“I’ll open it,” she cried, trying to disguise the tremble in her voice, and with shaking limbs she crept down the stairs. Holding her breath, she listened. Then she drew back the bolts in trembling haste and threw wide the door. O’Neil and his tired companions, the boat’s crew, stood in open-eyed wonder as this wild-eyed but now joyous girl dragged them inside and again barred the door. “What’s the trouble, señorita?” O’Neil asked in calm surprise. She put her finger to her lips and led them into the dining-room, where the remnants of the midshipmen’s supper still remained. The five men fell upon the food ravenously while Maria stood by, fear and hope in turns showing in her dark eyes. She told them of the trip up the river and the escape from the ladrone leader, then of the valuable treasure in her father’s room and the face she had seen at the window. After she had finished she watched O’Neil’s face as if it were an oracle and she a petitioner before it. The boatswain’s mate ate for several minutes in silence. “Where are your men posted?” he asked suddenly. “They are divided into four companies, one at each of the outposts,” she answered. “Does any one except your father and Colonel Martinez know of Garcia’s treachery?” he asked. “Yes, two, Lopez and Lukban,” she replied, “and they are both away from the ranch. Lopez has just gone to Palilo with our friends.” “That’s bad,” the sailor exclaimed, a cloud on his otherwise expressionless face. “Then your men believe that Garcia is still their friend? He has, of course, accomplices among them and his object surely must be the treasure. He has discovered that it has been dug up, and now knows it is in your father’s room. I do not believe there is any immediate danger unless at the same time the insurgents are to make an attack in force.” The girl listened eagerly, nodding her head in agreement with the wise words of this cool and calm American. O’Neil’s companions, understanding no Spanish, had finished their meal and were dozing contentedly in their chairs. “Have you a servant you can trust?” O’Neil asked after a moment’s thought. “My maid, Inez,” she answered. “All right; give her a revolver and tell her to go to each company and quietly wake the men and tell them to get ready immediately to repel an attack. If she is in danger of being captured by a lurking enemy tell her to use the revolver. I’ll leave two men with you and your father, while I’ll take two to try to bag this Garcia.” Maria listened eagerly, hope rising as the sailor clearly outlined his plan of action. She was sure Inez could be depended upon. Quietly she flew up the stairs. As she passed her father’s room she saw that he had retired, but had left the light burning for her. She stopped a second, listening to his easy breathing. He was asleep. Then she went through her own room, a chill passing through her as her eyes turned in fear toward the window.