The midshipmen insisted that their new ally should go down to the dock and inspect the gunboat, so after explaining to General Wilson that they would like to be absent for a few days on reconnaissance work, the three strolled leisurely down the street. “Where is Colonel Martinez?” Phil asked after they had arrived on board and the Chinese servant had brought refreshments. Rodriguez shrugged his shoulders and pointed toward the interior of the island. “Will he serve under Espinosa as leader?” Sydney asked incredulously. “Who knows?” Rodriguez answered evasively. The lads saw that their friend had reasons for being non-committal and tactfully ceased their interrogation, yet inwardly they were consumed with curiosity. Espinosa had attempted to kill Colonel Martinez on the morning of Blynn’s attack, and now would they serve amicably side by side against a common enemy? The hour for lunch arrived, and as Rodriguez was not leaving for several hours to return to his home up the river he gladly accepted the midshipmen’s pressing invitation to eat with them. Phil had made up his mind to explore the river, though this idea was unformed in his mind when he left headquarters. During the meal the midshipmen questioned their guest about Espinosa’s impregnable stronghold and of its approach by water. “There is a trail from my ranch to the foot of the mountain,” Rodriguez replied thoughtfully, “but it will be filled with traps, and will be dangerous if Espinosa hears an attack is to be attempted. The river flows through a narrow gorge at Matiginao, and from the cliffs huge boulders can be dropped into the river many hundred feet below. “The gunboat!” he exclaimed in amazement, after Phil had questioned in regard to the depth of water. “If it were possible!” Rodriguez glanced admiringly at the heavy cannon mounted near him. “Yes, with this gunboat in the river the tops of the cliffs could be swept, and soldiers could scale the difficult trail unopposed, and once through the narrows the trail leading from the stronghold could be commanded by the cannon to cut off the retreat of the insurgents. It is wonderful! But the bridge, Señor Perry,” he ended, his voice betraying his sudden disappointment; “it is strongly built and a gunboat cannot pass.” “If I find there’s water enough to float the ‘Mindinao,’” Phil replied assuredly, “the bridge will not stand in the way long. “Does your daughter know the country?” Phil asked earnestly. Rodriguez gazed a full minute at his questioner before he answered. “Every foot of it,” he added; “she was born near the stronghold. But what is your intention, señor? This is no work for a woman.” Phil would willingly have bitten off his tongue for having led him into such an embarrassing situation. He could not tell Rodriguez that he wanted Maria because she alone would he trust as a guide on the perilous mission which he had made up his mind to make.