Just as Phil, the last to reach the shore, gained the steep ascent, a sharp crack of a rifle, followed by a loud smack as the bullet dug itself into the muddy soil, announced that those at the ranch had also discovered their presence. As Phil drew himself into the saddle shaking free his reins, a single swift glance down the river showed him the two natives running toward the palm grove where the canoe was tied. A few swift strokes and they would again bar the way.
“Come, Syd, we must ride ahead,” Phil cried in a fever of dread, as he dashed by Maria and her brother. “Never mind what happens, señorita, you ride on as fast as you can go,” he continued earnestly as Sydney spurred ahead to join him. “We’ve got to turn those fellows back,” he explained breathlessly. “If they succeed in getting across they will be able to stop us completely.”
As the midshipmen galloped madly down the rough trail toward a clearing in the trees from which they could get a clear view of their enemy, both drew their revolvers and held them in readiness.
“Look out for your horse, Syd,” Phil continued; “he’ll probably balk when we fire and to be unseated now would mean the end.”
As the two horsemen came into view of the boat the two natives, half-way across the river, suddenly dropped their paddles. Two flashes of flame and a light, filmy smoke told that their bullets had been sent speeding in the midshipmen’s direction. But fortunately the rocking canoe had spoiled their aim. The missiles sang harmlessly above the lads’ heads.
On a mad gallop the two midshipmen rushed out upon the clearing, revolvers in hand. As if on drill, the two horses were drawn back upon their haunches and the Americans’ weapons spoke furiously—shot after shot struck about the panic-stricken natives. They first attempted to paddle away, but the close hiss of the bullets became more than their waning courage could stand. Forgetting their rifles in their mad fear, they jumped overboard and dived below the surface of the water, while the empty canoe, in the grasp of the current, went sailing swiftly down-stream, forever beyond their reach.
With wild exultation the midshipmen turned and raced after their fleeing friends.
Darkness overtook them long before they could again recross the river and take the wide trail on which it was possible to ride with greater speed.
It was after midnight before the great house of Señor Rodriguez loomed up ahead, and after they had been stopped a number of times by the vigilant sentries they gained the hospitable roof.
After a hearty supper, which Maria insisted upon their eating, Phil declared his wish to return to Palilo.