“Red Muriel shall not have the ransom,” cried Frank. “I will rescue you this very night. Is your father also a prisoner?”
“Oh, yes, and six of our guard of escort given us by the governor at Quito. But do you really think you can rescue us?”
“I know it.”
“What are your plans?”
“As soon as it becomes dark,” said Frank, “we will act. I shall creep across that bridge and——”
“Ah, but that bridge is drawn up at night. You cannot cross by any other means.”
This was a staggerer to Frank.
“Drawn up!” he exclaimed. “You do not mean that?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, I——”