hen they looked in each
other's face with a pleased expression. A welcome fact had become
known to both at the same moment.

"The boat is moving," whispered the American.

With the screw motionless, she had been lifted clear by the tide and
now swung clear. The Captain drew out his watch and held it so the
moonlight lit up the face.

"There is no reaching Zalapata until toward noon, provided we get
there with this gunboat, Major."

The significant intonation and smile which accompanied these words
puzzled the American, who would have given much to have had them
explained. But it was useless to question the Captain and the only
comfort was in the thought that he was an honorable foe.

"Now for Zalapata!" he added.

"I assume, Captain, that you are familiar with all the windings and
dangers of the river."

"Didn't I prove it by running aground? But there will be no more
mishaps of that nature while I hold the wheel."

"Your pledge is sufficient," remarked the American, who again passed
to the lower deck and joined his friends. He told them of the curious
remark of Captain Ortega, but none of the three could guess his
meaning.

"The only thing that is certain," said Captain Guzman, "is that
General Yozarro and the rest are somewhere down the river and we
shall hear more from them."

No one felt any disposition to sleep and none really needed rest. The
engineer and firemen caught cat naps whenever they could. Captain
Ortega was probably in the same state with his three male passengers.
His duties did not require long runs as a rule, but the present demand
having arisen, he was equal to twenty hours or more at a stretch.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

The tropical night wore away and the growing light in the east showed
that day was dawning. With the exception of the men who wrought below,
Miss Starland was the only one who slept during those monotonous
hours, but she was astir early, and with the help of Martella set
about preparing the morning meal for the crew and passengers. General
Yozarro could be counted upon to carry a well stocked larder, and
little solid food is required in so warm a country. Many of the fish
in the bifurcated river are of delicious flavor, but rice and fruit
form the principal diet. She prepared coffee and the first food that
was ready was taken below by Martella for the men who did the hardest
work.

"The Captain must not be forgotten, Martella; will you carry a tray to
him?"

"No