The notice was in the nick of time. The gun on the yacht was loaded
and trained again, and, had it been fired, would have played the
mischief on the Atlamalcan boat.
Captain Winton began edging the _Warrenia_ toward the other, with the
purpose of running alongside and receiving its submission. Reading his
intention, Major Starland called:
"Don't do that! You can't trust these scoundrels! They will board!"
"That's what we want 'em to do!" called back the captain.
"I'd like it too, but we have ladies to look after; send a boat to
take off General Yozarro and me."
In the midst of the hubbub and confusion, Captain Ortega was seen
to lean out of the window of the pilot house, quickly level his
revolver and fire in the direction of the American. It looked like
a deliberate attempt to assassinate the unsuspecting officer before
anyone could interfere. Jack Starland did not observe the act, but the
cry of a man alongside of him caused him to turn his head. Taking
advantage of the confusion, one of General Yozarro's officers had
slipped behind the American unnoticed by him, and was stealing upon
him with drawn knife. The two Generals could not have failed to see
him, but neither interposed. A few seconds more and the weapon would
have been driven into the back of Starland. Captain Ortega, however,
sent his bullet straight and true, the miscreant falling dead in his
tracks.
Still leaning out of the window, with smoking pistol in hand, Captain
Ortega, as cool as ever, made himself heard above the din:
"You mustn't forget down there that we have surrendered!"
The wheel being useless, he now came out of the pilot house and stood
like a general overlooking and directing his forces.
It was begun and ended, as may be said, in the twinkling of an eye.
Jack Starland did not forget the lesson. He was yet in the midst of
as treacherous a lot of wretches as so many Apaches. He edged farther
forward with his glances alternating between his own craft and the
excited throng near him, and so alert that further interference in
his behalf was unnecessary.
Looking up to Captain Ortega, he caught his eye and saluted:
"Thank you with all my heart!"
The other returned the salute but did not speak. His weapon was still
in his hand and not a movement below eluded him. Generals Bambos
and Yozarro were standing beside each other, the latter with his
handkerchief still in his hand, though he ceased to flutter it, since
the necessity had passed. Now and then the two spoke in low tones, for
the turmoil was succeeded by a hush that was impressive.
The order of Major Jack was obeyed on board his own boat. Holding the
yacht so that, like the other, it drifted with the current, the tender
was lowered, and two seamen entered and began rowing toward the
motionless tug. With slow, even strokes and without any sign of
misgiving, they rounded to alongside. Major Starland shoved one
revolver in his pocket, where it could be instantly drawn, and held
the other ready for any emergency.
"You first, General," he said bowing to the leader who had
surrendered.
Holding back, he sullenly asked:
"Why should I go aboard your vessel?"
"In accordance with the rules of civilized warfare, of which, of
course, you know nothing. For the first time in your life you will be
among gentlemen, and, therefore, need feel no fear."
With ill grace, the Dictator stepped carefully down and seated himself
at the bow of the smaller boat.
"And now myself," was the good natured remark of the American, as he
lightly followed. It was a trying moment, for he half expected a shot
in the back, even though it would have meant the death of General
Yozarro and the destruction of the tugboat. Captain Ortega must have
feared something of the kind, for he stepped to the edge of the upper
deck, leaned forward with his revolver grasped and kept a keen watch
upon every man. It is not impossible that his vigilance averted a
tragedy.
With the same even stroke, the small boat was rowed across the brief,
intervening space, and the mate, Dick Horton, reached down, took the
hand of the General and gave so lusty a pull that he stumbled forward
and barely saved himself from sprawling on his hands and knees. The
next instant Jack sprang among his friends, who crowded around,
grasped his hands and showered him with congratulations.
During the flurry, Aunt Cynthia and Miss Starland had been kept beyond
reach of harm, but they were now among the group that welcomed the
owner of the pretty craft.
"Had you wished to give them the safest place," said he, "you should
have let them stand at the bow in plain sight."
"Only the fear of a possible accident prevented that being done,"
replied the mate.
When General Yozarro saw the young woman in the laughing, happy
company, he took off his hat, bowed low and said with his old-time
obsequiousness:
"The pain of this meeting is turned to delight by the sight once more
of your beauteous countenance and your charming self."
Looking him in the eyes, she measured her words:
"_Que V. se atreva a dirigirse a mi, es el mayor insulto de mi vida._"
The face crimsoned as if from the sting of a whiplash across the eyes,
and those of the bystanders who understood the words, broke into a
thrilling murmur of applause. General Yozarro tried to hide his
repulse by turning to Major Starland:
"I have come aboard this vessel at your command; what do you desire of
me?"
"Your sword."
The Dictator meekly drew the blade from its scabbard and extended the
hilt toward the American, who recoiled.
"I refuse it; keep it; and take with you the remembrance that the most
dangerous thing mortal man can fool with is an American."
"Are you through?"
"I am, and I hope never to look upon your face again."
"_Mal rayo te parta!_ Your wish is reciprocated; I will return to my
boat."
"_Adios_, General Yozarro!"
The sullen fellow made no reply, and was assisted over the side and
rowed back to the crippled tug by the two sailors who had brought him
away. During the unique interview, the crew and officers crowded the
gunwale and watched proceedings with the keenest interest. Among them
was the bulky General Bambos.