would have made his meaning clear. The Captain
was cooler and braver than any of his countrymen. He did not stir, but
looking into the face of the other, removed his cigarette and said:

"I shall be pleased, Senor, to be told in what way I can serve you."

"You shall learn in a moment; at present continue smoking, and hold
yourself ready for orders."

He bowed and with a smile that showed his even white teeth, replied:

"I am happy to do as you say."

"Are you armed?"

"I am the Captain of this boat; General Yozarro does not allow me to
attend to any other duty; I have no weapon on me; would you prefer to
search me?"

"I accept your word."

The Major turned to look for Guzman and Martella. The sound of voices
showed that they were on the boat.

[Illustration: "A DARING CAPTURE."]

"Warrenia," he called, "come aboard!"

She was alert and moved quickly up the plank.

"Now, Captain, steam out into the river."

"Pardon me, do you not wish the gangplank drawn in?"

"We have no time; do not wait."

The Captain was on his feet, one hand resting on a spoke of the wheel,
while the other gripped the curved piece of brass, which being drawn
upward twice sent an order to the engineer to back the boat. Major
Starland stood listening with some misgiving, for he did not know how
things had gone below. The response, however, indicated that all was
well, for almost on the instant, the screw began churning, and the
boat slowly receded, allowing the gangplank, after being drawn askew,
to drop with a splash into the water.

Knowing the purpose of their leader, Guzman and Martella had hurried
into the engine room, where Valentin Herrera, the engineer, was found
dozing. The place was smotheringly hot, and below, the firemen were
asleep, so used to it that they would have slumbered in tophet itself.

There was consternation for a moment, but it did not take the
visitors long to impress upon the men that the boat had been captured
and that their lives depended upon their prompt acceptance of the
changed conditions.

"How many are with you?" asked the engineer, who knew his former
fireman so well that he did not feel much personal fear of him.

"Enough to hold you all at our mercy."

"You know Captain Ortega is in the wheelhouse."

"Major Starland has attended to him."

"I have heard no pistol shot."

"The Captain is a wise man and has surrendered; Valentin, I want to
make General Yozarro angrier than before," add