Jack saw that it would be worse than useless to have any words with this imperious Chilian, who in his petty command felt more arrogant than a king on this throne. Accordingly he began in a respectful tone:
“If Captain de Costa will kindly allow us to drive to the summit we shall be able--”
“Americano dog! will you surrender?”
By this time the Peruvians had taken to their heels, and Jack and Plum stood alone in front of the pompous captain and legion.
Jack’s first thought was to boldly refuse the demand, knowing the other had no business to interfere with him, and to make such a resistance as he and his companion could. But single-handed, against such odds, he knew it would be folly.
“If you please, Captain de Costa, we two are but peaceful American boys, both of us engaged--”
“Will you surrender?” thundered the Chilian, advancing with uplifted sword, as if he would carry out his threat of hewing him down.
“We are offering no resistance to you, señor captain. If you will allow us to--”
At a motion from the Chilian leader his soldiers leaped forward, and Jack and Plum were quickly made prisoners.
The order was then given for the lads to be intrusted to a portion of troops under the command of a sergeant, and then the march down the pathway toward the nearest town was begun.