The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water / Or, Exciting Adventures on a Summer Cruise Through the Panama Canal

“Why not?” was the reply. “The United States has been against us, why shouldn’t we be against her?”

“It’s your own evil consciences that make you think that,” replied Captain Ainslee. “The United States has been strictly neutral in this war. But an accounting for this will be demanded of the Kaiser.”

“And he’ll give it,” thundered the captain, striking the table with his fist. “He’ll give it!”

“Maybe he will, but he’ll be sorry,” declared Shirley, who could keep quiet no longer. “Uncle Sam will stand no foolishness from the Kaiser.”

Captain Von Blusen smiled at her scornfully.

“We shall come over here some day and take the United States,” he said.

“You’ll be surprised when you try it,” said Shirley angrily.

“Shirley!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. “Keep quiet!”

“I don’t care,” cried Shirley. “Anybody knows Uncle Sam can whip Germany, and all the rest of them, too, for that matter.”

Again Mr. Willing would have enjoined the girl to silence, but Captain Ainslee stayed him with uplifted hand.

“Let her alone,” he chuckled. “That is the spirit I like to see!”

CHAPTER XII.—ABOARD THE YUCATAN.

What was the surprise of Shirley and the others, upon reaching the hotel, to find there others of the passengers who had been set adrift when the Yucatan was captured by the German conspirators. They greeted each other warmly.

“We were picked up by a steamer and just reached here this afternoon,” one of the women passengers explained to Shirley and Mabel. “We had about given you up for lost. The rest of us are all here.”

“And so is the Yucatan,” replied Shirley.

In response to exclamations of astonishment, she related the story of the recapture of the vessel.

“Then we shall be allowed to continue our trip, I suppose,” remarked one of the passengers.

“Unless the government decides to hold on to the steamer,” said another.

But the government did not, and the following day the full crew of the Yucatan was once more aboard the vessel, and it was announced that she would resume her journey the following morning.

The day was spent by most of the passengers viewing the sights of interest in the canal zone and in the city of Colon proper.

A few words concerning the Panama Canal will not be amiss here.

The canal was opened to smaller vessels on August 5, 1914, but the official opening did not take place until much later, being attended with elaborate ceremonies.

The canal is about fifty miles in length from deep water in the Caribbean Sea to deep water in the Pacific Ocean. It ranges in width from 300 to 1,000 feet with an average bottom width of almost 700 feet. The Gatun dam along its crest is 8,000 feet long.

The construction of the canal is considered one of the greatest feats of engineering of all time and was accomplished at a tremendous cost. The land was secured by treaty from Colombia at great expense and resulted in considerable trouble between the United States and the South American republic.

It is provided by treaties that the canal shall be open to the vessels of all nations, merchantmen, or ships of war, in times of war as well in times of peace; but strict rules of neutrality have been provided for the passage of war vessels.

All this Mr. Willing explained to the others during the day. With the coming of night, the passengers began to go aboard the Yucatan for the ship was to sail at an early hour and it was deemed advisable to be aboard the night before.

Therefore, when Shirley and Mabel arose and went on deck, the Yucatan already had started its passage through the canal. The girls stood upon the upper deck aft and looked about with interest; but after an hour of this they grew tired and went down to breakfast.

The passage of the canal would require about ten hours and Shirley remarked to Mabel that she would be glad when they were on the Pacific and sailing up the coast.

“And so will I,” agreed Mabel. “Of course it is nice to see all these things, but they don’t interest me a whole lot.”

“I feel the same way. To tell the truth I shall be glad to get to San Francisco. From what I have heard, the Exposition must be beautiful.”

“Indeed it must. By the way, I wonder what will be done with Henry Bristow—I mean Captain Von Blusen?”

“I don’t know,” replied Shirley. “However, I suppose he will be taken to Washington.”

“He seemed a very nice young man. I wouldn’t have thought he was a German.”

“Well, I suppose there are nice Germans as well as any other kind,” replied Shirley with a laugh. “But I wonder why they took such chances?”

“Orders, I reckon. The Germans have shown great daring and bravery in this war.”

“I should say they have. I wonder if the United States will be drawn into the war.”

“My goodness gracious! I hope not! Why, Daddy might have to go.”

“Oh I guess not,” laughed Shirley. “He is too old for that, except as a last resort.”

“But Dick might have to go.”

“That’s so; but I don’t think there will be any war between the United States and Germany. We could whip them easily.”

“I suppose the Germans think they could whip us just as well as we believe we can whip them.”

“But I know we can whip them.”

“Well, I’m not so sure. But one thing is certain, we won’t have to go to war. That’s the advantage of being a girl.”

“Oh I don’t know,” said Shirley, “I believe I would like to go.”

“Not for me,” declared Mabel. “Still, I might be willing to go as a Red Cross nurse.”

“That’s what I meant,” replied Shirley.

Mr. Willing, Colonel Ashton and Dick now joined them, and they discussed recent happenings.

“You don’t suppose there is any chance of Von Blusen getting away, sir?” asked Dick of Mr. Willing.

Mr. Willing looked at him and smiled.

“Afraid he’ll come after you?” he asked.

“No, not exactly sir,” replied Dick. “I just wondered, that’s all.”

“I don’t think there is. I’m sure I don’t want to be on the same ship with him again. He’ll make mischief wherever he is.”

But Mr. Willing was to be disappointed in this wish, as it turned out later.

Noon came and passed and still the big steamship was in the canal; but with the coming of the supper hour the Pacific ocean became visible in the distance.

It was the first time that Dick, Shirley or Mabel had seen the Pacific, and they stared ahead for a long time.

“I don’t see as it looks any different from the Atlantic,” declared Shirley.

“What did you expect?” asked Mabel. “Think you were going to see the name on it?”

“Not exactly. I don’t know just what I expected, but I thought it would look different.”

The others laughed.

“It might feel a little different in case a big storm came up,” said Dick.

“I don’t want to be in a storm on any water,” declared Shirley with decision.

“I should say not,” Mabel agreed. “A storm is bad enough with lots of dry land under your feet.”

The sun was just disappearing below the horizon when the Yucatan at last stuck her nose into the waters of the Pacific ocean.

“Well, here we are in the Pacific at last,” said Colonel Ashton. “Do you feel any difference, Shirley?”

“Not a bit,” replied the girl with a smile.

Mr. Willing looked at the sky.

“I guess there will be no storm on this trip,” he said.

Half an hour later all went below to supper.

They had almost finished a delightful meal when their attention was attracted by the sound of a scuffle on deck. All rushed hastily up.

There, struggling with a knot of sailors, was a single man. His back was turned to the girls as they made their way on deck, and at first they did not recognize him.

He was giving a good account of himself, striking out with such force and skill as gave evidence of much training in the use of his fists; but the sailors were too many for him, and he was at last overpowered and thrown to the deck.

Rude hands jerked him to his feet and it was then that Shirley and Mabel obtained their first look at his face.

Shirley started back with a cry of utter amazement. Then a name leaped to her lips, and was repeated by all the passengers within sight.

“Captain Von Blusen!”

“How in the world did he get here?” exclaimed Shirley.

“I can’t imagine,” declared Mabel, staring with open mouth.

Captain Anderson of the Yucatan now hastened down from the bridge and confronted the prisoner.

“What are you doing on my ship and how did you get here?” he demanded angrily.

Captain Von Blusen smiled at him.

“I just escaped, that’s all,” he replied. “You treated me so well before that I thought I would take passage with you. Besides it was the least likely place I would be looked for.”

“But how did you escape?” demanded the captain.

“That would be telling,” was the reply, and the young man smiled tantalizingly. “However, it will do no harm to say that I have good friends in Colon.”

“Well, I’ll guarantee you won’t do any more harm aboard my ship,” declared the captain angrily.

He turned to his first officer. “Have him put in irons!”

“Very good, sir,” replied the first officer, and advanced toward the prisoner.

“One moment,” said the latter drawing himself up. “I did not come here with any ill motive,” still addressing the captain, “and I desire to give my parole.”

“And what good is your parole?” demanded Captain Anderson.

“One gentleman is always ready to accept the word of another gentleman,” said Von Blusen slowly. “I give my word to make no attempt to escape.”

The captain hesitated, then waved an arm expressively.

“Very well,” he said. “Your parole is accepted.”

He returned to the bridge, and the sailors released Von Blusen. The latter walked over to where the Willing party were gathered.

“Well, here I am again,” he said with a smile.

“I see you are,” replied Mabel, and deliberately turned her back on him.

The young man’s face became red. He turned on his heel and walked off without another word.

CHAPTER XIII.—ASHORE IN COSTA RICA.

“And what are we putting in here for?”

“You’ll have to ask the captain about that,” replied Dick. “It’s too deep for me.”

The vessel came to anchor some distance from shore. It was announced that the ship would lay there for several hours, and the captain gave notice that those desiring to land would be taken off in the small boats.

Shirley immediately announced her intention of being one of the landing party, and loath to let the girl go alone, Mr. Willing and the others also determined to go ashore.

Half an hour later found them strolling about the dirty looking narrow streets of the little town.

Poorly-dressed natives, men, women and children, eyed them queerly as they walked along, the latter following them for blocks begging for money. Shirley would have given one of the children a piece of silver but for the first officer of the ship, who stayed her.

“Give money to one of them and the rest will follow you forever,” he explained.

“But they look so dirty and hungry,” protested Shirley.

“Perhaps they are,” was the officer’s reply, “but take no chances with them.”

Shirley followed his advice, as did the others of the party, and the dirty native children soon let them alone. When the party started back, however, the children trailed them once more, begging piteously for money.

At the wharf Shirley, unheeding the advice of the officer, turned and tossed a silver quarter toward them.

Instantly the place became a scene of wild confusion. There was a scramble as boys and girls dived headlong for the piece of silver. Loud cries filled the air.

A little girl raised up with the piece of money clutched tightly in her hand and started to run. But the others were upon her in an instant, and threw her to the ground, striking and clawing as they tried to take the quarter away from her.

Shirley looked at the disorder she had caused in amazement.

“My goodness!” she exclaimed. “I had no idea they were so savage.”

She watched the struggle.

Now a boy had secured the quarter and tried to escape with it. But he fared no better than had the girl, and soon was beneath the pile of struggling bodies. The children fought savagely, biting, screaming, kicking and scratching.

The party from the steamship watched with interest.

“See what you did, Shirley,” cried Mabel. “Just watch them fight.”

“I won’t do it again,” declared Shirley. “Some of them will be badly hurt.”

At this moment a newcomer appeared upon the scene. He walked slowly, and plainly was in no particular hurry. Shirley glanced at him curiously.

He was attired in a dark blue uniform. A revolver and sword hung at his side. He was short but stout, and a black mustache curled fiercely upward.

He was just what Shirley took him to be, an officer of the Costa Rican army.

He advanced into the mass of struggling children and pushed the combatants aside without ceremony. As they looked up and perceived him, the fighters turned and fled.

The sight was indeed comical and Shirley and all the others laughed long and loud.

One little boy, before taking to his heels, stooped quickly and picked up the quarter, which had rolled a short distance away. But even as he started to run, the native officer reached out a hand and caught him by the shoulder.

In vain did the boy struggle to free himself, biting and kicking. He was no match for the man, and at last he dropped the piece of silver. The officer then released him and looked around.

While the Americans still watched him he stooped, picked up the quarter, turned it over in his hand once or twice, spun it in the air, caught it as it came down and thrust it in his pocket. Then, without a glance to right or left, he turned and stalked away.

“There!” exclaimed the ship’s officer, “you can see what has happened to your quarter. It’s what happens to most of those thrown to the children by tourists.”

“It’s an outrage!” declared Shirley. “I wouldn’t have given him anything. Isn’t there something we can do about it?”

“Not a thing,” was the reply. “It is legitimate graft. But watch, now, you’ll see what the little folks do.”

As the native officer continued to swagger along, from behind houses and from down streets a hail of rocks and stones dropped upon him. The children, divided in the fight for the quarter, had joined forces against this common enemy and were pelting him vigorously.

“Good!” exclaimed Mabel. “I am glad of it. I hope they hurt him, the big coward.”

The native officer stopped and glared around angrily at his small assailants for a moment, while the rocks and stones fell on him faster than before. One struck him in the face. This was too much for his courage. He took to his heels, and with the mob of children in close pursuit, was soon lost to sight.

“I hope they get him,” declared Shirley vehemently.

“They won’t, though,” replied the officer of the Yucatan. “If he were to turn on them they’d stop and, from a safe place, continue their bombardment. He’ll find shelter some place.”

Before they could return to the launch which would take them back to the ship, the swarm of children again came into view, rushing for them.

“Quick!” cried the officer, “into the boat. They’ll run right over us. They’ve caught a sight of silver and they won’t let us alone until we give them some, or until we are out of reach.”

He hustled the others toward the small boat at a run, and succeeded in getting them in before the native children reached the water’s edge. Then the boat put off for the ship.

A cry of anger went up from the shore.

“Duck!” cried the officer, himself taking his place in the stern and grasping the rudder.

His warning came not a moment too soon.

A shower of missiles, hurled with unerring aim, fell upon the little craft. Disappointed in their quest, the native children were now bent on revenge.

As fast as they could pick them up and throw, rocks went skimming across the water, falling on both sides, and in front and behind the boat. Several dropped aboard.

One, in falling, just skimmed the back of Shirley’s head as she stooped over in the boat. Dick immediately squeezed in behind her, and another, thrown with unerring aim, carried away his hat. Fortunately however, this broke the force of the stone, and it fell to the bottom of the boat without doing any further damage.

The boat was drawing out of danger now, and the occupants sat up again and drew breaths of relief. Only the stronger of the tots could now reach them with their missiles, and the distance was too great for accurate throwing, so those in the boats felt perfectly safe.

Upon the shore the crowd of native boys and girls gave vent to cries of rage at thus being deprived of their revenge. They danced about excitedly and waved their hands in angry gestures.

At this juncture another native officer hove in sight, and the crowd turned on him. Again rocks, stones and other weapons came into play as the children turned upon him to vent their wrath. For a moment the officer seemed on the point of charging into the crowd, then changed his mind, wheeled on his heel and took to flight. The young ones gave chase, their shouts and cries carrying across the water to the occupants of the boat.

“Well!” exclaimed Shirley, now that they were out of harm’s way at last, “they are vicious little things, aren’t they?”

“Rather,” replied the officer dryly. “If a person fell into their hands it would go hard with him.”

“But what makes them so fierce?” asked Mabel, greatly interested.

“That’s hard to say. However, it probably is because they are half starved and look upon the whole world as a common foe. More than one tourist has received rough treatment at their hands.”

“And will they attack any one like that?” asked Dick.

“Not unless he shows money,” was the reply. “That is the remarkable part about it. No matter how much a man may have in his pocket they will not attack him unless they catch sight of silver or gold. One glimpse of it, however, seems to drive them wild.”

The officer gave his attention to the boat for a moment, and then continued:

“Another thing, as you have just observed. They will fight each other, but let a third party interfere and they will all jump on him.”

“Just like a quarrel between a man and his wife, eh?” asked Mr. Willing with a smile.

“Exactly. They’re a queer lot, and you will find them about the same in all Central and South American countries.”

The small boat now rubbed gently against the side of the Yucatan and the passengers scrambled up the ladder to the deck.

“We were lucky to get out of that with whole skins,” declared Shirley, when all once more stood on deck.

“I should say we were,” agreed Mabel.

“Perhaps this experience will teach you to heed the advice of others, daughter,” said Mr. Willing dryly.

“I won’t try and play the good Samaritan to native children any more, Dad,” said Shirley smiling.

A long blast from the ship’s whistle, followed by the clanking of chains as the anchor was drawn in, the vibrations of the engines became noticeable, and, with her nose pointed to the open sea, the steamship Yucatan resumed her journey.

CHAPTER XIV.—U. S. S. PRAIRIE.

“United States cruiser, sir!” came his call.

“Can you make her out?” asked the captain’s voice from the bridge.

The lookout was silent for several minutes, and then called back:

“Cruiser Prairie, sir.”

There was a muttered ejaculation from the captain. Shirley, standing near, caught the words:

“Wonder what she’s doing in these waters? She was in Bluefields the last I heard of her. Must be trouble of some kind or she wouldn’t be here.”

The two ships exchanged messages, the nature of which were unknown to the passengers, however. Both continued on their course.

Morning showed to the passengers the cruiser proceeding ahead of them. All day the two ships retained their relative positions and when night came on they were unchanged.

When Shirley awoke the following morning the Yucatan was stationary. Shirley and Mabel dressed quickly and went on deck. There they found that they were in a little harbor. Shirley asked a question of one of the other passengers.

“Where are we?”

“Port of Corinto, Nicaragua,” was the reply.

At this moment a small boat was just about to be lowered. Shirley and Mabel rushed up to the first officer, who was in command of it.

“Can we go with you?” she asked.

The officer hesitated, then: “I see no reason why you cannot,” with a smile. “Jump in.”

The girls obeyed and a few moments later were being rowed toward the not-far-distant shore. There the boat drew up at the wharf, and, signalling to the girls to accompany him if they so desired, the officer leaped lightly ashore and lent them a helping hand. The sailors were ordered to await his return.

“Where are you going?” asked Shirley.

“American consulate,” was the reply. “There has been some trouble here, and Captain Anderson has sent me to find out what it's all about.”

At the consulate Shirley and Mabel remained outside, while the first officer was closeted with the consul.

“We might as well walk around a bit,” Shirley decided. “There is no telling how long he may remain there.”

Mabel was nothing loath, and they made their way to the street. Here they walked along slowly, looking curiously at the native Nicaraguans and the queer buildings, all of old Spanish architecture and design.

“None of this for me,” was Shirley’s decision half an hour later.

“Nor me,” agreed Mabel. “I want to live in civilization.”

Unconsciously the girls had wandered further from the consulate than they realized, and as they were on the point of turning back Mabel caught sight of a familiar figure.

“Captain Von Blusen!” she exclaimed, catching Shirley by the arm.

Shirley caught her breath and gazed in the direction Mabel pointed.

It was true. There, slinking along furtively, was the gallant captain and he was walking along at a rapid rate.

“Wonder where he is going and why he’s in such a hurry?” asked Mabel.

“I don’t know,” returned Shirley, “but I’ll warrant he is up to no good.”

“But he has given his parole to make no attempt to escape.”

“I don’t imagine he’ll set much store by that if he sees a good opportunity to get away.”

Shirley would have continued her way back, but Mabel said:

“Wait a moment, Shirley. Perhaps, by following him a bit, we may learn something useful. What do you say?”

For a moment Shirley hesitated, but for a moment only.

“Perhaps we can,” she said then. “There can be no danger if we keep out of sight. Come on.”

The German was now some distance ahead of them, and taking care to avoid being seen should he turn suddenly, the girls followed him.

But apparently Captain Von Blusen had no idea that he would be followed. He strode rapidly along and not once did he turn his head.

“He must have been here before,” Shirley decided. “He seems to know where he is going.”

For another ten minutes they followed him, and then Shirley halted.

“I am afraid we had better go back,” she said. “We may get lost.”

“Oh I guess not,” declared Mabel. “And besides we have plenty of time. The ship will probably stay here most of the day. Come on, Shirley.”

Shirley allowed herself to be led along.

They had now approached the outskirts of the little town, and the young German struck off through a clump of trees. At the edge of these Shirley stopped abruptly.

“We won’t follow him any further,” she said decisively. “It might be dangerous.”

“I guess you are right,” agreed Mabel. “I wish he had stayed where we could keep track of him.”

“So do I. But he didn’t. We had better be getting back.”

They turned and started to retrace their footsteps, but even as they did so the footsteps of a large body of men came toward them. They were not yet in sight, but the men were coming right down the street through which the girls must go on their way back.

Mabel looked at Shirley in alarm.

“What shall we do?” she exclaimed.

“We’ll just have to put on a bold face and walk right along,” declared Shirley. “Come.”

She started out slowly, Mabel walking by her side.

A moment later there appeared ahead of them, advancing at a rapid march, a body of armed men. Shirley and Mabel shrank close to the side of the street to give the marchers as much room as possible.

At first it seemed the girls would get by without trouble, for the first troop had passed them, paying no attention to their presence.

But as the officer in command of the troop came abreast of them, a command suddenly rang out:

“Halt!”

The troop stopped abruptly, and grounded their arms. Shirley and Mabel also paused, as they believed the words were meant for them. Then, seeing the soldiers pause, they moved on again. But again came the cry of “Halt.”

The girls halted in their tracks.

The commander, whom they perceived was a man well along toward seventy, but who nevertheless walked perfectly erect and who looked very imposing in his bright military uniform, advanced toward them.

“What are you young ladies doing here?” he asked courteously, in English.

“We were just walking about the city, sir,” replied Shirley, her voice trembling somewhat in spite of the efforts she made to keep it steady.

“Where do you come from?”

“Steamship in the harbor, sir.”

“You mean the cruiser?”

“No, sir,” replied Mabel. “The passenger steamer, sir.”

“H-m-mm-m,” muttered the officer.

Before he could speak further there came, from the town, the sound of more rapidly approaching footsteps.

“Come with me,” cried the Nicaraguan officer quickly, “if you go on you will be hurt. Come quickly.”

He urged his men on with a sharp command.

Shirley and Mabel hung back.

“Quick!” cried the general again. “There will be fighting here in a few minutes, and if you are in the way you are likely to be hurt.”

A squad of men, at his command, surrounded the two girls, and they were forced to go along whether or no.

The troop dashed quickly for the shelter of the woods in which the girls had seen Captain Von Blusen disappear a few moments before.

Once in the shelter of the trees, the officer in command gave several sharp orders, and the troop divided into three parts. Then they flitted rapidly further in among the trees.

Shirley and Mabel, now badly frightened, found themselves with the commanding officer’s section. They could see that they were bearing off to the right and several times would have spoken, but the officer silenced them with a gesture.

“I shall answer your questions later,” he said once.

Although the girls did not know just what was the matter, they realized that the Nicaraguans were fleeing from another, and, supposedly, a larger body of men.

“I hope they overtake us. I want to get back to Dad,” cried Mabel.

“And I hope they don’t,” exclaimed Shirley.

“Why, Shirley!”

“I mean it. If they do overtake us it may mean a battle, and then we would be in danger. As long as we keep away from them we are safe. Besides, Dad will find us some way. Our fathers and Dick won’t permit us to be carried off.”

“I reckon you are right, Shirley,” Mabel agreed finally. “Besides, there is an American cruiser near. They’ll have the bluejackets out searching for us.”

“And they will find us, too,” declared Mabel.

“I hope they hurry up and come,” exclaimed Shirley. “I’m badly frightened, but I don’t want to show it. The thing to do is to make the officer think we are not a bit scared.”

“We’ll try,” said Mabel calmly.

For an hour they continued on their way, and then suddenly the force began to increase as men appeared from other directions and joined the main body.

Although the girls did not know it, these were the same men who had scattered at the first sign of pursuit. They had made a detour to throw the pursuers off the track.

At last the commander called a halt. Then he approached the two girls.

“I guess I had better explain why I insisted on your coming with us,” he said with a pleasant smile.

CHAPTER XV.—AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.

The officer gazed at both girls admiringly.

“You take it coolly enough,” he declared. “Many in your places would be badly frightened.”

“Surely there is nothing to be afraid of,” said Mabel, determined to show as bold a front as possible.

“No,” said the officer, “there isn’t.” He looked at them closely. “I wonder if either of you happen to know who I am?” he asked.

Shirley shook her head negatively.

“I’m sure I don’t,” said Mabel.

“Then I must introduce myself,” was the reply. “I am General Pedro Garcia, President of the republic of Nicaragua.”

Both girls looked at him in the utmost surprise.

“You may well be surprised,” said the general, a touch of bitterness in his tone, it seemed to Shirley, “and no doubt you are to see the President of the country in such a predicament?”

Shirley didn’t know much about Nicaragua, but she decided she might as well agree with him, as he seemed to expect it.

“Yes, sir,” she said.

“And I am surprised to find myself in such a position,” said the President. “I shall explain. With my men I am fleeing from the revolutionists.”

“Revolutionists?” echoed Shirley.

“Exactly. I was in Corinto with some of my army for diplomatic purposes. While absent from Managua there was an uprising. It seems to have been well planned, for it broke out in all parts of the republic at once, even here in Corinto.”

“I was surprised with my men this morning and was forced to flee. That’s about all there is to it.”

“But why did you bring us with you?” demanded Shirley. “Why didn’t you allow us to return to our ship.”

“Because you might never have reached there,” replied the President quietly. “You would probably have fallen into the hands of the revolutionists. While you are with me you are safe.”

There was no doubting the sincerity in the President’s voice, and both girls unconsciously breathed easier.

“Besides,” continued the general, “your presence may help me a bit.”

“In what way sir?” asked Mabel.

“Well, there is a United States cruiser in Corinto harbor. When you are missed the natural supposition will be that you have fallen into the hands of the revolutionists. The U. S. sailors will be sent after you, and will be likely to attack my foes.”

“I see,” said Shirley with a slight smile. “Then you did not save us from an altogether unselfish motive.”

“My dear young ladies, consider,” said the President, “it is better for both of us.”

“I don’t doubt you, sir,” replied Shirley; “but just the same I would rather be safe aboard our ship.”

“And so you shall be, if it is within my power to put you there,” declared the President of Nicaragua warmly.

At this moment two of the general’s troopers approached, dragging a third man between them. Shirley and Mabel fell back a few feet.

“Hello! Who have we here?” demanded President Garcia.

“Prisoner, sir,” replied one of the men.

“Release him,” said the President. “I shall talk to him myself. Who are you, and what are you doing here?” he demanded sharply.

Shirley and Mabel both started at the sound of the prisoner’s voice. He was none other than Captain von Blusen.

“I’m Captain von Blusen, of the German navy,” was the reply. “I have been held prisoner aboard an American ship, and have but recently escaped. I am seeking Colonel Hernandez.”

“Hernandez!” exclaimed President Garcia, stepping back in surprise. “The leader of the revolutionists!”

“And may I ask your name, sir?” said Captain von Blusen.

“I,” said the general, “am the President of Nicaragua.”

The prisoner gave vent to a long whistle and a look of dismay passed over his face. It was gone in a moment, however, and he turned to the President with a smile.

“I am fortunate in finding you, sir,” he said. “I am authorized by my government to make you a proposition.”

“Well, I shall hear it,” said the President.

“I am authorized to offer you a large sum of money for the privilege of establishing a German naval base on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.”

“Enough!” cried the general with a wave of his hand. “It shall not be done if I can prevent it. Germany indeed. Were I able, I myself should draw a sword against her. You will find no German sympathy in these parts.”

Captain von Blusen bowed his head. He said nothing further on the subject.

“What will you do with me?” he asked.

“I shall hold you until the rebels have been put down,” was the reply. “Then you shall be released. I wouldn’t trust you now.”

He signalled two of his men and the young German officer was led away between them.

At this moment another officer rushed up to the general.

“Our presence has been discovered, sir,” he gasped. “The enemy is approaching.”

Shirley and Mabel now perceived that the President of the Republic of Nicaragua, in spite of his advanced years, was a man of action.

He turned rapidly from one to another of his officers, and these dashed quickly away. A moment later the few troops began to move, and the girls realized that President Garcia had taken some steps to offset the advance of the revolutionists.

They found themselves going along with the troops.

“My goodness! I wish we were back on the ship,” exclaimed Shirley.

“You don’t wish it any more than I do,” declared Mabel. “I am more frightened than you are. Suppose there should be a battle. What would happen to us?”

Shirley shrugged her shoulders.

“You know as much about it as I do,” she made answer.

Mabel looked at her in amazement.

“Why, Shirley Willing!” she exclaimed. “Aren’t you afraid? I am scared half to death.”

“I am just as badly frightened as you are,” declared Shirley. “I may not look it, but I am.”

“I don’t believe you are frightened at all,” said Mabel.

In spite of the seriousness of the situation and her declaration that she was badly frightened, Shirley was forced to smile at her friend’s words.

“Well, perhaps I’m not so awfully scared,” she confessed. “I’m anxious to see what is going to happen.”

“I know what is going to happen,” was the reply. “We are going to get hurt!”

Mabel broke down and began to cry.

Shirley took her chum gently in her arms, and stroked her hair.

“There, there!” she said. “Stop crying. No one is going to hurt us. You are just overwrought, that’s all.”

“I just know we are going to be shot—and—and killed,” sobbed Mabel.

“Nonsense,” said Shirley sharply. “Look up now and stop that crying. We are perfectly safe. Stop crying.”

Mabel looked up suddenly at the sharpness in her chum’s tone, but her tears soon were dried away. Shirley, in speaking as she had, had done the best thing possible. She had realized that it was time for sharp words and not for sympathy.

After a march of perhaps a half hour, President Garcia called another halt, and then summoned his officers into consultation.

The two girls stood close, but they could not make out what was being said. At length the general dismissed his officers with a gesture, and as they scattered to their respective posts, the general approached the two girls.

“We are going to make a sharp turn to the south here,” he said quietly, “and then we shall move back and engage the enemy. That will put you safely behind us. Now, if I were you, I would bear off slightly to the right, and then go straight ahead. In that way you will be out of danger. If the firing comes closer to you, make another wide detour, turn about and try to make your way back to the ship. But I would not do that until after the battle ceases.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Shirley. “We shall do as you suggest. We thank you for your thoughtfulness in keeping us from falling into the hands of the revolutionists. May you come through the battle unharmed, and may you be successful.”

She extended her hand, and the President bent over it gravely.

“I thank you for your good wishes,” he said quietly.

Mabel also now advanced and extended her hand, and the President bent over it.

“Good luck to you, Mr. President,” said Mabel.

“I thank you, too, young lady,” said the President simply. “Now heed my injunction and betake yourselves to a place of safety. We shall advance at once.”

Once more he bowed low to them, swung sharply about on his heel and was gone. With hoarse commands from the officers, the troops faced to the left and marched off.

“I guess we had better be moving, Shirley,” said Mabel.

Instead of turning to the right, they went straight back.

“It should be safer here,” said Mabel as they hurried along. “The revolutionists are liable to advance on the right as well as on the left!”

“I wish we could get some place where we could see,” declared Shirley.

Mabel stooped in her tracks and gazed at her friend in the utmost astonishment.

“Shirley!” she exclaimed. “Surely you don’t mean that?”

“Of course I mean it. If we could only find some place where it is safe.”

Unconsciously the girls had borne off to the left, and now suddenly they came upon a clearing in the midst of the woods. And as they glanced back, they saw the Nicaraguan government troops advancing across it.

But even as they looked the troops came to a halt, and most of them fell to their knees. Shirley looked around quickly. Directly behind her was a large tree.

“If we haven’t forgotten our tomboy days we’ll climb up there and watch the battle,” she declared.

She led the way, and in spite of her misgivings, Mabel followed.

CHAPTER XVI.—THE GIRLS SEE A BATTLE.

A moment later a score of dark-visaged Nicaraguans, with rifles ready for instant use, appeared and took up their position at the edge of the little woods, several of them falling flat under the very tree in which the two girls were perched.

Mabel uttered an exclamation as the first volley was fired by these newcomers. In spite of the fact that she was prepared for it, the sharp reports of the weapons had wrung a cry of surprise from her. Shirley, more calm, uttered no sound.

The girls could now see that the men beneath them were a part of President Garcia’s force, for they were shooting over the heads of their companions, apparently in an effort to cover the retreat of the main body.

The latter now retreated more rapidly and at length joined forces with the men beneath the trees. Shirley and Mabel could hear their conversation plainly, but as it was carried on in Spanish, they could not make out the trend of it.

For perhaps fifteen minutes President Garcia’s men held their position, firing at the enemy from the shelter of the trees.

The plight of the two girls was much more serious than either realized, for a chance bullet was likely to hit one of them at any moment. And yet they felt safer in the tree than they would have felt among the soldiers on the ground.

So far the enemy had contented themselves with lying flat on the ground some distance away and firing at the trees, but now, as Shirley perceived by peering across the plain, they were preparing for a charge.

A moment later there was a wild yell, and they came forward on the run. They spread out as they came on, and here and there a man fell over, struck down by a rifle bullet.

In spite of their great danger both girls became lost in wonder at the sight, and stared ahead with straining eyes. Shirley was brought to herself by the sound of something buzzing past her head. She knew in a moment what is was.

“Mabel!” she cried. “Climb as high as you can or we shall be shot!”

She scrambled higher up among the branches, and Mabel followed suit.

Here no bullets flew past them, and looking down they saw that President Garcia was ordering his men to retreat.

The government troops disappeared further back in the woods, and now the danger came from their bullets rather than from those of the enemy. The girls were in a ticklish situation and they were fully alive to their peril.

The enemy pushed further into the woods, pursuing the government troops. The bullets flew less thick, the sound of firing became fainter and fainter, and then died away in the distance.

Shirley roused herself from the trance in which she seemed to have fallen.

“Come, Mabel,” she said. “Let’s get down and get back to the ship before some of them come back.”

Mabel was nothing loath, and quickly the girls slid to the ground and advanced to the edge of the clearing. Here they stopped for a moment, looking about them.

Several figures were sprawled about on the ground. The girls shuddered.

“It is terrible,” said Shirley.

“Don’t look at them,” urged Mabel. “Let’s run.”

But as they were about to take to their heels, they were startled by the sound of a voice directly behind them.

“Ha!” it said.

The girls wheeled in their tracks to confront a man with rifle levelled directly at them. A cry of fear was rung from Mabel’s lips, but Shirley said nothing.

The man advanced and the girls shrank back. A torrent of words poured from the man’s lips, but it was absolutely unintelligible to either of the girls.

Shirley made a gesture, indicating that they did not understand, and the man said:

“Americanos?”

“Yes,” replied Shirley. “Do you speak English?”

“Si!” replied the man, “a leetle!”

“We want to go away,” said Shirley eagerly. “We belong on the ship in the harbor.”

“No! Stay here. General Orizaba will return soon,” said the man in broken English.

Shirley started to protest, but the man made a threatening gesture with his rifle.

The two girls looked at each other in dismay.

“Out of the frying pan into the fire, Mabel,” declared Shirley. “I guess we shall have to stay.”

There was apparently no help for it. They sat down upon the grass to await the arrival of General Orizaba, who, they rightly guessed, was the commander of the revolutionary forces.

Their captor stood vigilant guard. Apparently he was determined to allow them no chance to escape. He sat some distance away, with his rifle across his knees. The two girls settled themselves with their backs to a large tree, and made themselves as comfortable as they could under the circumstances.

There was a snapping of a twig behind them, and Shirley glanced about uneasily.

“S-s-h-h,” came a low voice. “Keep still and show no surprise.”

Both girls recognized the voice in an instant.

They maintained their composure well, and spoke only to each other.

“It’s Dick!” whispered Shirley.

“I know it,” replied Mabel.

“Then we are safe.”

The girls’ guard now put an end to their conversation. Rising he approached them and commanded:

“Silence!”

He did not hear soft footsteps passing beyond him, nor did he turn in time to see a figure leap from behind a tree and spring at him. The first he realized of his danger was when a pair of strong arms went round him, and he was hurled violently to the ground, his rifle flying from his hands.

“Get the rifle, Shirley!” called Dick, as he and his opponent struggled for mastery.

Shirley leaped forward, stopped, and when she arose she held the rifle.

For a moment she considered the advisability of advancing and lending Dick a hand, then concluded that he was more than a match for the Nicaraguan. Besides, the figures were locked in such close embrace that she couldn’t have aided Dick if she would.

Now Dick succeeded in shaking off the grip of his opponent, and sprang to his feet. The Nicaraguan did likewise, and sprang back.

As Dick leaped forward again, the man’s hand went to his holster, and a revolver flashed in his hand.

But before he could bring the weapon to bear, Shirley stepped quickly forward, levelled her rifle at him, and in a clear sharp voice, cried:

“Halt!”

The man wheeled quickly and as he did so, Dick sprang upon him from behind. A quick blow sent the revolver hurling several feet away, and then Dick stepped back to give free play to his boxing skill.

The Nicaraguan rushed at him, but Dick stepped lightly aside, and as the man went by, carried on by the impetus of his rush, Dick struck out straight and true from the shoulder.

The Nicaraguan crumpled up in a heap on the ground.

Shirley and Mabel ran quickly to Dick’s side.

“Are you hurt, Dick?” asked Shirley anxiously.

“No!” was the smiling rejoinder, “but I would have been if you had not been prompt with that rifle. That’s all that saved me.”

“How did you find us?” asked Mabel.

“Followed you. We became alarmed at your absence and I said I thought I could find you. I imagined you had gone for a stroll, and when I saw this bunch of pirates going through the town I guessed that you would fall into their hands. I came along after them and just as I was about to go on I saw you climbing down from the tree.”

“Well, you didn’t arrive a minute too soon,” declared Shirley. “We were badly frightened, weren’t we Mabel?”

“I know I was,” was her chum’s reply. She turned to Dick. “But how——”

“I’ll explain later,” interrupted Dick. “The thing to do now is to get away from here before they return. Come on.”

The girls started on ahead of him, and Dick turned for a glance over his shoulder.

Then he uttered an exclamation of alarm, and shouted:

“Run!”

For in that quick glance over his shoulder he had perceived the return of the revolutionists.

CHAPTER XVII.—MABEL BRINGS THE BLUEJACKETS.

The three sped lightly over the ground and had gone some distance when they heard a shout from behind, followed by the sharp reports of several rifles.

Dick stopped suddenly and called to the girls to halt. They obeyed instantly.

“There is no use being shot,” said Dick quietly, “and although they are poor shots they would be sure to hit one of us sooner or later.”

“Then what shall we do?” cried Mabel.

“There is only one thing to do,” was the reply. “Surrender.”

“Dick is right,” agreed Shirley. “It is foolish to attempt to escape.”

In the meantime the band of revolutionists had been coming toward them, and at length surrounded the three figures. A man, who appeared to be the leader, though he wore no uniform nor mark of distinction, advanced and addressed Dick.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” he demanded in English.

Dick explained, and the man heard him through quietly.

“And who was it hurt Pedro back there?” and the leader waved toward the spot where Dick had struggled with the Nicaraguan.

“I did,” he replied quietly, and explained the cause of the fight.

“Well, you will have to stand trial for attacking one of my men,” said the leader. “I am General Orizaba.”

He signalled for his men to surround the three, which was soon done, and they continued their march back toward the city.

“Every step in this direction is better for us,” said Dick to the two girls, as they marched along. “We’ll get out of this trouble some way, be sure of that.”

“Oh, I know no harm will come to us as long as you are here,” replied Shirley.

“Thanks,” said Dick dryly. “But I don’t see how I can do much for any of us right now.”

“Something will turn up,” said Shirley positively.

“I hope it turns up soon,” declared Mabel.

But if the prisoners hoped to be taken directly back to town they were doomed to disappointment.

After crossing the clearing in the woods, General Orizaba led his men to the left, where after an hour’s march, he called a halt. Then he again approached the prisoners.

“We shall camp here,” he said. “Here, also, you shall be tried for attacking Pedro.”

Dick made no reply, but Shirley did

“We are Americans,” she said, “and you don’t dare to interfere with us.”

“I don’t, eh?” was the reply. “You shall see.”

Pedro, it now appeared, had been revived and brought along. The general motioned for him to approach. He pointed to Dick and spoke in Spanish. It was impossible to tell what they were talking about, but all three were keen enough to know that it boded no good for them.

The general turned again to Dick.

“Pedro says you struck him without warning and without provocation,” he said. “I have decided, therefore, to dispense with the trial, and to fix your punishment myself.”

“I warn you——” began Dick.

“Caramba!” roared the leader, becoming very angry. “What do I care for your warnings, or for your friends either?”

“There is an American cruiser in the harbor,” said Dick quietly. “The commander knows where I am, and if I am not back within two hours, he will land a force of sailors to see why.”

General Orizaba seemed to hesitate, following these words. Then he became even angrier than before. He was about to speak, when a horseman clattered up.

The general turned to him and they conversed in low tones. Then the horseman dismounted, and leaving his horse, made his way to where the rest of the revolutionists sat upon the ground some distance away.

General Orizaba again faced Dick.

“Dog of an Americano!” he thundered. “You shall be shot for daring to interfere with one of my men.”

Dick only smiled.

“I guess you don’t mean that,” he replied quietly.

“I don’t, eh? You shall see.” He paused a moment. “But you shall live until sunset.”

He turned to call one of his men; and at that moment, Mabel, who stood closest to the riderless horse, suddenly leaped forward and sprang upon the animal’s back.

So sudden was her movement that for a moment the Nicaraguans failed to realize her intention.

That moment was sufficient for Mabel to seize the reins and turn the horse’s head toward the city. Then she dug her heels into his flanks and away they went.

Dick and Shirley were no less surprised than the Nicaraguans, and both uttered cries of alarm.

General Orizaba darted forward with an ejaculation, and called to his men.

“Shoot!” he cried.

Rifles were brought to bear, but the horse had gained his stride and was galloping along like the wind. Volley after volley was fired after the girl, but thanks to the movement of the horse and the poor marksmanship of the Nicaraguans, Mabel was not touched.

Rapidly she rode, nor did she draw rein when she entered the town but galloped straight to the pier. Here still lay the small boat of the Yucatan, manned by its crew. Rapidly explaining the situation, the girl urged the sailors back to the ship without waiting the return of the first officer, who was some place in the town.

About the ship, Mabel found that Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton were ashore searching for the girls, and so she went straight to Captain Anderson. That worthy acted promptly. He quickly signalled the cruiser Prairie, which Mabel, saw for the first time, perceived lay close by.

The Prairie signalled for the captain and Mabel to come aboard, which they did without loss of time. In a few words Mabel explained the situation to the commander of the cruiser.

Action came quickly.

A bugle sounded, piping the crew to quarters. The commander detailed a landing party of one hundred and fifty marines and sailors. These were quickly rowed to the shore—Mabel going with them as a guide, for she refused to be left behind.

Once ashore, the girl led the way toward where she had left her friends, the men going forward at the double-quick, their weapons ready for instant use.

When General Orizaba perceived that Mabel had made good her flight, his anger knew no bounds. He berated his men roundly and danced about like a madman. Then he turned to Dick.

“But you shall not escape!” he declared.

“You’ll have a squad of marines down on you in a few minutes,” replied Dick with a cheerful smile. “Then where will you be?”

“Bah!” said the angry general. “What are a few marines? We can drive them back.”

“Think so, do you?” asked Dick. “I’m afraid you’ll be surprised.”

“You shall see,” declared the angry leader. “You shall live until you see your countrymen defeated.”

“Guess I shall live a long time then,” said Dick, with a smile.

The smile angered the leader, and he stepped close to Dick and slapped him across the face.