Phil thought that nothing so far had deterred her. She had seen as much fighting as most men and had withstood it bravely, and he said so to her.
“You might be valuable, señorita, to put courage in men’s hearts,” Sydney added smiling, “but you would not be very formidable as a soldier.”
Maria bit her lips vexedly.
“I can shoot as well as a man,” she cried half angrily, “and I can ride a horse and paddle a canoe. What more is needed?”
“Something which is not in your makeup,” Phil answered admiringly. “You are not vindictive and are not cruel. But you can do us a favor, if you will. We want to explore the country between here and Matiginao.”
Maria clapped her hands with joy.
“I know every foot of the country,” she cried eagerly. “You couldn’t have better guides than my little brother and I. But,” she added, her voice becoming lower and a fear in her eyes, “my father is now an enemy to the ladrones and insurgents, and it is unsafe to wander away on the lonely trails.”
Phil and Sydney exchanged glances as much as to say, “There is your woman’s argument. One moment she wants to fight and the next she speaks of danger.”
Señor Rodriguez welcomed the midshipmen, and together all sat down to a large table where a delicious breakfast was served.
Phil saw his men were provided for, as he intended leaving them behind, and after breakfast Maria led the party out where five finely bred horses were held by native grooms.