Major Marble and the native officer went fearlessly among the natives, leading them to a point near the river, and placed guards over them to prevent their escape and then, seeing that a struggle was still going forward on the eastern side of the mountain, gathered a force of soldiers about him and hastened to aid those still in the throes of combat. Almost out of breath the reinforcing column arrived in time to greet Phil and O’Neil standing on the brink of the precipice and hear their exclamations of disappointment at the escape of the coveted insurgent leader. CHAPTER XXII THE ESCAPED OUTLAW Lukban was the first to recover from the stunning news that Espinosa had, by a miracle, escaped out of the Americans’ hands when all outlets were supposed to have been covered. “He doesn’t dare stay in Kapay,” the native exclaimed after Phil had explained to the general the manner of his escape. “The natives fear him, but without his followers and with the incumbrance of Rodriguez’s treasure, the dangers he must face will make him do his utmost to leave the island.” General Wilson listened intently, his eyes wandering over the victorious battle-field behind him where Captain Blynn’s men were quietly disarming the now docile natives. “I fear we cannot stop him now,” General Wilson said disappointedly, “but I suppose we should be satisfied with our victory. This means the end of the war on Kapay.” Lukban had turned and was earnestly engaged in conversation with Lopez, and then he asked several eager questions of Garcia, who had joined the group. Finally he turned to General Wilson, his black eyes snapping with renewed eagerness. “Lopez wishes to follow him,” he exclaimed excitedly. “He will take his hundred men, who are only too anxious to see him captured and punished for his many crimes, and especially for the murder of Señor Rodriguez. If he is pressed closely he will make for the nearest point of escape which by the trail is Banate. This Garcia assures me was his intention if he was defeated. Garcia wishes to go with Lopez, and he can arrange a signal by fires on the hill behind the swamps to be seen by the gunboat at sea. The gunboat must go down the river at once and at sea await the signal. Espinosa must attempt his escape by proa to Megras. It is only fifty miles away and if he reaches there he will be safe for the time among his friends living on that island.” Phil’s face suddenly beamed in smiles as Lukban’s plan slowly unfolded before him. Highly delighted, he shook hands enthusiastically with the speaker, until the latter cried out in pain from the well meant but rough show of appreciation. “Major Marble and I will return with you at once,” General Wilson added quietly to Phil after he had in but a few words approved the proposed plan. “Blynn can settle the question of prisoners. I’d like to have Espinosa behind bars before I wire to Manila giving them this news.”