value. The Major ground
his teeth when he thought he had allowed his yacht to pass down the
river to San Luis, with the understanding that she need not return for
several days. There was no way, however, of getting word to Captain
Winton, who could not suspect the urgent necessity for his presence in
this part of the land of abominations.

"Martella will be glad to go with us; he says we should go ashore just
this side of the point of land ahead."

"He doesn't seem to have any weapons with him," remarked the Major,
scrutinizing the fellow, who was looking at him with a curiously
intent expression.

"He could not bring his musket, but he has a knife under his coat,
and none knows better how to use it."

"Bring him here."

Guzman motioned to his friend, who rose to his feet, touching a
forefinger to the front of his sombrero, and skilfully picked his
course along the careening boat.

"Take the tiller for a few minutes, Captain."

The moment Martella came within reach, the American extended his hand
and addressed him in his native tongue:

"The Captain says you are ready to show us the way to _Castillo
Descanso_, where Senoritas Estacardo and Starland are staying."

Martella nodded his head several times and said eagerly, "_Si, si,
si._"

"Are you certain they are there?"

"I am not, but I think so."

"The deuce! Captain, I thought you said he was certain."

"So he is,--as certain as one can be; he saw them go ashore last night
and start inland under the escort of two soldiers, and heard them say
they were going to _Castillo Descanso_; isn't that true, Martella?"

"It is true, but perhaps they did not arrive there."

"Oh, hang it!--that is as near right as one can be. Show the Captain
where to direct the boat and we'll soon set things humming."

Martella pointed out the spot, and Guzman, who was an expert
navigator, turned the prow inward, while the Major lowered the sail,
and they rounded to at a place where all were able to leap ashore dry
shod. The craft was carefully made fast, and leaving what slight
luggage they had behind, they were ready to press inland without loss
of time. The leader carried his rifle and belt full of cartridges and
his revolver; the Captain his revolver, while the private was armed
only with a long frightful knife, which he kept, so far as possible,
out of sight under his jacket.

Standing beside one another for a minute or two, the American asked
his guide:

"Did Genera