"To think if we had been a minute later," said Ronie.
"She opens her eyes," declared Harrie. "She has been spared."
It was indeed an affecting scene, during which Jack Greenland drew apart. He found that three other captives, all Venezuelans, had been rescued, and that these had been all the persons held in the convent.
Renewed commotion outside now caught his attention, and he returned to the side of his friends.
"I think El Capitan is coming, and that the boys are preparing to welcome him home," he said, grimly. "I think I will help in the greeting, if you will excuse me, lads."
"Forgive me, Jack, for forgetting my duty," said Harrie. "But I felt so anxious for Ronie's mother."
"I must go, mother," declared Ronie.
"Oh, my son!" she implored, "must you leave me here and now?"
It was a serious problem for the young engineers to decide, between filial and martial duty. Happily Jack quickly settled the matter by saying:
"It is your duty, lads, to remain here. I know Captain de Caprian would wish it. Look sharp to yourselves, while I join the troops in their welcome to El Capitan."