"As spies under Matos," replied Manuel. "Perhaps I should add, señors, that Francisco de Caprian has been recognized as an old offender against Castro. But they cannot hold him any more than they can hold long El Mocho."
If this information did not disturb the spirits of Manuel Marlin, it did awaken considerable uneasiness on the part of Ronie and Jack.
"Perhaps, if we should see the authorities at San Carlos they might set Harrie, at least, free," said Ronie.
Manuel shook his head.
"No power below Castro's can free them until Matos enters San Carlos."
Ronie was about to reply, when a commotion outside of the dwelling arrested their attention, and before they were able to understand what it meant, the wife of the Venezuelan hurriedly entered the apartment, exclaiming:
"Fly, for your life, Manuel! The yard is full of soldiers searching for the Gringos!"
Even Ronie knew this last word was a term applied by the Spanish races to Americans, and that he and Jack were the objects sought for by the newcomers.
Manuel Marlin quickly anticipated the truth, and he cried out in alarm:
"We have been betrayed! Some one has carried the news of your coming to El Capitan. Quick! flee from here, if you value your lives and mine."