“It’ll be a cinch, sir,” the boatswain’s mate exclaimed after several soundings had given him no less than four fathoms of water. “Seven feet is all we need and we can carry that for miles until the mountains commence to go up steep; then there’ll be rocks to look out for.” Mile after mile was pulled in silence except for the light dip of the oars and the dull, almost soundless splash of the lead as it was heaved a short distance forward of the boat. The midshipmen gazed with apprehension at the forbidding banks of the river. The rank tropical foliage would conceal an army. Riflemen might lie concealed and fire without the slightest fear of discovery. Gradually the river narrowed, but the depth of water did not grow less. It was just before dawn when the boat arrived at the bend behind which, by the description given them, would be the landing pier of the Rodriguez ranch. In a half hour the boat was being cared for by one of the many willing attendants and the sailors were escorted to the palatial residence of Señor Rodriguez. It was the señorita who came first to meet her old friends. “Now we are fighting together,” she exclaimed gladly, “and I would like to go out as a man and help.” Phil thought that nothing so far had deterred her. She had seen as much fighting as most men and had withstood it bravely, and he said so to her. “You might be valuable, señorita, to put courage in men’s hearts,” Sydney added smiling, “but you would not be very formidable as a soldier.” Maria bit her lips vexedly. “I can shoot as well as a man,” she cried half angrily, “and I can ride a horse and paddle a canoe. What more is needed?” “Something which is not in your makeup,” Phil answered admiringly. “You are not vindictive and are not cruel. But you can do us a favor, if you will. We want to explore the country between here and Matiginao.” Maria clapped her hands with joy. “I know every foot of the country,” she cried eagerly. “You couldn’t have better guides than my little brother and I. But,” she added, her voice becoming lower and a fear in her eyes, “my father is now an enemy to the ladrones and insurgents, and it is unsafe to wander away on the lonely trails.” Phil and Sydney exchanged glances as much as to say, “There is your woman’s argument. One moment she wants to fight and the next she speaks of danger.” Señor Rodriguez welcomed the midshipmen, and together all sat down to a large table where a delicious breakfast was served. Phil saw his men were provided for, as he intended leaving them behind, and after breakfast Maria led the party out where five finely bred horses were held by native grooms. Maria and Juan, who sat his pony as gracefully as if he were a part of the animal, led the way across the open fields surrounding the ranch houses. Then they plunged into a path cleaving the giant trees of the tropical jungle. Limbs of trees brushed their faces and great care was necessary to prevent themselves from being unhorsed.