Where Duty Called; or, In Honor Bound

by George Waldo Browne

"One thing certain, lad; they have escaped the sea. It is better than becoming victims to that."

"I agree with you, Jack. Now that we have found them it will be our duty to rescue them. Perhaps Manuel here can give us some light on the subject."

The train had by this time passed beyond them, and not thinking it wise to follow, our friends turned to their companion for such information as he might be able to give. Upon learning that the prisoners were friends of theirs, Manuel suddenly became very friendly.

"So you belong to the Sons of Liberty!" he exclaimed. "Yonder penitentiary is where Castro imprisons some of his most important captives. But it won't be so for long. The mountain Indian[[1]] cannot long hold his own against the noble Matos, who belongs to the Guzman Blanco family. Señors shall soon see their comrades free."

While this thought tickled the vanity of the Venezuelan to a high degree, it did not afford any satisfaction to Jack and Ronie, the last saying:

"We must act promptly in their behalf. Have you any plan to suggest, Manuel?"

"Only this, señor. I know of one who lives in San Carlos, who makes it his business to keep posted on what is going on. I will see him at once, and no doubt he will be able to give us information that will be of assistance."

Ronie and Jack gladly agreed to this, and while Manuel was seeing his friend it was thought best for them to remain at his home. This proved to be less than a mile away, so it was only about an hour later that the Venezuelan started upon his errand, leaving our twain anxiously awaiting his return. Since he had learned that they had friends in the hands of his enemies, he had grown very friendly. They had not thought it best to say anything to create a feeling of distrust, but Ronie freely confessed to Jack, as soon as they were alone:

"I want to know what Harrie's imprisonment means before I decide to which side I belong."

"It is generally prudent to take the side of the government," replied Jack. "I can easily understand how an insurgent like Manuel can come to hate the name of Castro, and call him a savage from the mountains. Mountaineers sometimes are men who accomplish much, and President Castro seems to be one of them. I remember a few years ago, about eight, when I was in this country, he suddenly appeared from obscurity to lead a body of men against President Crespo in the interest of President Andrade. He soon proved that he was made of good metal, for he usually led his followers to victory. The Crespo party being successful, the president offered Castro a position in his cabinet if he would desist from further opposition. Possibly the daring mountaineer foresaw greater possibilities, for he declined the honor. Then, when President Crespo named General Andrade as his successor, Castro appeared on the Colombian frontier with the nucleus of a revolutionary army. From the very outset success perched upon his banner, and after overcoming the government troops wherever he met them, taking city after city, all the time receiving reinforcements to his army, he laid siege to the capital. President Andrade fled at this point of the war, and General Castro was declared ruler of the republic. Our country a few months later was the first, I think, to recognize him as ruler. I do not think he has been elected president by vote of the people.[[2]] Be that as it may, his dash and courage, with considerable military ability, has endeared him to a large number of the people. General Matos and his followers, on the other hand, claim that he has been corrupt in his management of the country's affairs, as well as dictatorial beyond the bounds of endurance."