"Friends," replied Jack, suddenly checking his headlong flight, while the woman followed his example. Then, before anything further could be said or done, the officer did a most unexpected thing. Urging his horse close beside Ronie, he cried:
"Roland Rand! Is it possible I find you here?"
Ronie, at first thinking the other meant to do him harm, shrank back, but he quickly rallied at the familiar tone of the speaker. Then, with a wild feeling of joy, he looked more closely upon him, to exclaim the next moment:
"Colonel Marchand!"
"At your service, Mr. Rand, but I am puzzled to know how it is I meet you here, where I least expected to find you."
"It is a very long story to tell, Colonel Marchand, and I will gladly explain it all to you at the first opportunity. This is my friend, Jack Greenland," signifying that individual, who had not yet recovered from the surprise he had experienced.
"Glad to meet you, too, Mr. Greenland. But where is Harrie, Ronie? Is he coming behind you?"
"He is in prison at San Carlos, colonel. Jack and I were on our way to Caracas to find relief for him."
"What is he in prison for? The penitentiary is mainly filled with rebels now."
"That is the charge against him. He was taken under suspicious circumstances, but I can vouch for his honor."