CHAPTER X.
"WE HAVE BEEN BETRAYED!"
Ronie and Jack paid but little heed to the words of their companion, astheir attention was already fixed upon the file of men moving withmartial steps toward the gloomy structure, whose walls had echoed to somany cries of distress from its heart-broken captives. Even now thissquad was taking thither two prisoners, as Jack had said, and one ofthese had awakened an exciting interest. He was surely an American,and in the distance there seemed something familiar about him, whichcaused them to hold their breath while they watched and waited. Thenthe truth of their convictions finally overpowered their doubts, andRonie exclaimed under his breath:
"It is Harrie, Jack!"
"Ay, lad; and Francisco is with him."
"What does it mean, Jack?"
"One thing certain, lad; they have escaped the sea. It is better thanbecoming victims to that."
"I agree with you, Jack. Now that we have found them it will be ourduty to rescue them. Perhaps Manuel here can give us some light on thesubject."
The train had by this time passed beyond them, and not thinking it wiseto follow, our friends turned to their companion for such informationas he might be able to give. Upon learning that the prisoners werefriends of theirs, Manuel suddenly became very friendly.
"So you belong to the Sons of Liberty!" he exclaimed. "Yonderpenitentiary is where Castro imprisons some of his most importantcaptives. But it won't be so for long. The mountain Indian[1] cannotlong hold his own against the noble Matos, who belongs to the GuzmanBlanco family. Senors shall soon see their comrades free."
While this thought tickled the vanity of the Venezuelan to a highdegree, it did not afford any satisfaction to Jack and Ronie, the lastsaying:
"We must act promptly in their behalf. Have you any plan to suggest,Manuel?"
"Only this, senor. I know of one who lives in San Carlos, who makes ithis business to keep posted on what is going on. I will see him atonce, and no doubt he will be able to give us information that will beof assistance."
Ronie and Jack gladly agreed to this, and while Manuel was seeing hisfriend it was thought best for them to remain at his home. This provedto be less than a mile away, so it was only about an hour later thatthe Venezuelan started upon his errand, leaving our twain anxiouslyawaiting his return. Since he had learned that they had friends in thehands of his enemies, he had grown very friendly. They had not thoughtit best to say anything to create a feeling of distrust, but Roniefreely confessed to Jack, as soon as they were alone:
"I want to know what Harrie's imprisonment means before I decide towhich side I belong."
"It is generally prudent to take the side of the government," repliedJack. "I can easily understand how an insurgent like Manuel can cometo hate the name of Castro, and call him a savage from the mountains.Mountaineers sometimes are men who accomplish much, and PresidentCastro seems to be one of them. I remember a few years ago, abouteight, when I was in this country, he suddenly appeared from obscurityto lead a body of men against President Crespo in the interest ofPresident Andrade. He soon proved that he was made of good metal, forhe usually led his followers to victory. The Crespo party beingsuccessful, the president offered Castro a position in his cabinet ifhe would desist from further opposition. Possibly the daringmountaineer foresaw greater possibilities, for he declined the honor.Then, when President Crespo named General Andrade as his successor,Castro appeared on the Colombian frontier with the nucleus of arevolutionary army. From the very outset success perched upon hisbanner, and after overcoming the government troops wherever he metthem, taking city after city, all the time receiving reinforcements tohis army, he laid siege to the capital. President Andrade fled at thispoint of the war, and General Castro was declared ruler of therepublic. Our country a few months later was the first, I think, torecognize him as ruler. I do not think he has been elected presidentby vote of the people.[2] Be that as it may, his dash and courage,with considerable military ability, has endeared him to a large numberof the people. General Matos and his followers, on the other hand,claim that he has been corrupt in his management of the country'saffairs, as well as dictatorial beyond the bounds of endurance."
From a discussion of the affairs of the country, they began to seeksome solution to the mystery of the photograph found in such a strangeway, Ronie firm in his belief that his mother was in dire distress atthat very moment.
"I cannot help thinking that for some reason she is in this country,Jack, and in trouble."
"Tut--tut, lad! that cannot be. The mere fact that her picture has insome way found its way to this place does not prove that she is nearby,too. No doubt, as soon as we reach Colonel Marchand we shall get goodnews from her. She may have sent her photograph by him to you, andsome of the rebels have stolen it."
"Forgive me, Jack. Of course that may have been the case. Now youspeak of it, it is really the most likely solution to the mystery. Bythat I am led to believe that you think Colonel Marchand has joinedPresident Castro's party."
"He would be likely to do it. In fact, it would be good policy for himto do so, as it would be necessary for him to be on good footing withthe government in order to carry out the business venture which hasdrawn us all to this country."
"I agree with you, Jack. I feel better, too, in regard to mother. Nowif we can rescue Harry safely it will bring great relief. I wishManuel would come with some word of him."
"Do not get impatient, lad. It is likely to take the fellow some timeto get his information, even if he gets any. I do not have great faithin the rascal, and if we were not in his own house, I should not expectto see him back."
If Jack counseled patience in waiting for the insurgent's return, hequite forgot his advice before Manuel Marlin put in an appearance, andwith good reasons, for it was well into the following night before hecame. He seemed then greatly excited, and told his story in adisjointed way.
"Senors' friends came ashore in a boat from the _Libertador_," hedeclared, in what seemed an exultant tone. "Then Castro's spiescaptured them and threw them into prison. But senors need not fear,for the Sons of Liberty will soon free them. Even now Matos is hewinghis way toward the capital. Many recruits are being added to his army,and never did the prospects of down-trodden Venezuela look brighter."
"So our friends are held as prisoners of war?" asked Jack.
"As spies under Matos," replied Manuel. "Perhaps I should add, senors,that Francisco de Caprian has been recognized as an old offenderagainst Castro. But they cannot hold him any more than they can holdlong El Mocho."
If this information did not disturb the spirits of Manuel Marlin, itdid awaken considerable uneasiness on the part of Ronie and Jack.
"Perhaps, if we should see the authorities at San Carlos they might setHarrie, at least, free," said Ronie.
Manuel shook his head.
"No power below Castro's can free them until Matos enters San Carlos."
Ronie was about to reply, when a commotion outside of the dwellingarrested their attention, and before they were able to understand whatit meant, the wife of the Venezuelan hurriedly entered the apartment,exclaiming:
"Fly, for your life, Manuel! The yard is full of soldiers searchingfor the Gringos!"
Even Ronie knew this last word was a term applied by the Spanish racesto Americans, and that he and Jack were the objects sought for by thenewcomers.
Manuel Marlin quickly anticipated the truth, and he cried out in alarm:
"We have been betrayed! Some one has carried the news of your comingto El Capitan. Quick! flee from here, if you value your lives andmine."