Part 25 (1/2)
”She is held as a prisoner at the old convent in Durango under command of El Capitan.”
”Then she lives!” cried Ronie, in great joy.
”_Si, senor_. I can lead you to the place, and will if you will give me my liberty.”
”That is beyond my power. I cannot--ha! here comes an officer now.”
The newcomer was none other than Captain de Caprian, who asked:
”Whom have we here, senors?”
”A man we found prowling in the city under what we thought to be suspicions circ.u.mstances, so we stopped him. He is from San Carlos, and claims he is not a spy.”
”I shall leave it for you to say what is to be done with him,” said Francisco, ”promising to see that he is fairly treated.”
”I know not in regard to his being a spy,” replied Ronie, ”but he has given me valuable information in regard to my mother's fate.”
”Does he know of her?” asked Francisco, eagerly. ”That fact alone ought to save his life. What has he told you?”
In a few words Ronie explained what he had learned, when the other said, with an intonation of joy in his voice:
”I am so glad, Senor Roland. No time must be lost in going to her rescue. I have this morning received word that my mother has been given her liberty, and that she is on her way to meet me after many sad months of separation. But, dear Roland, as much as I long to meet that mother, if you are willing, and General Castro will permit, I want to go with you to help save your mother. My company will be sufficient force.”
Ronie and Harrie could not conceal their emotion at the earnest words of their young friend, who showed that he spoke from the heart.
”Nay----” began Ronie, but the other checked him.
”I know what you would say, Senor Roland, but as much as mother and I want to see each other, we can both wait until this duty is performed.
I am going to General Castro at once for leave of absence. You can let this man accompany us if you think he is to be trusted. I will meet you near the old cathedral half an hour hence.”
After a short conference among themselves, in which Manuel Marlin was allowed to express his opinion, it was decided to let him go with them.
He might prove a valuable companion, for they were all inclined to think he would not be false to his pledges.
Before an hour had pa.s.sed, so promptly did they act, Captain de Caprian led out his regiment of gallant men, to start upon the long and arduous journey to Durango on the merciful errand of saving a captive from the power of El Capitan. Were the truth told, more than one of the brave band hoped they might meet the bold outlaw himself.
I need not describe that journey to Durango. The town proved to be a little hamlet under the brow of the Cordilleras, where the insurgents sometimes made their headquarters. Knowing this, the advance was made with extreme caution as soon as the regiment had entered the debatable country. Scouts were constantly on the lookout, and among these were our young engineers.
”I can scarcely wait for the time when we shall attack them,” declared Ronie to Harrie and Manuel, as the three halted on the brink of a steep hill overlooking the hidden town.
”How quiet the place seems,” replied Harrie. ”It must be El Capitan and his troops are away.”
”Off on one of his raids, no doubt. It will be so much the better for us.”
”Still I really think Francisco will be disappointed if we do not find the rebel chief.”
”I wonder if yonder old vine-clad building is where mother is imprisoned?” asked Ronie, pointing to what the three felt must be the ancient convent pictured by those who claimed to have been there.
”_Si, senors_,” replied Manuel. ”But look there, _senors_! what does the coming of that llaneros mean?”