r her relative.

"The one who goes to take the message can as well take me along," said
she, determined to force the point.

"Do you expect to remain with him long?" inquired the General.

"I know of nothing to prevent our coming back quite soon."

"Your wish is my command; I shall be very busy today on important
matters. Suppose we take the ride to Zalapata on my gunboat this
evening?"

"That will be delightful!" exclaimed the niece, and though it was not
the exact arrangement her friend wished, she could offer no objection
and it was so agreed.

Thus it came to pass that the _General Yozarro_ steamed past Major
Jack Starland and Captain Guzman, while the two sat smoking in front
of the native's hut on the northern shore of the Rio Rubio, without
either party suspecting how near they were to each other.

The long day gave General Yozarro abundant time to perfect his schemes
which were carried out with precision and a faultless nicety of
detail.

Two miles beyond the hut, while the young women were partaking of
refreshments in the Captain's room, which had been specially fitted
for their reception, he came to them in great agitation.

"I have just discovered that General Bambos has obtained a boat
somewhere and is descending the river with the undoubted purpose of
attacking Atlamalco."

"Let us hasten back ahead of him," said his startled niece, who like
her friend was in dismay over the tidings.

"It will never do to flee before him; he must be kept from reaching
our capital; a battle with him is a necessity."

"With us on board?"

"I do not see how it can be helped--but hold! I will land you here and
send you to _Castillo Descanso_, where you will be beyond all harm.
Ah! that is it! That is it!"

CHAPTER XIV.

The tug rounded to and approached the shore so close that by running
out the gangplank, the young women were readily assisted to land. They
were nervously eager, for there was no saying when the hostile craft
would appear and open fire, since its crew and leader must be unaware
of the presence of the noncombatants.

General Yozarro could not have been more thoughtful. He was profuse in
his regrets because it was necessary to subject them to this
inconvenience, and he assured both over and over again that everything
would be done for their comfort.

"You know the Castle is prepared for your stay, which I hope will be
brief; I shall see that nothing is neglected and you will hear fro