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Updated: June 5, 2025
It was on the tongue of Miss Starland to declare that she would prefer a hundred times that eventuality to remaining in charge of the Atlamalcans, but instead, her companion said what was in the minds of both: "The order of General Yozarro may apply to me, but cannot apply to my friend who owes no allegiance to Atlamalco or Zalapata.
Jack Starland did not forget the lesson. He was yet in the midst of as treacherous a lot of wretches as so many Apaches. He edged farther forward with his glances alternating between his own craft and the excited throng near him, and so alert that further interference in his behalf was unnecessary. Looking up to Captain Ortega, he caught his eye and saluted: "Thank you with all my heart!"
In his excitement, the General forgot this necessity, and, with the right arm extended to the highest elevation, the weapon was not free from the incumbrance at the other end. He tugged, swore under his breath and grew purple of countenance. Major Starland, without the shadow of a smile, looked at the lower hand of the General and nodded meaningly.
Martella told me he is expected every minute at the Castle." "No one knows better than our good friend, but what of it?" "Which route will he be likely to take, by land or the river?" The question did not seem to have occurred to Major Starland, who turned to Martella for an answer. "I think he will come by the gunboat and land where we did."
With the exception of the men who wrought below, Miss Starland was the only one who slept during those monotonous hours, but she was astir early, and with the help of Martella set about preparing the morning meal for the crew and passengers. General Yozarro could be counted upon to carry a well stocked larder, and little solid food is required in so warm a country.
But during the absence of the American, the Captain had had a visitor, who did not step ashore, but helped in getting the boat under way, and showed by his action, that he meant to remain with them, if they did not object thereto. "Who is he?" asked Starland, at the first opportunity to speak privately to his friend. "Martella, a deserter from President Yozarro."
While Major Starland was wondering what could be the cause, the explosion came: "One of my men, the basest of wretches, deserted my service yesterday and allied himself to Captain Guzman and to you. He sent me the most shockingly insulting of messages; since he is not on this boat, he must be on the other."
"I am afraid, dear friend from the North, that I see some things clearer than you; General Bambos is just as much infatuated with your loveliness as General Yozarro." "But he has a wife and family!" was the horrified exclamation of Miss Starland. "That makes not the slightest difference to him." An expression of unutterable scorn darkened the face of the American.
They were in the uniform of soldiers, and one of them, saluting, said: "General, we have the horses saddled and waiting." "That is fortunate; I will assist you to mount." This time he did not press the hand of Miss Starland, when with his slight help, she vaulted into the saddle, nor did he sigh or give expression to anything sentimental. The time was too critical for anything like that.
At that moment, all felt a jar through the craft, accompanied by such a rapid slackening of pace that the three took an involuntary step forward. "We've run aground!" exclaimed Starland. "There's no doubt of it," calmly added Martella. "It was done purposely!" added the American, placing his hand on his revolver.
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