Carolyn Judson Burnett

“ The girls shuddered.
“It is terrible,” said Shirley.
“Don’t look at them,” urged Mabel. “Let’s run.”
But as they were about to take to their heels, they were startled by the sound of a voice directly behind them.
“Ha!” it said.
The girls wheeled in their tracks to confront a man with rifle levelled directly at them. A cry of fear was rung from Mabel’s lips, but Shirley said nothing.
The man advanced and the girls shrank back. A torrent of words poured from the man’s lips, but it was absolutely unintelligible to either of the girls. ”

“ Shirley smiled at him bravely.
“I know it,” she replied quietly.
Now the leader of the revolutionists signalled two of his men to bind the prisoners. This was soon done, and they were taken well to one side of what proved to be the line of battle.
“I do this so I may be sure you will be saved for me,” said General Orizaba with an evil smile. “It would be nice to have you shot down by American bullets, but I would rather do it myself. Besides, from here, you can see us defeat the Americanos.”
“Many thanks for your kindness,” returned Dick. ”

“ Came a cry from the man at the rudder, and the eyes of the others followed his gaze toward the distant horizon. They beheld a faint cloud in the otherwise clear sky.
“Steamer!” cried the first man.
The cloud approached nearer and at last the outline of a ship, appearing very small at that distance, could be made out. It was headed on a course that would bring it almost directly in the path of the smaller boat.
As the hull of the vessel grew larger by its approach, occasional cheers broke from the lips of those in the little craft. ”

“ CHAPTER XIX.—A GUATEMALA ADVENTURE.
“This,” said Captain Anderson, waving his hand, as the steamer entered a little harbor, “is Champerico, the only Guatemalan port at which we shall touch. It is the last Central American republic we shall see. Would you care to go ashore?”
“I would like to go,” said Shirley, with a sidelong look at her father. ”

“ He turned on his heel and left the room.
“When shall we get under way again, captain?” asked Colonel Ashton.
“First thing in the morning,” was the reply. “We’ll probably be out of sight of land when you tumble out.”
“We can’t get away from here any too quick to suit me,” declared Shirley.
“No, indeed,” Mabel agreed. “We have had trouble enough to last us for a long time to come. The sooner we get back to civilization the better.”
“And that goes for all of us,” agreed Mr. Willing.
“I’m glad to have you back aboard the Yucatan,” declared Captain Anderson. ”

“ Willing. “I haven’t any use for a spy, be he German or English. Now you can get out of here.”
Without a word Bristow moved toward the door. But Mabel leaped forward and barred his path. She turned to Mr. Willing.
“Surely you wouldn’t send him out to be captured?” she exclaimed. “Those men are waiting for him out there.”
“That is none of our affair,” said Mr. Willing.
“I agree with Mabel in that,” declared Shirley. “If he goes out before we are beyond the three-mile limit, he will be taken prisoner.”
“And if he isn’t there is no telling what may happen,” commented Mr. Willing. ”

“ By the way, I wonder what will be done with Henry Bristow—I mean Captain Von Blusen?”
“I don’t know,” replied Shirley. “However, I suppose he will be taken to Washington.”
“He seemed a very nice young man. I wouldn’t have thought he was a German.”
“Well, I suppose there are nice Germans as well as any other kind,” replied Shirley with a laugh. “But I wonder why they took such chances?”
“Orders, I reckon. The Germans have shown great daring and bravery in this war.”
“I should say they have. I wonder if the United States will be drawn into the war.” ”

“ All day the city had sweltered beneath the terrible heat, but as the ship gradually gathered headway a breeze sprang up and blew refreshingly across the deck. 36
“This is something like it,” declared Mr. Willing, removing his yachting cap and passing his handkerchief over his forehead.
The awnings were stretched, and all took the steamer chairs they had secured. These they pulled close to the rail, and then gazed off across the water.
Directly the Statue of Liberty came into view. The girls gazed at it curiously as they passed and headed for the open sea. ”

“ They obeyed instantly.
“There is no use being shot,” said Dick quietly, “and although they are poor shots they would be sure to hit one of us sooner or later.”
“Then what shall we do?” cried Mabel.
“There is only one thing to do,” was the reply. “Surrender.”
“Dick is right,” agreed Shirley. “It is foolish to attempt to escape.”
In the meantime the band of revolutionists had been coming toward them, and at length surrounded the three figures. A man, who appeared to be the leader, though he wore no uniform nor mark of distinction, advanced and addressed Dick. ”

“ The passengers bade them an affectionate good-bye as they left the Yucatan at San Diego, and then they entered a taxi and were driven to a hotel, where they once more made themselves comfortable for a stay ashore.
They spent two days at the San Diego exposition, and then took a train for San Francisco to view, as Shirley expressed it, “the greatest sight they ever expected to see.” ”

“ Shirley immediately announced her intention of being one of the landing party, and loath to let the girl go alone, Mr. Willing and the others also determined to go ashore.
Half an hour later found them strolling about the dirty looking narrow streets of the little town.
Poorly-dressed natives, men, women and children, eyed them queerly as they walked along, the latter following them for blocks begging for money. Shirley would have given one of the children a piece of silver but for the first officer of the ship, who stayed her. ”

“ Willing hands darted out and seized the woman, and she was taken before the man who still grasped young Bristow by the arm.
Shirley and Mabel pushed their way forward.
“I saw this woman steal a bolt of silk and some laces,” declared Shirley. “I would have said nothing about it had not Mr. Bristow, whom I know, been accused.”
“It isn’t true!” cried the woman. “The girl is in the plot with the man.”
Shirley’s face grew red.
“I am not!” she declared. “This woman is guilty. She put the things under that long cape.”
The floor walker was plainly mystified. ”

“ The young ones gave chase, their shouts and cries carrying across the water to the occupants of the boat.
“Well!” exclaimed Shirley, now that they were out of harm’s way at last, “they are vicious little things, aren’t they?”
“Rather,” replied the officer dryly. “If a person fell 105 into their hands it would go hard with him.”
“But what makes them so fierce?” asked Mabel, greatly interested.
“That’s hard to say. However, it probably is because they are half starved and look upon the whole world as a common foe. More than one tourist has received rough treatment at their hands.” ”

“ Mabel was nothing loath, and they made their way to the street. Here they walked along slowly, looking curiously at the native Nicaraguans and the queer buildings, all of old Spanish architecture and design.
“None of this for me,” was Shirley’s decision half an hour later.
“Nor me,” agreed Mabel. “I want to live in civilization.”
Unconsciously the girls had wandered further 109 from the consulate than they realized, and as they were on the point of turning back Mabel caught sight of a familiar figure.
“Captain Von Blusen!” she exclaimed, catching Shirley by the arm. ”

“ Willing, “but the consul undoubtedly knows best. We shall leave it to him.”
Consul Edwards looked at Dick inquisitively.
“What I would like to have you tell me,” he said, “is why you suspected Hernandez in the first place?”
“I don’t know exactly,” replied Dick slowly. “But he is a shifty-eyed old villain, and can’t look at you. I have learned that a man like that is not 200 to be trusted. I was morally certain he was lying. I don’t know why, but I just seemed to feel it.” ”

“ A quick blow sent the revolver hurling several feet away, and then Dick stepped back to give free play to his boxing skill.
The Nicaraguan rushed at him, but Dick stepped lightly aside, and as the man went by, carried on by the impetus of his rush, Dick struck out straight and true from the shoulder.
The Nicaraguan crumpled up in a heap on the ground.
Shirley and Mabel ran quickly to Dick’s side.
“Are you hurt, Dick?” asked Shirley anxiously.
“No!” was the smiling rejoinder, “but I would have been if you had not been prompt with that rifle. That’s all that saved me.” ”

“ The captain did so, and the others listened with amazement to the story of the plot to capture the Yucatan, and its ultimate outcome.
“They are smart girls,” declared Mrs. Sebastian, “but this time I believe we have them safe.”
“I sincerely hope so,” was the reply.
An hour later the girls were left alone.
“What on earth shall we do?” exclaimed Mabel.
“There is nothing we can do,” replied Shirley. “We must wait for some one to rescue us.”
“Do you suppose there is anything in what Captain Von Blusen gave as his reason for being here?” ”

“ Under the muzzles of the revolvers of the captors of the big steamship, captain, officers, crew and passengers now took their places in the small boats, and were lowered over the side.
Each boat was well stocked with provisions and 73 water, for the Germans had no mind to set their prisoners adrift and let them starve or perish of thirst.
The shore of Cuba was not far away, and, with steady rowing by the men, it would be possible for them to reach there within twelve hours. Besides, there was always the chance they would be picked up by a passing vessel. ”

“ Now, then, are you aboard this ship at the command of the German government?”
“I cannot answer that question, either, sir.”
“Suit yourself. Is it not a fact that those with whom you come in contact—those who seem to be your friends—are in danger because of their associations with you?”
“I suppose you are right, sir.”
“Just as I expected,” declared Mr. Willing. “Now I’ve got this to say. Already you have been the means of getting my daughter and the colonel’s daughter into your scrapes. They have come to your assistance twice. Also Dick has been with you on one adventure. ”

“ But the distance was too great to overtake the fugitive, and it was soon apparent that he would make his escape.
“If we had laid hold of him we might have learned something,” said Captain Anderson. “He knows where the girls are. But it’s too late now.”
“What can we do?” demanded Mr. Willing anxiously.
“My advice,” said the captain, “is that you stay behind and put the matter in the hands of the American consul. He can tell you better what to do than I can.”
“Where did the message say to leave the money, Willing?” asked Colonel Ashton. ”

“ Sebastian said:
“The letter is to your father and to Colonel Ashton. It will contain a demand for $20,000—$10,000 apiece—for your return.”
Shirley rose suddenly to her feet and gave a cry of amazement.
“You mean that we are to be held for ransom?” she exclaimed in unbelief.
“Exactly,” replied the man.
“And so you are robbers,” exclaimed Shirley scornfully.
Mrs. Sebastian’s face flushed.
“No,” she replied quietly. “But the patriotic forces in Mexico are in need of money. We have taken this means of getting it for them. Your fathers are rich. ”

“ A bugle sounded, piping the crew to quarters. The commander detailed a landing party of one hundred and fifty marines and sailors. These were quickly rowed to the shore—Mabel going with them as a guide, for she refused to be left behind.
Once ashore, the girl led the way toward where she had left her friends, the men going forward at the double-quick, their weapons ready for instant use.
When General Orizaba perceived that Mabel had made good her flight, his anger knew no bounds. He berated his men roundly and danced about like a madman. Then he turned to Dick. ”

“ Of the many aboard the ship the only ones who did not know what had happened were the engine crew and stokers.
The wireless had been among the first points seized, and the operator had had no opportunity of sending a message.
And now a young man moved about among the passengers, assuring them that there was no danger so long as they kept quiet. This young man came aft on the promenade deck where the Willing party stood.
Even as Shirley had surmised, he was Henry Bristow.
He smiled as he approached them.
“Well,” growled Mr. Willing, “I see you have put the thing through.” ”

“ There was no doubting the sincerity in the President’s voice, and both girls unconsciously breathed easier.
“Besides,” continued the general, “your presence may help me a bit.”
“In what way sir?” asked Mabel.
“Well, there is a United States cruiser in Corinto harbor. When you are missed the natural supposition will be that you have fallen into the hands of the revolutionists. The U. S. sailors will be sent after you, and will be likely to attack my foes.”
“I see,” said Shirley with a slight smile. ”

“ I want to get back to Dad,” cried Mabel.
“And I hope they don’t,” exclaimed Shirley.
“Why, Shirley!”
“I mean it. If they do overtake us it may mean a battle, and then we would be in danger. As long as we keep away from them we are safe. Besides, Dad will find us some way. Our fathers and Dick won’t permit us to be carried off.”
“I reckon you are right, Shirley,” Mabel agreed finally. “Besides, there is an American cruiser 114 near. They’ll have the bluejackets out searching for us.” ”

“ The girls half halted in their stride, and then, with glad cries, came toward him.
The men who had attacked Dick, seeing the approach of another man, turned and made their way to the next corner, where they stood to watch developments.
Hernandez, perceiving that he had but one to contend with, and this a young man, advanced confidently. Shirley and Mabel had now reached Dick’s side, and the three faced the Mexican. ”