"Isn't it? We'll see what the surgeon says when we get to Bolivar. Ruggles, you can do most things: can you make a bandage?"
"I've washed and dressed a week-old baby," said Ruggles, "and there's a bit of bandaging in that."
"Well, see what you can do for Azito. José must bake our bread, and I think we might release our prisoners now, don't you?"
"You won't let the General go, surely?" said Ruggles.
"Not I. But we can untie him now. He must be pretty uncomfortable."
The two prisoners were released from their bonds. They looked very woebegone. Machado began to protest.
"You said no harm should come to me if I did your bidding, señor," he said. "This is how an Englishman keeps his word!"
"You haven't much to complain of," said Will bluntly. "Many a man would have shot you for your treachery."
"But you will not take me to Ciudad Bolivar?" said the man, beginning to whine. "They will shoot me there."
"And you would deserve it. But since it was by your help that I secured the person of your General, I'll see what I can do for you. Perhaps they won't trouble about you when they have the arch-rebel in their hands."