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diff --git a/37310-h/37310-h.htm b/37310-h/37310-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..02e44b1 --- /dev/null +++ b/37310-h/37310-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13081 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" > +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <meta content="The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water" name="DC.Title"/> + <meta content="Carolyn Judson Burnett" name="DC.Creator"/> + <meta content="en" name="DC.Language"/> + <meta content="1916" name="DC.Created"/> + <meta name="generator" content="ppgen (1.20) generated Sep 03, 2011 02:18 PM" /> + <title>The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water</title> + <style type="text/css"> + body {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%;} + p {margin-top:1ex; margin-bottom:0; text-align:justify;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size:x-small; text-align:right; text-indent:0; + position:absolute; right:2%; padding:1px 3px; font-style:normal; + font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none; + background-color:inherit; border:1px solid #eee;} + .pncolor {color:silver;} + h1 {text-align:center; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.4em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;} + h2 {text-align:left; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.2em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;} + h3 {text-align:center; font-weight:bold; + font-size:0.9em; margin-top:1.5em; margin-bottom:1em;} + hr.pb {margin:30px 0; width:100%; border:none; border-top:thin dashed silver; clear:both;} + .sc {font-variant: small-caps;} + .center {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; text-align:center;} + .larger {font-size:larger;} + .smaller {font-size:smaller;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + table.c {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + .caption {font-size: 80%;} + .sc {font-variant:small-caps} + div.center>:first-child {margin: .5em auto 0 auto;text-align:center;} + div.center p {margin: 0 auto; text-align:center;} + </style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water, by +Carolyn Judson Burnett + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water + Exciting Adventures on a Summer Cruise Through the Panama Canal + +Author: Carolyn Judson Burnett + +Release Date: September 4, 2011 [EBook #37310] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div><a name='illus-fpc' id='illus-fpc'></a></div> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'> +<a name='i001' id='i001'></a> +<img src="images/illus-fpc.jpg" alt="“I AM SORRY YOU INTERFERED WITH US,” SAID THE MAN. “YOU’LL FIND BEFORE LONG THAT YOU HAVE DONE WRONG.” Page 57." title=""/><br /> +<span class='caption'>“I AM SORRY YOU INTERFERED WITH US,” SAID THE MAN. “YOU’LL FIND<br/>BEFORE LONG THAT YOU HAVE DONE WRONG.” <em>Page 57</em>.</span> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>Blue Grass Seminary Girls</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>On the Water</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>OR</p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;'>Exciting Adventures on a Summer Cruise</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;'>Through the Panama Canal</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='sc'>By Carolyn Judson Burnett</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>AUTHOR OF</p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary Girls’ Vacation Adventures,”</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary Girls in the Mountains,”</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>Girls’ Christmas Holidays.”</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> +<p> </p> +<p>PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p>Copyright, 1916</p> +<p><span class='sc'>By A. L. Burt Company</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER</span></p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<h1>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER.</h1> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_3'></a>3</span><a name='chI' id='chI'></a>CHAPTER I.—PLANNING A TRIP.</h2> +<p> +“Dad, we want to take a trip.” +</p> +<p> +The speaker was Shirley Willing, a typical Kentucky +girl, slender of figure, vivacious of manner, +and extremely pretty. With her father, she stood +on the big, sunny front porch of the Willing farmhouse. +As she again was about to address her +father, a second young girl, who, it could be seen at +a glance, was of about Shirley’s years, joined them. +</p> +<p> +This was Mabel Ashton, Shirley’s particular +friend and life chum. Shirley greeted her with a +smile, and Mr. Willing’s face also wrinkled pleasantly. +</p> +<p> +“I was just telling Dad that we want to take a +trip this summer,” explained Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mabel smiled. +</p> +<p> +“We have talked it all over,” she agreed, “and +we just want to go some place.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_4'></a>4</span> +</p> +<p> +“Where?” asked Mr. Willing briefly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, we—we—want to go to—to—where is it +we want to go, Shirley?” asked Mabel in some confusion. +</p> +<p> +“We hadn’t decided on that yet, Dad,” laughed +Shirley. “But we don’t want to stay here on this +old farm all summer.” +</p> +<p> +“And what are you going to do with both your +old Dads—leave them behind?” asked Mr. Willing +seriously. +</p> +<p> +“We would like to have you go with us, Dad, but +we know you won’t.” +</p> +<p> +“Why won’t we?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I—we,—I—you never have gone with +us.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s never too late to mend our ways,” declared +her father dryly. “Perhaps we shall this time.” +</p> +<p> +Both girls clapped their hands, and scampered +about the porch eagerly. At last Shirley stopped +her antics, and standing directly before her father, +took him by the coat with both hands. +</p> +<p> +“Do you mean it, Dad?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing nodded. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. Ashton and I have decided that the next +time you two youngsters go away from home we +are going with you. When you are by yourselves +you get into too much mischief. Now where is +it you want to go?” +</p> +<p> +“We haven’t the slightest idea,” was the reply. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_5'></a>5</span> +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing turned to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“You call your father out here and we’ll talk +this thing over,” he told her. +</p> +<p> +Mabel hastened to obey, and while she is searching +for her father, we shall take time to introduce +Shirley Willing and Mabel Ashton more fully +to the reader. +</p> +<p> +The two girls had been friends ever since they +could remember. Born and raised within a few +doors of each other in the little town of Paris, +Bourbon county, Kentucky, they had been inseparable +companions from the time they were able +to walk. This friendship was strengthened by the +fact that their fathers had been bosom friends before +them. +</p> +<p> +While the girls were still young, Shirley’s mother +died, and a short time later Mr. Willing purchased +a large farm on the Bethlehem Pike, three miles +from town. It was less than a year later that +Mabel’s mother passed into the great Beyond, and +Mr. Ashton bought a farm adjoining that of his +old friend. And here they had lived ever since. +</p> +<p> +When Shirley reached the age of fourteen, she +conceived the idea of going away to school. Mabel +announced that she was going with her. The objections +of their fathers they soon overcame, and +at last found themselves installed as pupils of the +Bluegrass Seminary in Lexington. Here, because +of their kind-heartedness and their many good +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_6'></a>6</span> +deeds, they were soon among the most popular girls +of the school. +</p> +<p> +Being athletically inclined, they were prominent +in all branches of girls’ sports. Their chief pleasure +was horseback riding, in which art there were +few more proficient. In fact, Shirley once had +saved her father’s fortune by carrying the Willing +colors to victory in the great Kentucky Derby, as +related in “The Bluegrass Seminary Girls on Vacation.” +</p> +<p> +Naturally modest, they nevertheless had been +made, soon after their arrival at the seminary, +members of the Glee Club, for it was found that +both possessed voices of rare excellence. During +the second Christmas vacation, with other members +of the Glee Club, they had toured the larger eastern +cities, and through entertainments had lifted a +large debt that threatened the end of the Seminary. +</p> +<p> +Both girls also possessed great courage, as they +had proved on more than one occasion, and they +had had many exciting adventures, one of the most +important of which was the settling of a mountain +feud in which they had faced great danger unflinchingly, +as related in “The Bluegrass Seminary Girls +on Motorcycles.” +</p> +<p> +The summer vacation now had just begun. Shirley +and Mabel had returned from Lexington two +days before this story opens. At the Willing place +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_7'></a>7</span> +they found Mr. Ashton, who had been very ill for +some years, and had been making his home with +his friend while his daughter was away at school. +</p> +<p> +But now Mr. Ashton was greatly improved, as +Mabel found to her great joy. He was gaining +daily and recovering lost weight and strength. +</p> +<p> +Mabel, searching for her father in response to +Mr. Willing’s request, found him in the sitting +room. She went up to him and took him by the +hand. +</p> +<p> +“Come on Dad,” she said. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Ashton—“colonel” he was always called by +his friends—allowed himself to be pulled toward +the door. +</p> +<p> +“What’s up?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Willing, Shirley and I want to have a talk +with you,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“H-mm-m,” muttered the colonel, “must be +something you two want. Have you succeeded in +twisting Willing around your fingers?” +</p> +<p> +“The idea, Dad!” exclaimed Mabel. “You know +neither Shirley nor I would think of trying to do a +thing like that.” +</p> +<p> +Colonel Ashton grinned. +</p> +<p> +“Wouldn’t you?” he asked dryly. “I’m not so +sure of that.” +</p> +<p> +Father and daughter made their way to the front +porch, where Shirley and her father were deep in +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_8'></a>8</span> +conversation. Colonel Ashton dropped into a +chair, and Mabel sat down at his feet. +</p> +<p> +“Ashton,” said Mr. Willing, “these girls say they +want to go some place. What do you think about +it?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Ashton was silent for some moments. He +did not seem to be surprised. +</p> +<p> +“Where do they want to go?” he asked at length. +</p> +<p> +“We don’t know, Dad,” said Mabel. “We just +want to take a trip.” +</p> +<p> +“And,” Shirley broke in, “my Dad says you and +he might come with us.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Ashton looked at his old friend in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“You say that, Willing?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, Colonel, I did. Why not, eh? You and +I are getting along in years and have earned a vacation. +I’m agreeable, if you are.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know but you are right,” was the slow +reply. “I guess I am well enough to travel. I’ll +go.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel jumped quickly to her feet, and hugged +him. Shirley performed a similar operation on her +father. +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Mr. Willing, disengaging himself at +last, “the only question to be settled is, where shall +we go?” +</p> +<p> +“This is a pretty sizeable country, Willing,” said +the colonel, “I guess there are plenty of places to +go.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_9'></a>9</span> +</p> +<p> +“I had thought of Atlantic City,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“And what had you thought of?” demanded Mr. +Willing of Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” was the reply, “there were two things I +wanted to do, and I don’t know which I shall +choose.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s hear them,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“You know, Dad, ever since Mabel and I went +away with the Glee Club, we have both been anxious +to take a trip on one of the big ocean steamers. +That is one thing I would like to do.” +</p> +<p> +“And where would you like to go?” +</p> +<p> +“Any place. Across the ocean.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, we won’t do that,” said Colonel Ashton. +“This European war makes it too risky. We +might be sunk by one of those German submarines.” +</p> +<p> +“Right, Colonel,” agreed Mr. Willing. He +turned again to Shirley, “and the other thing you +would like to do?” he questioned. +</p> +<p> +“I should like to go to the Panama Exposition +in San Francisco.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel jumped to her feet and clapped her hands. +</p> +<p> +“That’s where I should like to go, too,” she cried. +“Why didn’t I think of it before?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing considered. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” he said at length, “I don’t know why we +can’t do both of those things, Shirley.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_10'></a>10</span> +</p> +<p> +“But the ocean trip, Dad. Where would we +go?” +</p> +<p> +“To San Francisco,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“But, how—” +</p> +<p> +“You must remember that the Panama Canal is +open to traffic, daughter,” explained Mr. Willing. +“We can take a steamer from New York direct to +San Francisco. Besides, I should like to have a +look at the canal, with its great locks and other +interesting things. The construction of the canal +is considered one of the greatest of all feats of +engineering.” +</p> +<p> +Colonel Ashton nodded his head emphatically. +</p> +<p> +“I should like to take that trip myself,” he declared. +</p> +<p> +“Then we shall consider that matter settled,” +said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“And when can we start, dad?” asked Shirley +eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, we will not be able to leave here for a +week or ten days. I have some business affairs +that must be put in order before I can get away. +Besides, you two girls will want clothes and things, +and you can’t get those in a minute.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll go to town this afternoon and get some +things,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“All right,” laughed Mr. Willing, “but just the +same it will take you at least a week to get yourselves +ready. Then I shall have to make arrangements for our +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_11'></a>11</span> +passage, find out when we leave New +York and attend to other details. It will take +time.” +</p> +<p> +“But we shall go as soon as possible, Dad?” asked +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” was the reply. “You may make sure of +that. We shall go as soon as possible. Hello—who’s +that?” +</p> +<p> +The others gazed in the direction of his pointing +finger. Through the pike gate, at that moment, +came a solitary horseman. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder who he is?” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<h2><a name='chII' id='chII'></a>CHAPTER II.—AN ADDITION TO THE PARTY.</h2> +<p> +The horseman came closer. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Shirley gave an exclamation of delight. +She had recognized the visitor even at this distance, +which was too great for the others to perceive +his identity. Mabel looked at her chum in +astonishment. +</p> +<p> +“Dick!” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Now Mabel understood, and even Mr. Willing +allowed a slight smile to steal across his face. +</p> +<p> +Shirley ran down the steps from the porch and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_12'></a>12</span> +hurried toward the distant yard gate. The girl and +the horseman arrived at about the same time, and +those on the porch saw the rider lift his cap and +dismount. +</p> +<p> +Then he led the horse through the gate, closed it +behind him and with the bridle in his hand continued +his way to the house afoot, Shirley walking +by his side. +</p> +<p> +“Dick!” cried Shirley again, as the rider dismounted +at the gate upon sight of her. “What +are you doing here? I am glad to see you.” +</p> +<p> +“I was in Paris on a little business,” replied the +young man, “and I thought I wouldn’t go away +without paying my respects to you and your +father.” +</p> +<p> +At the house Mr. Willing greeted the young man +warmly, for, from previous meetings, he had taken +a liking to Dick. +</p> +<p> +Dick Stanley was a native of Cincinnati, O. He +was without parents, and after having met Shirley +under exciting circumstances, he had given up a +rough set of companions and at length had obtained +a place as office boy on one of the big Louisville +newspapers. But Dick had not remained an office +boy long, and he was now one of the most competent +and best liked reporters on the paper. +</p> +<p> +He had been sent to Paris for a certain piece of +news—“on a story,” in his words, the words of the +newspaper world—and he had just completed his +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_13'></a>13</span> +work successfully. Therefore he had hired a horse +and come to the Willing farm for a few words +with his friends before going back to Louisville. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad to see you, young man,” said Mr. Willing +in greeting. “It has been some time since we +have had the pleasure of your company.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir,” was the reply. “I am always +glad to be here.” +</p> +<p> +He shook hands with Mr. Ashton and Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Now Shirley proceeded to tell him of the trip +they were going to take, and Dick was greatly interested. +</p> +<p> +“I should like to see the canal,” he said. “I have +been reading quite a bit about it, and it is very interesting.” +</p> +<p> +“You are right, young man,” agreed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“It is one of the wonders of the world.” He +paused, struck by a sudden idea. Then he said +slowly, looking squarely at Dick: +</p> +<p> +“How would you like to go with us?” +</p> +<p> +“I’d like it fine,” declared Dick, with a smile. +“I wish it could be done.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, it can be done,” said Mr. Willing quietly. +</p> +<p> +Dick, as well as Shirley and Mabel, looked at +Mr. Willing in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Dad!” exclaimed Shirley. “What do you +mean?” +</p> +<p> +“Just what I say,” was the reply. “I am going +to take Dick with us.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_14'></a>14</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick shook his head slowly. +</p> +<p> +“I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Willing,” he +said quietly, “but I cannot accept such generosity.” +</p> +<p> +“Can’t, eh?” blustered Mr. Willing, “and why +not, I’d like to know. I am not in the habit of having +my invitations refused, sir!” +</p> +<p> +Again Dick smiled. +</p> +<p> +“It is very kind of you to ask me,” he said, “but +I do not feel that I should accept. Of course, I +have the money for the trip, but I do not feel I +can afford to spend it. Besides, I could not leave +the paper for so long a time.” +</p> +<p> +“Couldn’t leave the paper!” echoed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll speak a few words to my friend Col. Harperson, +the owner, and he will see that you are given +an indefinite vacation.” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir, thank you, I don’t think it can be +done.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll tell you,” said Mr. Willing, trying a new +line, for he had made up his mind to have Dick +accompany them, “you will be able to do some writing +on the trip. The sights you will see should +mean money to you. You should be able to write +many interesting articles when you get back.” +</p> +<p> +Dick apparently was impressed with this line of +reasoning. And now Shirley added her voice to +the colonel’s. +</p> +<p> +“Please, come, Dick?” she said. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said the young man after hesitating a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_15'></a>15</span> +long while, “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. If I can +make arrangements to get off indefinitely, I’ll go.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley clapped her hands. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sure you can,” she cried. +</p> +<p> +And Mr. Willing muttered to himself: +</p> +<p> +“I’ll fix it with Harperson!” +</p> +<p> +The discussion of the trip now became general, +and Dick was acquainted with the time they expected +to depart. +</p> +<p> +“You will remain here over night, of course,” +said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir, I shall be glad to.” +</p> +<p> +“Then we’ll put off our shopping till to-morrow, +Mabel,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +All day the three young people talked eagerly of +the coming trip, and Shirley tried to get Dick to +promise that he would go, whether he was able to +get off or not. But this Dick would not do. +</p> +<p> +“If they agree to let me off, all right,” was his +decision. +</p> +<p> +They sat up and talked till late that night, but +Mr. Willing finally put an end to this conversation. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley,” he said severely, “are you going to +keep that young man talking all night? How do +you expect him to catch the early train in the morning?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I would have gone any time he told me,” +pouted Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t suppose he would have told you if you +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_16'></a>16</span> +had kept him talking all night,” replied Mr. Willing +dryly. +</p> +<p> +Dick arose and bade the others good night. A +few moments later Shirley and Mabel retired to +their room, where they lay for a long time before +sleep overcame them, so excited were they at the +prospect of the great trip. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad Dick is going,” said Mabel, “but I +don’t suppose I am half as glad as you are.” +</p> +<p> +“Why not?” demanded Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, just because,” replied Mabel, laughing. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t see anything to laugh at,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t? No, I guess you don’t. Do you +know, I’d give a whole lot if some nice boy like +Dick would come all this way to see me.” +</p> +<p> +“He came to see you as well as me,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Oh no he didn’t. If I had been the only girl +here, Dick would not have been on hand to-day. +Besides, if it wasn’t for you I’m sure he wouldn’t +even think of taking the trip to San Francisco.” +</p> +<p> +“But he wants to see something of the Panama +Canal.” +</p> +<p> +“My goodness! you didn’t use to be so dense,” +exclaimed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Dense?” repeated Shirley. “What do you +mean, Mabel?” +</p> +<p> +“That’s right, keep it up,” exclaimed Mabel. “I +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_17'></a>17</span> +won’t say anything more. Are you going into +town to-morrow?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I thought we would go in as soon as Dick +had gone.” +</p> +<p> +“That suits me. We’ll have to get a lot of +things.” +</p> +<p> +“I should say so. Why, I haven’t a single decent +thing to wear.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll put in a good supply, so we won’t have +to buy anything while we are away. My! but +won’t it be a nice trip?” +</p> +<p> +“Won’t it though. I can hardly wait for the +time to come.” +</p> +<p> +“Nor I. But let’s get some sleep or we won’t +want to get up in the morning.” +</p> +<p> +Both closed their eyes and tried to sleep. But +they had too much on their minds to go to sleep +immediately, and it was long minutes before drowsiness +overcame them and they lost themselves, only +to dream that they were sailing across the ocean. +</p> +<p> +The following morning they accompanied Dick +to Wright’s station, where he took a train for Lexington. +There he would have to change for Louisville. +</p> +<p> +“Let us know as soon as possible?” called Shirley, +as he climbed aboard. +</p> +<p> +“I will,” replied Dick. “I’ll write immediately +I have learned one thing or the other.” +</p> +<p> +The train moved away. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_18'></a>18</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel returned to the house, where +Mr. Willing was waiting for them with the automobile. +</p> +<p> +“Ashton and I have decided to do a little shopping +on our own hook,” he explained. “We want +to spruce up a bit. Daughter, do you suppose there +will be any nice-looking, middle-aged ladies aboard +the boat? If so, why Ashton and I—” +</p> +<p> +“Dad!” interrupted Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Well, all right. Of course if you object,” said +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +All the rest of the day the girls put in shopping. +Dresses and frocks for all occasions they bought, +besides a couple of outing costumes. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know how long it takes to get to San +Francisco from New York,” said Shirley, “so we +had best be prepared.” +</p> +<p> +But when the day was over they found they had +not completed their shopping, and would have to +return again on the morrow. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, during the day, transacted his business +and found out the date of sailing from New +York. Taking it for granted that Dick would accompany +them, he purchased a ticket and made +accommodations for him as well as the others. +</p> +<p> +“How long shall we be gone, Dad?” asked Shirley, +as the automobile sped homeward. +</p> +<p> +“Well, let’s see. This is the fourth of June. +We shall leave New York on the fifteenth. I +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_19'></a>19</span> +should say we would be back by the middle of August.” +</p> +<p> +“And will we come back the same way?” +</p> +<p> +“No; we’ll come back by rail. One way by boat +will be enough. You’ll have seen plenty of water +by the time you reach San Francisco.” +</p> +<p> +“I hope Dick decides to go with us,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“And so do I,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he’ll go, all right,” remarked Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +And the latter was right. Three days later Shirley +stood before her father with an open letter in +her hand. +</p> +<p> +“It’s from Dick,” she explained. “He says he is +going with us.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing chuckled. +</p> +<p> +“I see Harperson is still a friend of mine,” he +muttered to himself. +</p> +<h2><a name='chIII' id='chIII'></a>CHAPTER III.—OFF FOR NEW YORK.</h2> +<p> +It was the morning of the twelfth of June that +the party of five went early to Paris to catch the +eight o’clock train for Cincinnati. Dick had arrived +the night before, and in spite of the fact that +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_20'></a>20</span> +they would have to be up very early in the morning, +all sat up talking, for the young people were too excited +to go to sleep. +</p> +<p> +All through the long hours of the night the girls +tossed about, scarcely closing their eyes. They +were up with the break of day, which was soon +after four o’clock. +</p> +<p> +At last the time for departure came, and they +jumped gaily into the large automobile which was +to take them to town. +</p> +<p> +“What time shall we leave Cincinnati, sir?” Dick +asked of Mr. Willing, as the train pulled out from +the station. +</p> +<p> +“Twelve o’clock,” was the reply. “We’ll get +there a little after eleven, which will give us time +to get across town to the Pennsylvania station. I +have made reservations on the New York train.” +</p> +<p> +Nevertheless it lacked only twenty minutes of +the noon hour when the train pulled into Cincinnati. +</p> +<p> +“Hurry girls,” ordered Mr. Willing. “We have +no time to lose. We can just about make it.” +</p> +<p> +They dashed through the station and out the +Third street entrance, where Mr. Willing immediately +engaged two taxicabs. +</p> +<p> +“Pennsylvania Station!” he ordered, and they +were off at a good gait. +</p> +<p> +Through the narrow streets congested with traffic +they were forced to go more slowly, and Mr. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_21'></a>21</span> +Willing looked at his watch impatiently from time +to time. +</p> +<p> +“Seven minutes!” he said, and they were still +some distance from their destination, and then the +first cab stopped to let a car pass in front of it. +</p> +<p> +“Hurry!” commanded Mr. Willing of his driver. +“We haven’t got all day to get there. Let the +street cars do the waiting after this.” +</p> +<p> +The chauffeur nodded and the cab leaped forward, +scattering pedestrians right and left, darting +in and out among other vehicles, avoiding a +collision as though by a miracle. The second cab +came close behind. +</p> +<p> +At last the station was reached and all dismounted +hurriedly. With Mr. Willing in the lead +they ran through the station to the train shed. +Here the conductor had just called “All aboard!” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing heard him, and urged the others on +faster. They passed through the gate, Mr. Willing +assisted the girls and Colonel Ashton up the steps, +then climbed up himself. And as he did so, Shirley, +who had turned to look at him, cried: +</p> +<p> +“Where’s Dick?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked around, then stood nonplussed. +Dick was not here. The train began to +move. +</p> +<p> +There came a shout from behind and a young +man came dashing after the train. Shirley cried +out in alarm. It was Dick. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_22'></a>22</span> +</p> +<p> +The train had gathered headway now and was +slipping along beneath the shed more rapidly. +Dick sprinted, gained, clutched the handrail of the +car and swung himself aboard just as the train +gathered even greater speed. +</p> +<p> +He climbed to the platform, wiped the moisture +from his brow, fanned himself vigorously and then +smiled. +</p> +<p> +“Close call, that,” he exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Young man,” said Mr. Willing dryly, “hereafter +let there be no loitering behind. You gave +me a scare and I don’t care for any more of the +same.” +</p> +<p> +“Daddy!” exclaimed Shirley. “I am sure Dick +didn’t do it intentionally.” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir,” agreed Dick. “As I followed after +you I bumped into a lady and knocked her suitcase +from her hand. It came open and the contents +scattered about. For a moment I forgot all about +the train and stopped to help her pick them up. +Then I happened to remember we were late, and +ran after you.” +</p> +<p> +“Your gallantry is bound to get you in trouble +if you are not careful,” commented Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +They went inside. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing had engaged the two drawing rooms, +one at either end of the car. Dick and the two +older men were to occupy one and the two girls +the other. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_23'></a>23</span> +</p> +<p> +It was almost eight o’clock when the train pulled +into Pittsburgh. They had just finished dinner, so +Dick stepped off to look about for a few moments. +</p> +<p> +As he stood beside the steps of the Pullman, another +man, probably several years his senior, approached +and engaged him in conversation. He +was an agreeable sort of a chap. He spoke English +with the faintest of accents, however, and this +Dick was not slow to notice. +</p> +<p> +It appeared that the man had a berth on the same +car, and they climbed aboard together. In the +smoking compartment was Mr. Willing, to whom +Dick introduced the newcomer. Mr. Ashton came +in a few moments later, and all sat talking. +</p> +<p> +The stranger, who introduced himself as Henry +Bristow, made himself very agreeable and Mr. +Willing took an instant liking to him. +</p> +<p> +During the course of the conversation, Dick +chanced to mention that they would sail from New +York for San Francisco on the fifteenth. +</p> +<p> +“On what ship?” demanded Bristow eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“<em>Yucatan</em>,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Is that so?” exclaimed the other. “I shall sail +on the same vessel.” +</p> +<p> +“For San Francisco?” asked Dick in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“That all depends,” was the answer. “I shall +only take passage as far as Colon. Whether I shall +go further depends upon my—upon circumstances.” +</p> +<p> +“We shall be glad to have you as a fellow passenger,” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_24'></a>24</span> +declared Mr. Willing. “As you are going to +be such, you must meet my daughter, and the +daughter of the colonel here.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall be pleased,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +He accompanied the others to the drawing room, +where introductions followed. +</p> +<p> +Young Bristow conversed fluently upon many +topics and the others were delighted with him. +From his remarks it was gathered that he had traveled +considerably. +</p> +<p> +He spoke familiarly of New York, Chicago, San +Francisco, and apparently had a personal knowledge +of London, Paris, Berlin and other European +cities. He was equally as well acquainted with the +larger southern cities. +</p> +<p> +The two girls were eager listeners to the tales +of his travels, and even Mr. Willing and Colonel +Ashton gave an attentive ear to these stories. +</p> +<p> +“And where do you live?” asked Mr. Willing suddenly. +“What did you say your business is?” +</p> +<p> +The young man’s face suddenly turned red. +</p> +<p> +“My home is in New York,” he replied quietly, +“and as for my business, I fear that must remain +a secret for the present.” +</p> +<p> +“Daddy, you shouldn’t be so inquisitive,” said +Shirley with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sure I’m sorry,” apologized her father. “I +didn’t mean—” +</p> +<p> +“Say no more about it,” replied the young man +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_25'></a>25</span> +with a pleasant smile. “For certain reasons, I am +not now able to reveal the nature of my business.” +</p> +<p> +Dick had been thinking rapidly. Suspicions had +entered his head, and he could not shake them off. +And still he knew that they would sound foolish +to another. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll keep them to myself,” he said, “but I’ll keep +an eye open.” +</p> +<p> +The train was just pulling into North Philadelphia +when Shirley and Mabel opened their eyes the +next morning. Mabel glanced at her watch. +</p> +<p> +“Seven o’clock,” she exclaimed. “We’ll have to +hurry, Shirley. You know these fast trains don’t +take long to reach New York from here. Besides, +we want to get breakfast on the train.” +</p> +<p> +They dressed as rapidly as possible, and emerged +from their drawing room just in time to see young +Bristow stride down the aisle. +</p> +<p> +He gave them a cheery “good morning” and +turned as Mr. Willing came up. +</p> +<p> +“I hope you will join us at breakfast, sir,” said +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +The young man accepted, and as Dick and Colonel +Ashton appeared at this moment, all made +their way to the diner together. +</p> +<p> +“Where shall you stay in New York, sir?” asked +Bristow of Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“At the McAlpin,” was the reply. “We shall +spend the two days looking about the city, going +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_26'></a>26</span> +aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> a couple of hours before time +for her departure.” +</p> +<p> +Bristow turned to Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I shall look you up either this afternoon or to-morrow, +and we’ll take a stroll,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll be glad to walk with you,” Dick replied. +</p> +<p> +Breakfast over, they returned to the Pullman, +where they began to get their things together, for +they were close to New York. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later the train plunged into the +tunnel under the Hudson river. Mr. Willing, who +had been to New York before, explained how the +tunnel had been constructed and gave other interesting +information. +</p> +<p> +“You wouldn’t think we were in a tunnel,” exclaimed +Shirley. “There is no smoke.” +</p> +<p> +“Electric engine,” replied Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“And we go right under the river?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“My goodness!” exclaimed Mabel. “Just to +think that there is a river running right over the +top of us. Suppose it would come through.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing smiled. +</p> +<p> +“It won’t,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +And now the porter came for their baggage, and +carried it to the vestibule. The conductor poked +his head in the door and called out: +</p> +<p> +“New York!” +</p> +<p> +“Here we are,” exclaimed Shirley eagerly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_27'></a>27</span> +“The city I have always wanted to see. The greatest +city in the world!” +</p> +<h2><a name='chIV' id='chIV'></a>CHAPTER IV.—DICK HAS AN ADVENTURE.</h2> +<p> +The two days spent in New York City were +days of wonder to Shirley, Mabel and Dick. They +were on the go every minute of the time, sightseeing. +From one end of the city to the other they +travelled with wide-open eyes. +</p> +<p> +The great skyscrapers impressed them, perhaps, +more than any one other thing, though they saw +much to amaze them; and next to the great buildings +they were impressed by the crowds. +</p> +<p> +Crowds they had seen in some of the other large +cities, but never anything like this. +</p> +<p> +They took a trip to Coney Island on the second +day, and the girls were for going back again that +night. Mr. Willing agreed, and they were about +to fare forth from the hotel, when young Bristow +was announced. +</p> +<p> +“I’ve come to take you for that promised stroll,” +he told Dick. +</p> +<p> +Dick looked at the others inquiringly. +</p> +<p> +“You go with him,” nodded Colonel Ashton, “the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_28'></a>28</span> +rest of us can get along without you for one evening.” +</p> +<p> +“If I’m breaking up a party—” began Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” said the colonel with a wave of +his hand. “You two young fellows run along. +We don’t need you.” +</p> +<p> +“All right, sir,” agreed Dick. +</p> +<p> +Personally he was glad to have a chance to look +about the town a little with one of his own age. +The others took their departure, and soon Bristow +and Dick also left the hotel. +</p> +<p> +“I would have looked you up sooner but I have +been terribly busy,” explained Bristow. “I have +had important matters to attend to, and this is the +first time I have been at liberty. Where would you +like to go?” +</p> +<p> +“Any place you say,” said Dick with a smile. +“You know more about this place than I do.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess you’re right,” was the smiling response, +“we’ll wander up Broadway aways and watch the +theater crowds.” +</p> +<p> +They did so, and continued to stroll about for +an hour. +</p> +<p> +Gradually the crowd thinned out, although there +were many pedestrians on the street. As they +stood for a moment in front of the Herald building +on Herald square, Dick, chancing to turn suddenly, +became conscious of a pair of eyes looking +steadily at his companion. He called the other’s +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_29'></a>29</span> +attention to it, and as the latter glanced about the +man turned and moved off. +</p> +<p> +Dick thought no more of the matter until several +blocks further along he perceived the same figure +slinking furtively after them. +</p> +<p> +“That man is following us,” he said to Bristow. +</p> +<p> +The face of the latter grew hard. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll see,” he said. +</p> +<p> +At that moment they were passing Forty-second +Street, and Bristow swung sharply around the +corner. Dick followed him. They walked several +blocks, until they stood beneath the tracks of the +Sixth Avenue elevated. Here Bristow again +turned sharply, and drew up in a doorway. He +stopped as Dick came up beside him. +</p> +<p> +A moment later the figure of the man Dick believed +was following them came around the corner. +The man’s hat was pulled over his eyes, and he +did not glance up as he passed the doorway. Bristow +and Dick turned and doubled back around the +corner. +</p> +<p> +“He was after us, all right,” said Bristow with +a laugh, “but I guess we have given him the slip.” +</p> +<p> +But in this he was mistaken. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder what on earth we are being followed +for?” muttered Dick to himself, as they turned +down Broadway. “Something queer about this fellow +Bristow. That man is not following us for +nothing.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_30'></a>30</span> +</p> +<p> +Several hours later they stopped in a little restaurant +for a bite to eat, “after which I’ll take you +home,” said Bristow. +</p> +<p> +The restaurant was crowded, and a little while +later the waiter seated another man at their table. +Dick gave him a quick glance and then stifled an +exclamation of surprise. +</p> +<p> +The newcomer was the same man who had followed +them so recently. +</p> +<p> +Dick leaned over and whispered to Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“So?” said Bristow. “We’ll see what he +wants.” +</p> +<p> +He looked the man squarely in the eyes and demanded: +</p> +<p> +“What are you following me for?” +</p> +<p> +The man looked at him and smiled pleasantly. +</p> +<p> +“I just want to keep you in sight,” he replied. +</p> +<p> +“Why?” +</p> +<p> +“You know, I guess. You don’t want me to +speak right out, do you?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, no,” replied Bristow, “but I’ll thank you +to follow me no longer.” +</p> +<p> +“Sorry,” was the reply, “but I am afraid I shall +have to.” +</p> +<p> +“I warn you,” said Bristow quietly, “to let me +alone. Is that plain enough?” +</p> +<p> +“Perfectly plain,” was the reply. “I’m sorry I +can’t accommodate you.” +</p> +<p> +He resumed his eating. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_31'></a>31</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick and Bristow finished their meal first and +rose to go. The other man waited until they were +at the door, then picked up his check and followed +them. And so when they passed out, he was right +behind them once more. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t like this idea of being followed,” said +Dick. “What’s he want, anyhow?” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll get rid of him,” replied Bristow, absolutely +ignoring Dick’s second question. +</p> +<p> +He turned down a side street, and they walked +for three or four blocks, at length coming to a +rather darker street. Here Bristow slipped around +the corner and motioned Dick to silence. +</p> +<p> +The footsteps of their pursuer came to their ears. +He drew nearer. Bristow advanced close to the +edge of the building. +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do?” asked Dick. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll see,” was the brief response. +</p> +<p> +As the man came into view, Bristow suddenly +struck out with his right fist, and the man toppled +over. +</p> +<p> +Bristow turned to Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Come!” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +With one look at the fallen man Dick obeyed, +and they were soon beyond pursuit. +</p> +<p> +Dick had been taken by surprise by the suddenness +of Bristow’s attack. Try as he would he +could see no reason for it. He, as well as Bristow, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_32'></a>32</span> +objected to being followed, but Dick would not +have taken such measures to elude his pursuer. +</p> +<p> +He followed his companion without a word, however, +and soon they were back at the hotel. +</p> +<p> +The others had not returned, but Bristow sat +down, announcing that he had something important +to say to Mr. Willing when the latter did get +back. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later, Colonel Ashton, Mr. Willing +and the two girls came in. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I see you beat us,” exclaimed Mr. Willing. +“Have a good time?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” replied Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Willing,” said Bristow, “I have something +of importance to say to you.” +</p> +<p> +“All right, sir,” came the answer, “out with it.” +</p> +<p> +“Will you all promise to repeat nothing of what +I may say?” +</p> +<p> +“Why all this air of secrecy?” demanded Mr. +Willing. +</p> +<p> +“That I cannot tell you, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Of course we’ll promise, Mr. Bristow,” declared +Shirley. “Surely, Dad, there is no reason +why we should tell any one anything.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing nodded. +</p> +<p> +“I will promise for myself and the others,” he +said. +</p> +<p> +“Very well, sir. What I would say is this: +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_33'></a>33</span> +Take my advice, and under no circumstances sail +on the <em>Yucatan</em> to-morrow!” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing gazed at the young man in perfect +amazement, as did the others in the room. Mr. +Willing was the first to regain his composure. +</p> +<p> +“Why?” he asked quietly. +</p> +<p> +“I can’t go into explanations,” replied the young +man hurriedly; “all I can do is warn you that it +is not safe.” +</p> +<p> +“And why isn’t it safe?” asked Shirley, now taking +a hand in the conversation. +</p> +<p> +“That I cannot tell you, either. But you all +know that a state of war exists between the countries +of Europe.” +</p> +<p> +“What has that to do with us?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You are asking me hard questions,” said Bristow, +“and I cannot answer as I would like to. Let +it be enough that there is danger because of it. +And if there should even be no danger aboard the +<em>Yucatan</em>, it will exist in Colon.” +</p> +<p> +“In Colon?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. One week from to-day Colon will no +longer be safe!” +</p> +<p> +“It is my belief you are out of your head, young +man,” declared Mr. Willing grimly. +</p> +<p> +Bristow shook his head positively. +</p> +<p> +“I am telling you facts,” he declared. “I can’t +say any more.” +</p> +<p> +“And why won’t we be safe aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_34'></a>34</span> +demanded Shirley. “The ship isn’t going to +sink, is it?” +</p> +<p> +“No, but—” +</p> +<p> +“No European country will dare to molest it,” +declared Dick, “and I can see no reason why there +should be danger at Colon.” +</p> +<p> +“I was afraid I couldn’t convince you,” said Bristow. +“However, I have done my best. Good +night.” +</p> +<p> +He bowed and left the room. +</p> +<p> +“What do you suppose he is talking about, Dad?” +asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” was the reply, “and I don’t care.” +</p> +<p> +“All buncombe,” agreed Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I don’t care what it is,” exclaimed Shirley. +“We have set our hearts on this trip, and we +are going to take it. That’s all there is about that.” +</p> +<p> +“Good for you, Shirley,” agreed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Dick Stanley was the only member of the party +who did not speak. He sat quietly in his chair, +thinking. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_35'></a>35</span><a name='chV' id='chV'></a>CHAPTER V.—ABOARD THE YUCATAN.</h2> +<p> +The <em>Yucatan</em>, upon leaving New York, did not +head straight for Colon. Her route took her down +the coast, where she would make several stops. +The first would be at Savannah, then Jacksonville, +and the third, and last before touching at Colon, +would be Havana, Cuba. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing had selected this vessel for the +simple reason that it did put in at these southern +ports, for he wished to give the girls an opportunity +of seeing as much as possible on the journey. +After rounding into the Pacific, following her passage +of the Panama Canal, the vessel was scheduled +to put in at the seaports of several of the Central +American republics and one or two Mexican ports. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton, Dick and the two +girls stood forward on the gallery deck of the great +ship as she got under way and slowly backed out +of her slip into the North River. +</p> +<p> +It was early afternoon, the sun shone brightly +and it was very warm. 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. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_36'></a>36</span> +</p> +<p> +“This is something like it,” declared Mr. Willing, +removing his yachting cap and passing his +handkerchief over his forehead. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Directly the Statue of Liberty came into view. +The girls gazed at it curiously as they passed and +headed for the open sea. +</p> +<p> +Gradually the lofty spires of the great buildings +faded from view, and then the Statue of Liberty +disappeared. To starboard could be seen the distant +shore of New Jersey, and to port nothing but +the broad expanse of the Atlantic. +</p> +<p> +Darkness descended and with it a cooler breeze. +</p> +<p> +“Time to eat,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +They made their way to the dining room below, +where they were seated at the captain’s table. The +supper was excellent, far beyond Shirley’s expectations. +The meal over they returned on deck. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing had secured a suite of four rooms +well forward on the promenade deck, and after +enjoying the cooling breeze for some time, all +made their way there. +</p> +<p> +The strains of a band now floated to them from +the main salon. They made their way out. Then +the three young people started on a tour of the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_37'></a>37</span> +ship. They took in everything with breathless interest. +</p> +<p> +“This is indeed a floating palace,” commented +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Isn’t it though,” agreed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Dick was no less enthusiastic in his praise. +</p> +<p> +After a stroll about they rejoined the two elder +men in the salon. Then it was that Shirley bethought +herself of the fact that young Bristow had +said he would be aboard. +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t seen anything of him,” she said. +</p> +<p> +Neither had the others. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps he missed the boat,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have a look at the passenger list,” said +Dick. +</p> +<p> +He did so, and there he saw “Henry Bristow, +New York,” and the number of his stateroom. +He went up and knocked on the door. +</p> +<p> +“Come in,” called a voice. +</p> +<p> +Dick entered the room, then started back in surprise. +</p> +<p> +Bristow lay propped up in bed, reading. Around +his head was a white bandage. Dick hastened to +his side. +</p> +<p> +“Why, what is the matter?” he exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Accident,” replied Bristow, with a slight smile, +and volunteered no further information. +</p> +<p> +Dick did not press him for an explanation. +After some little talk, in the course of which Bristow +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_38'></a>38</span> +said he did not require anything and announced +that he would be perfectly fit on the morrow, Dick +took his leave and rejoined the others. +</p> +<p> +“And how was he hurt?” asked Mr. Willing, +after Dick had reported what he had learned. +</p> +<p> +“He didn’t say and I didn’t ask him,” he replied. +“But I am sure there is something strange +about it, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“I am beginning to think that myself,” agreed +Colonel Ashton. “He’s a queer one. Now, I +wonder why he warned us not to sail on this ship?” +</p> +<p> +“It’s too deep for me,” declared Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I have it,” exclaimed Shirley suddenly. “Perhaps +he is an agent of one of the foreign countries, +England or Germany.” +</p> +<p> +Dick looked at the girl in unfeigned surprise. +</p> +<p> +“What makes you think that?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know. I don’t really believe it; I just +happened to think of it. Wouldn’t it be fun if he +was?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, that all depends,” replied Dick. “It depends +on what his business aboard would be.” +</p> +<p> +“But what could it be in such a case?” questioned +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Well, it might be lots of things. But I don’t +put any stock in such an explanation.” +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” declared Mr. Willing. “It’s my belief +the young man is in trouble of some kind, and I’d +like to help him out if I could. I like him.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_39'></a>39</span> +</p> +<p> +“And so do I,” agreed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“To tell the truth, I don’t know whether I do or +not,” said Dick slowly. “He’s agreeable, and all +that; but there is something very peculiar about +him. I am sure there is something wrong.” +</p> +<p> +“If I get a good chance, I shall ask him,” declared +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll have about the same luck Dad did when +he asked him his business,” retorted Shirley, “and +that wasn’t much.” +</p> +<p> +“Take my advice, all of you, and let him alone,” +remarked Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“That is good advice, Ashton,” declared Mr. +Willing. “But come, it’s bedtime and we shall want +to be about early in the morning to enjoy some of +this ocean breeze.” +</p> +<p> +An hour later all were asleep. +</p> +<p> +Had they been about they would have seen a +strange sight. +</p> +<p> +On the upper deck aft, as the ship’s bell chimed +midnight, three men sat in deep conversation. +Two of them were strangers, but the third Shirley +or any of her party would immediately have recognized +as Henry Bristow. +</p> +<p> +And there would also have been something else +noticeable. The bandage had been removed from +his head, nor was there wound nor swelling to show +why it should have been tied up in the first place. +</p> +<p> +The three men talked for perhaps fifteen minutes +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_40'></a>40</span> +in low whispers and then parted, going their several +ways. +</p> +<p> +As he had promised, Bristow was about the ship +the following morning, but his head was once more +bandaged. Mabel, true to her words of the night +before, seized the first opportunity and asked him +how he had been injured. +</p> +<p> +“That,” was the quiet reply, “I cannot say.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel was highly indignant, and took herself off, +leaving the young man smiling after her. Then he +shrugged his shoulders and walked away. +</p> +<p> +All morning the sun shone warm and bright, +though it was not too hot for comfort. It was +shortly after noon when the passengers were treated +to an interesting sight. +</p> +<p> +Some distance to port came the smoke of another +ship, and as it drew nearer an air of subdued +excitement became apparent on the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +“Armed cruiser off the port bow, sir!” came the +hail from the lookout. +</p> +<p> +All rushed toward the rail, and stood looking at +the large ship of war, as she bore down toward +them. There was no flag at her masthead, and so +the passengers were unable to determine her nationality. +</p> +<p> +“What can she be?” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“British, I suppose,” was Dick’s answer. “She’ll +show her colors presently, I guess.” +</p> +<p> +Dick was right. Five minutes later the British +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_41'></a>41</span> +ensign was run up the masthead and fluttered in +the breeze. +</p> +<p> +A great cheer broke from most of the passengers +aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. Shirley and Mabel joined in +it. +</p> +<p> +At that moment Dick caught sight of the face +of Bristow, who stood near. His lips were compressed, +and he scowled fiercely. +</p> +<p> +“He’s no Englishman, that’s sure,” muttered the +young man to himself. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly, from across the water, came the sound +of a big gun, and a solid shot struck the water dead +ahead of the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +Immediately her engines were stopped, and the +passenger steamer came to a stop. +</p> +<p> +Instantly wild alarm spread over the ship. +</p> +<p> +“We’ve been fired on,” cried Shirley. “Will +they sink us?” +</p> +<p> +Dick smiled. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, I guess not,” he replied. “That’s just a +signal to heave-to and give an account of ourselves.” +</p> +<p> +“But what business have they stopping an American +ship?” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“It is permissible under the laws of war,” explained +Dick. “You see, the <em>Yucatan</em> might be an +enemy flying the American flag. As soon as they +find out we are all right, they will allow us to proceed.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_42'></a>42</span> +</p> +<p> +“And would we have to stop just the same for a +German?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course.” +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t like that,” declared Shirley. “I +don’t mind the English. My grandmother was +English, you know.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I guess my sympathies are a little that +way, too,” agreed Dick. +</p> +<p> +The wireless now began to sputter as messages +were exchanged between the <em>Yucatan</em> and the British +cruiser. The latter had approached close +enough to make out the <em>Yucatan</em>, and now signalled +her to proceed on her course. +</p> +<p> +As the big ship of war turned and made off, a +second ovation was given her by the passengers. +Men waved their hats and women their handkerchiefs. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Shirley seized Dick by the arm, and +pointed, whispering: +</p> +<p> +“Look at that!” +</p> +<p> +Far aft, Henry Bristow gazed across the water +at the British cruiser, and Shirley had perceived +that there was hate in his eyes. Even as Dick +looked in the direction Shirley pointed, Bristow +raised a fist and shook it fiercely at the receding +war vessel, while strange words issued from between +his lips. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_43'></a>43</span><a name='chVI' id='chVI'></a>CHAPTER VI.—SHIRLEY LENDS AID.</h2> +<p> +“Look, Mabel, did you see that woman steal that +bolt of silk?” +</p> +<p> +It was Shirley who spoke. They stood among +the crowd that thronged the largest department +store in Savannah, Ga. The <em>Yucatan</em> had put into +Savannah early that morning, and learning that the +vessel would not get under way again until late in +the afternoon, Shirley and Mabel had gone uptown +to purchase a few souvenirs of the Georgia city. +</p> +<p> +It was just after entering the store that Shirley’s +attention was attracted by the peculiar actions of a +young woman who darted somewhat furtively from +one counter to another. While the attention of the +clerks was given to customers, Shirley had seen the +woman slip a bolt of expensive silk from the counter +and hide it under a long flowing cape, which she +wore in spite of the heat. +</p> +<p> +Mabel shook her head negatively in response to +Shirley’s question. +</p> +<p> +“Which one?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +Shirley pointed to the figure of the woman who +was now gazing at a pretty array of expensive laces. +Both girls watched her carefully; and directly, as +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_44'></a>44</span> +the crowd about her became more dense, they saw +her hand go stealthily forth and take several small +bolts of the high-priced material. +</p> +<p> +“Well what do you think of that?” demanded +Mabel. “I have heard of such things, but I never +expected to see it. What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“Nothing,” replied Shirley decidedly. “It’s none +of our business.” +</p> +<p> +“But won’t the poor clerks have to make good +the loss?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know about that. But if we get mixed +up in it we are likely to gain too much notoriety. +Let’s move away from here.” +</p> +<p> +They pushed their way through the crowd when +Shirley came suddenly into violent contact with a +figure hurrying from the opposite direction. The +latter drew back and lifted his cap. +</p> +<p> +“Miss Willing,” he said. “I beg your pardon. +I didn’t look where I was going.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley glanced up in surprise at hearing her +name spoken. Then she recognized the figure with +whom she had collided. +</p> +<p> +“Why, Mr. Bristow,” she said. “I thought I +left you aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>?” +</p> +<p> +“I came ashore to do a little shopping, as you +young ladies call it,” replied Bristow with a laugh. +“I shall have to hurry on.” +</p> +<p> +He lifted his cap and was gone. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_45'></a>45</span> +</p> +<p> +The two girls continued to stroll about through +the store, eyeing the bargains appreciatively. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I guess we have seen enough,” said Mabel +finally. “We may as well return to the ship.” +</p> +<p> +As they started toward the door they became +aware of the sounds of confusion behind them. +For a moment they hesitated, then their curiosity +overcame them and they turned back. +</p> +<p> +Far down the aisle a large crowd had gathered. +The girls could hear the loud tones of one of the +floor walkers calling for the store detective. Shirley +and Mabel elbowed their way through the +crowd, and presently were able to see what was +going on. +</p> +<p> +Shirley uttered an exclamation of amazement and +clutched Mabel by the arm. +</p> +<p> +“Look at that!” she cried in a low voice. +</p> +<p> +And well might she have been amazed. For +there, in the center of the crowd, his arm grasped +tightly by the big floor walker, was Henry Bristow. +</p> +<p> +His face was red and he was plainly very angry. +However, he was making no effort to release himself. +He controlled himself with an effort and +spoke. +</p> +<p> +“I tell you you are making a mistake,” he said +quietly, and his voice carried to the two girls. +</p> +<p> +“Is that so?” sneered the floor walker. “So +you deny you are a shop-lifter, eh? Well, I didn’t +suppose you would admit it. How do you account +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_46'></a>46</span> +for the possession of this valuable piece of lace the +clerk saw you getting away with?” +</p> +<p> +“It must have caught on my coat,” was the reply. +“I didn’t try to steal it.” +</p> +<p> +“You didn’t, eh? We’ll see as soon as the house +detective arrives. I reckon you have plenty of stuff +stowed away in your pockets.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I haven’t,” declared Bristow angrily. +“You’re going to be sorry for this before you get +through.” +</p> +<p> +“Well what do you think of that?” demanded +Mabel, who had stood with open mouth during this +conversation. +</p> +<p> +“I think that he is innocent,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +She glanced quickly around the store, and as she +did so her eyes fell upon the woman she had so recently +seen appropriating articles from the counter. +</p> +<p> +“There goes the woman who did it,” she declared, +pointing. +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked and nodded her head. +</p> +<p> +The woman was coming directly toward them, +pushing her way through the crowd vigorously. +Shirley stepped forward and barred her progress. +</p> +<p> +At the same moment Shirley raised her voice and +called out: +</p> +<p> +“That man is innocent, Mr. Floorwalker. Here +is the shop-lifter.” +</p> +<p> +The woman again tried to push by Shirley, but +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_47'></a>47</span> +the latter maneuvered so as to be directly in front +of her at every step. +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s words caused a commotion. Willing +hands darted out and seized the woman, and she +was taken before the man who still grasped young +Bristow by the arm. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel pushed their way forward. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“It isn’t true!” cried the woman. “The girl is +in the plot with the man.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s face grew red. +</p> +<p> +“I am not!” she declared. “This woman is +guilty. She put the things under that long cape.” +</p> +<p> +The floor walker was plainly mystified. He +glanced from one to the other. +</p> +<p> +“Well, it will do no harm to have a look,” he +declared. He turned to the woman. “Will you +remove your cape, madam?” +</p> +<p> +The woman drew back, and pulled the garment +closer about her. +</p> +<p> +“No, I won’t!” she declared, “I—” +</p> +<p> +“Very well,” said the floor walker. “I shall +have the floor matron search you.” +</p> +<p> +He turned and called to one of the clerks. But +the woman waited for no more. With a single +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_48'></a>48</span> +move she took off her cape, and threw it to the +floor. +</p> +<p> +“There,” she said, throwing out her arms, “you +may see that I have nothing.” +</p> +<p> +“I saw her take them,” declared Shirley, looking +at the woman in surprise, for she could not see a +sign of a stolen article. +</p> +<p> +A frown gathered on the floor walker’s face as +he glanced at Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“This looks rather bad for you.” he said to her +pointedly. +</p> +<p> +Shirley took a step back. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” she asked in no little +alarm. +</p> +<p> +“It seems that the lady is telling the truth. What +was your object in accusing her?” +</p> +<p> +“I tell you I saw her take them,” declared Shirley +again. +</p> +<p> +The floor walker shrugged his shoulders. +</p> +<p> +It was Mabel who finally cleared up the situation. +The woman’s cape still lay on the floor where she +had thrown it. Mabel stooped down to pick it up, +and as she did so the woman also snatched at it. +</p> +<p> +But Mabel was the quicker of the two and captured +the garment. Quickly she turned it wrong +side out, and as she did so there was a gasp from +the crowd. +</p> +<p> +For the inside of the coat was literally filled +with secret pockets. Mabel thrust her hand in and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_49'></a>49</span> +pulled out the bolt of silk. She held it above her +head. +</p> +<p> +“Here it is!” she cried. +</p> +<p> +“I bought and paid for that,” sputtered the angry +woman. +</p> +<p> +One after another Mabel now produced other +articles of value, which she exposed to the view of +the crowd. And in each case the woman’s explanation +was the same: +</p> +<p> +“I paid for that!” +</p> +<p> +But the floor walker was not to be fooled, nor +was the manager of the store, who came up at that +moment. The former released his hold on young Bristow +and made him an abject apology. +</p> +<p> +One of the women detectives was called, and the +shop-lifter turned over to her. Then the manager +addressed Shirley and Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I owe you two young ladies a debt of gratitude,” +he said. “This shop-lifting has been going on for +a month or more and we have lost heavily. Thanks +to you I believe we have the culprit at last. Without +your assistance she would have escaped.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel acknowledged this praise with +slight inclinations of the heads, and then Shirley +spoke to Young Bristow, who stood near. +</p> +<p> +“Are you going back to the boat, Mr. Bristow? +We shall be glad of your company.” +</p> +<p> +The young man accepted this invitation, and the +three made their way from the store. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_50'></a>50</span> +</p> +<p> +“I can’t thank you enough, either of you,” he +declared as they walked along. “I was in a ticklish +position, and but for your assistance might have +been put to no end of trouble.” +</p> +<p> +“How did you happen to be accused?” asked +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Why, I was walking through the aisle, and because +of the crowd I was shoved against the +counter. A piece of lace caught on a button of my +coat, and I dragged it with me as I went by. Then +the girl behind the counter cried out that some +one had stolen something. The floor walker saw +the lace caught in my coat and collared me. That’s +all.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” said Shirley, and added with a smile: +“You certainly did look funny there!” +</p> +<p> +“Did I? Well, I didn’t feel very funny. I was +afraid I would be held long enough to make me +miss the ship, and I can’t afford to do that.” +</p> +<p> +“Then your business in Colon is very important?” +asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Young Bristow looked at her in silence for some +moments, and Mabel grew red as she thought she +was to be rebuffed again. But she wasn’t. Bristow +finally answered her question. +</p> +<p> +“Very important,” he said quietly. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_51'></a>51</span><a name='chVII' id='chVII'></a>CHAPTER VII.—MABEL SHOWS HER COURAGE.</h2> +<p> +“By the way,” said Shirley as they walked along, +“how is your wound? I see you have removed the +bandage.” +</p> +<p> +A startled expression flitted across the young +man’s face, but neither girl perceived it. +</p> +<p> +“It’s much better,” he made answer. “Not even +a scar left. It didn’t amount to much, after all.” +</p> +<p> +Fifteen minutes later they were back aboard the +<em>Yucatan</em>, where Shirley related their experiences to +others of their party. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have to keep a closer watch on you two,” +declared Mr. Willing. “Every time you get away +by yourselves you run into trouble. And you won’t +always come out of it so easily.” +</p> +<p> +Several hours later the big steamship moved majestically +out of the harbor and soon was headed +down the coast once more. She came to anchor +again the following morning at Jacksonville, the +last American port at which she would touch until +she reached San Diego, California. The Willing +party went ashore again, but this time, true to his +word, Mr. Willing would not permit the girls to +wander away by themselves. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_52'></a>52</span> +</p> +<p> +As they strolled about, Shirley became suddenly +ill. She knew it was nothing serious, brought on +probably by the excessive heat. Therefore she informed +the others that she was going back aboard +the ship, as she wished to lie down. Mabel agreed +to go with her. +</p> +<p> +The fathers saw the two girls into a taxicab, +which soon dropped them at the pier, where they +immediately went to their suite. +</p> +<p> +Shirley felt much better now that she was out +of the sun, and lying down on the sofa picked up a +book and commenced to read. Mabel sat down at +a little desk to write a letter. +</p> +<p> +In spite of the cooling breeze made by the electric +fan in the room, it was still rather warm, and +Mabel left the outer door open to get what breeze +they could from over the water. Mabel was in +the first room, and Shirley in the one beyond. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Mabel heard footsteps running down +the deck toward their suite. She glanced up idly, +wondering why any one should put himself to +so much exertion on such a hot day, and even as +she looked up a figure darted into the room and +closed the door behind him. +</p> +<p> +Mabel jumped quickly to her feet and faced the +newcomer, who, she now perceived, held a revolver +in his hand. +</p> +<p> +Mabel was not frightened by the sight of the +weapon, for she was not unacquainted with the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_53'></a>53</span> +use of firearms and had faced more than one dangerous +situation; but as the man turned and faced +her, she uttered a cry of amazement. +</p> +<p> +The man was Henry Bristow. +</p> +<p> +Bristow, who had not perceived that the room +was occupied, turned at the sound of Mabel’s voice, +his revolver half raised. At sight of Mabel he +dropped his arm, and removed his cap. +</p> +<p> +“Please pardon me for this intrusion,” he said +quietly. “I did not know the cabin was occupied +nor whose it was. I just happened to see the door +open, and I slipped in.” +</p> +<p> +“What is the matter?” asked Mabel, who realized +that something must be wrong. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, nothing,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +Before Mabel could utter another word, there +was a loud knock on the closed door. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, in response to the knock, came in from +the next room. She took in the situation at a +glance, but did not betray her surprise by so much +as an exclamation. She advanced quickly toward +Mabel and young Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“What is wrong?” she asked in a low voice. +</p> +<p> +Bristow waved his revolver toward the door. +</p> +<p> +“They want me,” he said. “I can’t allow you +girls to be drawn into this, so I shall go out.” +</p> +<p> +A dark expression passed over his face, and his +hand tightened on the revolver. Shirley became +alarmed. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_54'></a>54</span> +</p> +<p> +She motioned him to the room beyond. +</p> +<p> +“You go in there,” she said. “No one will +bother you.” +</p> +<p> +For a moment Bristow hesitated, then he bowed +and passed in. As he went by her, Mabel reached +out and relieved him of his revolver. Bristow +started to protest, then changed his mind and said +nothing. +</p> +<p> +Mabel motioned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You go in too,” she said. “I’ll stay here.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley obeyed without a word. Then Mabel +walked to the little center table, and put the revolver +in the drawer. +</p> +<p> +Came another sharp knock on the door. Mabel +advanced and threw it open. +</p> +<p> +Three men stood in the doorway, and all removed +their hats at sight of her. +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” demanded Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“We are searching for a man named Von +Blusen, who is aboard this ship. We trailed him +down the deck here, and he disappeared. Have +you seen him?” +</p> +<p> +“I know no one by that name,” returned Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“He’s a young fellow,” went on the spokesman +of the three, “and a very smooth-spoken chap. All +the other cabins are locked but this one. I happen +to know that this door was open a few minutes +ago. I thought he might possibly have come in +here?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_55'></a>55</span> +</p> +<p> +He looked at Mabel inquiringly. +</p> +<p> +“I know no one by that name,” declared the girl +again. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps you know him by some other name, +then?” +</p> +<p> +Mabel did not reply. +</p> +<p> +The man became suspicious. +</p> +<p> +“I am afraid we shall have to search this cabin, +miss,” he said. “I am not convinced he is not in +here.” +</p> +<p> +“What is it you want with this man?” asked +Mabel, her curiosity getting the better of her. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I don’t mind telling you. Von Blusen is +a German and I have been tipped off that he is up +to some mischief, I don’t know just what. My +orders are to take him ashore and turn him over +to the U. S. authorities.” +</p> +<p> +“And who are you?” demanded Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Me? Why, I’m a United States special officer.” +</p> +<p> +He threw back his coat and exposed a badge, +which he covered hurriedly. Mabel, therefore, did +not see it clearly. Something seemed to tell her, +however, that the man was not telling the truth. +</p> +<p> +She stepped back quickly to the little center table, +and as the first man advanced after her, she quickly +opened the drawer and produced Bristow’s revolver, +which she levelled at the three men. +</p> +<p> +“You can’t come in here,” she said quietly. +</p> +<p> +The foremost man drew back, as did the others. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_56'></a>56</span> +</p> +<p> +“But, miss,” said the spokesman, “we must search +the cabin. I am sure Von Blusen came in here. +Will you deny it?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t have to deny it,” declared Mabel angrily. +“If you are United States officers, as you +claim, you will have some means of identification.” +</p> +<p> +“I showed you my badge,” said the man. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, and you were careful that I didn’t get a +good look at it.” +</p> +<p> +“But we must make the search.” +</p> +<p> +“Then you must have an order. I know that +much. I know you have to have a piece of paper, +or something—a warrant I believe it is called.” +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any warrant now,” was the reply, +“but I am going to make the search just the same.” +</p> +<p> +He stepped forward, but Mabel covered him +with her revolver. +</p> +<p> +“You have come in here against my command,” +she said quietly, “and I should be perfectly justified +in shooting you, as I would a burglar.” +</p> +<p> +The man sought to temporize. +</p> +<p> +“Now, see here miss—” he began. +</p> +<p> +Mabel took a step forward. She was growing +angry. +</p> +<p> +“You just get right out of here,” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +The man drew back a step and scratched his head +perplexedly. +</p> +<p> +“Miss,” he said, “you are making a big mistake +to shield this man. I tell you he is plotting mischief +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_57'></a>57</span> +which may involve the United States in war. +We must have him before the ship sails.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, you won’t get him in here,” declared the +girl. +</p> +<p> +Again the man hesitated, then seemed on the +point of moving forward again. +</p> +<p> +“I warn you for the last time to get out of here,” +said Mabel very quietly. +</p> +<p> +Once more her revolver came to bear on the +man, and he drew back, throwing up his hands with +a gesture of dismay. Then he turned to his companions. +</p> +<p> +“What can we do against that?” he asked. “We +can’t use a girl roughly, and if the ship gets beyond +the three-mile limit, we can’t get him till we +reach Colon.” +</p> +<p> +“Guess we’ll have to wait then,” said one of the +others. +</p> +<p> +“Yep, guess we will.” +</p> +<p> +The leader turned to Mabel and made her a low +bow. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sorry you interfered with us,” he said. +“You’ll find before long that you have done wrong.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps I shall,” said Mabel; “but I couldn’t +permit you to invade my cabin.” +</p> +<p> +“Tell you what, Tim,” said one of the men, +“we’ll just camp out here and get him when he +comes out. He’s likely to come out before we sail.” +</p> +<p> +“Good idea,” agreed the leader. “We’ll do it.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_58'></a>58</span> +</p> +<p> +Again he made a low bow to Mabel and followed +his men out. +</p> +<p> +“Sorry to have troubled you,” he muttered as +he took his departure. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Bristow now came in from the other +room. +</p> +<p> +“You did splendidly, Miss Ashton,” declared +Bristow warmly. “I was afraid you would allow +them to enter.” +</p> +<p> +Before Mabel could reply there came the sound +of voices outside. One, raised in anger, was that +of Mr. Willing. A moment later, followed by +Colonel Ashton and Dick, he entered the room. +</p> +<p> +His gaze fell upon Henry Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“So,” he growled, “it’s you they’re after, eh?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” returned Bristow quietly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, you sit down over there, young man,” +said Mr. Willing, pointing to a chair. “I’m going +to tell you a few things, and I don’t care whether +you like them or not.” +</p> +<h2><a name='chVIII' id='chVIII'></a>CHAPTER VIII.—THEIR FIRST QUARREL.</h2> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel glanced at Mr. Willing in +surprise. Young Bristow took the seat indicated, +and the others also sat down. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_59'></a>59</span> +</p> +<p> +“First,” said Mr. Willing to Bristow, “I am going +to ask you a question or two. If you refuse +to answer, I shall, of course, draw my own conclusions.” +</p> +<p> +The young man nodded. +</p> +<p> +“Proceed, sir,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“All right. Now, in the first place, are you connected, +in any capacity, with the German government?” +</p> +<p> +“That I cannot answer,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Very good! Now, then, are you aboard this +ship at the command of the German government?” +</p> +<p> +“I cannot answer that question, either, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“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?” +</p> +<p> +“I suppose you are right, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“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. You will admit that, of +course?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Good. Then here is my ultimatum: I want +you to keep away from me and mine. I don’t want +you to cross this threshold again; and I don’t want +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_60'></a>60</span> +you to speak to any of us should you chance to +encounter us. Do I make myself plain?” +</p> +<p> +“Perfectly, sir,” replied Bristow rising from his +chair, his face pale. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad I do,” declared Mr. Willing. “I +haven’t any use for a spy, be he German or English. +Now you can get out of here.” +</p> +<p> +Without a word Bristow moved toward the door. +But Mabel leaped forward and barred his path. +She turned to Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Surely you wouldn’t send him out to be captured?” +she exclaimed. “Those men are waiting +for him out there.” +</p> +<p> +“That is none of our affair,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“And if he isn’t there is no telling what may +happen,” commented Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Dad,” said Shirley, “please let him stay until +we have passed the three-mile limit? Please!” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I agree,” he said at length. +</p> +<p> +Bristow spoke to Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I shall stay, sir,” he said, “but it is because I +must avoid capture if it is possible. Otherwise +I wouldn’t stay in the same room with you.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing smiled. He didn’t mind that kind +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_61'></a>61</span> +of talk, but not so Shirley. She sprang to her feet +and faced Bristow angrily. +</p> +<p> +“How dare you speak to my father like that?” +she demanded. “How dare you?” +</p> +<p> +Bristow turned his head away, and made no reply. +</p> +<p> +Mabel quickly came to the support of Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“And why shouldn’t he?” she asked. “He +hasn’t done anything and your father was very +mean.” +</p> +<p> +“Why, Mabel,” exclaimed Shirley in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“I mean it,” declared Mabel. “Your father +was mean.” +</p> +<p> +“He couldn’t be too mean to a German,” exclaimed +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You people make me tired,” declared Mabel angrily. +“Why are you forever jumping on the Germans? +They are in the right and they are going to +win.” +</p> +<p> +“They are not!” This from Shirley. “The +English are going to win, and I hope they do!” +</p> +<p> +“And I hope the Germans win,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley! Mabel!” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton had now taken +a hand in the conversation. But both girls were +too angry to heed them. +</p> +<p> +“And just because this man is a German you +are all against him. If he were English you would +be shaking hands with him.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_62'></a>62</span> +</p> +<p> +Mabel was losing control of herself. +</p> +<p> +“Why, Mabel,” said Shirley. “You know that +is not true.” +</p> +<p> +“I know it is true,” declared the girl. +</p> +<p> +Colonel Ashton took her firmly by the arm. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel, I am surprised at you,” he said. “Go +to your room.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s Shirley’s room, it’s not mine,” cried Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley advanced toward her friend. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel, what do you mean?” she asked quietly. +</p> +<p> +“You know what I mean. You told me I wasn’t +telling the truth.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley compressed her lips and stepped back. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing took a hand in the conversation. +</p> +<p> +“Unless this foolishness ceases we shall leave the +boat at Havana and return home immediately,” he +said quietly. “I will have none of this.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t care,” declared Shirley, also now very +angry. +</p> +<p> +“Neither do I,” this from Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley, go to your room,” ordered Mr. Willing. +“I am your father and I will be obeyed.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley glanced at her father’s stern face, and +obeyed. She knew that when he looked like that +he was not to be trifled with. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel, you go with her,” said Colonel Ashton +quietly. +</p> +<p> +Mabel hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Do you hear me?” asked the colonel. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_63'></a>63</span> +</p> +<p> +Mabel also realized that she had gone too far. +She made her way after Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Inside their room the girls did not speak to each +other. In the heart of each there was a peculiar +feeling, and each knew that, in a measure, she +was to blame. But neither was ready to give in +yet. +</p> +<p> +It was their first quarrel. +</p> +<p> +Outside Mr. Willing turned to young Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“This,” he said, “is your doing. And when you +once set foot outside this cabin, don’t you ever +cross my path again.” +</p> +<p> +The <em>Yucatan</em> was under way now, and from the +window Mr. Willing could see the three men still +waiting on the outside. But at last they took their +departure and Mr. Willing knew they had passed +beyond the three-mile limit. He turned again to +Bristow. +</p> +<p> +“Now Bristow or Von Blusen or whatever your +name is,” he said, “get out.” +</p> +<p> +Bristow turned a dark look upon him. +</p> +<p> +“You have insulted me,” he said, “and you shall +pay for it.” +</p> +<p> +“I couldn’t insult you, you little whipper-snapper,” +said Mr. Willing angrily. “Are you going +to get out of here?” +</p> +<p> +“When I’ve had my say,” declared the young +man angrily. “If it were not that I am on important +business I would chastise you right now.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_64'></a>64</span> +</p> +<p> +“Is it because you have important business or +because you are a child?” asked Mr. Willing smiling. +</p> +<p> +Bristow took a threatening step forward, but now +Dick took a hand. +</p> +<p> +“That’s enough of this,” he said sternly, and putting +forth a hand he pushed Bristow back. +</p> +<p> +The latter’s face turned a dull red, and he struck +at Dick, who promptly slapped him across the face. +Dick also was angry now. +</p> +<p> +“You shall pay for that blow,” shouted Bristow. +“I can’t fight you now, but when I have +completed my work I shall seek you out.” +</p> +<p> +“I won’t be very hard to find,” declared Dick. +“Now get out.” +</p> +<p> +He took the infuriated Bristow by the neck and +the bottom of the coat and ran him out the door. +Then he closed it after him. +</p> +<p> +“Rather a fiery young man, that,” remarked Colonel +Ashton grimly. +</p> +<p> +“Rather,” agreed Mr. Willing dryly. He turned +to the other room and called: “Shirley! Mabel!” +</p> +<p> +A moment later the two girls came forth. Mr. +Willing looked at them severely for some moments +before he spoke. +</p> +<p> +“You should both be ashamed of yourselves,” +he said at last. “The idea of such foolishness. +Why, you have never quarreled before.” +</p> +<p> +“And there will be no more of it,” declared Colonel +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_65'></a>65</span> +Ashton grimly. “At the next sign of trouble +we shall turn right around and go home.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, Mabel started it,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I did not, you started it,” exclaimed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel!” exclaimed Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +The girls became silent, but continued to glare +at each other. +</p> +<p> +Then, suddenly, a smile broke over Shirley’s +face. Her father breathed more freely. Even +Colonel Ashton looked at the two girls eagerly. +</p> +<p> +Then Shirley advanced toward Mabel and held +out her hand. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sorry for what I said, Mabel,” she declared +earnestly. +</p> +<p> +For a moment Mabel hesitated, but for a moment +only. Then she jumped quickly forward, and +ignoring her friend’s outstretched hand, threw her +arms around her and broke into tears. +</p> +<p> +“It was all my fault,” she sobbed. “You didn’t +say anything.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes I did, too,” said Shirley. “It was as much +my fault as it was yours.” +</p> +<p> +“No it wasn’t.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes it was.” +</p> +<p> +“It was not.” +</p> +<p> +The two girls drew back from each other. +</p> +<p> +“I say it was,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“And I say it wasn’t,” declared Mabel. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_66'></a>66</span> +</p> +<p> +“What is the matter with you two?” demanded +Mr. Willing, stepping between them. +</p> +<p> +“Nothing, Dad,” said Shirley, smiling again. +She turned again to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“And so am I,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Once more they fell into each other’s arms, laughing +happily. Then, arm in arm, they turned and +made their way to their own rooms, absolutely +ignoring the presence of the others. +</p> +<p> +Dick, who had felt decidedly uncomfortable during +this scene, grinned foolishly. Colonel Ashton +laughed aloud, and Mr. Willing smiled. +</p> +<p> +“Funny things happen, my boy,” exclaimed the +latter, slapping Dick on the back. “You learn +something every minute.” +</p> +<p> +And in the other room Mabel said: +</p> +<p> +“We shall never, never quarrel again.” +</p> +<p> +“Never!” agreed Shirley. +</p> +<h2><a name='chIX' id='chIX'></a>CHAPTER IX.—ADRIFT.</h2> +<p> +In the distance the Cuban city of Havana was +slipping slowly from sight. Aft on the promenade +deck Shirley, Mabel and the others of the party, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_67'></a>67</span> +together with many other passengers, were casting +last looks at the island metropolis. +</p> +<p> +The sun was just sinking below the horizon, but +there were still several hours before darkness would +fall. The view was indeed picturesque and the +passengers were impressed with it. +</p> +<p> +The steamship <em>Yucatan</em> was now on the last leg +of her journey toward Colon. +</p> +<p> +In the main salon a crowd of men had gathered. +On the upper deck, the gallery deck, the promenade +deck and the main deck they had also gathered in +knots. They blocked the main staircase and the +exits from the engine room below. +</p> +<p> +A group somewhat larger than the rest had assembled +about the captain’s cabin. A close observer +would have noticed that each man among +these different groups wore a peculiar little button +in the lapel of his coat. +</p> +<p> +Each group was silent. It appeared that they +were waiting for something. Now a young man +appeared and spoke to the first group holding his +open watch in his hand. Then he passed on to +the next, then to the next, until he had approached +all. Then he took his place with the others near +the bridge, and waited, watch in hand. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly he pulled a little whistle from his +pocket, put it to his lips, waited a moment, and +then blew a shrill blast, that penetrated to the +farthest part of the ship. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_68'></a>68</span> +</p> +<p> +Instantly the various groups of men wearing the +button of peculiar design came to action. +</p> +<p> +The passengers on the promenade deck, the Willing +party among them, found themselves under the +muzzles of many revolvers. On the gallery, the +deck, the main salon, the grand stairway a like condition +prevailed. +</p> +<p> +Only the men who guarded the exit from the +engine and boiler rooms were inactive, but these +stood with drawn revolvers. +</p> +<p> +A dozen men swarmed from the bridge into the +wheel house, where they confronted the pilot, the +Captain, the first and second officers, who chanced +to be there together. Officers in other parts of the +ship also had been held up. +</p> +<p> +The surprise had been complete. The <em>Yucatan</em> +was at the mercy of this army of conspirators, whoever +they chanced to be. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel had eyed the strange proceedings +upon their section of the ship with no less +amazement than the rest of the passengers. Mr. +Willing, Colonel Ashton and Dick were equally astonished. +</p> +<p> +“What is it, a wholesale hold-up?” demanded the +colonel. +</p> +<p> +“Worse, I’m afraid,” declared Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I know!” exclaimed Shirley suddenly. “Mr. +Bristow is concerned in this.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_69'></a>69</span> +</p> +<p> +“My goodness! I believe you are right Shirley,” +declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I know I am right,” returned Shirley positively. +“This is why he sailed on the <em>Yucatan</em>.” +</p> +<p> +In the meantime the captors of the vessel had +relieved all on board of whatever weapons they +had. They had made a systematic search of the +cabins, while some of their number kept the crew +and passengers covered. Of the many aboard the +ship the only ones who did not know what had +happened were the engine crew and stokers. +</p> +<p> +The wireless had been among the first points +seized, and the operator had had no opportunity +of sending a message. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Even as Shirley had surmised, he was Henry +Bristow. +</p> +<p> +He smiled as he approached them. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” growled Mr. Willing, “I see you have +put the thing through.” +</p> +<p> +“Part of it sir, part of it,” was the reply. “The +rest is to come.” +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do now, Mr. Bristow?” +asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +The latter smiled at her. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_70'></a>70</span> +</p> +<p> +“Captain Von Blusen, if you please, Miss Ashton,” +he said, “I am no longer Henry Bristow, but +Captain Friederich Von Blusen, of His Imperial +Majesty’s service.” +</p> +<p> +“And what are you going to do with the ship?” +asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Why, we shall do a little cruising,” was the +reply. “We have established a naval base off the +coast of Cuba, but we have no ships on this side +of the Atlantic. Therefore we must have ships. +This is the first.” +</p> +<p> +“And what are you going to do with us, captain?” +asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Ah, that is the hard part,” was the reply, “but, +before starting, we came to a conclusion, though +none of the passengers is likely to be pleased. We +shall set you adrift in small boats.” +</p> +<p> +The others staggered back in dismay. +</p> +<p> +“Impossible,” declared Mr. Willing. “Surely +you are not barbarians.” +</p> +<p> +“The law of necessity must be obeyed,” replied +the captain. +</p> +<p> +He took his departure. +</p> +<p> +“The cold-blooded scoundrel,” declared Colonel +Ashton. “This is what we get for helping him to +escape.” +</p> +<p> +“And that is my fault,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Well, there is no use talking about it now,” said +Dick. “It’s too late.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_71'></a>71</span> +</p> +<p> +An hour later the new crew began getting out +the boats, and all the passengers provided themselves +with life preservers. Fortunately, the +weather was calm and the sea smooth and there was +little likelihood of a storm at this time of year. +</p> +<p> +With everything in readiness, Captain Von +Blusen once more approached the Willing party, +and drew Mabel slightly to one side in spite of the +protests of the others. +</p> +<p> +“Miss Ashton,” he said, “in your cabin the other +day you spoke of your sympathies to the German +cause. Now I shall tell you something, for you +have done much for me. Advise the others to make +no attempt to reach Colon, should they be picked +up.” +</p> +<p> +“And why not?” demanded Shirley. +</p> +<p> +The captain hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Well, there is no harm in telling you,” he said +at last. “Of course, you may not know that Germany +is trying to bring the United States into this +war on her side. We have at last found a way. +Just off Colon are several Japanese warships. We +shall near them unobserved, and signal by wireless +that a certain thing must be done, representing ourselves +as one of the Japanese battleships. +</p> +<p> +“Naturally, we shall be refused permission. +Now we have a new invention that would enable +us to destroy Colon from a distance, and in our +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_72'></a>72</span> +message we shall threaten this unless the supposed +Japanese demand is granted. Do you understand?” +</p> +<p> +Mabel nodded her head slowly. She was beyond +words. +</p> +<p> +“And when the demand is refused,” continued the +captain “we shall use some of this new explosive. +That will mean war between Japan and the United +States, and therefore, England also, as she is Japan’s +ally. Do you see?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I see,” said Mabel quietly. +</p> +<p> +“And what do you think of the plan?” +</p> +<p> +“I think it is contemptible,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“But, but—” began the captain. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t care to hear any more,” said Mabel. +“But you will not succeed, I am sure of that. You +can not succeed.” +</p> +<p> +She turned on her heel and made her way back +to the others, the captain standing as if rooted to +the deck as he stared after her. +</p> +<p> +Mabel turned the matter over in her mind. She +felt certain that the captain had been boasting, and +the more she thought it over the more she became +convinced of it. Therefore, she decided to say +nothing about it to the others. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Each boat was well stocked with provisions and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_73'></a>73</span> +water, for the Germans had no mind to set their +prisoners adrift and let them starve or perish of +thirst. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Fortunately, the passenger list was not large. +The bulk of it had been made up of the men who +had later captured the ship. Therefore, officers, +passengers and crew included, there were not more +than three hundred set adrift. +</p> +<p> +The engine room crew had been impressed into +service by the Germans. +</p> +<p> +The Willing party found themselves in the boat +with the captain and perhaps a dozen other passengers. +As the boat struck the water, and the men +began to row away from the big steamship at the +captain’s command, Shirley and Mabel were badly +frightened. +</p> +<p> +In spite of the cheering words spoken by their +fathers, Dick and other male passengers, they did +not bear up very well. As they looked first in one +direction and then the other and saw nothing but +water, they broke into tears. The small boat looked +very small indeed to be at large upon the water. +</p> +<p> +Presently all the boats were launched, and rowed +some distance from the steamer. There they +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_74'></a>74</span> +stopped as a sudden blast signified that the big +ship was about to get under way and leave them. +</p> +<p> +It began to grow dark. The electric lights aboard +the large vessel glowed suddenly, and slowly the +brilliantly lighted floating palace made off in the +gathering darkness. +</p> +<p> +As it went away and left them to the mercies +of the sea, cries of anguish, despair and condemnation +were hurled after the men who had thus +set the passengers and crew adrift. Women sobbed, +and men stood up in the boats and shook their +fists after the steamship <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +And then the great ship disappeared from sight. +The men in the small boats renewed their work at +the oars, and the boats moved toward the distant +Cuban coast. +</p> +<p> +Adding to the fearfulness of their condition, +darkness descended upon them like a pall. +</p> +<h2><a name='chX' id='chX'></a>CHAPTER X.—COLON.</h2> +<p> +At a word from Mr. Willing, after several hours +of rowing, Shirley and Mabel cuddled up in their +end of the boat and tried to sleep; but this they +found impossible, and all through the night they +gazed out over the dark waters. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_75'></a>75</span> +</p> +<p> +Here and there the lights in the other boats were +visible, but before morning they had lost sight of +these. When the first faint streaks of dawn appeared +in the east there was not another boat to +be seen. They had become separated in the night. +</p> +<p> +The almost twenty passengers in the little craft +ate of the food that had been provided and drank +of the water. Thus refreshed, and with the sun +now appearing above the horizon, their predicament +did not seem as serious as it had during the +blackness of the night. +</p> +<p> +There was not an object in sight to break the +monotony of the water, and the boat rocked gently +on the easy swell of the sea. The men bent to the +oars again and sent the little craft skimming through +the water. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +“Steamer!” cried the first man. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +As the hull of the vessel grew larger by its approach, +occasional cheers broke from the lips of +those in the little craft. So far it was impossible +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_76'></a>76</span> +to tell whether the castaways had been sighted or +not; but as the big ship neared them—now scarcely +more than a mile away—the shrill blast of the +steamer’s whistle split the air. The small boat with +its passengers had been discovered. The passengers +raised another cheer. +</p> +<p> +Rapidly the large vessel bore down on them, and +the little craft bobbed swiftly toward it. At last +they came alongside. +</p> +<p> +“Ladies first!” cried the captain of the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel were the first over the rail, +where they stood awaiting the arrival of the others. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and Dick were the +last to go aboard, and no sooner were the refugees +all on deck than the big vessel resumed her course. +The captain motioned them to his cabin. +</p> +<p> +The ship upon which they now found themselves +proved to be the <em>Reliance</em>, with a cargo of freight +from New Orleans for Colon. +</p> +<p> +This the captain explained when he learned where +the erstwhile refugees were bound. +</p> +<p> +“We can’t offer you the same accommodations +you had aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>,” he said, “but you +are welcome to the best we have.” +</p> +<p> +“And we are indeed glad to get it, captain,” Shirley +spoke up. +</p> +<p> +“No doubt, no doubt,” smiled the captain. “All +night in an open boat is no pleasure trip, even if +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_77'></a>77</span> +this is the month of June,” and he ordered them +assigned quarters forward. +</p> +<p> +While by no means as large and pretentious as +those on the <em>Yucatan</em>, the cabins were nevertheless +clean and comfortable. +</p> +<p> +“We can thank our stars that we were fortunate +enough to be picked up so soon,” declared Dick. +</p> +<p> +“What can have become of the other boats?” +asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Probably reached the Cuban shore,” replied +Colonel Ashton. “We are doubtless the only ones +that lost our course. The others more than likely +stuck close together.” +</p> +<p> +“I hope they are all safe,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I am sure they are,” returned her father. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Colonel Ashton, “the thing to be +considered is, what to do when we reach Colon. +Shall we take another steamer and continue our +course, or shall we turn about and go home?” +</p> +<p> +“We don’t want to go home, Dad,” exclaimed +Shirley. “You won’t give up the trip to San Francisco, +will you?” +</p> +<p> +“No, I think not,” was the reply. “We can replenish +our wardrobes in Colon sufficiently to get +to Frisco, and we can do the rest of our buying +there. No, we shall go on.” +</p> +<p> +The girls clapped their hands in delight. Both +had feared that the disaster might put an untimely +end to their summer vacation. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_78'></a>78</span> +</p> +<p> +“What do you suppose the Germans intend doing +with the <em>Yucatan</em>?” asked Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Well, you heard the captain speak of a naval +base on the coast of Cuba. They probably will run +in there, put some big guns aboard and start out +on a privateering cruise. There have been a couple +of such German raiders, and they did considerable +damage to British merchant ships before they were +chased to the safety of internment in Newport +News.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess that is about what they plan to do,” +agreed Dick. “I’ll surely have one experience of +which to write when I get back to work.” +</p> +<p> +An hour later the party was gathered on deck, +when the captain of the <em>Yucatan</em> approached. +</p> +<p> +“The first thing I shall do is to report this to +General Fullaway, at Colon,” he declared. +</p> +<p> +“General Fullaway!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. +“You don’t mean General Hugh Fullaway?” +</p> +<p> +“The same,” replied the captain. “Do you know +him?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, rather,” replied Mr. Willing. “We were +schoolmates years ago, and have been close friends +since. He comes from my home town. I shall +look him up. But I didn’t know he was in command +in Colon.” +</p> +<p> +“He has only been recently put in command,” +was the reply. “I too know him well.” +</p> +<p> +The <em>Reliance</em> proved to be a very slow vessel, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_79'></a>79</span> +and it was days before the city of Colon was +sighted. +</p> +<p> +At the entrance to the Panama Canal, Colon is a +very picturesque city. Since work on the canal +was begun, bringing thousands of Americans to the +country, it has been more or less metropolitan in +character, at the same time retaining its South +American atmosphere. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel looked about with wonder as +they made their way through the dirty narrow +streets toward the hotel. This, however, they +found to be strictly up to date in all respects, and +they were soon installed in comfortable quarters. +</p> +<p> +Several hours later, Mr. Willing and Colonel +Ashton left the hotel, announcing that they were +going to pay their respects to General Fullaway. +They were back several hours later and informed +Shirley, Mabel and Dick that they were to dine +with the general in his quarters that night. +</p> +<p> +The girls were naturally excited at this prospect, +and spent most of the day in the purchase of suitable +garments. Dick, as well as Mr. Willing and +Colonel Ashton, also purchased more clothing to +take the place of what had been lost when they were +set adrift from the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +General Fullaway had already heard the story +from the captain of the <em>Yucatan</em>, but supper over, +he desired to hear it once more from his guests. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing related their first meeting with the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_80'></a>80</span> +German commander, who had introduced himself +as Henry Bristow when they had first met. He +told of the experience aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> while the +vessel was tied up at Jacksonville. +</p> +<p> +“You did wrong not to let the men take him, +no matter who they were,” was General Fullaway’s +verdict. +</p> +<p> +“I realize that now,” said Mr. Willing, “but who +could have suspected such a gigantic plot?” +</p> +<p> +“It was a gigantic plot,” agreed the general, +“and was carried out excellently. It must have +been well planned.” +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Bristow warned us not to come to Colon, +general,” spoke up Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“He did?” exclaimed the general in surprise. +“And why, pray?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, he said it wasn’t safe,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Hm-m-m,” muttered the general, with a smile. +“And did he tell you why?” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“I thought not,” laughed the general. +</p> +<p> +“But he told me, general,” put in Mabel. +</p> +<p> +The others looked at the girl in surprise, but Mabel +bore up steadily under their scrutiny. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean, Mabel?” demanded Colonel +Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“You remember when he took me aside just before +we were set adrift, father?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, of course.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_81'></a>81</span> +</p> +<p> +“That’s when he told me, but it seemed so absurd +and impossible that I didn’t repeat it.” +</p> +<p> +“What was it, Miss Ashton?” asked General +Fullaway. “Will you tell us?” +</p> +<p> +“He said that Colon was in danger,” replied Mabel, +and she repeated the conversation she had had +with Captain Von Blusen aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +The others listened to her with breathless interest, +and there were exclamations of surprise when +she concluded. +</p> +<p> +“Absurd,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Impossible,” Colonel Ashton agreed. +</p> +<p> +“It would seem so, on the face of it,” said General +Fullaway, “and I suppose it is. It is true, +there are two Japanese warships off the entrance to +the Canal. They have not been allowed to pass +through because several German merchant vessels +are here. As soon as they have cleared, of course +we shall permit the Japs to go through.” +</p> +<p> +“And have the Japs objected to the delay?” asked +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“They have indeed. They have demanded permission +to pass, which has been refused. That was +yesterday. But this tale of yours,” the general +turned to Mabel, “is incredible. I suppose the German +commander told it to you to frighten you.” +</p> +<p> +“I suppose that was his reason,” Mabel agreed. +</p> +<p> +At this moment an orderly entered the room and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_82'></a>82</span> +gave a message to General Fullaway. The latter +read it, and then turned to Mabel again. +</p> +<p> +“It seems that your warning may bear fruit, after +all,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, sir?” asked the girl eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, this message I have here,” said the general, +tapping the paper with his finger, “is, or seems +to be at least, a communication from the Japanese +commander. He says if his ships are not allowed +to pass through the canal to-morrow, he will destroy +the city of Colon!” +</p> +<h2><a name='chXI' id='chXI'></a>CHAPTER XI.—A WAR SCARE.</h2> +<p> +An air of intense anticipation pervaded the General’s +dining room. +</p> +<p> +Shirley finally broke the silence. +</p> +<p> +“And will you give them permission, general?” +she asked. +</p> +<p> +“Not without such instructions from Washington,” +was the reply. “My duties are clearly defined. +The Japanese ships cannot pass through the +canal while German merchantmen are in Colon harbor. +However, I am not at all sure the message +is from the Japs.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_83'></a>83</span> +</p> +<p> +“You mean—the <em>Yucatan</em>,” asked Dick. +</p> +<p> +General Fullaway nodded. +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t be at all surprised,” he replied quietly. +“I shall communicate with Washington at once, repeating +the story you have told me.” +</p> +<p> +He left the room, and returned in a few moments +with a slip of paper which he gave to the +officer who had brought the message. +</p> +<p> +“I should have a reply in a couple of hours,” he +told the others. “Would you care to wait and hear +the result?” +</p> +<p> +“Indeed we would,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +It was almost three hours later before the reply +came. General Fullaway read the message in silence, +then turned to the others. +</p> +<p> +“Your story must be true, Miss Ashton,” he +said. “Washington seems to have had some rumor +of it. The cruiser <em>Tennessee</em>, now stationed here, +has been ordered to take the <em>Yucatan</em> in charge.” +</p> +<p> +“Will there be a battle?” demanded Mabel anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“I do not think so. The <em>Yucatan</em>, armed though +she probably is by this time, would hardly be a +match for the <em>Tennessee</em>.” +</p> +<p> +“I wish we could go with her,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“So do I,” agreed Dick. +</p> +<p> +General Fullaway was silent for some moments, +and then he said: +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps it can be done. There will be no danger. I +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_84'></a>84</span> +don’t believe Captain Ainslee would object. +The <em>Tennessee</em> will not sail before morning. I shall +communicate with the captain immediately, and let +you know before morning. He will probably wish +to hear your story anyhow.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley, Mabel and the others returned to the +hotel, where they prepared for bed. Mr. Willing +was just about to retire when there was a knock +at the door. Opening it, a bellboy passed him a +message. It was from General Fullaway and said +that Captain Ainslee would expect the Willing party +aboard the <em>Tennessee</em> by 8 o’clock in the morning. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing called this piece of news to Dick +and the two girls, and all were greatly pleased. +</p> +<p> +“Just think of taking a trip on a warship!” exclaimed +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +All were about early the next morning and were +soon at the pier, where they found that a cutter +from the <em>Tennessee</em> had been sent to meet them. +Captain Ainslee himself greeted them as they made +their way over the side of the cruiser, and conducted +them to his cabin. +</p> +<p> +Here he left them for a few minutes while he +gave orders to get the ship under way. Directly +it began to move slowly through the waters of the +harbor, Captain Ainslee returned to the others. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” he said to Mabel, “I should be glad to +hear your story at first hand.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_85'></a>85</span> +</p> +<p> +Mabel repeated it and the captain listened attentively. +</p> +<p> +“To tell the truth,” he said, “this may be more +serious than I supposed. If Germany is bent upon +drawing the United States into the war, the <em>Yucatan</em> +may not surrender so easily.” +</p> +<p> +“You don’t mean she is likely to fight?” asked +Mr. Willing in some alarm. +</p> +<p> +“That’s just what I mean,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +And Captain Ainslee proved a good prophet. +</p> +<p> +It was well after noon when a cry from the +lookout brought all to deck. +</p> +<p> +“Steamer off the port bow!” it came. +</p> +<p> +The two girls rushed to the deck with the others. +The ships were still too far apart for those aboard +the cruiser to make out the other plainly, and the +wireless was immediately put in action. +</p> +<p> +“German converted cruiser <em>Kaiserin</em>!” came the +reply to Captain Ainslee’s message. +</p> +<p> +“I desire to come aboard you,” was the message +flashed back. “Heave to!” +</p> +<p> +The vessels drew nearer together, until at last +Captain Ainslee knew the other vessel was in range +of the <em>Tennessee’s</em> big guns. +</p> +<p> +“I was afraid he would run,” he explained. +“Now I shall make my demand for surrender. It’s +the <em>Yucatan</em> as you can see.” +</p> +<p> +The wireless was again put to working, and a +demand made upon the German to surrender. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_86'></a>86</span> +</p> +<p> +“What for?” came the question. +</p> +<p> +“Theft of United States vessel and threatening +destruction of Colon,” was the reply flashed back. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen must have realized that the +game was up. The <em>Yucatan</em> was brought quickly +about and turned to run. +</p> +<p> +“Clear for action!” came the command aboard +the <em>Tennessee</em>. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, Mabel and the others of the party found +themselves hurried back into the Captain’s private +cabin. There, through the port-hole, they watched +the preparations for battle. +</p> +<p> +The girls were greatly interested, and in spite of +the fact that they knew they were in danger, they +did not lose their coolness nor their courage. +</p> +<p> +Realizing that the passenger ship was probably +faster than the cruiser, Captain Ainslee wasted no +further time. The great forward turret gun spoke +with a roar, and Shirley and Mabel cried out at the +terrific noise. +</p> +<p> +They could watch the progress of the big shell +as it sped toward the <em>Yucatan</em>, where it kicked up +the water but a few yards to port. Again and +again the big gun spoke, and then there was a cheer +from the crew as a shell struck home. +</p> +<p> +Twice more the <em>Yucatan</em> was hit, and, while not +in a vital spot, her speed was suddenly reduced. +The <em>Tennessee</em> dashed on. +</p> +<p> +Then came the first shot from the enemy. The +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_87'></a>87</span> +spray flew high beside the cruiser as a shell struck +the water to larboard. Before she could fire again, +another shell from the <em>Tennessee’s</em> forward turret +gun crashed aboard her. +</p> +<p> +Then a white flag was run up the <em>Yucatan’s</em> masthead. +</p> +<p> +The firing aboard the <em>Tennessee</em> ceased, and the +cruiser bore down on the enemy. +</p> +<p> +Boats were hurriedly lowered, manned and darted +across the water to take charge of the <em>Yucatan</em>. +Half an hour later one of them returned bearing +the German commander and his officers. They +were conducted to the captain’s cabin immediately. +</p> +<p> +Henry Bristow—now Captain Von Blusen—at +first did not see the members of the Willing party +in the cabin, and he faced Captain Ainslee angrily. +</p> +<p> +“What is the meaning of this outrage?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +Captain Ainslee smiled. +</p> +<p> +“Come, come, captain,” he said. “Why this air +of wounded dignity? Surely you won’t attempt to +deny that you stole the <em>Yucatan</em>?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course I deny it,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“And I suppose you will also deny sending a message +to the commandant at Colon, threatening to +blow up the city?” +</p> +<p> +“That is absurd,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +Captain Ainslee motioned to Mabel, and she +stepped forward. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_88'></a>88</span> +</p> +<p> +“Do you recognize this young lady, captain?” +demanded the commander of the <em>Tennessee</em>. +</p> +<p> +As the other’s eyes rested upon Mabel, he stepped +back in surprise and a look of genuine alarm passed +over his face. Then it grew dark. He was very +angry. +</p> +<p> +“So,” he exclaimed, “this is the way you show +your sympathy for Germany, eh?” +</p> +<p> +“What is Germany to me?” demanded Mabel +hotly. “I’m no German.” +</p> +<p> +“But you said—” +</p> +<p> +“I said that because I was angry at the time. +You have made trouble enough for us. I’m glad +you have been captured.” +</p> +<p> +“Further denial is useless, captain,” declared +Captain Ainslee. “I don’t believe you will dispute +the young lady’s words.” +</p> +<p> +Von Blusen turned away angrily, and his gaze +rested on Dick and the others for the first time. +</p> +<p> +“I see you are all here,” he said. Then to Dick, +“And I have not forgotten that I have a debt to +settle with you.” +</p> +<p> +He stepped quickly across the cabin and before +the others were aware of what he intended to do, he +struck Dick sharply across the face with the back +of his hand. +</p> +<p> +Dick was on his feet in an instant and would +have leaped upon his assailant had not the others +stayed him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_89'></a>89</span> +</p> +<p> +“Captain!” cried the commander of the <em>Tennessee</em>, +“you forget yourself! If that is the way +you Germans conduct yourselves no wonder the +whole world is against you. Another move like +that and I’ll have you put in irons!” +</p> +<p> +The German captain drew back but said nothing. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” continued Captain Ainslee, “I would like +to know the meaning of this affair you have been +mixed up in. Is Germany seeking war with the +United States?” +</p> +<p> +“Why not?” was the reply. “The United States +has been against us, why shouldn’t we be against +her?” +</p> +<p> +“It’s your own evil consciences that make you +think that,” replied Captain Ainslee. “The United +States has been strictly neutral in this war. But +an accounting for this will be demanded of the +Kaiser.” +</p> +<p> +“And he’ll give it,” thundered the captain, striking +the table with his fist. “He’ll give it!” +</p> +<p> +“Maybe he will, but he’ll be sorry,” declared Shirley, +who could keep quiet no longer. “Uncle Sam +will stand no foolishness from the Kaiser.” +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen smiled at her scornfully. +</p> +<p> +“We shall come over here some day and take +the United States,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll be surprised when you try it,” said Shirley +angrily. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_90'></a>90</span> +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. “Keep +quiet!” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t care,” cried Shirley. “Anybody knows +Uncle Sam can whip Germany, and all the rest of +them, too, for that matter.” +</p> +<p> +Again Mr. Willing would have enjoined the girl +to silence, but Captain Ainslee stayed him with uplifted +hand. +</p> +<p> +“Let her alone,” he chuckled. “That is the spirit +I like to see!” +</p> +<h2><a name='chXII' id='chXII'></a>CHAPTER XII.—ABOARD THE YUCATAN.</h2> +<p> +The <em>Tennessee</em> returned immediately to Colon, +followed by the <em>Yucatan</em>, now manned by a crew +of American sailors. The run was made quickly, +and darkness had just descended when the ships +came to anchor and the Willing party made their +way ashore and returned to their hotel. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen and the members of his +crew were immediately turned over to the Canal +Zone authorities, pending orders from Washington. +</p> +<p> +What was the surprise of Shirley and the others, +upon reaching the hotel, to find there others of the +passengers who had been set adrift when the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_91'></a>91</span> +<em>Yucatan</em> was captured by the German conspirators. +They greeted each other warmly. +</p> +<p> +“We were picked up by a steamer and just +reached here this afternoon,” one of the women +passengers explained to Shirley and Mabel. “We +had about given you up for lost. The rest of us +are all here.” +</p> +<p> +“And so is the <em>Yucatan</em>,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +In response to exclamations of astonishment, she +related the story of the recapture of the vessel. +</p> +<p> +“Then we shall be allowed to continue our trip, +I suppose,” remarked one of the passengers. +</p> +<p> +“Unless the government decides to hold on to +the steamer,” said another. +</p> +<p> +But the government did not, and the following +day the full crew of the <em>Yucatan</em> was once more +aboard the vessel, and it was announced that she +would resume her journey the following morning. +</p> +<p> +The day was spent by most of the passengers +viewing the sights of interest in the canal zone +and in the city of Colon proper. +</p> +<p> +A few words concerning the Panama Canal will +not be amiss here. +</p> +<p> +The canal was opened to smaller vessels on August +5, 1914, but the official opening did not take +place until much later, being attended with elaborate +ceremonies. +</p> +<p> +The canal is about fifty miles in length from deep +water in the Caribbean Sea to deep water in the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_92'></a>92</span> +Pacific Ocean. It ranges in width from 300 to +1,000 feet with an average bottom width of almost +700 feet. The Gatun dam along its crest is 8,000 +feet long. +</p> +<p> +The construction of the canal is considered one +of the greatest feats of engineering of all time +and was accomplished at a tremendous cost. The +land was secured by treaty from Colombia at great +expense and resulted in considerable trouble between +the United States and the South American +republic. +</p> +<p> +It is provided by treaties that the canal shall +be open to the vessels of all nations, merchantmen, +or ships of war, in times of war as well in +times of peace; but strict rules of neutrality have +been provided for the passage of war vessels. +</p> +<p> +All this Mr. Willing explained to the others during +the day. With the coming of night, the passengers +began to go aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> for the ship +was to sail at an early hour and it was deemed advisable +to be aboard the night before. +</p> +<p> +Therefore, when Shirley and Mabel arose and +went on deck, the <em>Yucatan</em> already had started its +passage through the canal. The girls stood upon +the upper deck aft and looked about with interest; +but after an hour of this they grew tired and went +down to breakfast. +</p> +<p> +The passage of the canal would require about +ten hours and Shirley remarked to Mabel that she +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_93'></a>93</span> +would be glad when they were on the Pacific and +sailing up the coast. +</p> +<p> +“And so will I,” agreed Mabel. “Of course it +is nice to see all these things, but they don’t interest +me a whole lot.” +</p> +<p> +“I feel the same way. To tell the truth I shall +be glad to get to San Francisco. From what I +have heard, the Exposition must be beautiful.” +</p> +<p> +“Indeed it must. By the way, I wonder what +will be done with Henry Bristow—I mean Captain +Von Blusen?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” replied Shirley. “However, I +suppose he will be taken to Washington.” +</p> +<p> +“He seemed a very nice young man. I wouldn’t +have thought he was a German.” +</p> +<p> +“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?” +</p> +<p> +“Orders, I reckon. The Germans have shown +great daring and bravery in this war.” +</p> +<p> +“I should say they have. I wonder if the United +States will be drawn into the war.” +</p> +<p> +“My goodness gracious! I hope not! Why, +Daddy might have to go.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh I guess not,” laughed Shirley. “He is too +old for that, except as a last resort.” +</p> +<p> +“But Dick might have to go.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s so; but I don’t think there will be any +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_94'></a>94</span> +war between the United States and Germany. We +could whip them easily.” +</p> +<p> +“I suppose the Germans think they could whip +us just as well as we believe we can whip them.” +</p> +<p> +“But I know we can whip them.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’m not so sure. But one thing is certain, +we won’t have to go to war. That’s the advantage +of being a girl.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh I don’t know,” said Shirley, “I believe I +would like to go.” +</p> +<p> +“Not for me,” declared Mabel. “Still, I might +be willing to go as a Red Cross nurse.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s what I meant,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and Dick now +joined them, and they discussed recent happenings. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t suppose there is any chance of Von +Blusen getting away, sir?” asked Dick of Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked at him and smiled. +</p> +<p> +“Afraid he’ll come after you?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“No, not exactly sir,” replied Dick. “I just +wondered, that’s all.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t think there is. I’m sure I don’t want +to be on the same ship with him again. He’ll +make mischief wherever he is.” +</p> +<p> +But Mr. Willing was to be disappointed in this +wish, as it turned out later. +</p> +<p> +Noon came and passed and still the big steamship +was in the canal; but with the coming of the supper +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_95'></a>95</span> +hour the Pacific ocean became visible in the +distance. +</p> +<p> +It was the first time that Dick, Shirley or Mabel +had seen the Pacific, and they stared ahead for +a long time. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t see as it looks any different from the +Atlantic,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“What did you expect?” asked Mabel. “Think +you were going to see the name on it?” +</p> +<p> +“Not exactly. I don’t know just what I expected, +but I thought it would look different.” +</p> +<p> +The others laughed. +</p> +<p> +“It might feel a little different in case a big +storm came up,” said Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t want to be in a storm on any water,” +declared Shirley with decision. +</p> +<p> +“I should say not,” Mabel agreed. “A storm +is bad enough with lots of dry land under your +feet.” +</p> +<p> +The sun was just disappearing below the horizon +when the <em>Yucatan</em> at last stuck her nose into the +waters of the Pacific ocean. +</p> +<p> +“Well, here we are in the Pacific at last,” said +Colonel Ashton. “Do you feel any difference, +Shirley?” +</p> +<p> +“Not a bit,” replied the girl with a smile. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked at the sky. +</p> +<p> +“I guess there will be no storm on this trip,” he +said. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_96'></a>96</span> +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later all went below to supper. +</p> +<p> +They had almost finished a delightful meal when +their attention was attracted by the sound of a +scuffle on deck. All rushed hastily up. +</p> +<p> +There, struggling with a knot of sailors, was a +single man. His back was turned to the girls as +they made their way on deck, and at first they did +not recognize him. +</p> +<p> +He was giving a good account of himself, striking +out with such force and skill as gave evidence +of much training in the use of his fists; but the +sailors were too many for him, and he was at last +overpowered and thrown to the deck. +</p> +<p> +Rude hands jerked him to his feet and it was +then that Shirley and Mabel obtained their first look +at his face. +</p> +<p> +Shirley started back with a cry of utter amazement. +Then a name leaped to her lips, and was +repeated by all the passengers within sight. +</p> +<p> +“Captain Von Blusen!” +</p> +<p> +“How in the world did he get here?” exclaimed +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I can’t imagine,” declared Mabel, staring with +open mouth. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson of the <em>Yucatan</em> now hastened +down from the bridge and confronted the prisoner. +</p> +<p> +“What are you doing on my ship and how did +you get here?” he demanded angrily. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen smiled at him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_97'></a>97</span> +</p> +<p> +“I just escaped, that’s all,” he replied. “You +treated me so well before that I thought I would +take passage with you. Besides it was the least +likely place I would be looked for.” +</p> +<p> +“But how did you escape?” demanded the captain. +</p> +<p> +“That would be telling,” was the reply, and the +young man smiled tantalizingly. “However, it +will do no harm to say that I have good friends in +Colon.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’ll guarantee you won’t do any more +harm aboard my ship,” declared the captain angrily. +</p> +<p> +He turned to his first officer. “Have him put +in irons!” +</p> +<p> +“Very good, sir,” replied the first officer, and advanced +toward the prisoner. +</p> +<p> +“One moment,” said the latter drawing himself +up. “I did not come here with any ill motive,” +still addressing the captain, “and I desire to give my +parole.” +</p> +<p> +“And what good is your parole?” demanded +Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +“One gentleman is always ready to accept the +word of another gentleman,” said Von Blusen +slowly. “I give my word to make no attempt to +escape.” +</p> +<p> +The captain hesitated, then waved an arm expressively. +</p> +<p> +“Very well,” he said. “Your parole is accepted.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_98'></a>98</span> +</p> +<p> +He returned to the bridge, and the sailors released +Von Blusen. The latter walked over to +where the Willing party were gathered. +</p> +<p> +“Well, here I am again,” he said with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“I see you are,” replied Mabel, and deliberately +turned her back on him. +</p> +<p> +The young man’s face became red. He turned +on his heel and walked off without another word. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXIII' id='chXIII'></a>CHAPTER XIII.—ASHORE IN COSTA RICA.</h2> +<p> +The steamship <em>Yucatan</em> was swinging slowly into +a little harbor. Land, visible for the first time +since leaving the Panama Canal, was now close at +hand. +</p> +<p> +“What place is this?” asked Shirley of Dick, +who stood forward gazing over the rail by her +side. +</p> +<p> +Dick consulted his guide book, remarking: “I +can’t remember the name of these outlandish +places.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s Punta Arenas,” he said at last, looking up. +“Costa Rica, you know,” he added in explanation. +</p> +<p> +“And what are we putting in here for?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_99'></a>99</span> +</p> +<p> +“You’ll have to ask the captain about that,” replied +Dick. “It’s too deep for me.” +</p> +<p> +The vessel came to anchor some distance from +shore. It was announced that the ship would lay +there for several hours, and the captain gave notice +that those desiring to land would be taken off +in the small boats. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later found them strolling about +the dirty looking narrow streets of the little town. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +“Give money to one of them and the rest will +follow you forever,” he explained. +</p> +<p> +“But they look so dirty and hungry,” protested +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps they are,” was the officer’s reply, “but +take no chances with them.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley followed his advice, as did the others of +the party, and the dirty native children soon let +them alone. When the party started back, however, the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_100'></a>100</span> +children trailed them once more, begging +piteously for money. +</p> +<p> +At the wharf Shirley, unheeding the advice of +the officer, turned and tossed a silver quarter toward +them. +</p> +<p> +Instantly the place became a scene of wild confusion. +There was a scramble as boys and girls +dived headlong for the piece of silver. Loud cries +filled the air. +</p> +<p> +A little girl raised up with the piece of money +clutched tightly in her hand and started to run. +But the others were upon her in an instant, and +threw her to the ground, striking and clawing as +they tried to take the quarter away from her. +</p> +<p> +Shirley looked at the disorder she had caused +in amazement. +</p> +<p> +“My goodness!” she exclaimed. “I had no idea +they were so savage.” +</p> +<p> +She watched the struggle. +</p> +<p> +Now a boy had secured the quarter and tried to +escape with it. But he fared no better than had +the girl, and soon was beneath the pile of struggling +bodies. The children fought savagely, biting, +screaming, kicking and scratching. +</p> +<p> +The party from the steamship watched with interest. +</p> +<p> +“See what you did, Shirley,” cried Mabel. “Just +watch them fight.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_101'></a>101</span> +</p> +<p> +“I won’t do it again,” declared Shirley. “Some +of them will be badly hurt.” +</p> +<p> +At this moment a newcomer appeared upon the +scene. He walked slowly, and plainly was in no +particular hurry. Shirley glanced at him curiously. +</p> +<p> +He was attired in a dark blue uniform. A revolver +and sword hung at his side. He was short +but stout, and a black mustache curled fiercely upward. +</p> +<p> +He was just what Shirley took him to be, an officer +of the Costa Rican army. +</p> +<p> +He advanced into the mass of struggling children +and pushed the combatants aside without ceremony. +As they looked up and perceived him, the fighters +turned and fled. +</p> +<p> +The sight was indeed comical and Shirley and +all the others laughed long and loud. +</p> +<p> +One little boy, before taking to his heels, stooped +quickly and picked up the quarter, which had rolled +a short distance away. But even as he started to +run, the native officer reached out a hand and caught +him by the shoulder. +</p> +<p> +In vain did the boy struggle to free himself, biting +and kicking. He was no match for the man, +and at last he dropped the piece of silver. The officer +then released him and looked around. +</p> +<p> +While the Americans still watched him he +stooped, picked up the quarter, turned it over in +his hand once or twice, spun it in the air, caught +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_102'></a>102</span> +it as it came down and thrust it in his pocket. +Then, without a glance to right or left, he turned +and stalked away. +</p> +<p> +“There!” exclaimed the ship’s officer, “you can +see what has happened to your quarter. It’s what +happens to most of those thrown to the children by +tourists.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s an outrage!” declared Shirley. “I wouldn’t +have given him anything. Isn’t there something we +can do about it?” +</p> +<p> +“Not a thing,” was the reply. “It is legitimate +graft. But watch, now, you’ll see what the little +folks do.” +</p> +<p> +As the native officer continued to swagger along, +from behind houses and from down streets a hail +of rocks and stones dropped upon him. The children, +divided in the fight for the quarter, had joined +forces against this common enemy and were pelting +him vigorously. +</p> +<p> +“Good!” exclaimed Mabel. “I am glad of it. +I hope they hurt him, the big coward.” +</p> +<p> +The native officer stopped and glared around angrily +at his small assailants for a moment, while +the rocks and stones fell on him faster than before. +One struck him in the face. This was too much +for his courage. He took to his heels, and with +the mob of children in close pursuit, was soon lost +to sight. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_103'></a>103</span> +</p> +<p> +“I hope they get him,” declared Shirley vehemently. +</p> +<p> +“They won’t, though,” replied the officer of the +<em>Yucatan</em>. “If he were to turn on them they’d stop +and, from a safe place, continue their bombardment. +He’ll find shelter some place.” +</p> +<p> +Before they could return to the launch which +would take them back to the ship, the swarm of +children again came into view, rushing for them. +</p> +<p> +“Quick!” cried the officer, “into the boat. +They’ll run right over us. They’ve caught a sight +of silver and they won’t let us alone until we give +them some, or until we are out of reach.” +</p> +<p> +He hustled the others toward the small boat at +a run, and succeeded in getting them in before the +native children reached the water’s edge. Then +the boat put off for the ship. +</p> +<p> +A cry of anger went up from the shore. +</p> +<p> +“Duck!” cried the officer, himself taking his +place in the stern and grasping the rudder. +</p> +<p> +His warning came not a moment too soon. +</p> +<p> +A shower of missiles, hurled with unerring aim, +fell upon the little craft. Disappointed in their +quest, the native children were now bent on revenge. +</p> +<p> +As fast as they could pick them up and throw, +rocks went skimming across the water, falling on +both sides, and in front and behind the boat. Several +dropped aboard. +</p> +<p> +One, in falling, just skimmed the back of Shirley’s +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_104'></a>104</span> +head as she stooped over in the boat. Dick +immediately squeezed in behind her, and another, +thrown with unerring aim, carried away his hat. +Fortunately however, this broke the force of the +stone, and it fell to the bottom of the boat without +doing any further damage. +</p> +<p> +The boat was drawing out of danger now, and +the occupants sat up again and drew breaths of +relief. Only the stronger of the tots could now +reach them with their missiles, and the distance +was too great for accurate throwing, so those in +the boats felt perfectly safe. +</p> +<p> +Upon the shore the crowd of native boys and +girls gave vent to cries of rage at thus being deprived +of their revenge. They danced about excitedly +and waved their hands in angry gestures. +</p> +<p> +At this juncture another native officer hove in +sight, and the crowd turned on him. Again rocks, +stones and other weapons came into play as the +children turned upon him to vent their wrath. For +a moment the officer seemed on the point of charging +into the crowd, then changed his mind, wheeled +on his heel and took to flight. The young ones +gave chase, their shouts and cries carrying across +the water to the occupants of the boat. +</p> +<p> +“Well!” exclaimed Shirley, now that they were +out of harm’s way at last, “they are vicious little +things, aren’t they?” +</p> +<p> +“Rather,” replied the officer dryly. “If a person fell +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_105'></a>105</span> +into their hands it would go hard with +him.” +</p> +<p> +“But what makes them so fierce?” asked Mabel, +greatly interested. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“And will they attack any one like that?” asked +Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Not unless he shows money,” was the reply. +“That is the remarkable part about it. No matter +how much a man may have in his pocket they will +not attack him unless they catch sight of silver or +gold. One glimpse of it, however, seems to drive +them wild.” +</p> +<p> +The officer gave his attention to the boat for a +moment, and then continued: +</p> +<p> +“Another thing, as you have just observed. +They will fight each other, but let a third party +interfere and they will all jump on him.” +</p> +<p> +“Just like a quarrel between a man and his wife, +eh?” asked Mr. Willing with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“Exactly. They’re a queer lot, and you will find +them about the same in all Central and South +American countries.” +</p> +<p> +The small boat now rubbed gently against the +side of the <em>Yucatan</em> and the passengers scrambled +up the ladder to the deck. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_106'></a>106</span> +</p> +<p> +“We were lucky to get out of that with whole +skins,” declared Shirley, when all once more stood +on deck. +</p> +<p> +“I should say we were,” agreed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps this experience will teach you to heed +the advice of others, daughter,” said Mr. Willing +dryly. +</p> +<p> +“I won’t try and play the good Samaritan to native +children any more, Dad,” said Shirley smiling. +</p> +<p> +A long blast from the ship’s whistle, followed by +the clanking of chains as the anchor was drawn in, +the vibrations of the engines became noticeable, +and, with her nose pointed to the open sea, the +steamship <em>Yucatan</em> resumed her journey. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXIV' id='chXIV'></a>CHAPTER XIV.—U. S. S. PRAIRIE.</h2> +<p> +“Steamship off the port bow, sir!” +</p> +<p> +It was the cry of the lookout. +</p> +<p> +All eyes were turned in the direction indicated. +There, showing dimly through the gathering darkness, +steamed a dark gray shape. Another glance +from the lookout was enough to convince him of +the vessel’s identity. +</p> +<p> +“United States cruiser, sir!” came his call. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_107'></a>107</span> +</p> +<p> +“Can you make her out?” asked the captain’s +voice from the bridge. +</p> +<p> +The lookout was silent for several minutes, and +then called back: +</p> +<p> +“Cruiser <em>Prairie</em>, sir.” +</p> +<p> +There was a muttered ejaculation from the captain. +Shirley, standing near, caught the words: +</p> +<p> +“Wonder what she’s doing in these waters? She +was in Bluefields the last I heard of her. Must be +trouble of some kind or she wouldn’t be here.” +</p> +<p> +The two ships exchanged messages, the nature +of which were unknown to the passengers, however. +Both continued on their course. +</p> +<p> +Morning showed to the passengers the cruiser +proceeding ahead of them. All day the two ships +retained their relative positions and when night +came on they were unchanged. +</p> +<p> +When Shirley awoke the following morning the +<em>Yucatan</em> was stationary. Shirley and Mabel +dressed quickly and went on deck. There they +found that they were in a little harbor. Shirley +asked a question of one of the other passengers. +</p> +<p> +“Where are we?” +</p> +<p> +“Port of Corinto, Nicaragua,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +At this moment a small boat was just about to be +lowered. Shirley and Mabel rushed up to the first +officer, who was in command of it. +</p> +<p> +“Can we go with you?” she asked. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_108'></a>108</span> +</p> +<p> +The officer hesitated, then: “I see no reason +why you cannot,” with a smile. “Jump in.” +</p> +<p> +The girls obeyed and a few moments later were +being rowed toward the not-far-distant shore. +There the boat drew up at the wharf, and, signalling +to the girls to accompany him if they so desired, +the officer leaped lightly ashore and lent them +a helping hand. The sailors were ordered to await +his return. +</p> +<p> +“Where are you going?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“American consulate,” was the reply. “There +has been some trouble here, and Captain Anderson +has sent me to find out what it's all about.” +</p> +<p> +At the consulate Shirley and Mabel remained outside, +while the first officer was closeted with the +consul. +</p> +<p> +“We might as well walk around a bit,” Shirley +decided. “There is no telling how long he may +remain there.” +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +“None of this for me,” was Shirley’s decision +half an hour later. +</p> +<p> +“Nor me,” agreed Mabel. “I want to live in +civilization.” +</p> +<p> +Unconsciously the girls had wandered further +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_109'></a>109</span> +from the consulate than they realized, and as they +were on the point of turning back Mabel caught +sight of a familiar figure. +</p> +<p> +“Captain Von Blusen!” she exclaimed, catching +Shirley by the arm. +</p> +<p> +Shirley caught her breath and gazed in the direction +Mabel pointed. +</p> +<p> +It was true. There, slinking along furtively, +was the gallant captain and he was walking along +at a rapid rate. +</p> +<p> +“Wonder where he is going and why he’s in such +a hurry?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” returned Shirley, “but I’ll warrant +he is up to no good.” +</p> +<p> +“But he has given his parole to make no attempt +to escape.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t imagine he’ll set much store by that if +he sees a good opportunity to get away.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley would have continued her way back, but +Mabel said: +</p> +<p> +“Wait a moment, Shirley. Perhaps, by following +him a bit, we may learn something useful. +What do you say?” +</p> +<p> +For a moment Shirley hesitated, but for a moment +only. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps we can,” she said then. “There can +be no danger if we keep out of sight. Come on.” +</p> +<p> +The German was now some distance ahead of +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_110'></a>110</span> +them, and taking care to avoid being seen should +he turn suddenly, the girls followed him. +</p> +<p> +But apparently Captain Von Blusen had no idea +that he would be followed. He strode rapidly along +and not once did he turn his head. +</p> +<p> +“He must have been here before,” Shirley decided. +“He seems to know where he is going.” +</p> +<p> +For another ten minutes they followed him, and +then Shirley halted. +</p> +<p> +“I am afraid we had better go back,” she said. +“We may get lost.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh I guess not,” declared Mabel. “And besides +we have plenty of time. The ship will probably +stay here most of the day. Come on, Shirley.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley allowed herself to be led along. +</p> +<p> +They had now approached the outskirts of the +little town, and the young German struck off +through a clump of trees. At the edge of these +Shirley stopped abruptly. +</p> +<p> +“We won’t follow him any further,” she said +decisively. “It might be dangerous.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess you are right,” agreed Mabel. “I wish +he had stayed where we could keep track of him.” +</p> +<p> +“So do I. But he didn’t. We had better be +getting back.” +</p> +<p> +They turned and started to retrace their footsteps, +but even as they did so the footsteps of a +large body of men came toward them. They were +not yet in sight, but the men were coming right +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_111'></a>111</span> +down the street through which the girls must go +on their way back. +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked at Shirley in alarm. +</p> +<p> +“What shall we do?” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll just have to put on a bold face and walk +right along,” declared Shirley. “Come.” +</p> +<p> +She started out slowly, Mabel walking by her +side. +</p> +<p> +A moment later there appeared ahead of them, +advancing at a rapid march, a body of armed men. +Shirley and Mabel shrank close to the side of the +street to give the marchers as much room as possible. +</p> +<p> +At first it seemed the girls would get by without +trouble, for the first troop had passed them, paying +no attention to their presence. +</p> +<p> +But as the officer in command of the troop came +abreast of them, a command suddenly rang out: +</p> +<p> +“Halt!” +</p> +<p> +The troop stopped abruptly, and grounded their +arms. Shirley and Mabel also paused, as they believed +the words were meant for them. Then, seeing +the soldiers pause, they moved on again. But +again came the cry of “Halt.” +</p> +<p> +The girls halted in their tracks. +</p> +<p> +The commander, whom they perceived was a +man well along toward seventy, but who nevertheless +walked perfectly erect and who looked very +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_112'></a>112</span> +imposing in his bright military uniform, advanced +toward them. +</p> +<p> +“What are you young ladies doing here?” he +asked courteously, in English. +</p> +<p> +“We were just walking about the city, sir,” replied +Shirley, her voice trembling somewhat in spite +of the efforts she made to keep it steady. +</p> +<p> +“Where do you come from?” +</p> +<p> +“Steamship in the harbor, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“You mean the cruiser?” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir,” replied Mabel. “The passenger +steamer, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“H-m-mm-m,” muttered the officer. +</p> +<p> +Before he could speak further there came, from +the town, the sound of more rapidly approaching +footsteps. +</p> +<p> +“Come with me,” cried the Nicaraguan officer +quickly, “if you go on you will be hurt. Come +quickly.” +</p> +<p> +He urged his men on with a sharp command. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel hung back. +</p> +<p> +“Quick!” cried the general again. “There will +be fighting here in a few minutes, and if you are in +the way you are likely to be hurt.” +</p> +<p> +A squad of men, at his command, surrounded +the two girls, and they were forced to go along +whether or no. +</p> +<p> +The troop dashed quickly for the shelter of the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_113'></a>113</span> +woods in which the girls had seen Captain Von +Blusen disappear a few moments before. +</p> +<p> +Once in the shelter of the trees, the officer in +command gave several sharp orders, and the troop +divided into three parts. Then they flitted rapidly +further in among the trees. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel, now badly frightened, found +themselves with the commanding officer’s section. +They could see that they were bearing off to the +right and several times would have spoken, but the +officer silenced them with a gesture. +</p> +<p> +“I shall answer your questions later,” he said +once. +</p> +<p> +Although the girls did not know just what was +the matter, they realized that the Nicaraguans were +fleeing from another, and, supposedly, a larger body +of men. +</p> +<p> +“I hope they overtake us. I want to get back to +Dad,” cried Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“And I hope they don’t,” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Why, Shirley!” +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“I reckon you are right, Shirley,” Mabel agreed +finally. “Besides, there is an American cruiser +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_114'></a>114</span> +near. They’ll have the bluejackets out searching +for us.” +</p> +<p> +“And they will find us, too,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I hope they hurry up and come,” exclaimed +Shirley. “I’m badly frightened, but I don’t want +to show it. The thing to do is to make the officer +think we are not a bit scared.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll try,” said Mabel calmly. +</p> +<p> +For an hour they continued on their way, and +then suddenly the force began to increase as men +appeared from other directions and joined the main +body. +</p> +<p> +Although the girls did not know it, these were the +same men who had scattered at the first sign of pursuit. +They had made a detour to throw the pursuers +off the track. +</p> +<p> +At last the commander called a halt. Then he +approached the two girls. +</p> +<p> +“I guess I had better explain why I insisted on +your coming with us,” he said with a pleasant smile. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXV' id='chXV'></a>CHAPTER XV.—AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.</h2> +<p> +“If you please,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +The officer gazed at both girls admiringly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_115'></a>115</span> +</p> +<p> +“You take it coolly enough,” he declared. “Many +in your places would be badly frightened.” +</p> +<p> +“Surely there is nothing to be afraid of,” said +Mabel, determined to show as bold a front as possible. +</p> +<p> +“No,” said the officer, “there isn’t.” He looked +at them closely. “I wonder if either of you happen +to know who I am?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +Shirley shook her head negatively. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sure I don’t,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Then I must introduce myself,” was the reply. +“I am General Pedro Garcia, President of the republic +of Nicaragua.” +</p> +<p> +Both girls looked at him in the utmost surprise. +</p> +<p> +“You may well be surprised,” said the general, a +touch of bitterness in his tone, it seemed to Shirley, +“and no doubt you are to see the President of +the country in such a predicament?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley didn’t know much about Nicaragua, but +she decided she might as well agree with him, as +he seemed to expect it. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“And I am surprised to find myself in such a position,” +said the President. “I shall explain. With +my men I am fleeing from the revolutionists.” +</p> +<p> +“Revolutionists?” echoed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Exactly. I was in Corinto with some of my +army for diplomatic purposes. While absent from +Managua there was an uprising. It seems to have +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_116'></a>116</span> +been well planned, for it broke out in all parts of +the republic at once, even here in Corinto.” +</p> +<p> +“I was surprised with my men this morning and +was forced to flee. That’s about all there is to it.” +</p> +<p> +“But why did you bring us with you?” demanded +Shirley. “Why didn’t you allow us to return to +our ship.” +</p> +<p> +“Because you might never have reached there,” +replied the President quietly. “You would probably +have fallen into the hands of the revolutionists. +While you are with me you are safe.” +</p> +<p> +There was no doubting the sincerity in the President’s +voice, and both girls unconsciously breathed +easier. +</p> +<p> +“Besides,” continued the general, “your presence +may help me a bit.” +</p> +<p> +“In what way sir?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” said Shirley with a slight smile. “Then +you did not save us from an altogether unselfish +motive.” +</p> +<p> +“My dear young ladies, consider,” said the President, +“it is better for both of us.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t doubt you, sir,” replied Shirley; “but +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_117'></a>117</span> +just the same I would rather be safe aboard our +ship.” +</p> +<p> +“And so you shall be, if it is within my power +to put you there,” declared the President of Nicaragua +warmly. +</p> +<p> +At this moment two of the general’s troopers approached, +dragging a third man between them. +Shirley and Mabel fell back a few feet. +</p> +<p> +“Hello! Who have we here?” demanded President +Garcia. +</p> +<p> +“Prisoner, sir,” replied one of the men. +</p> +<p> +“Release him,” said the President. “I shall talk +to him myself. Who are you, and what are you doing +here?” he demanded sharply. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel both started at the sound of +the prisoner’s voice. He was none other than Captain +von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +“I’m Captain von Blusen, of the German navy,” +was the reply. “I have been held prisoner aboard +an American ship, and have but recently escaped. +I am seeking Colonel Hernandez.” +</p> +<p> +“Hernandez!” exclaimed President Garcia, stepping +back in surprise. “The leader of the revolutionists!” +</p> +<p> +“And may I ask your name, sir?” said Captain +von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +“I,” said the general, “am the President of +Nicaragua.” +</p> +<p> +The prisoner gave vent to a long whistle and a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_118'></a>118</span> +look of dismay passed over his face. It was gone +in a moment, however, and he turned to the President +with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“I am fortunate in finding you, sir,” he said. “I +am authorized by my government to make you a +proposition.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I shall hear it,” said the President. +</p> +<p> +“I am authorized to offer you a large sum of +money for the privilege of establishing a German +naval base on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.” +</p> +<p> +“Enough!” cried the general with a wave of his +hand. “It shall not be done if I can prevent it. +Germany indeed. Were I able, I myself should +draw a sword against her. You will find no German +sympathy in these parts.” +</p> +<p> +Captain von Blusen bowed his head. He said +nothing further on the subject. +</p> +<p> +“What will you do with me?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“I shall hold you until the rebels have been put +down,” was the reply. “Then you shall be released. +I wouldn’t trust you now.” +</p> +<p> +He signalled two of his men and the young German +officer was led away between them. +</p> +<p> +At this moment another officer rushed up to the +general. +</p> +<p> +“Our presence has been discovered, sir,” he +gasped. “The enemy is approaching.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel now perceived that the President +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_119'></a>119</span> +of the Republic of Nicaragua, in spite of his +advanced years, was a man of action. +</p> +<p> +He turned rapidly from one to another of his +officers, and these dashed quickly away. A moment +later the few troops began to move, and the girls +realized that President Garcia had taken some steps +to offset the advance of the revolutionists. +</p> +<p> +They found themselves going along with the +troops. +</p> +<p> +“My goodness! I wish we were back on the +ship,” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t wish it any more than I do,” declared +Mabel. “I am more frightened than you are. +Suppose there should be a battle. What would happen +to us?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shrugged her shoulders. +</p> +<p> +“You know as much about it as I do,” she made +answer. +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked at her in amazement. +</p> +<p> +“Why, Shirley Willing!” she exclaimed. “Aren’t +you afraid? I am scared half to death.” +</p> +<p> +“I am just as badly frightened as you are,” declared +Shirley. “I may not look it, but I am.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe you are frightened at all,” said +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +In spite of the seriousness of the situation and her +declaration that she was badly frightened, Shirley +was forced to smile at her friend’s words. +</p> +<p> +“Well, perhaps I’m not so awfully scared,” she +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_120'></a>120</span> +confessed. “I’m anxious to see what is going to +happen.” +</p> +<p> +“I know what is going to happen,” was the reply. +“We are going to get hurt!” +</p> +<p> +Mabel broke down and began to cry. +</p> +<p> +Shirley took her chum gently in her arms, and +stroked her hair. +</p> +<p> +“There, there!” she said. “Stop crying. No one +is going to hurt us. You are just overwrought, +that’s all.” +</p> +<p> +“I just know we are going to be shot—and—and +killed,” sobbed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Nonsense,” said Shirley sharply. “Look up now +and stop that crying. We are perfectly safe. Stop +crying.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked up suddenly at the sharpness in her +chum’s tone, but her tears soon were dried away. +Shirley, in speaking as she had, had done the best +thing possible. She had realized that it was time +for sharp words and not for sympathy. +</p> +<p> +After a march of perhaps a half hour, President +Garcia called another halt, and then summoned his +officers into consultation. +</p> +<p> +The two girls stood close, but they could not make +out what was being said. At length the general +dismissed his officers with a gesture, and as they +scattered to their respective posts, the general approached +the two girls. +</p> +<p> +“We are going to make a sharp turn to the south +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_121'></a>121</span> +here,” he said quietly, “and then we shall move +back and engage the enemy. That will put you +safely behind us. Now, if I were you, I would bear +off slightly to the right, and then go straight ahead. +In that way you will be out of danger. If the firing +comes closer to you, make another wide detour, +turn about and try to make your way back to the +ship. But I would not do that until after the battle +ceases.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir,” said Shirley. “We shall do +as you suggest. We thank you for your thoughtfulness +in keeping us from falling into the hands of +the revolutionists. May you come through the battle +unharmed, and may you be successful.” +</p> +<p> +She extended her hand, and the President bent +over it gravely. +</p> +<p> +“I thank you for your good wishes,” he said +quietly. +</p> +<p> +Mabel also now advanced and extended her hand, +and the President bent over it. +</p> +<p> +“Good luck to you, Mr. President,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I thank you, too, young lady,” said the President +simply. “Now heed my injunction and betake yourselves +to a place of safety. We shall advance at +once.” +</p> +<p> +Once more he bowed low to them, swung sharply +about on his heel and was gone. With hoarse commands +from the officers, the troops faced to the +left and marched off. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_122'></a>122</span> +</p> +<p> +“I guess we had better be moving, Shirley,” said +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Instead of turning to the right, they went straight +back. +</p> +<p> +“It should be safer here,” said Mabel as they hurried +along. “The revolutionists are liable to advance +on the right as well as on the left!” +</p> +<p> +“I wish we could get some place where we could +see,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mabel stooped in her tracks and gazed at her +friend in the utmost astonishment. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” she exclaimed. “Surely you don’t +mean that?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course I mean it. If we could only find some +place where it is safe.” +</p> +<p> +Unconsciously the girls had borne off to the left, +and now suddenly they came upon a clearing in the +midst of the woods. And as they glanced back, they +saw the Nicaraguan government troops advancing +across it. +</p> +<p> +But even as they looked the troops came to a +halt, and most of them fell to their knees. Shirley +looked around quickly. Directly behind her was a +large tree. +</p> +<p> +“If we haven’t forgotten our tomboy days we’ll +climb up there and watch the battle,” she declared. +</p> +<p> +She led the way, and in spite of her misgivings, +Mabel followed. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_123'></a>123</span><a name='chXVI' id='chXVI'></a>CHAPTER XVI.—THE GIRLS SEE A BATTLE.</h2> +<p> +As Shirley and Mabel, from their shelter among +the branches, peered across the plain, they saw puffs +of smoke issue from the now kneeling body of men. +Sharp reports came to their ears. The only man +still standing erect, as they could see plainly, was +President Garcia, who, with upraised sword, was +directing the movement of his men. +</p> +<p> +A man dropped his rifle and fell to the ground, +and Mabel shrieked. +</p> +<p> +“My goodness!” she exclaimed a moment later. +“This is terrible, Shirley!” +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s lips were compressed, and for a moment +she turned her eyes away. +</p> +<p> +The firing became louder now, and for the first +time the girls noticed that President Garcia and +his men were retreating toward them. +</p> +<p> +“We had better get down out of here!” exclaimed +Mabel. “We may be struck.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley agreed, and they were about to descend, +when, from behind them, came rapid footsteps, indicating +the approach of a considerable number of +men. Shirley and Mabel became silent. +</p> +<p> +A moment later a score of dark-visaged +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_124'></a>124</span> +Nicaraguans, with rifles ready for instant use, appeared +and took up their position at the edge of the little +woods, several of them falling flat under the very +tree in which the two girls were perched. +</p> +<p> +Mabel uttered an exclamation as the first volley +was fired by these newcomers. In spite of the fact +that she was prepared for it, the sharp reports of +the weapons had wrung a cry of surprise from +her. Shirley, more calm, uttered no sound. +</p> +<p> +The girls could now see that the men beneath +them were a part of President Garcia’s force, for +they were shooting over the heads of their companions, +apparently in an effort to cover the retreat +of the main body. +</p> +<p> +The latter now retreated more rapidly and at +length joined forces with the men beneath the trees. +Shirley and Mabel could hear their conversation +plainly, but as it was carried on in Spanish, they +could not make out the trend of it. +</p> +<p> +For perhaps fifteen minutes President Garcia’s +men held their position, firing at the enemy from +the shelter of the trees. +</p> +<p> +The plight of the two girls was much more +serious than either realized, for a chance bullet was +likely to hit one of them at any moment. And yet +they felt safer in the tree than they would have +felt among the soldiers on the ground. +</p> +<p> +So far the enemy had contented themselves with +lying flat on the ground some distance away and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_125'></a>125</span> +firing at the trees, but now, as Shirley perceived by +peering across the plain, they were preparing for a +charge. +</p> +<p> +A moment later there was a wild yell, and they +came forward on the run. They spread out as they +came on, and here and there a man fell over, struck +down by a rifle bullet. +</p> +<p> +In spite of their great danger both girls became +lost in wonder at the sight, and stared ahead with +straining eyes. Shirley was brought to herself by +the sound of something buzzing past her head. She +knew in a moment what is was. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel!” she cried. “Climb as high as you can +or we shall be shot!” +</p> +<p> +She scrambled higher up among the branches, and +Mabel followed suit. +</p> +<p> +Here no bullets flew past them, and looking down +they saw that President Garcia was ordering his +men to retreat. +</p> +<p> +The government troops disappeared further back +in the woods, and now the danger came from their +bullets rather than from those of the enemy. The +girls were in a ticklish situation and they were fully +alive to their peril. +</p> +<p> +The enemy pushed further into the woods, pursuing +the government troops. The bullets flew less +thick, the sound of firing became fainter and fainter, +and then died away in the distance. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_126'></a>126</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley roused herself from the trance in which +she seemed to have fallen. +</p> +<p> +“Come, Mabel,” she said. “Let’s get down and +get back to the ship before some of them come +back.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel was nothing loath, and quickly the girls +slid to the ground and advanced to the edge of the +clearing. Here they stopped for a moment, looking +about them. +</p> +<p> +Several figures were sprawled about on the +ground. The girls shuddered. +</p> +<p> +“It is terrible,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t look at them,” urged Mabel. “Let’s run.” +</p> +<p> +But as they were about to take to their heels, they +were startled by the sound of a voice directly behind +them. +</p> +<p> +“Ha!” it said. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Shirley made a gesture, indicating that they did +not understand, and the man said: +</p> +<p> +“Americanos?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied Shirley. “Do you speak English?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_127'></a>127</span> +</p> +<p> +“Si!” replied the man, “a leetle!” +</p> +<p> +“We want to go away,” said Shirley eagerly. +“We belong on the ship in the harbor.” +</p> +<p> +“No! Stay here. General Orizaba will return +soon,” said the man in broken English. +</p> +<p> +Shirley started to protest, but the man made a +threatening gesture with his rifle. +</p> +<p> +The two girls looked at each other in dismay. +</p> +<p> +“Out of the frying pan into the fire, Mabel,” declared +Shirley. “I guess we shall have to stay.” +</p> +<p> +There was apparently no help for it. They sat +down upon the grass to await the arrival of General +Orizaba, who, they rightly guessed, was the +commander of the revolutionary forces. +</p> +<p> +Their captor stood vigilant guard. Apparently +he was determined to allow them no chance to escape. +He sat some distance away, with his rifle +across his knees. The two girls settled themselves +with their backs to a large tree, and made themselves +as comfortable as they could under the circumstances. +</p> +<p> +There was a snapping of a twig behind them, and +Shirley glanced about uneasily. +</p> +<p> +“S-s-h-h,” came a low voice. “Keep still and +show no surprise.” +</p> +<p> +Both girls recognized the voice in an instant. +</p> +<p> +They maintained their composure well, and spoke +only to each other. +</p> +<p> +“It’s Dick!” whispered Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_128'></a>128</span> +</p> +<p> +“I know it,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Then we are safe.” +</p> +<p> +The girls’ guard now put an end to their conversation. +Rising he approached them and commanded: +</p> +<p> +“Silence!” +</p> +<p> +He did not hear soft footsteps passing beyond +him, nor did he turn in time to see a figure leap +from behind a tree and spring at him. The first +he realized of his danger was when a pair of strong +arms went round him, and he was hurled violently +to the ground, his rifle flying from his hands. +</p> +<p> +“Get the rifle, Shirley!” called Dick, as he and his +opponent struggled for mastery. +</p> +<p> +Shirley leaped forward, stopped, and when she +arose she held the rifle. +</p> +<p> +For a moment she considered the advisability of +advancing and lending Dick a hand, then concluded +that he was more than a match for the Nicaraguan. +Besides, the figures were locked in such close embrace +that she couldn’t have aided Dick if she +would. +</p> +<p> +Now Dick succeeded in shaking off the grip of his +opponent, and sprang to his feet. The Nicaraguan +did likewise, and sprang back. +</p> +<p> +As Dick leaped forward again, the man’s hand +went to his holster, and a revolver flashed in his +hand. +</p> +<p> +But before he could bring the weapon to bear, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_129'></a>129</span> +Shirley stepped quickly forward, levelled her rifle +at him, and in a clear sharp voice, cried: +</p> +<p> +“Halt!” +</p> +<p> +The man wheeled quickly and as he did so, Dick +sprang upon him from behind. A quick blow sent +the revolver hurling several feet away, and then +Dick stepped back to give free play to his boxing +skill. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +The Nicaraguan crumpled up in a heap on the +ground. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel ran quickly to Dick’s side. +</p> +<p> +“Are you hurt, Dick?” asked Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“How did you find us?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Followed you. We became alarmed at your absence +and I said I thought I could find you. I +imagined you had gone for a stroll, and when I +saw this bunch of pirates going through the town +I guessed that you would fall into their hands. I +came along after them and just as I was about to go +on I saw you climbing down from the tree.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, you didn’t arrive a minute too soon,” declared +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_130'></a>130</span> +Shirley. “We were badly frightened, weren’t +we Mabel?” +</p> +<p> +“I know I was,” was her chum’s reply. She +turned to Dick. “But how——” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll explain later,” interrupted Dick. “The thing +to do now is to get away from here before they +return. Come on.” +</p> +<p> +The girls started on ahead of him, and Dick +turned for a glance over his shoulder. +</p> +<p> +Then he uttered an exclamation of alarm, and +shouted: +</p> +<p> +“Run!” +</p> +<p> +For in that quick glance over his shoulder he had +perceived the return of the revolutionists. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXVII' id='chXVII'></a>CHAPTER XVII.—MABEL BRINGS THE BLUEJACKETS.</h2> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel needed no further urging, +and took to their heels. Dick followed close behind. +</p> +<p> +In the one brief glance in which he had perceived +the return of the soldiers, Dick had been unable to +determine whether their presence had been discovered, +but he believed it wise to take a chance. +Hence his command to run. +</p> +<p> +The three sped lightly over the ground and had +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_131'></a>131</span> +gone some distance when they heard a shout from +behind, followed by the sharp reports of several +rifles. +</p> +<p> +Dick stopped suddenly and called to the girls +to halt. They obeyed instantly. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“Then what shall we do?” cried Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“There is only one thing to do,” was the reply. +“Surrender.” +</p> +<p> +“Dick is right,” agreed Shirley. “It is foolish to +attempt to escape.” +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +“Who are you and what are you doing here?” +he demanded in English. +</p> +<p> +Dick explained, and the man heard him through +quietly. +</p> +<p> +“And who was it hurt Pedro back there?” and +the leader waved toward the spot where Dick had +struggled with the Nicaraguan. +</p> +<p> +“I did,” he replied quietly, and explained the +cause of the fight. +</p> +<p> +“Well, you will have to stand trial for attacking one +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_132'></a>132</span> +of my men,” said the leader. “I am General +Orizaba.” +</p> +<p> +He signalled for his men to surround the three, +which was soon done, and they continued their +march back toward the city. +</p> +<p> +“Every step in this direction is better for us,” +said Dick to the two girls, as they marched along. +“We’ll get out of this trouble some way, be sure of +that.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, I know no harm will come to us as long +as you are here,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Thanks,” said Dick dryly. “But I don’t see how +I can do much for any of us right now.” +</p> +<p> +“Something will turn up,” said Shirley positively. +</p> +<p> +“I hope it turns up soon,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +But if the prisoners hoped to be taken directly +back to town they were doomed to disappointment. +</p> +<p> +After crossing the clearing in the woods, General +Orizaba led his men to the left, where after an +hour’s march, he called a halt. Then he again approached +the prisoners. +</p> +<p> +“We shall camp here,” he said. “Here, also, you +shall be tried for attacking Pedro.” +</p> +<p> +Dick made no reply, but Shirley did +</p> +<p> +“We are Americans,” she said, “and you don’t +dare to interfere with us.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t, eh?” was the reply. “You shall see.” +</p> +<p> +Pedro, it now appeared, had been revived and +brought along. The general motioned for him to +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_133'></a>133</span> +approach. He pointed to Dick and spoke in Spanish. +It was impossible to tell what they were talking +about, but all three were keen enough to know +that it boded no good for them. +</p> +<p> +The general turned again to Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Pedro says you struck him without warning and +without provocation,” he said. “I have decided, +therefore, to dispense with the trial, and to fix your +punishment myself.” +</p> +<p> +“I warn you——” began Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Caramba!” roared the leader, becoming very +angry. “What do I care for your warnings, or for +your friends either?” +</p> +<p> +“There is an American cruiser in the harbor,” +said Dick quietly. “The commander knows where +I am, and if I am not back within two hours, he will +land a force of sailors to see why.” +</p> +<p> +General Orizaba seemed to hesitate, following +these words. Then he became even angrier than before. +He was about to speak, when a horseman +clattered up. +</p> +<p> +The general turned to him and they conversed +in low tones. Then the horseman dismounted, and +leaving his horse, made his way to where the rest +of the revolutionists sat upon the ground some distance +away. +</p> +<p> +General Orizaba again faced Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Dog of an Americano!” he thundered. “You +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_134'></a>134</span> +shall be shot for daring to interfere with one of +my men.” +</p> +<p> +Dick only smiled. +</p> +<p> +“I guess you don’t mean that,” he replied quietly. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t, eh? You shall see.” He paused a moment. +“But you shall live until sunset.” +</p> +<p> +He turned to call one of his men; and at that +moment, Mabel, who stood closest to the riderless +horse, suddenly leaped forward and sprang upon the +animal’s back. +</p> +<p> +So sudden was her movement that for a moment +the Nicaraguans failed to realize her intention. +</p> +<p> +That moment was sufficient for Mabel to seize the +reins and turn the horse’s head toward the city. +Then she dug her heels into his flanks and away +they went. +</p> +<p> +Dick and Shirley were no less surprised than the +Nicaraguans, and both uttered cries of alarm. +</p> +<p> +General Orizaba darted forward with an ejaculation, +and called to his men. +</p> +<p> +“Shoot!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +Rifles were brought to bear, but the horse had +gained his stride and was galloping along like the +wind. Volley after volley was fired after the girl, +but thanks to the movement of the horse and the +poor marksmanship of the Nicaraguans, Mabel was +not touched. +</p> +<p> +Rapidly she rode, nor did she draw rein when +she entered the town but galloped straight to the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_135'></a>135</span> +pier. Here still lay the small boat of the <em>Yucatan</em>, +manned by its crew. Rapidly explaining the +situation, the girl urged the sailors back to the +ship without waiting the return of the first officer, +who was some place in the town. +</p> +<p> +About the ship, Mabel found that Mr. Willing and +Colonel Ashton were ashore searching for the girls, +and so she went straight to Captain Anderson. +That worthy acted promptly. He quickly signalled +the cruiser <em>Prairie</em>, which Mabel, saw for the first +time, perceived lay close by. +</p> +<p> +The <em>Prairie</em> signalled for the captain and Mabel +to come aboard, which they did without loss of time. +In a few words Mabel explained the situation to the +commander of the cruiser. +</p> +<p> +Action came quickly. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +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. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_136'></a>136</span> +</p> +<p> +“But you shall not escape!” he declared. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll have a squad of marines down on you in +a few minutes,” replied Dick with a cheerful smile. +“Then where will you be?” +</p> +<p> +“Bah!” said the angry general. “What are a +few marines? We can drive them back.” +</p> +<p> +“Think so, do you?” asked Dick. “I’m afraid +you’ll be surprised.” +</p> +<p> +“You shall see,” declared the angry leader. “You +shall live until you see your countrymen defeated.” +</p> +<p> +“Guess I shall live a long time then,” said Dick, +with a smile. +</p> +<p> +The smile angered the leader, and he stepped close +to Dick and slapped him across the face. +</p> +<p> +Dick’s anger boiled up and he promptly sent his +fist crashing into the general’s face, knocking him +down. +</p> +<p> +The young man regretted this act the next moment, +for he knew that probably he had brought +matters to a crisis. +</p> +<p> +General Orizaba sprang to his feet and with a +shout drew his revolver and covered Dick. +</p> +<p> +Shirley screamed. Then General Orizaba lowered +his revolver. +</p> +<p> +“No, I won’t do it yet,” he said. “I promised +you should see your countrymen defeated, and so +you shall. I shall kill you later.” +</p> +<p> +“Thanks,” said Dick. +</p> +<p> +In spite of his apparent nonchalance, he breathed +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_137'></a>137</span> +easier, however, for he had been at the point of +death, and none knew it better than he did. +</p> +<p> +“We are all right now,” he told Shirley in a low +voice. “The marines and sailors will soon be here, +and these fellows can’t stand up against them.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley smiled at him bravely. +</p> +<p> +“I know it,” she replied quietly. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“Many thanks for your kindness,” returned Dick. +“I’ll speak a word for you when you are in the +hands of the Americanos, as you call them.” +</p> +<p> +“That,” was the reply, “will never be.” +</p> +<p> +Dick shrugged his shoulders. +</p> +<p> +“Have it your own way,” he said. +</p> +<p> +Came a shout from one of the men who had +been sent forward on scout duty. +</p> +<p> +“The Americanos!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +General Orizaba hurried toward him. Dick and +Shirley drew a breath of relief. +</p> +<p> +An instant later a long line of hurrying blue +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_138'></a>138</span> +figures came into view. Shirley and Dick looked +at them with pride in their eyes. +</p> +<p> +The marines and sailors advanced at the double. +</p> +<p> +“Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!” +</p> +<p> +The battle had begun! +</p> +<h2><a name='chXVIII' id='chXVIII'></a>CHAPTER XVIII.—END OF THE REVOLT.</h2> +<p> +The Nicaraguans met the first charge of the +bluejackets bravely enough, but they were now opposed +to men who knew not the meaning of the +word defeat, nor what it meant to retreat. Under +the first fire from the Americans they wavered; +at the next they began to fall back and at the third +they turned and fled. +</p> +<p> +Dick and Shirley, bound as they were, nevertheless +could see how the fighting progressed, while +thanks to the thoughtfulness of the revolutionary +leader they were out of danger themselves. +</p> +<p> +But now that the day was going against the +enemy, Dick feared that General Orizaba, mindful +of his threat, would return to his prisoners before +seeking safety in flight. Therefore he began to +devise a way of escape. +</p> +<p> +After some effort he succeeded in getting out +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_139'></a>139</span> +his pocket knife. Then, holding it in one of his +bound hands, he bent his head and opened the big +blade with his teeth. Fortunately the rope with +which he was bound was not thick, and the knife +was sharp. +</p> +<p> +For perhaps ten minutes, holding the knife in +his mouth by the handle, Dick sawed at the bonds +on his hands. At last the rope parted. Quickly +he untied his feet, and then unbound Shirley, who +also arose to her feet. +</p> +<p> +The Nicaraguan forces were now in full retreat, +and as Dick would have led Shirley forward +toward the town, a single figure burst into sight. +As the man came closer Shirley and Dick could see +anger and hate written large on his features. They +recognized him upon the instant. +</p> +<p> +“Orizaba!” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“And come to fulfill his promise, I guess,” agreed +Dick quietly. +</p> +<p> +“Run!” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the use?” asked Dick. “He has a gun.” +</p> +<p> +It was true. In the hands of the defeated revolutionary +leader was a revolver of heavy caliber, and +he flourished it as he came toward them. +</p> +<p> +Dick turned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You get back out of sight!” he commanded. +“I can handle this fellow!” +</p> +<p> +Shirley protested. +</p> +<p> +“But—but,——” she began. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_140'></a>140</span> +</p> +<p> +“Quick!” exclaimed Dick. “He is very angry +and for that reason will be easier to handle. I +don’t believe he could hit a barn door now.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley followed Dick’s command and withdrew +a short distance, although she was still in plain sight +of the infuriated Nicaraguan. +</p> +<p> +Standing quietly, with his hands on his hips, Dick +awaited the attack of the Nicaraguan. A full hundred +yards away, but still running, the latter opened +fire with his revolver. +</p> +<p> +“Good!” thought Dick to himself. “He can’t +hit me that way, and his shells will soon be gone.” +</p> +<p> +Five times Orizaba fired, and each time the bullet +went wild. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, from her place of safety, watched the encounter +breathlessly. She stood with clenched fists +and awaited the outcome of each shot anxiously. +</p> +<p> +A sixth time Orizaba’s revolver spoke. +</p> +<p> +Dick staggered, and Shirley gave utterance to a +scream, while a laugh of derision came from the +Nicaraguan. +</p> +<p> +But the latter’s mirth was destined to be short-lived. +Dick, still with a smile on his face in spite +of the dull pain in his left arm where Orizaba’s +last bullet had struck, stepped forward to meet his +enemy in his mad rush. +</p> +<p> +They came together with a shock and tumbled +to the ground, where Orizaba clawed desperately at +Dick’s face and eyes. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_141'></a>141</span> +</p> +<p> +“So that’s your game, eh?” muttered Dick to +himself. +</p> +<p> +He protected his face with his injured arm, while +with the uninjured one he rained a shower of blows +upon the Nicaraguan’s face. The latter soon tired +of this and sprang to his feet. Dick also arose. +</p> +<p> +There was a cry of alarm from Shirley as Orizaba +stepped back. His hand went to his belt, and a +knife flashed in the air. But Dick, quick as a cat, +gave him no time to use it. +</p> +<p> +He realized his danger in an instant and acted +promptly. With a shout he sprang forward, and +seized the upraised arm with his right hand. He +twisted it fiercely, and the Nicaraguan gave a cry of +pain as he released his hold on the knife and stepped +back. +</p> +<p> +As he did so, Dick drove his right fist into his +face, and General Orizaba tumbled to the ground, +where he lay still. +</p> +<p> +At the same moment there was a cheer from +close at hand and, turning, Dick saw a dozen marines +who had gathered about to watch the contest. +Shirley came forward anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Are you hurt Dick?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“Not much, I guess,” was the reply. “He winged +me with the last shot, but I am sure it is nothing +serious.” +</p> +<p> +“He’s all right,” shouted one of the marines, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_142'></a>142</span> +as they gathered about him and congratulated him +upon his fight. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned on them angrily. +</p> +<p> +“And you stood off and left him to be killed,” +she exclaimed. “You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, we know he could handle that fellow,” +was the response, but the men looked at one another +somewhat sheepishly. +</p> +<p> +Their reason for not interfering was perfectly +apparent. They had enjoyed the spectacle of Dick +and Orizaba locked in combat, and had felt morally +certain Dick would come out on top. +</p> +<p> +“Just the same, he might have been badly hurt!” +said Shirley, by no means convinced. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, they did all right,” said Dick with a laugh. +“Come Shirley, let’s get back to the ship and I’ll +have the surgeon look at this arm.” +</p> +<p> +“Are you hurt, Jack?” asked one of the men +stepping forward. +</p> +<p> +“Bullet in the arm,” was Dick’s reply; and he +added: “But my name is not Jack.” +</p> +<p> +“Everybody is Jack to us,” was the answer. +“But had we known you were wounded we would +have taken that fellow off your hands. Come on, +there is Dr. Thomas over there.” +</p> +<p> +Dick and Shirley followed the marines to where +the surgeon was engaged in bandaging the wounds +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_143'></a>143</span> +of an American sailor, the only man who had been +touched by one of the enemy’s bullets. +</p> +<p> +He bound Dick’s arm up quickly, remarking that +it would be as good as new in a day or two. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” +</p> +<p> +It was Mabel’s voice, and turning, Shirley saw +her chum rushing toward her. She ran to meet +her and the greeting was affectionate. +</p> +<p> +“How dared you take such a chance, Mabel?” +demanded Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Well, somebody had to do it, and I was closest +the horse,” was the reply. “I knew they couldn’t +hit me.” +</p> +<p> +“Nevertheless, it was a desperate risk,” said +Dick, who came up at that moment. “I expected +to see your horse go tumbling.” +</p> +<p> +“But how did you get aid so quickly?” demanded +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mabel explained. +</p> +<p> +“And they made me go back when the fighting +began,” she continued. “I wanted to hunt you up +immediately, but the lieutenant wouldn’t let me.” +</p> +<p> +“I should say not,” declared Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley was in danger. Why shouldn’t I have +been there?” demanded Mabel. “I saw Dick and +the general fighting and I came forward as fast as +I could,” the girl continued, “and when I saw the +Nicaraguan go down I knew our troubles were +over.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_144'></a>144</span> +</p> +<p> +“And where is Dad?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t see him,” replied Mabel. “I suppose +they are looking for us in some other part of the +town. I’ll bet they are badly frightened.” +</p> +<p> +“I fear so too,” replied Shirley. “I guess we +had better get back as soon as we can. But we +shall have to thank the lieutenant first.” +</p> +<p> +That officer declared that he wanted no thanks. +</p> +<p> +“We are glad to have been able to take a shot at +those fellows,” he said. “We have been wanting +to do it for a long time, but this is the first opportunity +we have had. We—Hello!” +</p> +<p> +He broke off suddenly. Riding rapidly toward +them was a large body of men, and above them +floated a white flag. They dismounted some distance +away, and one approached. +</p> +<p> +The girls recognized this man immediately. He +was President Garcia. +</p> +<p> +He rode up to the lieutenant, and introduced himself. +</p> +<p> +“And I would like the person of Orizaba delivered +to me,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“You shall have him,” replied the lieutenant. “It +will save us trouble.” +</p> +<p> +The unfortunate revolutionist, fully recovered +now, was turned over to the President of Nicaragua +and marched away. Then President Garcia appeared +to perceive Shirley and Mabel for the first +time. He raised his hat to them. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_145'></a>145</span> +</p> +<p> +“I am pleased that the senoritas have escaped +safely,” he said quietly, and making a low bow to +them, he turned his horse about, and a moment +later was gone. +</p> +<p> +The lieutenant in command of the marines now +ordered his men back to their ship, and the girls +accompanied them on their return march through +the town. Dark looks were cast at them from all +sides, but none ventured a word. +</p> +<p> +“You may see they don’t love us very much in +these parts,” said the lieutenant with a smile. +“They would welcome a chance to shoot us all.” +</p> +<p> +At the pier the two girls saw their fathers approaching +rapidly, and they ran forward to meet +them. The meeting was affectionate, for both Mr. +Willing and Colonel Ashton had been greatly +alarmed at their long absence. +</p> +<p> +“I am going to keep my eye on you in the future,” +declared Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +The girls only laughed. Both men were profuse +in their praise of Dick’s gallant actions, and Colonel +Ashton declared: +</p> +<p> +“It’s a good thing we brought him along, Willing.” +</p> +<p> +The marines gave the Willing party a rousing +cheer as they stepped into the <em>Yucatan’s</em> small boat +and were rowed back to the vessel. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad to see you back,” declared Captain Anderson. +“We’re late now. We shall leave here +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_146'></a>146</span> +at once.” He turned to the first officer. “You may +get under way immediately, sir!” +</p> +<p> +And as the <em>Yucatan</em> steamed from the harbor, +the passengers gathered about the two girls, demanding +an account of their experiences. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXIX' id='chXIX'></a>CHAPTER XIX.—A GUATEMALA ADVENTURE.</h2> +<p> +“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?” +</p> +<p> +“I would like to go,” said Shirley, with a sidelong +look at her father. +</p> +<p> +“You won’t go unless I do,” was Mr. Willing’s +ultimatum. “You have been in trouble enough. +I’m going to keep you in sight.” He turned to +Colonel Ashton. “Would you care to go ashore, +Ashton?” +</p> +<p> +“Why, yes,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Good. Then we shall all go,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“You can go with me,” said Captain Anderson. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_147'></a>147</span> +“I am going to pay my respects to the American +consul.” +</p> +<p> +An hour later a small boat put off from the ship +and headed shoreward. In it, besides Captain Anderson +and the crew, were Mr. Willing, Colonel +Ashton, Dick, Shirley and Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll keep out of trouble this time,” commented +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +They accompanied Captain Anderson to the +United States consulate, where they were introduced +to the consul. An hour later they all started +back toward the boat. +</p> +<p> +As they walked down one of the dirty streets +Captain Anderson espied a figure slinking along. +</p> +<p> +“Hey!” he cried. “There goes that scoundrel +Von Blusen, who broke his parole and ran away +at Corinto. I’ll get him!” +</p> +<p> +He darted hurriedly across the street, and laid a +hand on the young man’s shoulder. The latter +looked up in surprise, and then perceiving Captain +Anderson, jerked suddenly free and took to his +heels, running directly toward the Willing party. +</p> +<p> +“Head him off!” cried Captain Anderson, and +Dick and the two men leaped to obey. +</p> +<p> +Straight at them rushed the young German officer, +and a few feet away hurled himself forward +with a powerful spring. He struck the three +squarely, and all went to the ground in a tangled +heap. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_148'></a>148</span> +</p> +<p> +Von Blusen was the first to regain his feet. He +raised a hand as though to strike one of his fallen +adversaries, but the approach of Captain Anderson +at that moment caused him to turn and flee +quickly. +</p> +<p> +The captain made after him at top speed, calling +upon him to halt. Around the block they ran, +and then, unconsciously doubling back, Von Blusen +once more found himself bearing down on Dick and +Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +A moment later Captain Anderson, panting, hove +in sight and gasped out: +</p> +<p> +“Stop him!” +</p> +<p> +This time the three spread out, so they would +have a better chance of halting the fugitive. The +latter ran straight at Mr. Willing and the force +of the contact sent both to the ground. As Von +Blusen arose Colonel Ashton leaped for him. +</p> +<p> +But the German was too quick for the colonel, +and missing his grasp, the latter sprawled on the +street. Von Blusen turned just in time to meet +Dick with a hard blow to the face, and Dick toppled +over. +</p> +<p> +Then Von Blusen darted up a little alleyway. +</p> +<p> +Unmindful of his intention to keep a close eye +on the girls, Mr. Willing, now red with anger, +made after him, as did the colonel, Captain Anderson +and Dick. +</p> +<p> +The girls found themselves alone in the street. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_149'></a>149</span> +</p> +<p> +The noise of the chase had attracted many spectators, +among them several members of the native +police. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Captain Von Blusen emerged from the +alleyway on the dead run, his pursuers close on his +trail. +</p> +<p> +Perceiving one man thus followed by many, the +native officers decided to interfere. Von Blusen +darted past them, evading their outstretched arms +by dodging neatly; but the others were not so fortunate. +</p> +<p> +Pursuers and native police collided with a shock, +and there was a tangle of arms and legs as they +rolled in the dirty street. The officers freed themselves +first, and drawing their revolvers stood by +while the others arose. +</p> +<p> +One of them broke into a torrent of Spanish. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson, the only member of the party +who spoke the language, halted in his tracks. +</p> +<p> +“I’m an American citizen,” he told the policeman. +“Take your hands off me,” this to one of the officers +who insisted upon holding him by the arm. +</p> +<p> +The officer chattered volubly and clung to the +arm. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson freed his arm with a quick +wrench, and tapped the officer lightly on the shoulder +with his hand. +</p> +<p> +“Caramba!” roared the Guatemalan, and levelled +his revolver at the captain. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_150'></a>150</span> +</p> +<p> +“Caramba yourself!” cried the captain, and extending +his arm suddenly, he took the pistol away +from the little officer. +</p> +<p> +The latter stamped the ground angrily and broke +into another torrent of unintelligible words. +</p> +<p> +But Captain Anderson now perceived he had acted +rashly in thus giving way to his temper. The blood +of the other native officers was aroused, and they +surrounded the Americans gesticulating vigorously. +</p> +<p> +At that moment Captain Von Blusen, who had +been hovering just around the corner, reappeared, +and approaching the officers, addressed them in +Spanish. +</p> +<p> +“These men tried to rob me,” he declared. “I +want them arrested!” +</p> +<p> +“Si señor! It shall be done!” replied one of the +officers. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll go with you to make the charge,” continued +the young German. +</p> +<p> +“Si señor!” said the native officer. +</p> +<p> +Turning, he motioned for the four to precede +him. Captain Anderson was inclined to hang back, +as were the others, but a word from Captain Von +Blusen decided them to go on. +</p> +<p> +“They’ll shoot if you don’t go,” declared Von +Blusen with a smile. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel, who had been standing nearby +while all this was going on, now made as though +to approach, but Mr. Willing waved them back. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_151'></a>151</span> +</p> +<p> +“Go back to the consulate and tell the consul +what has happened,” he called to her. +</p> +<p> +The girls turned to go, but Von Blusen, realizing +what was going on, called to the officers to stop +them. +</p> +<p> +“Run!” cried Captain Anderson, who was the +only one who understood the import of the German’s +words. +</p> +<p> +“Halt!” cried one of the Guatemalans, as the +girls broke into a run. +</p> +<p> +But the girls did not understand him, and if they +had, their actions would have been the same. +</p> +<p> +They set out for the consulate at top speed and +they did not stop, in spite of pursuit and cries of +“Halt!” until they dashed in the door. +</p> +<p> +The consul greeted them with an exclamation of +surprise. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +Shirley explained. +</p> +<p> +“And hurry,” she added tearfully, “they will lock +them up in a dirty old jail.” +</p> +<p> +The consul was forced to smile. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, well, I guess it won’t hurt them any,” he +replied. +</p> +<p> +The girls looked at him in astonishment, and +Shirley opened her mouth to speak. The consul +silenced her with a gesture. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll get them out, all right,” he assured them. +</p> +<p> +He looked at his watch and continued. +</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_152'></a>152</span></div> +<p> +“It is now ten o’clock. I think I can safely promise +to have them back aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> by five +o’clock.” +</p> +<p> +“Five o’clock!” repeated Shirley. “And where +will they be all that time?” +</p> +<p> +“Jail,” was the brief reply. +</p> +<p> +Shirley could not repress an exclamation of dismay. +</p> +<p> +“But can’t you hurry?” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Now don’t you fret,” said the consul. “There +is certain red tape that must be gone through, and +it will take time. Besides, it is needless to hurry. +In this country no one hurries. If I seem unduly +excited it will take longer than ever.” +</p> +<p> +“Please do the best you can, then,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I shall,” replied the consul. “In the meantime, +you two girls return aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. I’ll call +my secretary and have him escort you back.” +</p> +<p> +In response to his summons a young man appeared +and the consul instructed him to see them +back aboard their ship. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” said the young man. “Come,” to +the girls. +</p> +<p> +He accompanied them to the wharf, where he +instructed the sailors to take them aboard and then +return and await the arrival of the captain and the +others. +</p> +<p> +It was almost six o’clock when Shirley and Mabel, +gazing toward shore, perceived the little boat +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_153'></a>153</span> +of the <em>Yucatan</em> bobbing toward them. As it drew +close they could make out the faces of their fathers, +Dick and Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +A short time later all appeared on deck. Their +clothing was ruffled and dirty, and it was plain to +the girls that their fathers were not in the best +of temper. Nevertheless Shirley could not repress +a slight dig at them. +</p> +<p> +First she approached Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +“And did you capture Captain Von Blusen?” +she asked. +</p> +<p> +“No,” grumbled the captain. “I hope I never +set eyes on him again.” +</p> +<p> +“Dad,” said Shirley, “do you remember what +you said to us about getting into trouble?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing growled some unintelligible reply. +</p> +<p> +“We’ve never been in jail yet, Dad,” continued +Shirley slyly. “Were you?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing glanced at his daughter and seemed +about to make some sharp response. Then he controlled +himself and spoke: +</p> +<p> +“Yes, we were in jail,” he growled. “We spent +the best part of the day there.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Shirley, “you are always getting in +trouble. I reckon Mabel and I will have to keep +closer watch on you.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure of it,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Dick smiled, but there was no amusement on the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_154'></a>154</span> +faces of Mr. Willing nor Colonel Ashton. They +scowled at their daughters. +</p> +<p> +“Now, Dad,” continued Shirley, “did Captain +Von Blusen—” +</p> +<p> +“Will you be quiet?” demanded Mr. Willing. +“Haven’t we had enough trouble for one day without +all this chatter. Come, Ashton, we’ll go to our +cabin.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley, Mabel and Dick broke into a loud laugh +as the two stalked away arm in arm, looking neither +to the right nor left. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXX' id='chXX'></a>CHAPTER XX.—UP THE MEXICAN COAST.</h2> +<p> +The passengers aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> gazed curiously +at the approaching battle cruiser. +</p> +<p> +It was the morning following the departure from +Champerico, and the <em>Yucatan</em> had been halted by a +shot fired across her bow. Officers and passengers +alike were curious as to the identity of the cruiser. +</p> +<p> +So far she had shown no colors. +</p> +<p> +“Do you suppose she is English?” asked Shirley +of Dick, as they gazed over the rail at the oncoming +stranger. +</p> +<p> +“Must be either English or Japanese,” replied +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_155'></a>155</span> +Dick. “Not much chance of any other vessel being +in these waters, unless, of course, she is a +United States cruiser. But that can’t be, because +she would not have halted us.” +</p> +<p> +Signs of activity became apparent aboard the +cruiser, and the colors were run up the masthead. +For a moment they could not be distinguished, but +as the breeze caught the ensign, a gasp went up +from the passengers, with here and there a cheer. +</p> +<p> +For the colors thus displayed were the red, white +and black of Germany! +</p> +<p> +“My goodness! Will she shoot us?” exclaimed +Shirley in some dismay. +</p> +<p> +“Hardly,” declared Dick. “I don’t believe Germany +wants to go to war with the United States.” +</p> +<p> +There came a message from the German to Captain +Anderson: +</p> +<p> +“I am coming aboard!” +</p> +<p> +A few moments later a boat put off from the +cruiser, and soon scraped alongside the <em>Yucatan</em>. +An officer appeared over the side and was greeted +by Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +“How did you get here?” was his first question. +“I had reason to believe the <em>Yucatan</em> was now in +other waters.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” replied Captain Anderson dryly, “your +little piracy scheme didn’t work, you see.” +</p> +<p> +The German officer controlled his temper with +an effort. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_156'></a>156</span> +</p> +<p> +“Have you a passenger by the name of Bristow +aboard?” +</p> +<p> +“Oh,” said the captain, “you mean Von Blusen. +We did have him aboard, in irons. I released +him on parole, and he broke it. I’ll never trust +another German.” +</p> +<p> +The German officer drew himself up angrily. +</p> +<p> +“Have a care, sir!” he exclaimed. “You seem +to forget that I can sink you on a moment’s notice.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, no I don’t. But I’m sure you won’t. Already +you have troubles enough. I’ll thank you +to dispose of your business immediately and then +get off my ship.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have a look at your papers,” said the German +shortly. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson led the way to his cabin. +</p> +<p> +As they talked, the passengers on deck noticed +smoke upon the horizon. Save for this little blur +and the German cruiser there was nothing else in +sight but water. +</p> +<p> +The blur became larger, and at last took the shape +of a vessel. As it drew nearer it could be seen that +it was a battle cruiser. It bore down toward the +German cruiser at full speed. +</p> +<p> +“I hope it’s an Englishman,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Probably is,” said her father, “although it may +be a Jap.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_157'></a>157</span> +</p> +<p> +Still the German officer was in the cabin with +Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly the head of another German officer appeared +over the rail of the <em>Yucatan</em> and dashed toward +the captain’s cabin. A moment later both +reappeared, dropped over the side and the boat made +back toward the cruiser. +</p> +<p> +The <em>Yucatan</em> was very close, and now, at a command +from Captain Anderson, she got under way. +</p> +<p> +“If that other cruiser is a Britisher, there is +bound to be a fight, and we don’t want to be in the +way,” explained the captain. “We’ll stand off at +a distance and look on.” +</p> +<p> +This plan met the approval of the passengers, +and as the <em>Yucatan</em> steamed toward a safe spot +all eyes were turned upon the second cruiser waiting +for her to show her colors. +</p> +<p> +And at last they were unfurled, and a cheer rang +the length of the ship. The British ensign fluttered +from the mast. +</p> +<p> +The German cruiser, immediately the identity of +the other was determined, turned to flee. She +seemed fully as large as the British ship, and there +were comments of surprise aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> +that she didn’t offer to accept battle. +</p> +<p> +But there was to be no escape for the German. +The British cruiser gave chase, and it was soon +apparent that she was much faster than the foe. +</p> +<p> +There was a heavy crash as her big guns opened +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_158'></a>158</span> +fire on the stern of the enemy. The <em>Yucatan’s</em> +passengers watched eagerly for the result. +</p> +<p> +The German cruiser seemed to stagger in her +stride, and a cloud of wood and steel flew in the +air. The first shot had struck home, and in some +manner had disabled the engines of the German. +Escape being impossible, the latter turned to give +battle. +</p> +<p> +Immediately the British cruiser reduced her speed. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel stood at the rail of the <em>Yucatan</em> +with clasped hands and strained faces. +</p> +<p> +“And to think that we shall see a real sea fight!” +exclaimed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“But think of the poor sailors,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Of course,” said Mabel, “but they may be saved. +Perhaps the German commander will surrender.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure he won’t,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“No, he won’t surrender,” said Dick. “Whatever +else you may say of the Germans, their bravery +cannot be doubted.” +</p> +<p> +Now the first gun on the German cruiser spoke, +and a shell plowed up the water alongside the Britisher. +</p> +<p> +“They’ll have the range in a minute,” said Dick, +“and then they’ll go at it hammer and tongs.” +</p> +<p> +He was right. The next shot from the German +burst squarely over her enemy’s forward turret, +putting it out of commission. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_159'></a>159</span> +</p> +<p> +There was a cheer from the few German passengers +aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +But the British cruiser more than evened up the +score with her next shot. +</p> +<p> +A shell burst squarely amidships on the German. +A moment later there was a terrific explosion. +</p> +<p> +The German cruiser seemed to part in the middle. +It staggered crazily. She had been wounded unto +death, as every passenger aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> realized. +</p> +<p> +Men flung themselves into the sea, and struck out +in the direction of the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson was a humane man, and while +the matter possibly was none of his business, he +determined to aid the unfortunate victims. He +ordered the ship’s lifeboats manned and lowered. +</p> +<p> +“Look!” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Another terrific explosion drowned her voice. +The German cruiser suddenly sprang into a brilliant +sheet of flame, seemed to leap in the air, then disappeared. +</p> +<p> +The calm waters of the Pacific closed over her. +She was gone. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel held their breath in speechless +amazement. It seemed to them incredible that such +a great ship could have been sent to the bottom +in such a short time. +</p> +<p> +“The poor sailors!” exclaimed Shirley. “I hope +they will all be saved.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_160'></a>160</span> +</p> +<p> +“They won’t be,” declared Captain Anderson, +who had come up and now stood among the others. +“With my glass I saw the commander on the bridge +a moment before the ship went down. He has +gone with her, and so, probably, have most of his +officers.” +</p> +<p> +He lifted his cap from his head, as did the passengers. +</p> +<p> +“It’s a terrible thing, this war,” continued the +Captain. “How many went down I do not know; +but how many of those who did knew what they +were fighting for? Not many.” +</p> +<p> +Meanwhile the little lifeboats of the <em>Yucatan</em> +were helping the crews of the British cruiser pick +up the survivors. The work went on with the utmost +haste, for there were many who could not +swim. +</p> +<p> +Fortunately most of those who had jumped just +before the explosion were saved. These were all +taken aboard the British cruiser, and a short time +later the British commander came aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel looked with some awe at this +British sea fighter. He seemed a veritable hero +in their eyes. Once on deck, he strode toward Captain +Anderson with quick steps, his carriage erect. +</p> +<p> +“I thank you for your assistance in saving many +helpless sailors,” he said to Captain Anderson. +“Without your aid many would have perished.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_161'></a>161</span> +</p> +<p> +“How badly is your ship damaged, sir?” asked +Captain Anderson, asking the question that was uppermost +in the minds of all aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>. +</p> +<p> +“Very little, sir,” was the reply. “Two guns +shot to pieces, and five men injured. No man was +killed. There was also some slight damage to the +engine room. It was a notable victory.” +</p> +<p> +“Indeed it was!” cried Shirley, who could keep +silent no longer. +</p> +<p> +The British sea captain gazed at her for a moment, +then bowed slightly. +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s face grew red at her own boldness, but +she said nothing more. +</p> +<p> +The commander of the British cruiser followed +Captain Anderson to the latter’s cabin, where he +inspected the ship’s papers. Half an hour later he +made his way over the side of the <em>Yucatan</em> and was +soon back aboard the cruiser. +</p> +<p> +Immediately he had left, the <em>Yucatan</em> got under +way and continued her journey up the Mexican +coast. +</p> +<p> +All the passengers remained on deck gazing after +the British cruiser, which had turned in the opposite +direction; and until she was lost to sight in the +distance, a faint smoke marking her location, hardly +an eye was taken from her. +</p> +<p> +“Well, Shirley,” said Mr. Willing, “what did you +think of the battle?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_162'></a>162</span> +</p> +<p> +“It was wonderful,” replied the girl, clasping +her hands. “I am glad the English won.” +</p> +<p> +“And so am I,” agreed her father. “How do +you think you would like to be a sailor aboard a +man-o’-war.” +</p> +<p> +“I’d love it!” declared Shirley with enthusiasm. +</p> +<p> +Dick looked at her peculiarly. +</p> +<p> +“I believe you would,” he said quietly at last, and, +turning on his heel, he went below. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXI' id='chXXI'></a>CHAPTER XXI.—A WOMAN PLOTTER.</h2> +<p> +Aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> was a woman passenger, +who, on the trip up the Pacific, had made herself +very agreeable to the members of the Willing party. +She was not an American although she spoke English +fluently, with the slightest of accents. Neither +Shirley nor Mabel had asked her nationality, but +they had agreed that she must be a Spaniard. +</p> +<p> +The woman had given her name as Mrs. Miguel +Sebastian and this strengthened the belief of the +members of the Willing party that she was a native +of one of the Latin countries. She had come +aboard the ship for the first time at Colon, but for +several days had kept to her stateroom, so the passengers +had not seen much of her. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_163'></a>163</span> +</p> +<p> +She was young, hardly more than twenty-five, +slender, rather light complexioned for a Spaniard, +and extremely pretty. Since leaving Champerico +she had been much in the company of Shirley and +Mabel, and both girls had taken an instinctive liking +to her. +</p> +<p> +She had travelled much, apparently, and told +them tales of many lands. Her husband, she said, +was abroad in Europe, but would join her in San +Francisco within a month. She was well posted +on current events, and seemed to have the history +of Mexico at her finger tips. +</p> +<p> +It was while the <em>Yucatan</em> was steaming into the +harbor of Acapulco, the first Mexican port at which +they were to touch, that Mrs. Sebastian related some +of the history of the revolution-torn republic. +</p> +<p> +“I have always been greatly interested in +Mexico,” she told the girls, as the three leaned over +the rail this morning. “I have spent several years +in the country. I have friends here in Acapulco, +and I shall make an effort to see them while here. +Would you care to go with me?” +</p> +<p> +“We would love to,” declared Shirley, “but I +don’t know whether Dad will consent to our going +without him.” +</p> +<p> +“We shall see,” returned Mrs. Sebastian. “I can +promise you a dinner that you will never forget. +Nowhere outside of Mexico can you get real Mexican +food, and it will be something to remember.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_164'></a>164</span> +</p> +<p> +Colonel Ashton, Mr. Willing and Dick now +joined the others on deck, and Shirley asked for +permission to accompany Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing appeared somewhat dubious, but +Mrs. Sebastian also asked him to consent. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll promise to return them to you safely,” she +said with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“In that event, I shall give my consent to their +going, madam,” returned Colonel Ashton gallantly. +</p> +<p> +“And I,” agreed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Thanks so much,” said Mrs. Sebastian, “and +I’ll go and ask Captain Anderson just how long we +shall remain here.” +</p> +<p> +She walked away. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Willing,” said Dick, “it may appear wrong, +but somehow or other I don’t exactly trust that +woman.” +</p> +<p> +“Pooh!” replied Mr. Willing. “What does a +youngster like you know?” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps I am wrong,” replied Dick, “but something +tells me she is not to be trusted. She is up +to some mischief.” +</p> +<p> +“Why, Dick!” exclaimed Shirley. “Don’t you +want us to go?” +</p> +<p> +“To tell the truth I don’t,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Young man,” said Colonel Ashton, “you will +learn, as you grow older, not to jump to such rash +conclusions. Mrs. Sebastian is a gentlewoman.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_165'></a>165</span> +</p> +<p> +“Right you are, Ashton,” declared Mr. Willing. +“We’re old enough to know, eh?” +</p> +<p> +The two men smiled at each other and walked +away, leaving the young people together. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian returned a few moments later. +</p> +<p> +“Captain Anderson says we shall be here until +evening,” she said, “so we shall have plenty of time +for our trip ashore. He says we may go in the +first boat, so you girls had better run along to +your cabin and get ready. Mr. Stanley will entertain +me until you return.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel hurried away, and Dick and +Mrs. Sebastian stood together looking across the +water at the shore, which was drawing closer rapidly. +</p> +<p> +“Where are you going when you get ashore?” +asked Dick abruptly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, I am going to call upon a friend,” was +the smiling reply. +</p> +<p> +“Then you have been here before?” questioned +Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Many times.” +</p> +<p> +“Mrs. Sebastian,” said Dick quietly, “are you a +Mexican?” +</p> +<p> +The woman started back in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Why, no,” she replied at last. “I was born in +Spain. Why do you ask?” +</p> +<p> +“I just wondered,” was Dick’s evasive answer. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_166'></a>166</span> +“By the way, I suppose it is perfectly peaceful here +now?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, indeed,” was the reply. “I guess the fighting +is all over, now that General Villa has been +successful in Chihuahua and other northern states.” +</p> +<p> +“But there has been trouble down here?” +</p> +<p> +“Oh yes, but it is all over. Besides, the revolutionists +probably have not enough money to buy +arms and ammunition.” +</p> +<p> +“Why don’t they steal them? It wouldn’t be +the first time.” +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian’s face turned red. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” she asked angrily. +</p> +<p> +“I am sorry I offended you,” Dick apologized. +“I spoke thoughtlessly.” +</p> +<p> +“Say no more about it,” said Mrs. Sebastian with +a laugh. “I am naturally touchy on that subject, +for I have friends who were of the revolutionary +party.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” replied Dick, and the subject was changed +as Shirley and Mabel returned to them. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later the <em>Yucatan</em> dropped anchor +a mile off shore and the small boats were lowered +for such passengers as desired to land. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian, Shirley and Mabel soon found +themselves in the first boat and making shoreward +at a good clip. +</p> +<p> +“We shall be back in plenty of time,” Mrs. Sebastian +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_167'></a>167</span> +had called to Mr. Willing just before they +took their places in the boat. +</p> +<p> +The men nodded and waved their hands, and +the occupants of the boat returned the salute. +</p> +<p> +Now the small boat scraped the shore, and an +officer sprang out and lent a hand to the passengers. +Mrs. Sebastian was the first to go ashore, and Shirley +and Mabel followed a moment later. +</p> +<p> +The little street that ran along the water front +was crowded with natives, dirty, ragged and unkempt, +with here and there a gaily bedecked Mexican. +They did not present a very inviting aspect, +and the two girls shrank close to Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +The latter paid no attention to the natives, but +pushed her way through the crowd with never a +glance to right or left. She continued along the +street until they came upon a long line of dilapidated +cabs. +</p> +<p> +She signalled to one of the drivers, who opened +the door. Mrs. Sebastian motioned the girls to +climb in, spoke a few quick words in Spanish to +the driver and entered the cab. A moment later +they were being driven through the dirty streets as +fast as the old horse could go. +</p> +<p> +“I thought my friend might be at the landing to +meet me,” the woman explained, “but as I didn’t +see anything of her, I thought best to drive right +to her home.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_168'></a>168</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel nodded their understanding of +this, and turned to view the passing sights. +</p> +<p> +After an hour’s drive the cab pulled up before +a house somewhat larger than the rest, and the +cabman dismounted and threw open the door. +</p> +<p> +“Here we are at last,” said Mrs. Sebastian as +she alighted and motioned the girls to follow. +Then she gave the cabman a single piece of silver +and turned to the heavy door. +</p> +<p> +This she opened without the formality of a knock, +and led the way across a small patio—a courtyard—in +the center of what appeared to be the house +itself. Here they brought up against another door, +and Mrs. Sebastian knocked sharply three times. +</p> +<p> +There was a moment’s delay, then the door swung +open and a man’s face appeared. +</p> +<p> +At sight of Mrs. Sebastian the man stepped back +with a bow, and Mrs. Sebastian, followed by the +two girls, swept by him. +</p> +<p> +The door slammed behind them. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian led the way into a small but +luxuriously furnished room off the main hall, where +she turned to the man who had followed them, +and spoke a few words in Spanish. The man +bowed and departed. +</p> +<p> +“I told him to announce our arrival,” explained +Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +The girls surveyed the interior of the handsome +apartment curiously. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_169'></a>169</span> +</p> +<p> +“I had no idea they lived so well in Mexico,” +said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“The upper classes live as well in Mexico as +elsewhere,” replied Mrs. Sebastian. “It is only the +poorer—or peon—class that you have heard about, +apparently.” +</p> +<p> +Footsteps sounded without and a moment later +a handsomely attired woman entered the room, followed +a moment later by a fancifully garbed man. +The woman rushed up to Mrs. Sebastian and they +greeted each other affectionately. The man also +appeared glad to see the visitor. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian then presented the girls, and it +developed that both Don Miguel and his wife—for +so they were introduced—spoke English. They +made the girls welcome, and told them to make +themselves at home. +</p> +<p> +“I have promised them a real Mexican dinner,” +explained Mrs. Sebastian with a little laugh. +</p> +<p> +“They shall have it,” replied Don Miguel, throwing +wide his arms. +</p> +<p> +“And now,” said Mrs. Sebastian, “where can we +have a talk?” +</p> +<p> +“In the next room,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Good! I am sure my young friends will excuse +me for half an hour.” +</p> +<p> +She looked inquiringly at the two girls. The +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_170'></a>170</span> +latter nodded, and the Don and two women made +their way from the room. +</p> +<p> +The moment they were gone, Shirley and Mabel +began an inspection of the room. There were two +windows, both of which looked on the street and +both of which were barred. +</p> +<p> +Shirley uttered an exclamation. +</p> +<p> +“Barred!” she said. +</p> +<p> +“That’s nothing,” laughed Mabel. “Surely you +remember all windows are barred in Mexico.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s so,” agreed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +After some further inspection of the room, Mabel +crossed to the door through which they had come, +and turned the knob. Then her face paled and she +stepped back with an exclamation of alarm. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter, Mabel?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +For a moment Mabel did not reply. Again she +turned the knob and then she stepped back and +looked at Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“It’s locked!” she declared. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXII' id='chXXII'></a>CHAPTER XXII.—CAPTAIN VON BLUSEN BOBS UP AGAIN.</h2> +<p> +“Are you sure?” asked Shirley, her face also +turning a shade whiter. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_171'></a>171</span> +</p> +<p> +“Try it yourself,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley advanced and laid hold of the knob, but +the door would not open. +</p> +<p> +The girls looked at each other in alarm. +</p> +<p> +“I never heard that they always locked the doors +in Mexico,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” agreed Shirley. “Do you suppose it +was an accident?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what to think,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +There was no denying the fact that both girls +were badly frightened. They darted hither and +thither about the room, seeking a means of egress; +but there was none and they finally sat down. +</p> +<p> +“It must have been an accident,” said Shirley at +last. “Surely Mrs. Sebastian would have no reason +for wishing to keep us prisoners.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s what I think,” Mabel agreed. “The +door must have locked itself.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, all we can do is wait for some one to +return,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +And so they waited. +</p> +<p> +As the minutes passed, each seemingly more +slowly than the one that had gone before, the fright +of the girls increased. +</p> +<p> +An hour passed and still Mrs. Sebastian had not +returned. +</p> +<p> +Shirley was about to speak, when they heard the +sounds of footsteps outside and the doorknob +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_172'></a>172</span> +turned. The door opened and Mrs. Sebastian +stepped in smiling. +</p> +<p> +“I had no idea I had been gone so long,” she +exclaimed. “Why didn’t you call me? You have +been as quiet as mice.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel each drew a breath of great +relief. +</p> +<p> +“Then you didn’t lock us in purposely?” asked +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Lock you in? What do you mean?” +</p> +<p> +“The door was locked and we couldn’t get out. +That’s why we were so quiet,” replied Shirley, +laughing. “We thought you had locked us in.” +</p> +<p> +“The idea!” exclaimed Mrs. Sebastian. “The +door locked?” She approached and examined it. +Then she looked up with a smile. “Why, the catch +is on,” she exclaimed, smiling. “And were you +frightened?” +</p> +<p> +“No, not much,” replied Mabel slowly. “We +knew it must have been locked accidentally.” +</p> +<p> +“Of course,” replied the woman. “Now would +you care to wash up a bit? Dinner will be ready +in fifteen minutes.” +</p> +<p> +The girls nodded and the woman led the way. +Fifteen minutes later all were seated in the cozy +dining room, where Shirley and Mabel had their +first introduction to Mexican cooking. +</p> +<p> +Each girl sampled everything that was placed +before her, and in spite of their efforts to try and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_173'></a>173</span> +enjoy the meal, disappointment was written large +on their features. Mrs. Sebastian noticed this and +laughed, while the donna and her husband smiled +slightly. +</p> +<p> +“So you don’t like the Mexican dishes,” said Mrs. +Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +“Well, they are a little too hot for me,” said +Shirley, somewhat ruefully. +</p> +<p> +“Try some of these tortillas,” said the man, +“perhaps you will find them to your liking, though +they are warm.” +</p> +<p> +The girls tried some, but with no better result. +They finally gave up in despair. +</p> +<p> +The meal over, Mrs. Sebastian led the way back +to the other room, which apparently was the parlor. +Here all sat down to talk and the girls spent +a very pleasant afternoon. +</p> +<p> +Finally Shirley looked at her watch. “What +time did Captain Anderson say we would leave?” +she asked of Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +“Soon after five o’clock,” was the reply. +“Why?” +</p> +<p> +“It’s almost four now,” replied Shirley. “Hadn’t +we better be going?” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, no, we have plenty of time,” was the answer. +“It will not take us so long to get back.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley subsided, and the others continued the +conversation. +</p> +<p> +At half past four Shirley again mentioned the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_174'></a>174</span> +time. Mrs. Sebastian arose, spoke a few words to +the others in Spanish, and then came over to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I have decided,” she said, laying a hand on the +girl’s shoulder, “to remain here over night and +go on by train to-morrow. Will not you and Mabel +stay with me?” +</p> +<p> +“I am sorry, but we can’t do that,” replied Shirley. +“If you will call a cab for us and direct the +driver, we shall not trouble you to take us back +to the boat.” +</p> +<p> +“But we should like to have you stay,” said the +donna. +</p> +<p> +“We would indeed be glad to do so, but father +would worry,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +The Don also added his voice, but the girls +turned a deaf ear. Both arose and put on their +hats. Then they approached to tell their hosts +good-bye. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian spoke quickly to the Don and +his wife in Spanish. Then she turned to the girls. +</p> +<p> +“Come,” she said, “remove your hats and stay.” +</p> +<p> +“It is impossible,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“We would be glad to if we could,” said Shirley, +“but we must hurry now, or we shall be too late, +and the ship will go without us.” +</p> +<p> +The girls turned toward the door. +</p> +<p> +“One moment,” said Mrs. Sebastian, raising a +hand. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_175'></a>175</span> +</p> +<p> +The girls halted in their tracks. +</p> +<p> +“We must insist upon your staying over with +us,” said the woman quietly. +</p> +<p> +“But—” began Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I said we must insist,” repeated Mrs. Sebastian. +“You may as well remove your hats.” +</p> +<p> +Both girls stared at her in utter astonishment. +Shirley was the first to grasp the significance of the +situation. +</p> +<p> +“Then it is true!” she exclaimed; “the door was +locked! We are prisoners!” +</p> +<p> +The man of the house bowed low. +</p> +<p> +“Prisoners, or guests,” he said. “It shall be as +you prefer.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley did not reply, but leaped quickly toward +the door. The others were across the room and +could not interfere. The door swung open, and +Shirley called out: +</p> +<p> +“Quick, Mabel! Run!” +</p> +<p> +Mabel sprang after her friend. +</p> +<p> +But the time taken to open the door proved +costly. Before Shirley could dart through it, Mrs. +Sebastian had her by both shoulders, while the +other woman held Mabel powerless. +</p> +<p> +Then they led the girls back into the room and +bade them sit down. Perceiving the uselessness of +resistance, the girls obeyed. +</p> +<p> +Mabel immediately broke into tears, and Shirley +threw her arms about her. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_176'></a>176</span> +</p> +<p> +“Don’t cry, dearie,” she exclaimed. “We are in +no danger. They will not dare to harm us.” +</p> +<p> +She gazed at their three captors angrily. +</p> +<p> +“What do you want with us?” she demanded. +</p> +<p> +“You shall know in good time,” replied Mrs. Sebastian +gruffly. +</p> +<p> +Her manner had undergone a sudden change. +She was no longer the good-natured, smiling companion +of the steamer. Her face was hard, and +she seemed to have aged ten years. +</p> +<p> +She turned to the other woman. +</p> +<p> +“Bring paper, pen and ink,” she commanded. +</p> +<p> +The latter hurried away to obey this order, and +returned a few moments later, bearing the required +articles, which she placed on a table. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian drew up several chairs and motioned +the two girls, who had been staring at them +curiously, to take the seats. +</p> +<p> +Both realized it would be useless to refuse and +did as commanded. Mrs. Sebastian passed the +paper, pen and ink to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Write as I dictate,” she ordered. +</p> +<p> +Here Shirley protested. +</p> +<p> +“What is it you wish me to write?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll hear quick enough,” was the reply. +“Write.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley replaced the pen gently on the table. +</p> +<p> +“Not until you tell me what you want me to +write, and to whom,” she replied quietly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_177'></a>177</span> +</p> +<p> +The others looked at her in surprise, then conversed +a few moments in Spanish. At last Mrs. +Sebastian said: +</p> +<p> +“The letter is to your father and to Colonel +Ashton. It will contain a demand for $20,000—$10,000 +apiece—for your return.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley rose suddenly to her feet and gave a cry +of amazement. +</p> +<p> +“You mean that we are to be held for ransom?” +she exclaimed in unbelief. +</p> +<p> +“Exactly,” replied the man. +</p> +<p> +“And so you are robbers,” exclaimed Shirley +scornfully. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian’s face flushed. +</p> +<p> +“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. They will not miss the money, +and it will mean so much to us.” +</p> +<p> +“And if we refuse to write?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You probably will spend the remainder of your +days in Mexico. But you won’t refuse. Come +now, write as I dictate.” +</p> +<p> +“May I speak to my friend in private first?” +asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian hesitated. Then: +</p> +<p> +“Yes, but be quick.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel put their heads close together. +</p> +<p> +“Shall I write the letter, Mabel?” asked Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_178'></a>178</span> +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” was the instant reply. “Then Dad will +know we are in danger and just what sort of danger. +It is the only way we can get word to the +others. I know they will find us.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess you’re right,” agreed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +She returned to her place at the table, and picked +up the pen. +</p> +<p> +“Dictate and I shall write,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad to see you are so sensible,” smiled +Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +She dictated and Shirley wrote. When she had +finished she had both girls affix their signatures, +and then address an envelope. +</p> +<p> +She clapped her hands and a young native boy +entered the room. To him Mrs. Sebastian gave +the letter and spoke in Spanish, whereupon the boy +hurried away. +</p> +<p> +Hardly had he gone when there came three sharp +knocks at the door without. The conspirators +looked at each other in alarm, and the hopes of +Shirley and Mabel rose suddenly. +</p> +<p> +But the latter were doomed to disappointment. +Mrs. Sebastian left the room, only to return a few +moments later followed by the figure of a man. +</p> +<p> +Shirley took one look at him, and gave a cry +of surprise. +</p> +<p> +The newcomer was Captain Von Blusen! +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_179'></a>179</span><a name='chXXIII' id='chXXIII'></a>CHAPTER XXIII.—THE SEARCHING PARTY.</h2> +<p> +A long blast from the whistle of the <em>Yucatan</em> +broke the stillness of late afternoon. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and Dick, who were +peering shoreward from the deck of the steamer +with straining eyes, looked anxiously at each other. +</p> +<p> +“What can be detaining them?” exclaimed the +former. +</p> +<p> +“I am sure I don’t know,” returned Colonel +Ashton. “They probably will be here in a few +minutes.” +</p> +<p> +A boat put off from shore; it was the last of +the <em>Yucatan’s</em> small craft, which had been awaiting +the return of late passengers. It was too far away +for the watchers to identify those aboard it. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing breathed a sigh of relief. +</p> +<p> +“I guess they are coming at last,” he said. +</p> +<p> +The three watched the approach of the boat eagerly. +At last it came close enough to make out the +occupants. There was not a woman aboard. +</p> +<p> +Cries of alarm issued from the lips of the three +watchers. At the same moment there came another +blast from the steamer’s siren. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_180'></a>180</span> +</p> +<p> +“They are not in the boat!” exclaimed Dick. +“What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing did not stop to reply. He hurried +toward the bridge where Captain Anderson stood, +ready to give the signal to up-anchor immediately +the small boat was hoisted aboard. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, closely followed by Colonel Ashton +and Dick, rushed up to him. +</p> +<p> +“Captain!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. “My daughter +and the colonel’s daughter and Mrs. Sebastian +are still ashore. They are not in the last boat. +What is to be done?” +</p> +<p> +The captain turned the matter over in his mind. +</p> +<p> +“We should be on our way now,” he replied at +last. “I am afraid we shall have to go without +them.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing let out a roar of protest. +</p> +<p> +“No you don’t!” he cried. “You can’t go and +leave my daughter behind like that.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, what would you have me do?” asked the +captain. +</p> +<p> +“Wait!” was the reply. “Wait for them!” +</p> +<p> +The captain looked at his watch. +</p> +<p> +“It’s five thirty now,” he said. “I shall wait until +six thirty.” +</p> +<p> +With this the others were forced to be content. +</p> +<p> +“If they haven’t come then, we’ll have the captain +set us ashore,” said the colonel. +</p> +<p> +The passengers from the last boat came over +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_181'></a>181</span> +the side, and Mr. Willing questioned them eagerly. +None had seen any sign of the missing ones. +</p> +<p> +Dick, gazing over the rail, uttered a cry and +pointed across the water. +</p> +<p> +A boat was putting off from shore and coming toward +the steamer. +</p> +<p> +“I guess they are coming at last,” said Colonel +Ashton. “I’ll read Mabel a lecture when she gets +here.” +</p> +<p> +As the boat approached closer it became evident +that it had but a single occupant; and as it drew +still nearer, that the occupant was a young native. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson hailed him through his megaphone. +</p> +<p> +“What do you want?” he shouted in Spanish. +</p> +<p> +“Message for Señor Willing!” came the reply. +</p> +<p> +Five minutes later, bowing and scraping, the boy +put a message into Mr. Willing’s hands. +</p> +<p> +The latter tore it open quickly and his eyes devoured +the words in a moment. Then he gave a +cry of rage. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” asked Colonel Ashton and +Dick in a single voice. +</p> +<p> +For reply, Mr. Willing read them the contents +of the letter—a demand for $20,000 if the girls +were ever to be seen again. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing and the others rushed again toward +the captain on the bridge. The captain read the +letter gravely. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_182'></a>182</span> +</p> +<p> +“I wish I could help you, sir,” he said at last. +“But it is impossible. I must get under way within +half an hour. +</p> +<p> +“Hey! Where you going?” This last to the +native boy who had suddenly leaped into the water, +climbed into his boat and was making off toward +the shore. +</p> +<p> +“Get him!” cried the captain to his first officer. +</p> +<p> +One of the <em>Yucatan’s</em> boats put off and gave +chase. +</p> +<p> +But the distance was too great to overtake the +fugitive, and it was soon apparent that he would +make his escape. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“What can we do?” demanded Mr. Willing anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“Where did the message say to leave the money, +Willing?” asked Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing passed him the letter. +</p> +<p> +“Nine o’clock, southeast corner San Francisco +street, Tuesday. Check payable to Miguel Martinez +will do. Come alone,” read the colonel. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_183'></a>183</span> +</p> +<p> +“H-m-m, must have lots of confidence in themselves +if they can use a check.” +</p> +<p> +“Now gentlemen,” said Captain Anderson, “the +best I can do is to set you ashore. I must get under +way immediately. I’m sorry, but I have my other +passengers to think of.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing acknowledged the justice of this. +</p> +<p> +“Give us ten minutes to get some things together +and a boat to set us ashore then,” he said. +</p> +<p> +The captain consented, and Dick and the two men +hastened to their cabins, where they gathered what +few belongings they could. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll have the captain dispose of the rest in +Frisco,” said the colonel. “We’ll get them when +we get there.” +</p> +<p> +This the captain agreed to do, and ten minutes +later the three were rushing shoreward in the +steamer’s powerful gasoline launch. Immediately +they clambered out, the launch put back to the ship. +</p> +<p> +“Reckon we had better go straight to the consulate, +colonel,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Right. But how are we going to find it?” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll try some of these natives. Some of ’em +must speak English.” +</p> +<p> +After two unsuccessful attempts, Mr. Willing +was successful in his quest. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later they were in the presence of +the American Consul, Mr. Edwards, to whom they +explained the matter. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_184'></a>184</span> +</p> +<p> +“What are they, a band of robbers?” asked Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I should say they are probably revolutionists,” +replied the consul. “The situation here is peculiar. +All factions are at war with each other. The +latest so-called patriots are followers of Carranza, +and I happen to know are without funds. If they +can’t pay their men they will lose them. I wouldn’t +be surprised if they were the ones who had captured +your daughters.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, what are we going to do about it?” demanded +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“To tell the truth, there isn’t much we can do. +Officially, I am powerless. The United States +hasn’t recognized the Carranza faction, and for that +reason I cannot call on its agents officially. However, +I can pay a personal call upon Señor Jorge +Hernandez. He may know something.” +</p> +<p> +“Then let’s get busy at once,” cried Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t suppose you care to pay this ransom, +Mr. Willing?” asked the consul. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll pay it if I can’t get my daughter back any +other way. If she is in danger I shall pay it anyhow.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure that she is in no danger of violence,” +returned the consul. “They would not harm an +American at this crisis. All they will do is to hold +her in the hope that eventually you will pay. I +would advise against paying the ransom at once.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall follow your advice, sir,” said Mr. Willing. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_185'></a>185</span> +“You know more about these brutes than I +do.” +</p> +<p> +“Then we shall call on Hernandez,” said the consul. +“Come.” +</p> +<p> +He called a cab, and all were soon at the home +of Señor Hernandez, who Consul Edwards explained, +was one of the foremost of the revolutionists +in western Mexico. +</p> +<p> +Señor Hernandez received them cordially, and +expressed surprise at the story Mr. Willing related. +He even called his wife into consultation. +</p> +<p> +“If our party is concerned in this matter I am +not aware of it,” he told them. “I shall make inquiries, +and if I find it is true, someone shall pay +dearly.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, some of your fellows have captured them +all right,” declared Dick angrily. “I wouldn’t be +surprised if you know all about it.” +</p> +<p> +“Sir!” exclaimed the Mexican, drawing himself +up. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Stanley!” exclaimed the consul. “You forget +yourself!” +</p> +<p> +Even Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton apologized +to the Mexican for Dick’s outburst. +</p> +<p> +“Say no more about it, señors,” was the suave +reply. “Youth is always hot-headed, you know.” +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t say it because I am hot-headed,” declared +Dick. “I said it because I mean it.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_186'></a>186</span> +</p> +<p> +Hernandez gazed at the others with an air of +wounded dignity. +</p> +<p> +“If I am to be insulted, I shall not continue the +interview longer,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“The boy meant no harm, señor,” said the consul. +“He is just angry, that’s all.” +</p> +<p> +“Then, I shall speak more with you if he is excused,” +was the reply. +</p> +<p> +The consul looked at Dick. +</p> +<p> +“You had better go outside,” he said. “You +have already made trouble enough.” +</p> +<p> +Dick was on the point of making an angry retort, +but checked himself. +</p> +<p> +“Very well,” he said. “I shall wait for you without.” +</p> +<p> +He left the room, and went out on to the street, +where he stood gazing first this way and then that +while he waited for the appearance of the others. +</p> +<p> +A man swung sharply past him in the darkness. +Dick was caught by the other’s erect carriage, +plainly that of a military man. +</p> +<p> +“Too tall for a Mexican,” muttered Dick. “I’ll +have a look at him.” +</p> +<p> +He followed. Under a dim street light half a +block away the man paused to light a cigar. The +flare of the match lighted up his features. +</p> +<p> +“Von Blusen!” exclaimed Dick. “I’ll bet he is +mixed up in this in some way. I’ll follow him.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_187'></a>187</span> +</p> +<p> +Taking pains to avoid being discovered, he set +out on Von Blusen’s trail. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXIV' id='chXXIV'></a>CHAPTER XXIV.—FLIGHT.</h2> +<p> +When Mrs. Sebastian entered the room where +Shirley and Mabel were held prisoners, followed +by Captain Von Blusen, she immediately addressed +her fellow conspirators. +</p> +<p> +“This,” she said, indicating the German officer, +“is Captain Von Blusen, a German naval officer. +He informs me that he is seeking, for his government, +a naval base on the Pacific. In return for +this the German government will pay handsomely.” +</p> +<p> +“In that event,” replied the Mexican, who it now +developed was none other than Miguel Martinez, +“we may do business. Take a seat, señor.” +</p> +<p> +Von Blusen did so, and for the first time his +eyes fell upon the two girls. +</p> +<p> +“Miss Ashton! Miss Willing!” he exclaimed. +“What are you doing here?” +</p> +<p> +“We are prisoners,” replied Shirley bitterly. +</p> +<p> +“Why?” demanded the captain. +</p> +<p> +“Held for ransom,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +The captain smiled. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_188'></a>188</span> +</p> +<p> +“A good idea,” he said turning to the others. +“An excellent manner in which to raise money, providing +you are not caught.” +</p> +<p> +“I was not aware that you were acquainted with +these young ladies,” said Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, yes indeed! I know them well,” was the +reply. “In fact I have a little score to settle with +them myself. One of our best laid plans was foiled +because of them.” +</p> +<p> +“So?” queried Martinez. “Will you explain, +captain?” +</p> +<p> +“With pleasure.” +</p> +<p> +The captain did so, and the others listened with +amazement to the story of the plot to capture the +<em>Yucatan</em>, and its ultimate outcome. +</p> +<p> +“They are smart girls,” declared Mrs. Sebastian, +“but this time I believe we have them safe.” +</p> +<p> +“I sincerely hope so,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +An hour later the girls were left alone. +</p> +<p> +“What on earth shall we do?” exclaimed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“There is nothing we can do,” replied Shirley. +“We must wait for some one to rescue us.” +</p> +<p> +“Do you suppose there is anything in what Captain +Von Blusen gave as his reason for being here?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course; but the thing that puzzles me is how +he got here so soon. You remember how we left +him?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. But he’s a very resourceful man. I wish +he were on our side.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_189'></a>189</span> +</p> +<p> +“So do I. If he were, we might get away.” +</p> +<p> +It was after seven o’clock when Mrs. Sebastian, +Martinez and his wife reentered the room. +</p> +<p> +“We have had no reply from your fathers as yet,” +said the former. “However, we did not really expect +one. It is to be hoped for your sakes that +they leave the money to-night.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe they will,” replied Shirley quietly. +</p> +<p> +“So much the worse for you then.” +</p> +<p> +At this moment a native boy came in and announced +that the American consul was without, accompanied +by two strangers, and that he desired +immediate communication with Señor Hernandez. +</p> +<p> +“Well, they are on the trail,” said Martinez, with +a laugh. “I wonder what the consul would think +if he knew that Hernandez and Martinez were one +and the same person. Well, I shall see the consul. +You be very quiet in here, for you know how +sounds carry in this house.” +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian nodded, and Martinez, alias Hernandez, +made his way from the room. +</p> +<p> +He returned an hour later with a smile on his +face. +</p> +<p> +“I’ve thrown them off the track, all right,” he said +gleefully. “I was startled for a moment, though. +There was a little whipper-snapper with the two +Americanos—Señor Stanley is his name—and he +accused me of knowing the whereabouts of the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_190'></a>190</span> +prisoners. I denied it, and Consul Edwards rebuked +him and sent him from the room.” +</p> +<p> +At this moment there came footsteps running +rapidly down the hall, and a moment later Captain +Von Blusen burst in excitedly. +</p> +<p> +“Quick!” he cried. “We must get away from +here.” +</p> +<p> +“Here! here!” said Hernandez calmly. “What +is the matter? Give an account of yourself.” +</p> +<p> +“I was walking along the street,” said Von Blusen, +“when I came across one of the Americans +from aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>.” +</p> +<p> +“Who?” demanded Mrs. Sebastian anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Young Stanley,” cried the captain. +</p> +<p> +“Stanley?” repeated the others. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. I heard someone following me, and I +waited for him to come up. When I saw who it +was I hit him with my fist and knocked him down. +He was up in a moment, though, and pitched into +me. We had quite a tussle, but I finally managed +to get away and come here to warn you.” +</p> +<p> +“And were you followed?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know.” +</p> +<p> +“The Kaiser must be proud of you,” sneered +Hernandez. “If you have botched his plans as you +have ours, he would have you shot. Come,” he +turned to the two women, “the game is up. We +shall have to fly. If the Americano has followed +this man here, my connection must soon be discovered. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_191'></a>191</span> +Consul Edwards will suspect. We must +fly!” +</p> +<p> +“Where?” exclaimed Mrs. Sebastian. +</p> +<p> +“Mazatlan. We have just time to catch the +night train. Hurry!” +</p> +<p> +The two women turned and dashed from the +room and Hernandez turned to the girls. +</p> +<p> +“Put on your hats,” he said gruffly. +</p> +<p> +The girls obeyed without a word, for they could +see the man was very angry. +</p> +<p> +Then he turned to Captain Von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +“As for you,” he said, “you keep out of my +sight in the future. Approach me again and I +will have you shot.” +</p> +<p> +“But—” began the captain. +</p> +<p> +Hernandez produced a revolver which he levelled +at the German. +</p> +<p> +“I guess I had better do it now,” he declared. +“It will save trouble.” +</p> +<p> +His finger tightened on the trigger. +</p> +<p> +But before he could fire, Shirley sprang forward +with a cry and seized the arm that held the revolver. +</p> +<p> +Hernandez whirled on her angrily, but as he did +so, Captain Von Blusen sprang forward and struck +the man a heavy blow on the head with his fist. +Hernandez toppled over. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen turned to the girls. +</p> +<p> +“I can do you no good here,” he said hurriedly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_192'></a>192</span> +“I’ll tell your friends where you are being taken +and we shall save you.” +</p> +<p> +He darted from the room and disappeared. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel made as though to follow him, +but before they reached the door, the two women +reappeared. Mrs. Sebastian took in the situation +with a quick glance and bent over Hernandez, who +was now stirring feebly. Directly he sat up and +his gaze roved about the room. +</p> +<p> +“Where did he go?” he cried. +</p> +<p> +“Who?” asked his wife. +</p> +<p> +“The German! The man who knocked me +down.” +</p> +<p> +“He’s gone,” said Mrs. Sebastian. “Come, Hernandez, +we have no time to lose.” +</p> +<p> +Hernandez staggered to his feet, and his gaze +rested on Shirley. He took a threatening step forward. +</p> +<p> +“You—” he began. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian threw herself between them. +</p> +<p> +“There will be no harm done these girls while +I am here,” she said quietly. “Please remember +that.” +</p> +<p> +As Hernandez still seemed on the point of trying +to get at Shirley, the woman suddenly produced +a revolver, which she levelled directly at him. +</p> +<p> +“Stand back!” she cried. “Haven’t you any +sense? Don’t you know what would happen should +harm befall either of these girls?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_193'></a>193</span> +</p> +<p> +“She is right,” said the man’s wife. “Come, let +us go.” +</p> +<p> +Hernandez muttered to himself, but he turned +away. +</p> +<p> +In response to his call the native boy again appeared +and announced that a closed cab was at the +door. +</p> +<p> +Hernandez led the way, and Mrs. Sebastian motioned +for the girls to follow him. The two women +brought up the rear. +</p> +<p> +Outside all climbed into the cab and were soon +being driven away. +</p> +<p> +Neither girl uttered a word as the cab bumped +along the uneven street, but each was badly frightened. +For half an hour the cab continued its way +and then it came to a stop. +</p> +<p> +“Not a word!” ordered Hernandez of the two +girls, as he prepared to alight. +</p> +<p> +The girls had sense enough to obey this injunction +and went into the little station, dimly lighted, +and boarded the waiting train without so much +as speaking to each other. +</p> +<p> +As Shirley glanced back over her shoulder while +climbing up the steps, she caught sight of a familiar +figure lurking in the shadows. She could not be +certain, but she felt positive that the man was Captain +Von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +Captors and captives took seats at the rear end +of the last car, where they sat in silence until the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_194'></a>194</span> +train began to move. Then, for the first time, did +Hernandez breath in relief. +</p> +<p> +“Safe enough now,” he declared. +</p> +<p> +“But they may telegraph ahead and have us detained,” +said his wife. +</p> +<p> +“No one knows we have come this way save Captain +Von Blusen,” was the reply, “and it will not +be to his interests to interfere with us.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel now found themselves able +to converse without being overheard by the others. +</p> +<p> +“I saw Captain Von Blusen in the station as we +climbed aboard,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Do you think he will help us?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know, but some way I feel that he will. +He seemed sincere enough when he spoke just before +he left.” +</p> +<p> +“My goodness gracious! I hope something +turns up soon!” exclaimed Mabel. “Our Dads +must be worried to death.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, if Dick is on the trail, I am sure we shall +be rescued,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You have lots of confidence in Dick, haven’t +you?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Of course. Why shouldn’t I have?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I hope we are rescued soon.” +</p> +<p> +“Some way, I believe we shall be,” declared +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +The train sped on through the darkness. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_195'></a>195</span><a name='chXXV' id='chXXV'></a>CHAPTER XXV.—ON THE TRAIL.</h2> +<p> +It will now be necessary to go back a little ways. +</p> +<p> +When Colonel Ashton, Mr. Willing, and U. S. +Consul Edwards left the home of Hernandez, alias +Martinez, following their brief interview, they +looked about for Dick who had said he would wait +for them on the outside; but having set forth on +the trail of Captain Blusen, Dick, of course, was +not in sight. +</p> +<p> +“Guess the young man has gone back to the consulate +in a huff,” said the consul with a slight smile. +</p> +<p> +“He shouldn’t have spoken as he did,” declared +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Is there any chance that he was right in his +conjectures?” asked Colonel Ashton slowly. +</p> +<p> +“Hardly,” replied the consul dryly. “Hernandez +is a queer man, but he would hardly do a thing +like that.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I don’t know,” replied the colonel. “I +have found that you never go far wrong when you +listen to what a newspaper reporter says. They +seem to smell out these things.” +</p> +<p> +“He’s on the wrong scent now,” declared Edwards. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_196'></a>196</span> +</p> +<p> +At the consulate they could find no trace of Dick. +</p> +<p> +“What can have happened?” demanded Mr. Willing +anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he’ll turn up,” declared the consul. “We’ll +wait.” +</p> +<p> +They sat down to await the return of Dick, meanwhile +talking over what was best to be done. +</p> +<p> +Meantime, Dick, on the trail of Captain Von +Blusen, was having troubles of his own. He had +approached too close behind the German, and the +latter had realized he was being followed. +</p> +<p> +Rounding a corner, the German officer stopped +abruptly. As Dick swung around the corner he +recognized him instantly and struck out with his +fist. The blow caught Dick on the side of the head +and he went down. +</p> +<p> +He was up in a moment, however, and grappled +with his opponent. In this sort of fighting the +German was no match for Dick, but he finally succeeded +in breaking the latter’s hold, and took to his +heels. +</p> +<p> +Dick ran after him. +</p> +<p> +Unconsciously the German took the direction +from which he had just come, and not stopping to +think that he might be followed, had thus betrayed +the rendezvous. He ran straight to Hernandez’ +home, as we already know, and Dick recognized it. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen entered by the back door, +and there Dick stopped. He had seen enough to +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_197'></a>197</span> +tell him just how the situation stood, and realizing +that he could accomplish little himself and that +haste therefore was essential, he hurried back to +the consulate. +</p> +<p> +“Where have you been?” cried Mr. Willing +jumping to his feet as Dick burst into the room. +</p> +<p> +“I’ve been trailing Von Blusen, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Von Blusen!” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir, and I have learned enough to warrant +my belief that Hernandez is concerned in the +disappearance of Shirley and Mabel.” +</p> +<p> +In a few words he related what had occurred. +</p> +<p> +Consul Edwards drummed upon the table with +his fingers for several minutes. Then he rose to +his feet. +</p> +<p> +“You must be right,” he said, “although it seems +impossible. Are you armed?” +</p> +<p> +The others shook their heads. The consul left +the room and returned a moment later with a revolver +for each. +</p> +<p> +“We may not need them, but it’s best to be prepared,” +he said grimly. +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do?” asked Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“We shall go back and call on Hernandez. In +my official capacity, of course, I could not do this, +but I’m willing to take a chance. We’ll search the +house from top to bottom.” +</p> +<p> +They did not enter the home of Hernandez by +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_198'></a>198</span> +the manner in which they had gone before. Dick +led the way to the place he had seen Captain Von +Blusen enter, and tried the door. +</p> +<p> +To his surprise it opened easily, and Dick, with +weapon ready, led the way in. From first one room +to the other they went, Consul Edwards lighting the +way with a pocket searchlight. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Dick stooped and picked up something. +The consul turned the light on it. It was a small +handkerchief. Dick looked it over for a mark of +identification. In the corner he saw two initials, +“S. W.” +</p> +<p> +He passed it to Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley’s!” exclaimed the latter, after a glance +at it. +</p> +<p> +“We are on the right track,” declared the consul. +</p> +<p> +They continued the search of the house, but not +a soul could they find. From top to bottom and +back again they went, but the result, of course, was +the same. +</p> +<p> +At last they were forced to give it up. +</p> +<p> +“I have it!” exclaimed Dick suddenly. “Von +Blusen warned them and they have taken the girls +some place else.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s it, of course,” said the consul. “Well +there is nothing more we can do to-night, but I’ll +promise to have the town raked with a fine-tooth +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_199'></a>199</span> +comb the first thing in the morning. If they are +here, we shall find them before noon.” +</p> +<p> +“But where can they be to-night?” demanded +Mr. Willing anxiously. +</p> +<p> +The consul shrugged his shoulders. +</p> +<p> +“<em>Quien sabe?</em> as the natives say,” he replied. +“However, you may make sure they are in no danger.” +</p> +<p> +With this the others were forced to be content, +and Edwards led the way back to the consulate. +Here he suggested cigars before all should turn in +for the night, and they sat down to talk over the situation. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have every house in town searched from +top to bottom in the morning,” said the consul. +“They must be here, so we shall of course find +them.” +</p> +<p> +“I wish there was something we could do to-night,” +declared Dick. “This inaction makes me +restless.” +</p> +<p> +“It makes me that way too, young man,” declared +Mr. Willing, “but the consul undoubtedly +knows best. We shall leave it to him.” +</p> +<p> +Consul Edwards looked at Dick inquisitively. +</p> +<p> +“What I would like to have you tell me,” he said, +“is why you suspected Hernandez in the first place?” +</p> +<p> +“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 +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_200'></a>200</span> +to be trusted. I was morally certain he was lying. +I don’t know why, but I just seemed to feel it.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, you figured it out and no mistake. I +wouldn’t be surprised now to learn that Hernandez +and Martinez are one and the same person.” +</p> +<p> +“They are!” came a voice from one of the open +windows. +</p> +<p> +The four within the room started suddenly to +their feet, and the consul advanced. +</p> +<p> +“Who and what are you?” he called, with his +hand resting on his revolver. “Come out and show +yourself.” +</p> +<p> +There was a sound of someone climbing in the +window, and a moment later a man stood before +them. Colonel Ashton, Mr. Willing and Dick +leaped to their feet with cries of amazement. +</p> +<p> +The newcomer was Captain Von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +Dick took a quick stride forward, and his hand +grasped the young German by the collar of his +coat. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll guarantee you won’t get away this time,” he +said grimly. +</p> +<p> +“Who are you and what do you want here?” demanded +the consul, who had never seen the officer +before. +</p> +<p> +“This,” said Dick to the consul, “is the man who +gave the warning in time to allow the girls to be +taken to some other hiding place.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_201'></a>201</span> +</p> +<p> +“Is that true, sir?” demanded the consul, taking +a step forward. +</p> +<p> +Von Blusen nodded. +</p> +<p> +“It is,” he replied briefly. +</p> +<p> +“Then you shall answer to me for your part in +this outrage,” declared Mr. Willing, advancing +with great anger. +</p> +<p> +“And to me,” declared Colonel Ashton, also advancing. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen raised a hand. +</p> +<p> +“One moment, gentlemen,” he said calmly. +</p> +<p> +“Give the man a chance to speak,” said the consul. +“He shall not get away, and I’ll give you my +word he’ll do no further mischief. What have you +to say for yourself?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I can tell you where the two young ladies +have been taken.” +</p> +<p> +“You can?” exclaimed the colonel eagerly. +“Where?” +</p> +<p> +“Mazatlan!” +</p> +<p> +“Mazatlan? Where is Mazatlan?” demanded +the consul. +</p> +<p> +“As to that I cannot say. They left on the train +not half an hour ago.” +</p> +<p> +“Are you sure?” +</p> +<p> +“Positive. I followed to make certain, that I +might tell you.” +</p> +<p> +“And why are you so interested in telling us?” +asked Dick skeptically. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_202'></a>202</span> +</p> +<p> +“For one reason, because Miss Willing saved my +life no longer than an hour ago,” was the calm reply. +</p> +<p> +“It is true,” he continued, seeing that the others +eyed him in amazement. +</p> +<p> +He then went into details of the scene that had +occurred following his return to Hernandez +after his fight with Dick in the street. +</p> +<p> +“But how are we going to find them in Mazatlan?” +exclaimed Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“You might wire ahead and have them taken +from the train,” suggested Dick. +</p> +<p> +“No, I have a better plan than that,” declared +the consul. +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” asked the others eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll kill two birds with one stone. I’ll wire +the American consular agent there to have them +shadowed when they leave the train. Then we’ll +not only be able to rescue the young ladies, but the +Mexican authorities will nab the plotters.” +</p> +<p> +“An excellent plan,” declared Colonel Ashton. +“Now how shall we get there?” +</p> +<p> +“There is not another train till morning,” said the +consul, “but,” and a twinkle came into his eyes, +“if you have the price, I can guarantee to have a +special engine and one car ready to go within the +hour, and I can promise a clear track ahead.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s have it no matter what the cost!” roared +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_203'></a>203</span> +Mr. Willing. “I want my girl back as soon as I +can get her!” +</p> +<p> +“And so do I,” shouted Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXVI' id='chXXVI'></a>CHAPTER XXVI.—IN MAZATLAN.</h2> +<p> +It was a long tedious journey to Mazatlan, and +it was after noon of the following day when Shirley +and Mabel followed their captors from the train +upon which they had spent the night and morning. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad to get off that train, I don’t care what +happens,” said Mabel as the five made their way +through the dingy-looking station. +</p> +<p> +“I should say so,” agreed Shirley. “I’m so sleepy +I could fall right over here.” +</p> +<p> +“I managed to get a few winks during the night,” +returned Mabel. “I curled up in the seat.” +</p> +<p> +“I couldn’t sleep that way. I tried, but it was no +use.” +</p> +<p> +They had now reached the street side of the station, +and here Hernandez signalled a passing cab. +Into this the girls were thrust and then the two +women and the man climbed in. Hernandez gave +an address to the driver, and the cab whirled away. +</p> +<p> +None of the occupants saw a man, who had been +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_204'></a>204</span> +loitering about the station when the train pulled in, +hail a second cab and come after them. This was +the man who had been delegated to shadow them +upon the request, by wire, of Consul Edwards at +Acapulco. +</p> +<p> +To Shirley and Mabel it seemed that they rode +through the streets of the city for hours before +the cab stopped its bumping and drew up before a +typical Mexican native house in the outskirts of the +town. Hernandez and the two women climbed out, +and the girls followed them into the house. +</p> +<p> +The man in the pursuing cab ordered his driver +to halt while still some distance away. Then he +dismissed the driver and approached the house +afoot. He saw the five figures enter the dwelling +and approached no nearer, but took a stand some +distance away, where from time to time, he looked +at his watch. +</p> +<p> +An hour passed, then two, and at length the man +turned and walked away. +</p> +<p> +Inside the house Shirley and Mabel had been +shown to a back room, the windows of which they +saw were heavily barred. Mrs. Sebastian accompanied +them. +</p> +<p> +“Now girls,” she said, “if you are quiet and make +no trouble, I am sure that you will be freed before +long.” +</p> +<p> +“You mean we won’t have to wait for ransom?” +asked Shirley eagerly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_205'></a>205</span> +</p> +<p> +“No, I don’t mean that. But I am sure the +money will be paid over within a day or two.” +</p> +<p> +“And we shall have to stay here all that time?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. I wish I could interest you in our cause. +You could do lots for us if you chose.” +</p> +<p> +“Thanks, but I don’t care to listen to the troubles +of criminals,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +The woman’s face turned red. +</p> +<p> +“You do us an injustice,” she replied. “What +I have done has been for my country.” +</p> +<p> +“I thought you were a Spaniard,” interrupted +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I am, on my mother’s side,” was the reply. +“My father was a Mexican.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I wouldn’t be mixed up in any such business,” +declared Mabel. “I think you should be +punished for the manner in which you got us in +your power.” +</p> +<p> +“But it was for my country. Surely you can +understand that?” +</p> +<p> +“No, I can’t understand it,” declared Shirley. +“It’s robbery that you are attempting.” +</p> +<p> +The woman shrugged her shoulders. +</p> +<p> +“There is no use talking to you,” she said. +</p> +<p> +She went out of the room, locking the door behind +her. +</p> +<p> +“Well, here we are,” said Mabel, with a wry look +at her chum. “Now, what are we going to do?” +</p> +<p> +“I wish we could escape,” declared Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_206'></a>206</span> +“I’ll tell you what. The next time we hear any one +coming, we’ll stand behind the door, and as soon +as they come in we’ll slip out and run. If we can +reach the street some one may help us.” +</p> +<p> +“There will be no harm trying,” Mabel agreed. +“They won’t hurt us, I am sure.” +</p> +<p> +It was several hours later before they had the +opportunity of putting their plan to the test. +</p> +<p> +“Quick! Here comes some one!” whispered +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +She took her stand behind the door and Mabel +joined her there. A key turned in the lock, and +the door swung slowly inward. The girls were out +of sight behind the door. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian, being unable to see them, advanced +into the room with a startled exclamation, +and looked hurriedly about. Seizing a moment +when the woman was looking the other way, Shirley, +closely followed by Mabel, dashed from her +place of concealment and out the door. +</p> +<p> +Mabel was just disappearing through the door +when Mrs. Sebastian wheeled suddenly about and +caught sight of her. The woman sprang forward +with a cry, but Mabel, in passing, had seized the +knob of the door and pulled it to after her. +</p> +<p> +It was the work of an instant to turn the key in +the lock, and Mrs. Sebastian was safe in the girls’ +recent prison. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_207'></a>207</span> +</p> +<p> +“Now what?” said Shirley when Mabel had come +up to her. +</p> +<p> +From the room they had just quitted a series of +blows were rained on the door, and Mrs. Sebastian’s +voice could be heard calling for help. +</p> +<p> +“No one knows she’s in there so if the disturbance +is heard they’ll think it is us,” declared Mabel. +“If we are silent and careful now, we may be able +to get out.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley advanced cautiously and peered into the +next room. Then she returned to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“No getting out that way,” she whispered. +</p> +<p> +Mabel advanced and looked into the room beyond. +In it sat Hernandez and his wife. +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded her head. +</p> +<p> +“No, we can’t get out there,” she agreed. +</p> +<p> +The girls looked about for some other means of +escape. +</p> +<p> +They now stood in what appeared to be a long +and narrow hall, and at Shirley’s whispered suggestion +they went back along it. Far to the rear they +could see a faint beam of light and Shirley’s heart +beat faster with renewed hope. +</p> +<p> +At last they came to a high window, through +which the light streamed. It was out of reach of +the girls, but Shirley found a chair which she +dragged forth and mounted. Her shoulders now +were on a level with the window. +</p> +<p> +The girl uttered an exclamation of satisfaction. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_208'></a>208</span> +</p> +<p> +“What is it, Shirley?” asked Mabel breathlessly. +</p> +<p> +“We can get out here,” was the reply, “the window +is not barred.” +</p> +<p> +“Hurry then,” cried Mabel anxiously. “I’ll come +right after you.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley wasted no further words. She drew herself +to the sill, and looked down. Then she shuddered +slightly. It was a long drop, fully twenty +feet. +</p> +<p> +But Shirley did not hesitate, for she realized that +the jump must be taken. She lowered herself until +she clung to the window with her hands, then released +her hold and dropped. +</p> +<p> +She fell in a sprawling heap, and she felt a sharp +pain in her ankle. In spite of this, she was up in +an instant, however, and turned her eyes to the +window, where Mabel’s head had just appeared. +</p> +<p> +The latter drew herself to the window sill, and +then glanced down at the ground. +</p> +<p> +“I can’t do it, Shirley,” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Of course you can,” called her chum. “Lower +yourself as far as you can and then drop.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel maneuvered about the window trying to +get into such a position that she could lower herself. +But her fright was such that she was afraid +to loose her hold long enough to change her position. +She looked down at Shirley helplessly. +</p> +<p> +“I tell you I can’t,” she declared. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_209'></a>209</span> +</p> +<p> +“But you must, Mabel,” replied Shirley anxiously. +“Hurry!” +</p> +<p> +Again Mabel moved about, but the result was +the same. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel! Jump!” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mabel now began to cry, as she moved about a +little on her perch. +</p> +<p> +“I—I—can’t, Sh-Shirley,” she said. “I am +afraid!” +</p> +<p> +“My goodness!” muttered Shirley to herself. +“What shall I do? I can’t climb back up there +after her.” +</p> +<p> +She considered the matter for several moments, +the while Mabel sat in the window and sobbed. +Then Shirley reached a decision, and acted immediately. +</p> +<p> +“Quick, Mabel! Here comes Hernandez!” cried +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mabel’s hesitancy and fright vanished on the instant. +Quickly she lowered herself by her hands +and dropped to the ground. She fell in a heap, +but was unhurt and was up again in a moment. +</p> +<p> +“Where is he?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +Shirley was forced to laugh. +</p> +<p> +“I just said that to get you down,” she returned. +“If I hadn’t you would have stayed up there all +day.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel’s tension also relaxed, and the girls moved +slowly away from the house, Shirley finding that her +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_210'></a>210</span> +ankle had stopped hurting and was not even swollen. +</p> +<p> +“Where shall we go?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“American consulate, I reckon,” replied the girl, +“if we can find it.” +</p> +<p> +“We must find it,” said Mabel firmly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes but how. Neither of us can speak Spanish.” +</p> +<p> +“Then we must find a Mexican who speaks English. +We should have no trouble doing that.” +</p> +<p> +The girls had been walking along rapidly, for +they wished to put as much space as possible between +them and their recent prison; but at the same +time they did not run for they did not wish to +attract attention by the appearance of undue haste. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly there came a cry from behind. Unconsciously +both girls stopped in their tracks and +looked back over their shoulders. But one look +was enough. +</p> +<p> +“Run!” +</p> +<p> +“Run!” cried Shirley in the same breath. +</p> +<p> +Dashing after them as fast as his stout body +would permit, was Hernandez. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel wasted no time in deciding +what was best to be done. +</p> +<p> +Keeping as close to each other as possible, they +took to their heels and dashed madly along the +street. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_211'></a>211</span><a name='chXXVII' id='chXXVII'></a>CHAPTER XXVII.—DICK IN PERIL.</h2> +<p> +The special train bearing Mr. Willing, Colonel +Ashton, Dick and Captain Von Blusen arrived in +Mazatlan only two hours after that on which Shirley +and Mabel had reached the city. The four went +at once to the American consulate. +</p> +<p> +Consul Edwards had been unable to accompany +them, but after sending the telegram requesting that +the fugitives be shadowed, he had written a note +to Consul Harrington at Mazatlan and this he had +given to Mr. Willing as a means of introduction. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing sent in the letter to the consul, and +the latter received them immediately. +</p> +<p> +“I have a man shadowing the fugitives,” said the +consul. “I told him to report here the minute he +was sure he had run his quarry to earth.” +</p> +<p> +“Is there no danger they will elude him?” asked +Dick anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Not much,” was the smiling reply. “Fisher +was formerly a newspaperman and has had considerable +experience along that line.” +</p> +<p> +And the consul was right. A short time later +Fisher appeared. +</p> +<p> +“Have you found their refuge?” was Colonel +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_212'></a>212</span> +Ashton’s first question after the introductions had +been made. +</p> +<p> +“I followed a man, two women and two girls +to a native house in the eastern extremity of the +city,” was the reply. “I have no doubt they are +the right ones.” +</p> +<p> +“Good,” returned the consul. “Now the first +thing to do is to enlist the support of General Seauterey, +the commandant of the city. Without him +we can do practically nothing. But he will be glad +to capture Hernandez.” +</p> +<p> +The consul took his departure, announcing that +he would return as soon as possible. +</p> +<p> +Dick left the room announcing that he would +take a little stroll outside. Mr. Willing enjoined +him to be back by the time the consul returned. +</p> +<p> +Dick, thinking deeply, was unconscious of the +passing of time and the distance which he had +walked. At last he roused himself from his reverie +and looked at his watch. +</p> +<p> +“Great Scott!” he exclaimed. “I have been gone +more than an hour. I had better hurry back.” +</p> +<p> +He gazed about him, and saw that he was in an +evil-looking part of the town. He swung about +on his heel and set out in the direction from which +he had come. +</p> +<p> +As he passed a narrow street, even dirtier-looking +than the rest, an arm suddenly shot out and dealt +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_213'></a>213</span> +him a blow across the head, knocking him to the +ground. +</p> +<p> +Dick was stunned by the force of the blow, but +he was by no means deprived of his coolness nor +resourcefulness. He rolled over quickly several +times, seeking to put as much distance as possible +between himself and his unseen opponent, and then +scrambled quickly to his feet. +</p> +<p> +Two men bore down on him. Short wiry Mexicans +they were, and one held a knife in his hand. +Dick took one look at them, then turned and ran. +</p> +<p> +But the force of the blow he had just received +made it impossible for him to run far, and soon +he turned, and with his back to the wall of a +house, faced his adversaries. +</p> +<p> +Just out of striking distance the latter halted, +and spoke to him in Spanish. Dick shook his hand, +indicating that he did not understand. +</p> +<p> +“Speak English,” he said. +</p> +<p> +The men conversed together in low tones, then +one of them spoke a single English word to Dick: +</p> +<p> +“Money!” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, I see,” said Dick, “you want my money, +eh? Well, you won’t get it. I need it myself.” +</p> +<p> +He shook his head at the men, and they gesticulated +angrily, one of them raising his knife. +Then, with a cry, they sprang forward. +</p> +<p> +Dick was in a serious predicament and he realized +it. But he determined to do his best. As the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_214'></a>214</span> +men closed on him, Dick struck out. One of the +men staggered back. +</p> +<p> +At that moment there came the sound of pattering +feet down the street. The men drew back. +A second later two running figures came into sight, +and Dick cried out in amazement. +</p> +<p> +The figures were Shirley and Mabel, and even as +Dick recognized them a third form came into view, +and this Dick immediately recognized as that of +Hernandez. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley! Mabel!” called Dick. +</p> +<p> +The girls half halted in their stride, and then, +with glad cries, came toward him. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +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. +</p> +<p> +Without a word Hernandez’s hand went to his +pocket, but Dick was too quick for him. +</p> +<p> +“No you don’t,” he cried, and sprang forward. +</p> +<p> +His right fist shot out with stunning force, and +the Mexican rolled on the ground, his revolver, +which he had succeeded in drawing, being hurled +from his hand. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_215'></a>215</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick quickly took each girl by the arm and urged +them along. +</p> +<p> +“Hurry!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +What he feared came to pass. +</p> +<p> +Hernandez got quickly to his feet, and perceiving +the men who had so recently attacked Dick, he +beckoned them to him. +</p> +<p> +As the men came up, he waved his arm at the +figures of the two girls and the young man. +</p> +<p> +“Catch them!” he shouted. “Reward!” +</p> +<p> +The men needed no further urging, but dashed +after the three. Dick urged the girls along as +swiftly as they could go, casting occasional glances +over his shoulder. He hoped against hope that assistance +would come from some quarter. +</p> +<p> +But not a sign of a native officer did he see. +The few people they passed looked at them curiously, +and must have realized the aspect of things +by the noise of the pursuers, but none offered to +lend a helping hand. +</p> +<p> +Several times Dick was on the point of turning +back to face the pursuers, but he determined only +to do this as a last resort to give the girls time +to get away while he held the others back. +</p> +<p> +He led the girls sharply around a corner and they +ran as fast as they could along the dirty street. +But the pursuers were gaining, as Dick perceived +by a quick glance over his shoulder. Then Dick +made his decision. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_216'></a>216</span> +</p> +<p> +As he rounded the next corner he whispered to +the girls: +</p> +<p> +“Run hard!” +</p> +<p> +He released their arms and stopped, just out of +sight from the pursuers. +</p> +<p> +A moment later they came into view, and Dick +was upon them in an instant, striking right and left +as swiftly as he could. Just as it seemed there was +a chance of his overcoming his two foes, a third +figure joined in the fray. +</p> +<p> +This was Hernandez himself, and he turned the +balance in the favor of Dick’s enemies. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel had gone on a few feet when +Dick had turned back, for they had not known what +he was about to do. They missed him in a moment, +however, and stopped to see what had become +of him. +</p> +<p> +They saw the struggling knot of men, and Shirley +cried: +</p> +<p> +“Oh! Dick will be hurt! What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“What can we do?” demanded Mabel. “Dick +said to run. I guess we had better run.” +</p> +<p> +“And leave him there like that? I should say +not.” +</p> +<p> +“But what can we do?” asked Mabel, in consternation. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know. But I am not going to run away.” +</p> +<p> +And Shirley resolutely made her way back toward +the fighters. Mabel followed. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_217'></a>217</span> +</p> +<p> +But aid came for Dick even as it had for his +first two enemies. And the aid was from an unexpected +source. +</p> +<p> +“Hello!” exclaimed a voice in English. “What’s +going on here?” +</p> +<p> +“Help!” cried Dick in English. +</p> +<p> +“An American, eh,” said the voice, “and three +greasers attacking him with knives. Here goes.” +</p> +<p> +Dick felt his enemies give way before him, all +but one, and this one he sent to the ground with +a hard blow to the face. Then he gazed about. +Nearby stood Shirley and Mabel, and upon the +ground were the other two Mexicans. Dick looked +at the man who had come to his rescue, and gave +a cry of astonishment. +</p> +<p> +“Captain Anderson!” +</p> +<p> +The commander of the <em>Yucatan</em> was no less surprised. +He surveyed Dick and the two girls critically. +</p> +<p> +“How in the name of all that’s wonderful did +you all get together again and how did you beat +me here?” demanded the captain. +</p> +<p> +Dick explained his arrival in a few words, and +then Shirley took up the story. +</p> +<p> +“But we had no idea of the <em>Yucatan</em> was here,” +said Dick. +</p> +<p> +“I landed not fifteen minutes ago,” replied the +captain. “Of course a train runs faster than a boat, +which is the reason you are here ahead of me. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_218'></a>218</span> +Now I guess you had better return aboard with +me.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll go to the consulate first,” declared Dick. +“The others are probably still there.” +</p> +<p> +“Good idea,” replied the captain. “I was on my +way there now.” +</p> +<p> +He led the way, and the others followed. +</p> +<p> +But when they reached there they learned, much +to the disappointment of both girls, that neither +the consul nor any of the others were about. +</p> +<p> +“Consul Harrington and his visitors accompanied +General Seauterey and a squad of soldiers,” +a clerk explained. “They left not fifteen minutes +ago.” +</p> +<p> +“Too bad,” declared Captain Anderson. He +turned to the girls. “Will you remain here or come +aboard?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll go aboard, thanks,” replied Shirley. “I +want to get out of this city and this country. We +can leave word with the clerk here, and Mabel’s +father and mine will come aboard as soon as they +return.” +</p> +<p> +“Right you are,” agreed Captain Anderson. He +addressed the clerk. “When Mr. Willing and Colonel +Ashton return with the consul,” he said, “you +tell them to come aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> immediately. +I have important news for them.” +</p> +<p> +“Very well, sir,” said the clerk. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_219'></a>219</span> +</p> +<p> +“Why didn’t you tell him to tell Dad we had been +rescued?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Why,” replied the captain with a smile, “I was +saving that for a little surprise.” +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXVIII' id='chXXVIII'></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.—ALL ABOARD AGAIN.</h2> +<p> +Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton, to go back to +the time that Dick left them after the departure +of Consul Harrington, were greatly alarmed when +the boy failed to return immediately. Half an hour +after his departure Consul Harrington returned with +General Seauterey and half a dozen troopers. +</p> +<p> +The general announced that he was not only willing +but eager to round up Hernandez, who, he said, +was the real head of the revolution in Western +Mexico. Mr. Willing expressed his alarm over +Dick’s safety, and they waited ten minutes. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have my clerk tell him to wait when he comes +in,” said the consul. “There is no use delaying +longer.” +</p> +<p> +To this Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton agreed. +</p> +<p> +“Dick is always turning up missing,” declared the +colonel. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_220'></a>220</span> +</p> +<p> +“But he always turns up safe again,” replied +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he’ll be back all right,” said the consul. “He +can hardly have fallen into any danger this time.” +</p> +<p> +Fisher, the man who had trailed the conspirators +to their lair, now summoned two automobiles, and +the party climbed in. The trip to the house where +the girls had been confined was made in record +time, and a short distance away a halt was called. +</p> +<p> +General Seauterey and his men now took the lead, +and surrounded the house. The general himself +approached the door and knocked on it loudly. +There was no response, but a second sharp knock +brought a voice from behind the door. It was a +woman’s voice and it said: +</p> +<p> +“What is wanted?” +</p> +<p> +“Open the door!” demanded the general. +</p> +<p> +“Who are you?” +</p> +<p> +“General Seauterey.” +</p> +<p> +There was an exclamation of dismay from within, +and the sound of retreating footsteps. Again the +general pounded on the door. There was no response +and he called to two of his men. +</p> +<p> +“Break down the door,” he instructed them. +</p> +<p> +The heavy rifle butts of the soldiers crashed +against the wood, shattering it. Several hard kicks +and it was in splinters. With drawn revolver General +Seauterey led the way. +</p> +<p> +Two soldiers, Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_221'></a>221</span> +Captain Von Blusen followed him. The others remained +on guard without to prevent the escape of +the fugitives. +</p> +<p> +Through the house strode the general, throwing +wide the doors of the various rooms. And at last +he brought up against another locked door. This +was burst in as had been the first, and the general +advanced first. +</p> +<p> +Came a shot from the room, and the general staggered +back, then moved forward again. At the far +side of the room were two figures, the general could +just make out in the darkness. +</p> +<p> +“Hands up!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t shoot!” came in a woman’s voice. “We +surrender!” +</p> +<p> +“Come forward then,” said the general. +</p> +<p> +Two women, who proved to be Mrs. Hernandez +and Mrs. Sebastian, advanced shrinking. +</p> +<p> +“Where is Hernandez?” demanded the general. +</p> +<p> +“He is not here,” was the reply. “We expect +him back any moment.” +</p> +<p> +“Where is he?” +</p> +<p> +“He went after the two prisoners, who escaped.” +</p> +<p> +“Your prisoners have escaped?” demanded the +general. +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +The general turned to one of his men. +</p> +<p> +“Call the others within,” he ordered. +</p> +<p> +The other four troopers came into the house, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_222'></a>222</span> +followed by the Americans and the German captain. +Mr. Willing was the first to see Mrs. Sebastian, +and he sprang toward her. +</p> +<p> +“What have you done with my daughter, +madam?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Sebastian shrank back from him. +</p> +<p> +Colonel Ashton also stepped forward and angrily +demanded that Mabel be produced at once. Then +Mrs. Sebastian spoke. +</p> +<p> +“They have escaped!” she declared. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton were skeptical. +Mrs. Sebastian saw that they did not believe her. +</p> +<p> +“It is true,” she declared. “They locked me in +a room and jumped from a window. Hernandez +has gone after them.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll wait here for Hernandez to return,” decided +General Seauterey. “We’ll get him when he +comes back, and if he has the prisoners it will save +us further search.” +</p> +<p> +None doubted that this was the best plan, and so +all sat down to wait, General Seauterey meanwhile +keeping watch at the door himself. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly he sprang to his feet. +</p> +<p> +“Here he comes—alone!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +He motioned his men to the door. +</p> +<p> +“He’ll run when he sees the broken door,” he said. +“I’ll command him to halt. If he doesn’t obey, +fire.” +</p> +<p> +It was as the general had predicted. When +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_223'></a>223</span> +Hernandez saw the broken door, he stopped in surprise. +Then he turned and would have run. General +Seauterey stepped forward and shouted: +</p> +<p> +“Halt!” +</p> +<p> +Hernandez paid no heed. +</p> +<p> +“Fire!” cried the general. +</p> +<p> +Two puffs of smoke and two sharp cracks. Hernandez +fell to the ground, but sat up in a moment +and seized his left foot in his hand, at the same +time moaning with pain. +</p> +<p> +“Good work, men!” cried the general. “Go and +bring him here!” +</p> +<p> +Two of the soldiers obeyed, and Hernandez was +soon in the house. +</p> +<p> +“Where are the two prisoners?” demanded the +general. +</p> +<p> +Hernandez looked at him and sneered. +</p> +<p> +“Find out,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“So I will,” returned the general. +</p> +<p> +He motioned to his men. +</p> +<p> +“Bind the prisoners and put them in the car outside,” +he ordered. +</p> +<p> +Then he led the way from the house. +</p> +<p> +“I shall have this man questioned more fully,” +he said to the consul, “and I shall send you a message +to the consulate within an hour. He will not +fail to tell what he knows of the prisoners.” +</p> +<p> +With this Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton were +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_224'></a>224</span> +forced to be content, although the anxiety of each +was growing at every minute. +</p> +<p> +The Mexicans and their prisoners climbed into +one of the automobiles, and the Americans and Captain +von Blusen into the other. They were whirled +back to the consulate. +</p> +<p> +The clerk addressed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Captain Anderson, of the Steamship <em>Yucatan</em>, +was here a few moments ago, sir,” he said. “He +desires your presence aboard immediately. He says +he has important news for you.” +</p> +<p> +“Regarding my daughter?” asked Mr. Willing +eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“He didn’t say, sir,” replied the clerk. +</p> +<p> +“Come, Ashton,” cried Mr. Willing excitedly. +“Perhaps Captain Anderson has learned something.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall accompany you,” said Captain von +Blusen. +</p> +<p> +The others offered no objection and the three +hurried away together, Mr. Willing telling Consul +Harrington that they would let him know the result +of their trip. +</p> +<p> +At the water front they were fortunate enough +to find an unengaged boatman, who offered to put +them aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> for a fair price. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind the price,” said Mr. Willing. +“Hurry and get us there.” +</p> +<p> +The boatman wasted no time, and soon they were +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_225'></a>225</span> +heading for the big steamship as fast as they could +go. +</p> +<p> +Dusk was just falling as they went swiftly over +the water, and none could but think what a pretty +spectacle the great ship made with her thousands of +electric lights shining brightly. +</p> +<p> +“And that’s the ship you attempted to get away +with, Captain Von Blusen,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, and would have gotten away with but for +Miss Ashton,” replied the captain. “However, I +bear no ill will. It is the fortune of war.” +</p> +<p> +“And we bear you no ill will, captain,” declared +Colonel Ashton. “It is true that you have made us +considerable trouble, but I appreciate your position +in the matter. I know that you were acting under +orders.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you,” replied the captain. +</p> +<p> +“I can say the same, sir,” declared Mr. Willing, +“Here, at the last, you have been of service to us, +and in view of that, things that have gone before +must be overlooked.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir.” +</p> +<p> +The little boat now scraped alongside the <em>Yucatan</em>. +Several moments later the three were aboard +the big steamship and rushing toward Captain +Anderson’s quarters. +</p> +<p> +Their arrival had been reported before they came +aboard, and so they found Captain Anderson alone. +</p> +<p> +“Glad to see you gentlemen again,” said the captain, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_226'></a>226</span> +shaking hands with Mr. Willing and Colonel +Ashton. He looked Captain Von Blusen over +coldly. “I shall talk to you later,” he added. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen bowed. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he is all right, captain,” said Mr. Willing. +“He has been of great aid to us in searching for our +daughters.” +</p> +<p> +“So?” Captain Anderson’s stern expression relaxed +a trifle. “I am glad to hear it.” +</p> +<p> +He held out his hand, and the young German +grasped it. +</p> +<p> +“You but did your duty, as you saw it, I suppose,” +said Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +“What is the piece of news you have for us, Captain +Anderson?” asked Colonel Willing, who had +been waiting impatiently for the commander of the +<em>Yucatan</em> to broach the subject that had called them +aboard. +</p> +<p> +“Have chairs, gentlemen,” said the captain, ignoring +the question. +</p> +<p> +The others sat down, the older men twisting about +uneasily. At last Mr. Willing could stand it no +longer. +</p> +<p> +“Captain,” he cried, jumping to his feet, “if you +have any words of our daughters, tell us. Don’t +keep us in suspense any longer.” +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson gazed at him steadily for a few +moments, then arose, and walked to a door in his +cabin. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_227'></a>227</span> +</p> +<p> +“I have three prisoners here I would like you to +see,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +With a sudden movement he threw wide the door, +and there stepped forth first Dick, then Shirley, then +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +The two men absolutely ignored Dick, who +stepped aside. +</p> +<p> +With glad cries the others rushed toward each +other. Shirley found herself clasped in her father’s +arms, and Mabel and her father also clung tight +together. Then they stepped back and looked at +each other. +</p> +<p> +“This is my little surprise,” said Captain Anderson +with a smile. +</p> +<h2><a name='chXXIX' id='chXXIX'></a>CHAPTER XXIX.—“CAPTAIN VON BLUSEN.”</h2> +<p> +“And when we found you had escaped we didn’t +know where to look for you,” said Mr. Willing, +in concluding the story of the search. +</p> +<p> +“We never doubted that we should get away +in some manner,” declared Shirley. “We were +sure you would find us, but when the chance for +escape came we took advantage of it.” +</p> +<p> +“And where did you get to when you left the +consulate?” demanded Colonel Ashton of Dick. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_228'></a>228</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick explained. +</p> +<p> +“And if Captain Anderson had not arrived so opportunely, +there is no telling what might have +happened,” he declared. “He put the enemy to +rout.” +</p> +<p> +“It wasn’t much of a job,” replied the captain, +waving aside Mr. Willing’s thanks. “I just touched +two of them with my fists and they went down.” +</p> +<p> +“I reckon you didn’t touch them very gently, +captain,” said Colonel Ashton, with a grim smile. +</p> +<p> +“Well, perhaps not,” answered Captain Anderson, +“but it was no time for half way measures.” +He turned to Captain Von Blusen. “And what am +I to do with you?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“I should be glad if you would take me to San +Francisco,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson turned this over in his mind. +</p> +<p> +“You have made much trouble for me,” he said +finally, “and besides, the United States authorities +may be looking for you, for all I know. However, +I have no such information, and as you seem +to have turned over a new leaf, I shall do so.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, captain.” +</p> +<p> +“I would advise you, however,” continued the +captain, “to go ashore at the first American port +instead of going to Frisco. The authorities may +be on the lookout for you, and I don’t know what +they would do with you. Your theft of the <em>Yucatan</em> +was nothing short of piracy.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_229'></a>229</span> +</p> +<p> +“I suppose you are right,” returned Captain Von +Blusen, “and I shall act upon your advice. What is +the first United States port at which you shall +touch?” +</p> +<p> +“San Diego.” +</p> +<p> +“Then I shall go ashore there.” +</p> +<p> +“Very well, unless, of course, in the meantime +I should receive word to hold you.” +</p> +<p> +“But you won’t report the captain’s presence +here?” exclaimed Shirley hopefully. +</p> +<p> +“No; I shall say nothing about it unless I am +asked.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you again, captain,” said the young officer. +</p> +<p> +He turned on his heel and left the room. +</p> +<p> +“When shall we get under way again, captain?” +asked Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“First thing in the morning,” was the reply. +“We’ll probably be out of sight of land when you +tumble out.” +</p> +<p> +“We can’t get away from here any too quick +to suit me,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“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.” +</p> +<p> +“And that goes for all of us,” agreed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad to have you back aboard the <em>Yucatan</em>,” +declared Captain Anderson. “To tell the +truth, I didn’t expect to see you in Mazatlan. I +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_230'></a>230</span> +felt sure you would eventually find the young ladies +safe and sound, but I feared I should have to make +the rest of the trip without you. I tell you, it +made me feel good to run across young Stanley +here this afternoon.” +</p> +<p> +“It didn’t make you feel as good as it did me, +captain,” returned Dick significantly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, perhaps not under the circumstances,” +laughed the captain. “The only one of our passengers +who will not complete the trip is Mrs. +Sebastian.” +</p> +<p> +“And a good thing for all concerned,” declared +Colonel Ashton. “I don’t see how she fooled us +so completely, Willing.” +</p> +<p> +“She did though,” returned Mr. Willing. “I +would never have suspected her of having any +ulterior motives.” +</p> +<p> +“You wouldn’t listen to me,” said Dick. “I suspected +her from the first. Now I can say ‘I told +you so.’” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll place more confidence in your foresight +in the future,” declared the colonel. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t want to run you away,” said Captain +Anderson, “but it’s my belief you had all better +turn in. You look fagged out, the whole bunch of +you. Sleep is the best remedy.” +</p> +<p> +“You are right, captain,” declared Shirley. “I +feel as though I could go to sleep standing on my +feet.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_231'></a>231</span> +</p> +<p> +They bade the captain good-night, thanked him +again for his assistance, and made their way to +their cabin, where, after some further talk, all +turned in. +</p> +<p> +So completely were they exhausted that it was +after eight o’clock the following morning when +Shirley, the first to awake, sprang up. She glanced +out the window of her stateroom. The sun shone +brightly, and from the barely perceptible motion +of the steamer she knew they were moving. +</p> +<p> +She called Mabel, and the girls dressed quickly. +Shirley knocked on the next door and aroused the +others, and an hour later, after a hearty breakfast, +all stood forward on the promenade deck enjoying +the fresh morning breeze. +</p> +<p> +There was not a speck of land in sight and +would not be for hours. An hour later Captain +Von Blusen joined them and after awhile Captain +Anderson stopped to exchange a few words. +</p> +<p> +It was while the commander of the <em>Yucatan</em> +was there that there came a hail from the lookout. +</p> +<p> +“Smoke to the leeward, sir!” +</p> +<p> +All glanced in the direction indicated. There, +upon the distant horizon, was a faint cloud of +smoke. As they gazed it presently took shape, and +half an hour later it did not take the second cry of +the lookout to tell them the approaching vessel +was a battle cruiser of the first class. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_232'></a>232</span> +</p> +<p> +“Wonder what this one is?” said Shirley, as the +vessel drew nearer. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know. It might be German. It has +been supposed there were two German vessels in +these waters, but we have already encountered one. +This may be another.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s hardly possible, though,” said Mr. Willing. +“Captain Von Blusen, to your knowledge, are there +any German ships of war in these waters?” +</p> +<p> +“I can’t answer that question definitely, sir,” he +replied. “All I can say is that it is possible.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe this is a German,” said Dick. +“But whatever she is she is coming right toward +us.” +</p> +<p> +It was true. The stranger was shaping a course +that would intercept the <em>Yucatan</em> several miles +ahead. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder if she will stop us?” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Of course,” replied Captain Von Blusen. “The +commander will probably come aboard to have a +look at the ship’s papers.” +</p> +<p> +“Will he interfere with you?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Hardly,” was the reply. “In spite of the fact +that I am a German, he will not dare to interfere +with me aboard a neutral ship.” +</p> +<p> +“Boom!” +</p> +<p> +It was the sound of a great gun aboard the +cruiser. +</p> +<p> +“Signal to heave-to,” said Captain Anderson. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_233'></a>233</span> +</p> +<p> +He made his way to the bridge, and in response to +his command, the <em>Yucatan</em> came to a pause. +Then all eagerly waited for the cruiser to show her +colors. +</p> +<p> +“German!” was the audible gasp from the passengers +as the red, white and black of the German +Empire were unfurled at the masthead. +</p> +<p> +“I am coming aboard you,” was the message +the German commander flashed to Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +A small boat put off from the cruiser and soon +bumped alongside the <em>Yucatan</em>. A moment later +an officer in a smart uniform came over the side. +He made his way at once to where Captain Anderson +stood on the bridge. +</p> +<p> +“Is this the way you meet a German naval officer?” +he demanded angrily. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson looked at him in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“What would you have me do?” he demanded, +taking a step forward. +</p> +<p> +“And when you address me, say sir!” exclaimed +the German, who seemed rather young and possessed +of much self-importance. “You should have +met me as I came over-side.” +</p> +<p> +“Say sir to you, eh?” exclaimed Captain Anderson. +“If you don’t get off my ship in five minutes +I’ll throw you over the rail.” +</p> +<p> +The German officer stepped back, and half drew +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_234'></a>234</span> +a revolver. Captain Anderson advanced another +step. +</p> +<p> +But interference came from an unexpected +source. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen, who had stood close enough +to overhear this conversation, suddenly ascended +to the bridge. He walked quickly up behind the +German officer, and seizing him by the shoulder, +swung him around sharply. +</p> +<p> +“You forget yourself, Lieutenant Von Meyers!” +he said angrily. “Get back to your boat!” +</p> +<p> +The German lieutenant gazed at this newcomer +threateningly, then a look of the greatest astonishment +passed over his face. He took three quick +steps backward. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen stood perfectly erect, one +hand pointing toward the small boat from which +the German lieutenant had just climbed to the deck +of the <em>Yucatan</em>. He said no further word. +</p> +<p> +And while officers and passengers of the <em>Yucatan</em> +looked on in amazement, the German lieutenant +took two quick steps forward again, fell upon +one knee, took Captain Von Blusen’s other hand +and touched it with his lips! +</p> +<p> +Then he arose, saluted, and walked rapidly away. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_235'></a>235</span><a name='chXXX' id='chXXX'></a>CHAPTER XXX.—THROUGH THE GOLDEN GATE.</h2> +<p> +There was an audible gasp from passengers and +crew, and the same question was upon every lip: +</p> +<p> +“Who is he?” +</p> +<p> +As the German lieutenant reached the side of the +ship, Captain Von Blusen spoke again: +</p> +<p> +“Lieutenant Von Meyers!” +</p> +<p> +The lieutenant turned about sharply, and came +to attention. +</p> +<p> +“You will wait with the boat. I shall go with +you.” +</p> +<p> +The lieutenant saluted again and stood stiffly +erect in his tracks. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen turned to Captain Anderson. +</p> +<p> +“I shall relieve you of the responsibility of my +presence immediately, captain,” he said quietly. +“I shall go aboard the cruiser.” +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson was too much taken by surprise +to mutter more than: +</p> +<p> +“Very well, sir.” +</p> +<p> +Why he added the “sir” the captain could not +have told, but there was something in the bearing +of the man that faced him that called it forth involuntarily. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_236'></a>236</span> +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen held out his hand, and the +commander of the <em>Yucatan</em> grasped it. +</p> +<p> +“Good luck to you, sir,” said the latter. +</p> +<p> +“And to you,” returned Captain Von Blusen. +</p> +<p> +He descended from the bridge, and made his way +to where the Willing party stood gazing at him in +open-eyed wonder. +</p> +<p> +The German officer first addressed Mr. Willing +and Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“I am sorry that I have been the means of putting +you to so much trouble,” he said, with a slight +bow, “but whatever I did I considered in line with +my duty. Please believe that.” +</p> +<p> +“I have no doubt of it,” replied Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” agreed Colonel Ashton. +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen now turned to Dick, and +with the slightest of smiles he extended his hand. +</p> +<p> +“As you and I had a little difficulty,” he said, +“I pray you will overlook it.” +</p> +<p> +Dick grasped the extended hand, as he replied. +</p> +<p> +“Why, of course. I guess I am a bit hot-headed +once in a while.” +</p> +<p> +“No more than I am,” returned Captain Von +Blusen. “It has been my chief fault.” +</p> +<p> +He pressed Dick’s hand once more, and then +turned to the two girls, who had been too stunned +by what they had witnessed, to speak. +</p> +<p> +The captain extended a hand to each in turn +and Shirley and Mabel shook hands with him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_237'></a>237</span> +</p> +<p> +“I am pleased to have met you, Miss Ashton,” +he said courteously, “and you, Miss Willing, and +I regret that I have been the means of causing you +unpleasantness. But as I have said to your fathers, +what I did was but in the line of duty. Now I +must say good-bye, but when the war is over,” he +looked at Mabel, “I hope that I shall see you both +again.” +</p> +<p> +He bowed low, and before the girls could reply, +he made his way toward the spot where the German +lieutenant stood awaiting him. He motioned +the latter to precede him over the side, and was +just about to follow, when he seemed to think of +something. +</p> +<p> +He walked quickly back across the deck to where +Shirley and Mabel stood, and spoke. +</p> +<p> +“I suppose you all wonder who I am,” he said +quietly, “and while I would greatly like to satisfy +your curiosity, I fear it is impossible at this time.” +</p> +<p> +Now Shirley found her tongue. +</p> +<p> +“You can at least tell us whether you are of +royal birth,” she cried. +</p> +<p> +Again Captain Von Blusen bowed low. +</p> +<p> +“I cannot say yes, nor can I deny it,” he answered. +</p> +<p> +“Then your name is not really Captain Von +Blusen?” +</p> +<p> +The captain smiled and bowed, but made no reply. +</p> +<p> +Now Mabel spoke. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_238'></a>238</span> +</p> +<p> +“Captain,” she said quietly, “for by such name +only can we know you now, we should, of course, +be honored with your confidence, but if you cannot +speak at this time, I for one shall ask you no questions.” +</p> +<p> +Captain Von Blusen took her hand and bent over +it gallantly. +</p> +<p> +“I thank you, Miss Ashton,” he replied quietly. +“Some day I hope to be able to confide in you.” +</p> +<p> +He bowed to the others, and turning sharply on +his heel, made his way to the side of the ship and +clambered over the rail. +</p> +<p> +Now the passengers hurried to the side of the +ship, and gazed with something like awe at the boat +that made swiftly for the German cruiser. +</p> +<p> +Captain Anderson did not give the signal to get +under way until the cruiser’s launch was being +hoisted aboard, when there broke out from the +cruiser a salvo of guns. +</p> +<p> +“A salute!” cried Captain Anderson, raising his +voice to make himself heard. “He is some one of +importance. Now I wonder——” +</p> +<p> +He broke off suddenly, as he counted the number +of guns and, in his mind, ran over the list of relatives +of the German Emperor. Then his clouded +brow cleared, and he smiled. +</p> +<p> +“If he wishes to keep it a secret, I am not the +man to betray it,” he said to himself. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_239'></a>239</span> +</p> +<p> +That Captain Anderson knew who “Captain Von +Blusen” really was there could be no doubt, but the +commander of the <em>Yucatan</em> kept his promise to +himself and confided to no one, in spite of the questions +that were poured on him later. +</p> +<p> +Now Captain Anderson gave the signal to get +under way, and the <em>Yucatan</em> slowly gathered +headway. The German cruiser remained stationary +as the <em>Yucatan</em> approached, and the big steamship +passed her less than a quarter of a mile away. +</p> +<p> +There, on the bridge of the cruiser, with the +commander of the vessel and his officers standing +at attention, stood “Captain Von Blusen.” The +passengers waved their hands at him, and he, in return, +lifted his cap and made a low bow. +</p> +<p> +Then the passengers aboard the <em>Yucatan</em> saw +him turn to the man they could make out was the +commander of the cruiser and give a sharp command. +The latter repeated it to one of his officers, +and a moment later a second salvo broke out from +the cruiser. At the same time the German flag at +the masthead was dipped in salute. +</p> +<p> +“That,” said Captain Anderson calmly, “is a fine +token of respect. Too bad we haven’t the guns with +which to return it.” +</p> +<p> +He gave an order, however, and the American +ensign at the masthead of the <em>Yucatan</em> returned +the salute. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_240'></a>240</span> +</p> +<p> +These courtesies having been exchanged, all became +bustle and hurry aboard the German cruiser, +as the passengers on the <em>Yucatan</em> could see. Men +dashed hurriedly hither and thither, and a moment +later the cruiser swung slowly about and headed +due south. +</p> +<p> +“And that is the last we shall see of Captain Von +Blusen,” declared Shirley. “I wonder who he is.” +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any idea,” returned Mabel slowly, “but +there can be no question that he is of high rank.” +</p> +<p> +“No, there can be no question about that,” agreed +Mr. Willing, who had overheard this conversation. +“I should say that he is a member of the Imperial +German family.” +</p> +<p> +“Then what is he doing in the United States?” +</p> +<p> +“I have learned a couple of Mexican words,” replied +Mr. Willing. “Quien sabe?” (Who knows.) +</p> +<p> +“But he said we should hear from him when the +war is over,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Shirley, “he said ‘we’ but he meant +you.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel’s face turned a trifle red. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” she asked in some confusion. +</p> +<p> +Shirley laughed. +</p> +<p> +“I guess you know what I mean, all right,” she +made reply. “Do you remember saying something +like that to me once?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_241'></a>241</span> +</p> +<p> +“But I had reason to,” protested Mabel. “It was +so plain in Dick’s case.” +</p> +<p> +“No more so than in Captain Von Blusen’s case,” +declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t see——” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, yes you do. You mean you just won’t +admit it. Well, you don’t have to. Why, what +makes your face so red, Mabel?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what you are talking about,” declared +Mabel, and turning about quickly, she rushed +to her cabin, leaving Shirley laughing to herself. +</p> +<p> +The steamship <em>Yucatan</em> was forging ahead at +full speed now, and was rapidly lessening the distance +to the first California port—San Diego. +</p> +<p> +“Dad,” said Shirley, “isn’t there a second fair +at San Diego?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied her father, “why?” +</p> +<p> +“Well then, why can’t we stop off there for a +day or two and go on to San Francisco by rail?” +</p> +<p> +“We can if you wish it,” replied Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Then let’s do, Dad.” +</p> +<p> +“All right.” +</p> +<p> +And so it was arranged. Shirley went below +where she and Mabel immediately began gathering +their things together so that they would be ready +to leave the boat the moment it docked at San +Diego. +</p> +<p> +There was no question that the girls had become +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_242'></a>242</span> +great favorites with all the passengers. Many +pressed them to continue the trip to San Francisco, +Captain Anderson being one of the most anxious to +keep them aboard as long as possible. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what I shall do without you,” he +told Shirley and Mabel. “We have had lots of excitement +on this voyage, more than ever before, and +you two girls have been mainly responsible for it. +I hope that I shall see you again some time.” +</p> +<p> +“Why,” said Shirley, “there are many more summers +coming, and if we ever decide to make this +trip again we shall not ever think of taking any boat +but yours.” +</p> +<p> +“May the time come soon,” said the captain. +</p> +<p> +The passengers bade them an affectionate good-bye +as they left the <em>Yucatan</em> 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. +</p> +<p> +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.” +</p> +<p> +And none of the party was a whit disappointed +in the great exposition. In fact, it was far beyond +expectations. For two weeks they remained in +the California metropolis, spending every minute +possible upon the large exposition grounds overlooking +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_243'></a>243</span> +the Golden Gate and the broad expanse to +the Pacific. +</p> +<p> +When the time came for them to betake themselves +homeward, it was with regret that they +realized it would be long before they could again +hope to see the beauties of the far-off state of California. +</p> +<p> +There remains yet one incident to be told. +</p> +<p> +Two weeks after their return home, Mabel received +a registered package postmarked Rome, +Italy. Eagerly she ran to her room with it, where +she opened it in solitude; nor could she repress a cry +of admiration when she drew out a beautifully bejeweled +cross, patterned after the Iron Cross of +Germany—the Iron Cross with which the German +Emperor decorates his troops for bravery. +</p> +<p> +With it there was a brief note, with the signature +“Captain Von Blusen.” +</p> +<p> +Looking closer at the piece of paper on which +the message was written, Mabel perceived a seal of +peculiar design. She ran hastily for her dictionary, +and turned to the seals of the various nations. +</p> +<p> +There was a striking similarity between the seal +on the paper and the Imperial German seal, as +reproduced, in colors, in her big dictionary. +</p> +<p> +For perhaps half an hour the girl sat silent, musing. +</p> +<p> +“Can it be possible?” she asked herself at last +“I wonder——” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_244'></a>244</span> +</p> +<p> +She rushed downstairs to consult Shirley, who +at that moment was holding a tete-a-tete with Dick +on the sunny front porch. +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p>THE END.</p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Blue Grass Seminary Girls Series</span> +</p> +<p> +By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT +</p> +<p> +Handsome Cloth Binding, Price, 40c. per Volume +</p> +<p> +<em>Splendid Stories of the Adventures +of a Group of Charming Girls</em> +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ VACATION ADVENTURES; or, Shirley Willing to the Rescue. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS; or, A Four Weeks’ Tour with the Glee Club. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS IN THE MOUNTAINS; or, Shirley Willing on a Mission of Peace. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE WATER; or, Exciting Adventures on a Summer’s Cruise Through the Panama Canal. +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Mildred Series</span> +</p> +<p> +By MARTHA FINLEY +</p> +<p> +Handsome Cloth Binding, Price, 40c. per Volume +</p> +<p> +<em>A Companion Series to the Famous +“Elsie” Books by the Same Author</em> +</p> +<table class='c' summary='centered block'><tr><td> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED KEITH</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED’S MARRIED LIFE</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED AT ROSELANDS</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED AT HOME</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED AND ELSIE</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED’S BOYS AND GIRLS</p> +<p style='margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0'>MILDRED’S NEW DAUGHTER</p> +</td></tr></table> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 114-120 East 23d Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Camp Fire Girls Series</span> +</p> +<p> +By HILDEGARD G. FREY. The only series of stories +for Camp Fire Girls endorsed by the officials of the Camp +Fire Girls Organization. +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 40 CENTS PER VOLUME +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The Winnebagos go Camping. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to Nature in a +camp in the wilds of Maine, and pile up more adventures in one summer +than they have had in all their previous vacations put together. Before +the summer is over they have transformed Gladys, the frivolous boarding +school girl, into a genuine Winnebago. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL, or, The Wohelo Weavers. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +It is the custom of the Winnebagos to weave the events of their lives +into symbolic bead bands, instead of keeping a diary. All commendatory +doings are worked out in bright colors, but every time the Law of +the Camp Fire is broken it must be recorded in black. How these +seven live wire girls strive to infuse into their school life the spirit of +Work, Health and Love and yet manage to get into more than their +share of mischief, is told in this story. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, The Magic Garden. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong enough to +work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and vegetables. The +Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause along and the “goings-on” +at Onoway Homes that summer make the foundations shake with +laughter. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along the Road that Leads the Way. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip. The “pinching” of +Nyoda, the fire in the country inn, the runaway girl and the dead-earnest +hare and hound chase combine to make these three weeks the +most exciting the Winnebagos have ever experienced. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 114-120 East 23d Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The AMY E. BLANCHARD Series</span> +</p> +<p> +Miss Blanchard has won an enviable reputation +as a writer of short stories for girls. Her books are +thoroughly wholesome in every way and her style is full +of charm. The titles described below will be splendid additions to +every girl’s library. +</p> +<p> +Handsomely bound in cloth, full library size. +Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman. Price, 60 cents per volume, postpaid. +</p> +<p> +THE GLAD LADY. A spirited account of a remarkably pleasant +vacation spent in an unfrequented part of northern Spain. This summer, +which promised at the outset to be very quiet, proved to be exactly the +opposite. Event follows event in rapid succession and the story ends with +the culmination of at least two happy romances. The story throughout is +interwoven with vivid descriptions of real places and people of which the +general public knows very little. These add greatly to the reader’s interest. +</p> +<p> +WIT’S END. Instilled with life, color and individuality, this story of +true love cannot fail to attract and hold to its happy end the reader’s eager +attention. The word pictures are masterly; while the poise of narrative and +description is marvellously preserved. +</p> +<p> +A JOURNEY OF JOY. A charming story of the travels and +adventures of two young American girls, and an elderly companion in Europe. +It is not only well told, but the amount of information contained will make it +a very valuable addition to the library of any girl who anticipates making a +similar trip. Their many pleasant experiences end in the culmination of two +happy romances, all told in the happiest vein. +</p> +<p> +TALBOT’S ANGLES. A charming romance of Southern life. +Talbot’s Angles is a beautiful old estate located on the Eastern Shore of +Maryland. The death of the owner and the ensuing legal troubles render it +necessary for our heroine, the present owner, to leave the place which has +been in her family for hundreds of years and endeavor to earn her own living. +Another claimant for the property appearing on the scene complicates matters +still more. The untangling of this mixed-up condition of affairs makes an +extremely interesting story. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent prepaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 114-120 East 23d Street, New York +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Girl Chum’s Series</span> +</p> +<p> +ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. +</p> +<p> +ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES. +</p> +<p> +A carefully selected series of books for +girls, written by popular authors. These +are charming stories for young girls, well +told and full of interest. Their simplicity, +tenderness, healthy, interesting motives, +vigorous action, and character painting will +please all girl readers. +</p> +<p> +HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING. +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 60 CENTS. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +BENHURST, CLUB, THE. By Howe Benning. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +BERTHA’S SUMMER BOARDERS. By Linnie S. Harris. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West. By Joy Allison. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story. By Caroline B. Le Row. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +FUSSBUDGET’S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls. By Anna F. Burnham. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A. By Elizabeth Cummings. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories. By Agnes Carr Sage. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl’s Story of Factory Life. By M. E. Winslow. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls. By M. L. Thornton-Wilder. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MARJORIBANKS. A Girl’s Story. By Elvirton Wright. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MISS CHARITY’S HOUSE. By Howe Benning. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MISS ELLIOT’S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls. By Mary Spring Corning. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MISS MALCOLM’S TEN. A Story For Girls. By Margaret E. Winslow. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +ONE GIRL’S WAY OUT. By Howe Benning. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +PEN’S VENTURE. By Elvirton Wright. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls. By Marion Thorne. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life. By M. E. Winslow. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of +price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 52-58 Duane Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Girl Comrade’s Series</span> +</p> +<p> +ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. +</p> +<p> +ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES. +</p> +<p> +A carefully selected series of books for +girls, written by popular authors. These +are charming stories for young girls, well +told and full of interest. Their simplicity, +tenderness, healthy, interesting motives, +vigorous action, and character painting will +please all girl readers. +</p> +<p> +HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING. +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 60 CENTS. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER. By I. T. Thurston. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls. By Adelaide L. Rouse. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl. By Adelaide L. Rouse. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +BUBBLES. A Girl’s Story. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +COMRADES. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story. By Adelaide L. Rouse. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN. By Adelaide L. Rouse. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +JOYCE’S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +MISS ASHTON’S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl’s Story. By Mrs. S. S. Robbins. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls. By Fannie E. Newberry. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of +price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 52-58 Duane Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Boy Spies Series</span> +</p> +<p> +These stories are based on Important historical +events, scenes wherein boys are prominent +characters being selected. They are the +romance of history, vigorously told, with careful +fidelity to picturing the home life, and accurate +in every particular. +</p> +<p> +<span class='sc'>Handsome Cloth Bindings</span> +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES AT THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A story of the part they took in its defence. By William P. Chipman. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES AT THE DEFENCE OF FORT HENRY. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A boy’s story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES AT THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A story of two boys at the siege of Boston. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES AT THE SIEGE OF DETROIT. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A story of two Ohio boys in the War of 1812. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES WITH LAFAYETTE. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of how two boys joined the Continental Army. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES ON CHESAPEAKE BAY. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of two young spies under Commodore Barney. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES WITH THE REGULATORS. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of how the boys assisted the Carolina Patriots to drive the British from that State. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES WITH THE SWAMP FOX. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of General Marion and his young spies. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES AT YORKTOWN. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of how the spies helped General Lafayette in the Siege of Yorktown. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of how the young spies helped the Continental Army at Valley Forge. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES OF FORT GRISWOLD. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of the part they took in its brave defence. By William P. Chipman. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SPIES OF OLD NEW YORK. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of how the young spies prevented the capture of General Washington. By James Otis. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 52-58 Duane Street. New York +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Boy Scout Series</span> +</p> +<p> +By HERBERT CARTER +</p> +<p> +New stories of Camp Life, telling the wonderful and +thrilling adventures of the Boys of the Silver Fox Patrol. +</p> +<p> +Handsome Cloth Bindings +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS ON STURGEON ISLAND; or, Marooned Among the Game Fish Poachers. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +Through a queer freak of fate, Thad Brewster and his comrades of the Silver +Fox Patrol find themselves in somewhat the same predicament that confronted +dear old Robinson Crusoe; only it is on the Great Lakes that they are wrecked +instead of the salty sea. You will admit that those Cranford scouts are a lively +and entertaining bunch of fellows. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS DOWN IN DIXIE; or, The Strange Secret of Alligator Swamp. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +New and startling experiences awaited the tried comrades of camp and +trail, when they visit the Southland. But their knowledge of woodcraft enabled +them to meet and overcome all difficulties. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS’ FIRST CAMP FIRE; or, Scouting with the Silver Fox Patrol. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This book is brimming over with thrilling adventure, woods lore and the story +of the wonderful experiences that befell the Cranford troop of Boy Scouts when +spending a part of their vacation in the wilderness. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE; or, Marooned Among the Moonshiners. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +Those lads who have read The Boy Scouts’ First Camp Fire will be delighted +to read this story. It tells of the strange and mysterious adventures that happened +to the Patrol in their trip through the “mountains of the sky” in the +Moonshiners’ Paradise of the old Tar Heel State, North Carolina. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL; or, Scouting through the Big Game Country. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story recites the many adventures that befell the members of the +Silver Fox Patrol with wild animals of the forest trails, as well as the desperate +men who had sought a refuge in this lonely country. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The New Test for the Silver Fox Patrol +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +In the rough field of experience the tenderfoots and greenhorns of the Silver +Fox Patrol are fast learning to take care of themselves when abroad. Thad and +his chums have a wonderful experience when they are employed by the State of +Maine to act as Fire Wardens. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER; or, The Search for the Lost Tenderfoot +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A serious calamity threatens the Silver Fox Patrol when on one of their +vacation trips to the wonderland of the great Northwest. How apparent disaster +is bravely met and overcome by Thad and his friends, forms the main theme of +the story, which abounds in plenty of humor, and hairbreadth escapes. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES; or, The Secret of The Hidden Silver Mine. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +By this time the boys of the Silver Fox Patrol have learned through experience +how to rough it upon a long hike. Their tour takes them into the wildest region +of the great Rocky Mountains, and here they meet with many strange adventures. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY SCOUTS AT THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +A story of Burgoyne’s defeat in 1777. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 52-58 Duane Street, New York +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Boy Chums Series</span> +</p> +<p> +By WILMER M. ELY +</p> +<p> +In this series of remarkable stories by Wilmer M. +Ely are described the adventures of two boy chums—Charley +West and Walter Hazard—in the great swamps +of interior Florida and among the cays off the Florida +Coast, and through the Bahama Islands. These are real, +live boys, and their experiences are well worth following. +</p> +<p> +<span class='sc'>In Handsome Cloth Bindings</span> +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS ON INDIAN RIVER; or, The Boy Partners, of the Schooner “Orphan.” +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +In this story Charley West and Walter Hazard meet deadly rattlesnakes: have +a battle with a wild panther; are attacked by outlaws: their boat is towed by a +swordfish; they are shipwrecked by a monster manatee fish, and pass safely +through many exciting scenes of danger. This book should be read first. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS ON HAUNTED ISLAND; or, Hunting for Pearls in the Bahama Islands. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This book tells the story of the boy chums’ adventures on the schooner “Eager +Quest,” hunting for pearls among the Bahama Islands. Their hairbreadth escapes +from the treacherous quicksands and dangerous waterspouts, and their rescue +from the wicked wreckers are fully told. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS IN THE FOREST; or, Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The story of the boy chums hunting the blue herons and the pink and white +egrets for their plumes in the forests of Florida is full of danger and excitement. +In this story is fully told how the chums encountered the Indians; their battles +with the escaped convicts; their fight with the wild boars and alligators; and +many exciting encounters and escapes. This is the third story of the boy chums’ +adventures. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS’ PERILOUS CRUISE; or, Searching for Wreckage on the Florida Coast +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This story of the boy chums’ adventures on and off the Florida Coast describes +many scenes of daring and adventure, in hunting for ships stranded and cargoes +washed ashore. The boy chums passed through many exciting scenes, their +conflicts with the Cuban wreckers; the loss of their vessel, the “Eager Quest,” +they will long remember. This is the fourth book of adventures which the boy +chums experienced. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO; or, a Dangerous Cruise with the Greek Spongers. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This story of the boy chums hunting for sponges is filled with many adventures. +The dangers of gathering sponges are fully described; the chums meet with +sharks and alligators; and they are cast away on a desert island. Their rescue +and arrival home make a most interesting story. This is the fifth book of adventures +of the boy chums. +</p> +<p> +THE BOY CHUMS CRUISING IN FLORIDA WATERS; or, the Perils and Dangers of the Fishing Fleet. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +In this story Charley West and Walter Hazard embark upon a new and +dangerous quest for fortune. With their old and tried comrades, Captain Westfield +and the little negro, Chris, they join the great army of fishermen that +yearly search the Florida seas for the thousands of kinds of rare fish and water +creatures that abound there. The Florida waters hide many strange and unknown +dangers. The perils the chums encounter from weird fishes and creatures +of the sea and the menace of hurricanes and shipwreck, make very interesting +and instructive reading. This is the sixth book of adventures of the boy chums. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY. 52-58 Duane Street, New York. +</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the +Water, by Carolyn Judson Burnett + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS *** + +***** This file should be named 37310-h.htm or 37310-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/3/1/37310/ + +Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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