The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water Part 28

"Run!"

For in that quick glance over his shoulder he had perceived the return of the revolutionists.

CHAPTER XVII.-MABEL BRINGS THE BLUEJACKETS.

Shirley and Mabel needed no further urging, and took to their heels.

d.i.c.k followed close behind.

In the one brief glance in which he had perceived the return of the soldiers, d.i.c.k had been unable to determine whether their presence had been discovered, but he believed it wise to take a chance. Hence his command to run.

The three sped lightly over the ground and had gone some distance when they heard a shout from behind, followed by the sharp reports of several rifles.

d.i.c.k stopped suddenly and called to the girls to halt. They obeyed instantly.

"There is no use being shot," said d.i.c.k quietly, "and although they are poor shots they would be sure to hit one of us sooner or later."

"Then what shall we do?" cried Mabel.

"There is only one thing to do," was the reply. "Surrender."

"d.i.c.k is right," agreed Shirley. "It is foolish to attempt to escape."

In the meantime the band of revolutionists had been coming toward them, and at length surrounded the three figures. A man, who appeared to be the leader, though he wore no uniform nor mark of distinction, advanced and addressed d.i.c.k.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" he demanded in English.

d.i.c.k explained, and the man heard him through quietly.

"And who was it hurt Pedro back there?" and the leader waved toward the spot where d.i.c.k had struggled with the Nicaraguan.

"I did," he replied quietly, and explained the cause of the fight.

"Well, you will have to stand trial for attacking one of my men," said the leader. "I am General Orizaba."

He signalled for his men to surround the three, which was soon done, and they continued their march back toward the city.

"Every step in this direction is better for us," said d.i.c.k to the two girls, as they marched along. "We'll get out of this trouble some way, be sure of that."

"Oh, I know no harm will come to us as long as you are here," replied Shirley.

"Thanks," said d.i.c.k dryly. "But I don't see how I can do much for any of us right now."

"Something will turn up," said Shirley positively.

"I hope it turns up soon," declared Mabel.

But if the prisoners hoped to be taken directly back to town they were doomed to disappointment.

After crossing the clearing in the woods, General Orizaba led his men to the left, where after an hour's march, he called a halt. Then he again approached the prisoners.

"We shall camp here," he said. "Here, also, you shall be tried for attacking Pedro."

d.i.c.k made no reply, but Shirley did

"We are Americans," she said, "and you don't dare to interfere with us."

"I don't, eh?" was the reply. "You shall see."

Pedro, it now appeared, had been revived and brought along. The general motioned for him to approach. He pointed to d.i.c.k and spoke in Spanish.

It was impossible to tell what they were talking about, but all three were keen enough to know that it boded no good for them.

The general turned again to d.i.c.k.

"Pedro says you struck him without warning and without provocation," he said. "I have decided, therefore, to dispense with the trial, and to fix your punishment myself."

"I warn you--" began d.i.c.k.

"Caramba!" roared the leader, becoming very angry. "What do I care for your warnings, or for your friends either?"

"There is an American cruiser in the harbor," said d.i.c.k quietly. "The commander knows where I am, and if I am not back within two hours, he will land a force of sailors to see why."

General Orizaba seemed to hesitate, following these words. Then he became even angrier than before. He was about to speak, when a horseman clattered up.

The general turned to him and they conversed in low tones. Then the horseman dismounted, and leaving his horse, made his way to where the rest of the revolutionists sat upon the ground some distance away.

General Orizaba again faced d.i.c.k.

"Dog of an Americano!" he thundered. "You shall be shot for daring to interfere with one of my men."

d.i.c.k only smiled.

"I guess you don't mean that," he replied quietly.

"I don't, eh? You shall see." He paused a moment. "But you shall live until sunset."

He turned to call one of his men; and at that moment, Mabel, who stood closest to the riderless horse, suddenly leaped forward and sprang upon the animal's back.

So sudden was her movement that for a moment the Nicaraguans failed to realize her intention.

That moment was sufficient for Mabel to seize the reins and turn the horse's head toward the city. Then she dug her heels into his flanks and away they went.

d.i.c.k and Shirley were no less surprised than the Nicaraguans, and both uttered cries of alarm.

General Orizaba darted forward with an e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.i.o.n, and called to his men.