Part 18 (1/2)

Will had heard Machado's cry, but was too intent upon his task to pay any heed to it. He knew full well the frightful risks he was running in pressing the engine so hard in the darkness, but there was no alternative. He must reach the junction before the train. Alarmed at the speed, Ruggles suggested that it would be better to lie up until the morning, but Will would not hear of it.

”We couldn't get past them. It's neck or nothing,” he said shortly.

The vessel whizzed along. The rumble of the train seemed to draw no nearer. Azito stood forward, but the pace was so great that in the darkness it was tremendously difficult to give the course. Suddenly there was a jolt and a jar. Azito shot forward on to the wind-screen; those who were seated were jostled violently against one another, and Will narrowly escaped a collision with the steering-wheel. After the momentary jerk the hydroplane rushed on, but only for a few seconds.

Then the engine stopped dead, and the vessel was once more drifting at three knots down the stream.

CHAPTER XIV--REPAIRS

”What's happened?” asked Ruggles anxiously.

”We struck a snag: goodness knows what damage is done. We shall have to run into the bank and wait till morning. Can't see to do anything in the dark. Was there ever such beastly bad luck!”

”Well, you couldn't expect everything to go smoothly. You haven't had much to complain of so far.”

”That's true; but just at this moment, when everything depended on our keeping ahead of the train! Listen to it. We must be close on the narrows, to judge by the row it's making.”

”It's lucky we hadn't got any farther, then.”

By this time Will had steered the vessel to the left bank, running under the overhanging branches of a large tree. Before it came to rest, Azito beat the bank with his pole to scare away any alligator that might lurk there.

”Water's coming in,” said Will. ”But I'm afraid that's not the worst.

We can stop a leak, but we are done if there's anything seriously wrong with the engine. We haven't even got the yacht now.”

”Better lift the craft on to the bank, so that she doesn't become absolutely waterlogged,” Ruggles suggested.

Everybody got out, Azito removing the small stock of food left in the vessel, and Ruggles and Jose lifting the General between them.

”Shall we untie his cords?” said Will. ”He must be pretty stiff and uncomfortable.”

”It depends what you mean to do. Will you still have a try at getting him to Bolivar?”

”Without a doubt. There's the Chief to consider.”

”Then you mustn't loose him. It won't be safe. By the way, what was that howl I heard as we hauled him into the boat?”

”I don't know.”

”Senor, it was this man,” said the Indian, pointing to Machado. ”He was going to hurt the engine.”

”It's a lie!” cried Machado, in abject fear.

”Tell us what he did, Azito,” said Will.

The Indian explained that Machado and the General had conversed in low tones while on the yacht, arousing his suspicion. He told how he had prevented the man from carrying out his intention when the Senor's back was turned. Will caught Machado's arm, and he winced.

”Tie him up,” said Will. ”He shan't have another chance.”

Machado was bound and laid beside the General. Food was distributed, but sparingly; the supply brought from Bolivar would soon be exhausted.