
His companions needed no urging to follow him, and it was not long before they were able to rejoin Captain de Caprian, who was anxiously awaiting them. But their news did not disconcert the brave young patriot.
"It only fulfills my wishes," he said. "We have only to storm the town without loss of time, and then get ready to meet El Capitan. Ay, we will give him a welcome home that he little expects. I wish Señor Greenland would—but here he comes!"
Jack had also been out on a reconnoissance, and he brought in the same news that the others had—that El Capitan was expected at Durango within a few hours.
"They say he comes with five thousand troops," added Jack.
Our heroes turned to see what effect this announcement would have upon Francisco, but as far as they could see the young captain did not show that he had heard the words. Fifteen minutes later the regiment was ordered forward, and then was begun a swift, but silent, advance upon the stronghold of the insurgents, Captain de Caprian giving out his orders calmly and confidently, as if about to enter one of the camps of Castro. Could he reasonably hope to meet successfully El Capitan's superior numbers? What if the latter had five thousand men under his command?