“There is a trail from my ranch to the foot of the mountain,” Rodriguez replied thoughtfully, “but it will be filled with traps, and will be dangerous if Espinosa hears an attack is to be attempted. The river flows through a narrow gorge at Matiginao, and from the cliffs huge boulders can be dropped into the river many hundred feet below.
“The gunboat!” he exclaimed in amazement, after Phil had questioned in regard to the depth of water. “If it were possible!” Rodriguez glanced admiringly at the heavy cannon mounted near him. “Yes, with this gunboat in the river the tops of the cliffs could be swept, and soldiers could scale the difficult trail unopposed, and once through the narrows the trail leading from the stronghold could be commanded by the cannon to cut off the retreat of the insurgents. It is wonderful! But the bridge, Señor Perry,” he ended, his voice betraying his sudden disappointment; “it is strongly built and a gunboat cannot pass.”
“If I find there’s water enough to float the ‘Mindinao,’” Phil replied assuredly, “the bridge will not stand in the way long.
“Does your daughter know the country?” Phil asked earnestly.
Rodriguez gazed a full minute at his questioner before he answered.
“Every foot of it,” he added; “she was born near the stronghold. But what is your intention, señor? This is no work for a woman.”
Phil would willingly have bitten off his tongue for having led him into such an embarrassing situation. He could not tell Rodriguez that he wanted Maria because she alone would he trust as a guide on the perilous mission which he had made up his mind to make.
Major Marble fortunately arrived at this moment and saved the lad from becoming more deeply involved. He gave them the latest news.
“Tillotson’s father is keeping the wires hot,” he told them. “We are ordered to spare nothing to recapture him, but of course we shall do that anyway. The general has wired back the good news the señor has brought, that Tillotson is believed to be a prisoner and alive.”
Before the party dispersed, Phil confided to his hearers his plan to explore the river and his intention to start that very night.