The two women then began to question the Americans eagerly about their plans. They were dumfounded when told that the four meant to push on and join their ship. “But, senors, that will be impossible,” declared the elder lady. “The insurgent forces are now surrounding the city. You cannot get through the lines.” “The two armies have then united?” gasped the middy in consternation. “Not yet, but they are expecting the vessels from Santa Anna to arrive to-morrow, and when the bombardment from the sea is begun the insurgents will seize that opportunity to unite their forces and sweep down upon the city from the hills.” The recent officers of the _General Barrill_ exchanged glances. They knew there would be no naval attack. If General de Guzman was depending on his blue-water allies his cause was tottering. “Ah, I see you know something about that navy!” exclaimed the younger woman, who had recovered her usual vivacity. “Do tell us.” “We are not at liberty to, senorita,” rejoined the middy. “All we can tell you is that a naval attack on the city will never take place.” Seeing that there was some mystery in all this, the women refrained from further questions. A short time afterward, a noise outside announced that the loitering house servants had returned, and, much against their wills, the Americans were detained for refreshments. It was just before dawn when they set out once more, riding fast. They had a lot of ground to cover if they hoped to make the city of Boca del Sierras before the insurgents’ attack commenced. They were all silent and preoccupied as they pressed forward. Ned and Herc thought over what might ensue if they were captured by the insurgent troops. Stanley was wishing for a pipe of tobacco, a luxury which he had not been able to indulge in for several days. The cigarettes of the _Barrill_ he had refused with scorn. As for Midshipman Stark, his thoughts were mainly occupied by the slender figure of Senorita Isabelle. As they rode along, her face seemed always dancing just in front of him. Middies are among the most impressionable of mankind, and Mr. Stark was no exception to his class. But the ruminations of all four were rudely shattered after they had ridden a short distance. They were now traversing a narrow plateau at the foot of some rugged mountains. It was from these hills that the new peril had manifested itself. As he gazed upward, their guide wheeled his horse and rode off for his life in the direction whence they had come. A troop of horsemen was riding down the hillside rapidly toward them. There were evidently two hundred or more in the body. Suddenly their leader gave a shout. It was easily interpreted by the travelers as a signal to halt. With very apprehensive feelings regarding what was to come, the Americans reined in. In the hands of the insurgents they knew their lives would not be worth a moment’s purchase. CHAPTER XXIII. WITH THE COSTAVEZAN CAVALRY.