t in the
method that occurred to him he would have an ample opportunity of
studying the other man under conditions which the other man would not
suspect. He would have Saxon at all times in his power and under his
observation while he set traps for him. If his surmise of sincerity
proved false, he could act at once as he chose, before Saxon would
have the opportunity to make a dangerous move. He would seem to do a
tremendously hazardous thing in the name of friendship, but all the
while he would have the cards stacked. If at the proper moment he
still believed in the other, he would permit the man, under
supervision, to save these friends. If not, Rodman would still be
master of the situation. Besides, he had been seriously disappointed
in not meeting Miraflores. He had felt that there might yet be
advantages in coming closer to the theater of the drama than this
vessel going north, though he must still remain under the protection
of a foreign flag.

"So, you are willing to admit that your proper name is Mr. Carter?" he
demanded, coolly.

"I am willing to admit anything, if I can get to Puerto Frio and
through the lines," responded Saxon, readily.

"If I take you back, you will go unarmed, under constant supervision,"
stipulated Rodman. "You will have to obey my orders, and devise some
pretext for enticing your friends away, without telling them the true
reason. I shall be running my neck into a noose perhaps. I have no
right to run that of _Vegas y Libertad_ into a noose as well. Are
those terms satisfactory?"

"Absolutely!" Saxon let more eagerness burst from his lips than he had
intended.

"Then, come with me to the captain." Suddenly, Rodman wheeled, and
looked at the other man with a strange expression. "Do you know why
I'm doing this? It's a fool reason, but I want to prove to you that
I'm not the sort that would be apt to turn an ally over to his
executioners. That's why."

Five minutes later, the two stood in the captain's cabin, and Saxon
noted that the officer treated Rodman with a manner of marked
deference.

"Is Cartwright's steam yacht still at Mollera?" demanded the soldier
of fortune, incisively.

"It's held there for emergencies," replied the officer.

"It's our one chance! Mr. Saxon and myself must get to Puerto Frio at
once. When do we strike Mollera?" Rodman consulted his watch.

"In an hour."

"Have us put off there. Send a wireless to the yacht to have steam up,
and arrange for clea