Within ten feet of the midshipmen the fanatics suddenly stopped and a fear crept into their superstitious faces. The next second, to the lads’ astonishment, their sharp swords dropped from nerveless fingers, and the three natives prostrated themselves in the dust of the road. The lads gazed in startled wonder, scarcely believing their eyes. CHAPTER XII THE MIDSHIPMEN RECONNOITRE The midshipmen were so utterly astonished at the actions of their fanatical enemies that they could only gasp out their surprise in one heartfelt word of relief. Then a familiar voice at their elbow awoke them from their stupefied inactivity. It was in Visayan and they turned to gaze into the impassive face of Rodriguez. “I have ordered them to escape,” he added in Spanish, casting a quick glance toward the squad of soldiers. “Poor fellows, it would be a pity to kill them, for they are but acting under orders.” The lads were too grateful to their rescuer for saving their lives to make useless inquiries as to why his influence could be exerted over the acts of their enemy. Phil’s first thought was for the men whom the captain had left them to guard. “Surround this house,” he commanded, and the sergeant in charge gave a short command and led the way himself to the rear of the large native building. “It is too late, señor commandante,” Rodriguez said shaking his head; “they have all escaped through the rear door and are by now safely away.” The midshipmen ran quickly up the steps and gazed disappointedly into the gloom beyond. The floor still lay at the bottom of the cellar, the bamboo spears sticking half-way through, but the natives had gone. The back door stood open and to the ground was a jump of twenty feet. They had safely escaped while the lads were engaged defending themselves against the attack of the bolo-men. “I am on my way to see General Wilson,” Rodriguez announced after a search had failed to disclose any signs of the fugitives, “and offer my services.” “Do you mean that you will fight with us against the insurgents?” Phil asked in glad surprise. “Yes, from now on I shall aid the Americans to restore order in the island of Kapay,” Rodriguez replied, pleased at the cordial reception given him by the two midshipmen. Together the party made their way back to headquarters in search of Captain Blynn. “It was providential that I happened along,” Rodriguez said after they had passed through the sentries; “those bolo-men knew me and obeyed my sign. I see,” he added smilingly, “that you are already arresting the traitors.” “We were not very successful with Señor Cardero and his friends yonder,” Sydney exclaimed ruefully, “but I suppose we should be thankful to have gotten off so easily.”