Corporal Dorlan’s request regarding the searchlight had been observed and the consulate was in darkness when the reconnoitering party returned. It was then decided to hold the prisoners until morning before turning them over to the military authorities and by the time the final message to that effect was exchanged with the ship, "taps" had sounded over the quiet waters, and the crew settled down to a night’s rest. However, many discussions were being carried on in an undertone regarding the circumstances connected with Dick Comstock’s absence and Joe Choiniski’s "jumping ship." In spite of Sergeant Douglass’ warning another orderly had violated his confidential position and the news was common property throughout the cruiser. Most of Dick’s ultimate friends were indignant at hearing the story, but the majority were inclined to regard his actions as suspicious and proclaimed him guilty. How fortunate it was that the object of all this commotion was unaware of the nature of these rumors flying among his shipmates, for had he known of them his brain would not have been so free to grapple with the task he had set out to accomplish. Soon after turning from the trail he was following at a discreet distance the six men carrying off little Soledad. How should he go about getting the child? He must take no chances, because to do so might mean his own capture and but add to the child’s troubles; so he carefully trailed along behind her abductors, waiting for some circumstance which would assist him in solving his problem. That the men did not intend to wait for their two accomplices was evident, for they proceeded through the forest without a backward glance. All the time Dick was drawing nearer to them, but as he was forced to make his way warily, and often off the poor trail, he was seriously handicapped. Finally the men with the child emerged from the woods into a clearing in which was situated the barrio[#] where Gonzales made his headquarters. A dozen or more houses and shacks along either side of the road afforded shelter for his troops, about one hundred in number. A few native women, and dirty, half-naked children could be seen, while the barking of several mangy canines filled the air. [#] Barrio--Small collection of houses. Beyond the houses on the far side of the road were a few scraggly bushes, and a thick grove of cocoanut trees filled the space to the shore of the Bay. Here some native boats were drawn up on the beach out of sight of the water, and in the grove small groups of rebel soldiers were engaged in various pursuits.