ed Martella with a grin.

"He cannot be any angrier than he has been ever since I gave him your
message; but I accept the situation. He cannot condemn his men for
being overpowered when he leaves them no weapons with which to fight.
You needn't fret about the firemen or me--"

Just then the gong clinked in response to the switching in the pilot
house above.

"That means go back."

"I wouldn't wait, Valentin; our leader, _el Americano_, is impatient,
and is quick to use the revolver he carries."

"It is my duty to obey orders," commented the engineer, with another
grin, as he made the necessary shifting of cranks and levers to set
the machinery to plunging and swinging. The drowsy firemen cared
little for what was going on over their heads and slouchily threw
wood into the furnace.

"It is my wish to go to Zalapata," Major Starland explained to the
Captain of the tug; "General Yozarro set out to take my sister there
last night, but seems to have changed his mind, for he brought her
only part way. We will now complete the journey."

"At the highest speed, Senor?"

The American did not catch the significance of this question, but
accidentally he made the best answer.

"There is no haste necessary; we shall be able to reach there soon
after sunrise; you know how fast to go; am I understood?"

"Perfectly, Senor."

Feeling himself master of the craft, Starland now went back into the
Captain's cabin to see his sister, whom he found seated in the
quarters which had been occupied by her and the Senorita Estacardo
the evening before. Although this species of craft are not intended
to carry passengers, outside the necessary equipment, General Yozarro
had caused the small compartment to be fitted up and furnished
suitably for the entertainment of guests. The swinging lamp was
lighted overhead, and the bottles, glasses and fragments of cigarettes
showed how the Dictator and his friends had spent most of the time in
coming from Atlamalco.

Miss Starland was flustered and nervous, but the cool self possession
of her brother greatly reassured her.

"That was a clever trick we played upon the scamp," said he with a
smile.

"What do you intend to do with the boat?"

"Take you to Zalapata; it would serve him right if I scuttled it, but
I will turn it over to Bambos to keep or destroy as he pleases--"

She was about to speak, when shouts and calls caused both to hurry
outside. As might have been anticipated, General Y