He climbed into the cab beside the engine-driver.
"A thousand pesos," he shouted, "if you reach the junction before the Englishman!"
The driver opened the throttle, the wheels spun round, and when they held the rails the train started with a great rumbling and clanking towards the junction.
————
The hydroplane had floated only a few yards down the stream when there was a shout from the bank opposite. Looking round, Will saw, at the embouchure of the creek, a man wearing General Carabaño's green feather in his sombrero. He held a rifle. The enemy had clearly taken the precaution to post a look-out, so that while their boat was searching the creek, the hydroplane should not pass undiscovered.
One glance, then Will started the engine, and the hydroplane shot forward.
"Not too fast," said Ruggles anxiously.
"All right. Ten miles an hour till we see how she goes. Keep your eyes open, Azito."
The Indian grunted. He stood as far forward as was convenient, holding his pole, and fixing his eyes on the course. He meant to earn the little yacht that lay snugly beached in the creek behind.
The man on the bank shouted again. In less than two minutes the hydroplane was level with him. He knelt on one knee, lifted his rifle, and fired.