"Go on slowly," cried Will to Ruggles. "They won't dare to pursue us now. We are safe till the morning."
"Will you come aboard?" asked Ruggles.
"Not at present. I have got a prisoner."
"Machado?"
"He has been my right-hand man." He was speaking in English, so that Machado did not understand him.
"You don't say so! Who's your prisoner, then?"
"His Excellency the Liberator of Venezuela, General Carabaño."
"By gosh! this beats cock-fighting. How on earth did you do it?"
"I'll tell you all by and by. It's the greatest piece of luck. We'll hold him as hostage for the Chief and O'Connor."
"Did you find out where they are?"