Walter tried to make his voice sound as if this were a commonplace meeting, but his eyes twinkled with mischief as he thought of the second surprise in store for the steam-shovel man.
"I'll tell you all about it when you are safe aboard the Dauntless yonder," said Devlin. "And what are you doing roosting on that heap of furniture like a crazy hen? Oh my, but I'm sorry General Quesada got away from you. We surely did pine to lug him back to Panama with us."
The hapless general in the state-room had become silent, for he was reluctant to draw the attention of the American party. Walter chuckled as he replied:
"I have a present for you. It is a big one. If you really want General Quesada, you can have him with my compliments."
"You're joking, boy. He is boring a large hole in the jungle by this time."
"He wishes he was. Open this door behind me and see what you find."
Devlin tossed the furniture aside and entered the state-room. General Quesada was sitting on the edge of the bunk and appeared very low-spirited. Just then the captain of the marines came below with a dozen privates at his heels. The steam-shovel man loudly summoned them, adding with tremendous gusto:
"Didn't I tell you that Goodwin was the finest lad that ever happened? All he needed was a chance to get into action."
They cheered for Goodwin, and cordially invited General Quesada to surrender and end the war.