“Myself and everything I can command are at your service,” the Spaniard gratefully replied. “Then here’s my plan,” O’Neil explained hurriedly: “they’ll put Craig in that machine and take him to La Boca; then on board the ‘Mercedes,’ and we can’t stop them. She’ll get away and then we’ll follow her in the ‘Aquadores’ and bring Craig back. Isn’t that easy? Will you do it?” “Willingly,” the captain exclaimed delightedly. “You are a clever man to have thought of this. Fortunately I have steam up in my vessel and as soon as we get on board we can be under way.” It seemed hours to the anxious men before Mareno’s machine moved slowly up to the door; its headlight cutting through the darkness illuminating brightly the courtyard in front of the house. “They are going at last,” whispered O’Neil. “What time is it?” Captain Garcia took out his watch and glanced at its face. “It’s after two,” he answered; “they have been in there two hours.” The automobile in front of the house moved swiftly toward them. As it reached the machine in which our friends were awaiting it speeded up and tore past them. O’Neil looked closely; the curtains were drawn, and he could see nothing within. “What does that mean?” questioned Captain Garcia in amazement. “They are going to Mariel.” “It means my plan is no good,” cried O’Neil despairingly. “Mareno has had the ‘Mercedes’ sent to Mariel and they’ll put him on board her there.” “Quick, man,” cried Captain Garcia as he watched Señor Mareno’s machine fade in the distance. “What shall we do?” O’Neil was in deep thought. Did he dare attack these men and take Craig forcibly away from them? It would mean a prison for him. “Follow them,” he ordered sharply, “for all you’re worth. I’ll give you ten pesos if you catch her before we get to Mariel,” he cried to the chauffeur. Their automobile bounded ahead and rushed along the dark road. Mile after mile was eaten up by the steel monster. The anxious men peered ahead hoping to see the dark form of Mareno’s machine, but the suburbs of Mariel were reached and their enemies were still invisible. “If we catch ’em,” rasped O’Neil, “we must seize Craig by force; it’s our last chance.” Captain Garcia was delighted. That had been his plan from the first. “I’ll swing for it if Mr. Lazar recognizes me,” O’Neil muttered, “but the fun’ll be worth it.” The black smudge in the road ahead of them slowly took shape out of the darkness. The anxious seekers breathed easier, as they looked to their weapons. “Bring her alongside,” O’Neil ordered the amazed chauffeur. The man did not relish this hazardous undertaking on a rough and narrow road, but the sight of the sailor’s revolver gave him the courage to steer his machine abreast of the fleeing automobile ahead of them. “Hold there!” Captain Garcia shouted firing his revolver to emphasize his order; “we want to speak to you.” The other machine immediately slowed and the two cars were soon motionless side by side on the road.