Part 26 (1/2)

”Forward!” still shouted the youthful commander. ”Force an entrance to the old building before it is too late.”

Captain de Caprian showed that he realized what was likely to follow inside the structure, for he had barely uttered his order before a cry with womanly sharpness in it rang out--an appeal for help.

Our heroes were already storming the door, having dashed aside the sentinels on duty there. The next moment, led by Ronie, and followed by a dozen of the troops, our three burst into the convent. Running swiftly along the main pa.s.sage they soon came upon a scene which sent the blood coursing fiercely through their veins. It would appear that the insurgents, finding they were being routed by the government troops, sought to kill the few prisoners they held within this old building. At the very moment our rescuers appeared on the scene, one of them was swinging over his head the ugly-looking knife he carried in the act of slaying the woman who was kneeling at his feet. Ronie sent the miscreant senseless to the floor, and the next moment clasped his mother in his arms.

”I was in season, mother,” he murmured; ”you are safe.”

But she had fainted, and as gently as possible, with the a.s.sistance of Harrie and Jack, he bore her to a bench where the fresh air could cool her fevered temple.

”To think if we had been a minute later,” said Ronie.

”She opens her eyes,” declared Harrie. ”She has been spared.”

It was indeed an affecting scene, during which Jack Greenland drew apart. He found that three other captives, all Venezuelans, had been rescued, and that these had been all the persons held in the convent.

Renewed commotion outside now caught his attention, and he returned to the side of his friends.

”I think El Capitan is coming, and that the boys are preparing to welcome him home,” he said, grimly. ”I think I will help in the greeting, if you will excuse me, lads.”

”Forgive me, Jack, for forgetting my duty,” said Harrie. ”But I felt so anxious for Ronie's mother.”

”I must go, mother,” declared Ronie.

”Oh, my son!” she implored, ”must you leave me here and now?”

It was a serious problem for the young engineers to decide, between filial and martial duty. Happily Jack quickly settled the matter by saying: