“Yes, from now on I shall aid the Americans to restore order in the island of Kapay,” Rodriguez replied, pleased at the cordial reception given him by the two midshipmen.
Together the party made their way back to headquarters in search of Captain Blynn.
“It was providential that I happened along,” Rodriguez said after they had passed through the sentries; “those bolo-men knew me and obeyed my sign. I see,” he added smilingly, “that you are already arresting the traitors.”
“We were not very successful with Señor Cardero and his friends yonder,” Sydney exclaimed ruefully, “but I suppose we should be thankful to have gotten off so easily.”
“Cardero is one of the craftiest of our outlaws,” Rodriguez returned. “It is a marvel to me how he could have remained unmasked so long. Of course,” he added, “I have known of this intrigue for some months, but until they deliberately plotted against my life I could not betray them.”
“Have you discovered who is the Katipunan leader who tried to murder you last night?” Sydney asked excitedly.
“Yes,” Rodriguez replied. “You have doubtless guessed that he was Espinosa. I know it now for sure. He has gone to Matiginao, where there is a strong fort, and is in command of all the insurgent forces there. The bullet only crippled him last night, and I hear he is rapidly recovering. General Diocno was murdered last night in his bed and no doubt I should have shared the same fate.”
They were by this time at the headquarters building, and were glad to find that Captain Blynn had returned. The midshipmen informed the army man of their luckless adventure and stood in silence expecting to hear his harsh rebuke for allowing such important prisoners to escape, but he only grasped their hands and congratulated them upon their rare good fortune.
“By George,” he exclaimed excitedly, “we’ve been contentedly living over an active volcano. It’s a marvel we haven’t all been massacred long ago.
“Every native of any consequence in the town has departed,” he added sadly.