“He went the other way, perhaps,” suggested the general; “to Rio Chico, where is another force of _Los Salvadores_.” She came round upon him, arms raised, set teeth showing between lips that were pale again. “I go to Rio Chico,” she said. “And he will be gone--wait, wait! General Pablo Montilla leaves Rio Chico to-night with his column.” “I shall follow.” “I join him with my men at dawn.” He saw the light of a terrible hope illuminate her countenance. She came to his stirrup again. “Señor general,” she pleaded, “let me go with your soldiers. I am young and strong--I can cook--I can carry a load----” Alcantara puckered his lips teasingly, looking down at her. He marked the plump, well rounded figure, the clear, copper-coloured skin with its scarlet touches on mouth and cheek, the long braid, the full, girlish throat. “You go,” he said. Child as she was, she knew the men of Venezuela, and she saw and understood his look. “I go for revenge, Señor general,” she declared meaningly. “If you are so good as to allow me to follow you, I--I will be safe? Else I walk far in the rear--alone.” “As you like,” answered Alcantara. “There will be two other women along--Maria, who goes with one of my _coroneles_, and La Negrita, the woman of the black general, Pedro Tovar. You may march with them.” “And when will you start?” she asked eagerly. “When?” “We thirst for the blood of Ricardo Villegas,” laughed Alcantara. “Well----” A squad was approaching, led by a determined-looking officer. Two of his men carried large-calibre German Mausers, the third had a Mauser and a canvas money bag, and the fourth a Mauser and a rope. “_Comisario_,” said the general, as the latter shuffled near and saluted, “what _raciones_ have you collected?” An expression of defeat spread upon the commissary’s countenance. He shook his head dejectedly, and, reaching round, seized and brought forward the money bag. “These unreasonable, these unpatriotic people!” he began with heat. “Actually they decline to give up their miserable savings. Observe!” Alcantara peeked into the bag. “Oh, not so bad,” he said. “But perhaps a better display of the rope----” The other nodded. “I promise you they will be loyal.” Then, his face more determined than before, the commissary departed. Behind came the squad, the Mausers, the bag, and the noose. The general addressed Manuelita. “We shall start at sunset,” he said. “But you? You have walked all day, you say.” “It does not matter. I will walk all night, gladly, _gladly_!” He bent to arrange the knot of his sash. When he turned back again she was gone.