Part 50 (1/2)
”I have three prisoners here I would like you to see,” he said quietly.
With a sudden movement he threw wide the door, and there stepped forth first d.i.c.k, then s.h.i.+rley, then Mabel.
The two men absolutely ignored d.i.c.k, who stepped aside.
With glad cries the others rushed toward each other. s.h.i.+rley 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.
”This is my little surprise,” said Captain Anderson with a smile.
CHAPTER XXIX.-”CAPTAIN VON BLUSEN.”
”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.
”We never doubted that we should get away in some manner,” declared s.h.i.+rley. ”We were sure you would find us, but when the chance for escape came we took advantage of it.”
”And where did you get to when you left the consulate?” demanded Colonel Ashton of d.i.c.k.
d.i.c.k explained.
”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.”
”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.”
”I reckon you didn't touch them very gently, captain,” said Colonel Ashton, with a grim smile.
”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.
”I should be glad if you would take me to San Francisco,” was the reply.
Captain Anderson turned this over in his mind.
”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.”
”Thank you, captain.”
”I would advise you, however,” continued the captain, ”to go ash.o.r.e 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 _Yucatan_ was nothing short of piracy.”
”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?”
”San Diego.”
”Then I shall go ash.o.r.e there.”
”Very well, unless, of course, in the meantime I should receive word to hold you.”