"True. But they may possibly fear to let us go free, as we are Americans, and would be likely to inform our government about some things they think we may have learned of them."
"Hark! I believe they are coming back."
While this did not prove true at the time, it was less than an hour later when an officer, with four companions, did visit them, the former saying he had received orders to put them in irons.
Upon listening to this announcement, the three looked upon their captors and then each upon his companions, Unable, at first, to comprehend the statement.
"Why should we be accorded such treatment?" demanded Jack. "We have done no harm to any one, but have come and remained as peaceful citizens of a country that has no trouble with your government or its subjects."
The officer shook his head, as much as to say: "I know nothing of this. My orders must be obeyed." Then he motioned for his men to carry out their purpose.
Although they were not armed, except for their small firearms, and the Venezuelans carried heavy pistols and cutlasses, the first thought that flashed simultaneously through the minds of our heroes was the idea that they could overpower the party, and thus escape the indignity about to be heaped upon them. But, fortunately, as later events proved, the calmer judgment of Jack prevailed. If they succeeded in overpowering these men, they must stand a slim chance of escaping. In fact, it would be folly to hope for it under the present conditions. Thus they allowed the irons to be clasped upon their wrists and about their ankles. This task, which did not seem an unpleasant one to them, accomplished to their satisfaction, the men returned to the deck, leaving our friends prisoners amid surroundings which seemed to make their situation hopeless.