Rupert's glance got very keen. "Ah," he said, "this is interesting! Perhaps it explains your visit, which rather puzzled me." "Before long you will get some fresh news," Wyndham interposed. "Larrinaga and the German colonel, with two or three companies of _cazadores_, have landed and are marching for your village." For a few moments Rupert did not move and his face was inscrutable. Then he looked up and the red veins in his eyes were very plain. "Is this true? You will find it dangerous to cheat me!" Wyndham told him what they had found out and stated the conclusions they had drawn. When he stopped Rupert nodded. "It looks plausible; you are cleverer than my spies, but we will wait. If the soldiers have landed, I will soon know." "You may wait too long!" "If there's a risk, you share it," said Rupert meaningly. "You were rash when you came to see me without being asked. However, the entrance of the lagoon is shallow and the surf is often bad. Can Larrinaga find the channel?" "Pepe, the pilot, is with him. I expect he'll steer the tug." "Ah!" said Rupert. "I rather trusted Pepe, but he has been bribed. Well, it is possible he will get his reward. However, I imagine you have made some plans for me." Wyndham braced himself. Although luck had given him strong arguments, Rupert was bold and cunning. Since his situation looked desperate, he might try some desperate remedy that would ruin them all. He must be persuaded to use the obvious way of escape. "You can't fight; it's too late," he said. "If you start now and we push across the hills between the two columns, we may cross one detachment's line after they have passed. When they find out you have gone, we will have got a start and ought to travel faster than loaded soldiers. The schooner is ready and would sail in a few minutes after we got on board. I don't see another plan, and if you're caught Larrinaga will shoot you. His men are well equipped and drilled. He has been getting ready for some time." Rupert pondered for a minute or two, and the others waited anxiously. Then he said, "If I go, I leave people who trusted me in Larrinaga's power. It is not a very heroic exit." "Does this count for much?" "On the whole, it does not," said Rupert coolly. "After all, my followers can take care of themselves. They are an elusive lot and Don Ramon would soon wear out his troops hunting them in the bush. All the same, to slink away is something of an anti-climax." "We didn't run a big risk in order to help you save your dignity," Wyndham rejoined, and Rupert gave him a mocking smile. "Your object's plain and I owe you nothing. You hope to mend the family's fortunes, and see an awkward chance of its getting known that a leader of negro rebels is your relation. However, what do you reckon to do with me if I go? You proposed, another time, that I should return to England."