“Is Espinosa playing a double game?” he asked Sydney suddenly. “Does he fear detection by his own people? Does he believe that Martinez did not recognize him and that his identity as a traitor is safe?”
Sydney shook his head over the mystery.
CHAPTER VII
THE GUNBOAT COÖPERATES
As the two midshipmen stepped over the gangway of the “Mindinao” a figure arose from a seat on the quarter-deck and hurried eagerly toward them.
“I’ve been waiting an hour for you,” Major Marble exclaimed excitedly. “The general wants you to start as soon as possible for Binalbagan. Baker’s men have had a fight; we got some news, and then the wire was cut; our signal corps men have already gone out to find the break. Tillotson and fifty men will be on board inside of an hour.”
The midshipmen’s eyes opened wide with excitement.
“We’re getting up steam, sir,” O’Neil volunteered. “I thought something was in the wind when I seen the major come aboard, so I asked him and he told me what we was to do.”
“Good for you,” Phil exclaimed, throwing an appreciative glance at the trusty boatswain’s mate.
“Baker is in the field and a sergeant and twenty men are holding the post,” Major Marble continued, “but if the natives are in great force such a handful cannot last long.”
An hour later, Lieutenant Tillotson, a thin, blonde-haired youngster, marched his khaki-clad men on board and joined the little group of officers about the table on the quarter-deck.