“It’s after two,” he answered; “they have been in there two hours.”
The automobile in front of the house moved swiftly toward them. As it reached the machine in which our friends were awaiting it speeded up and tore past them. O’Neil looked closely; the curtains were drawn, and he could see nothing within.
“What does that mean?” questioned Captain Garcia in amazement. “They are going to Mariel.”
“It means my plan is no good,” cried O’Neil despairingly. “Mareno has had the ‘Mercedes’ sent to Mariel and they’ll put him on board her there.”
“Quick, man,” cried Captain Garcia as he watched Señor Mareno’s machine fade in the distance. “What shall we do?”
O’Neil was in deep thought. Did he dare attack these men and take Craig forcibly away from them? It would mean a prison for him.
“Follow them,” he ordered sharply, “for all you’re worth. I’ll give you ten pesos if you catch her before we get to Mariel,” he cried to the chauffeur.
Their automobile bounded ahead and rushed along the dark road. Mile after mile was eaten up by the steel monster. The anxious men peered ahead hoping to see the dark form of Mareno’s machine, but the suburbs of Mariel were reached and their enemies were still invisible.
“If we catch ’em,” rasped O’Neil, “we must seize Craig by force; it’s our last chance.”
Captain Garcia was delighted. That had been his plan from the first.