“Cardero is one of the craftiest of our outlaws,” Rodriguez returned. “It is a marvel to me how he could have remained unmasked so long. Of course,” he added, “I have known of this intrigue for some months, but until they deliberately plotted against my life I could not betray them.” “Have you discovered who is the Katipunan leader who tried to murder you last night?” Sydney asked excitedly. “Yes,” Rodriguez replied. “You have doubtless guessed that he was Espinosa. I know it now for sure. He has gone to Matiginao, where there is a strong fort, and is in command of all the insurgent forces there. The bullet only crippled him last night, and I hear he is rapidly recovering. General Diocno was murdered last night in his bed and no doubt I should have shared the same fate.” They were by this time at the headquarters building, and were glad to find that Captain Blynn had returned. The midshipmen informed the army man of their luckless adventure and stood in silence expecting to hear his harsh rebuke for allowing such important prisoners to escape, but he only grasped their hands and congratulated them upon their rare good fortune. “By George,” he exclaimed excitedly, “we’ve been contentedly living over an active volcano. It’s a marvel we haven’t all been massacred long ago. “Every native of any consequence in the town has departed,” he added sadly. “Rodriguez with you, and wishes to aid us?” he cried gladly, as Phil told of the intention of the wealthy native. “Well, that certainly is cheering news.” Rodriguez came into the office and stood with dignified bearing before the big judge-advocate. “So you are tired of being neutral?” the army officer said pointedly in Spanish. “Do you wish to occupy the position just vacated by our mutual friend Espinosa?” Rodriguez drew himself up proudly while the midshipmen gasped at this harsh arraignment. “I do not blame you, señor,” the native answered, no evidence of anger on his placid face. “I know that you can have but little reason to trust the honesty of the men of my race. But I do not desire a position. I am now ready to take the field with my men, heretofore neutral. I have three hundred rifles.” “You are ready then to take the oath of allegiance?” Captain Blynn asked in official tones. “Yes, señor, and keep it,” Rodriguez returned, his eyes unflinching. “Have you any news that will lead to our knowing the whereabouts of Lieutenant Tillotson?” Blynn asked. “Ah, I have,” the native answered eagerly. “I was about to ask you--my spies report a captive with Espinosa.” The Americans gave sighs of relief. At least Tillotson was alive. General Wilson received Señor Rodriguez with marked courtesy and appointed him on the spot a colonel in command of his own men whom he offered to enlist as native troops, rationing and feeding them from army funds, but Rodriguez declined the latter, agreeing to defray all expenses.