“Mrs. Dartmoor is better,” he said, returning to the door. “Captain, will you do me a favor?”
“Then remain with my wife, for I must join in this chase.”
“I shall do so willingly, if she needs any one.”
“Yes, she does; for her nerves are completely shattered, and I dare not trust her alone.”
“Very well, I will remain. Would you like to have Carl accompany you?”
“By all means. We need as large a force as can be quickly mustered.”
They were upstairs again before this conversation was ended, and Mr. Dartmoor, hastening to his wife, reassured her the best he could.
“I do not apprehend any harm will befall the girls, aside from a rough ride,” he said. “Those marauders want money, that’s all.”
“Yes, of course I will, should it be necessary; but I don’t think it will be.”
“We will be off as soon as the horses come. It will be all right then for me to go and leave Captain Saunders with you, dear?”
“Yes, yes. I really do not need any one—but if the captain could stay, I should like to have him.”
“I am very glad that I can be of any service,” said Carl’s father. “And let me assure you, Mrs. Dartmoor, that I feel convinced your daughter and Señorita Caceras will soon be recovered.”
Meanwhile the men who were to go were making hurried preparations, casting aside coats and vests, and donning flowing ponchos; also exchanging shoes for high boots. Mr. Dartmoor went into the boys’ room and gathered an armful of articles, which he thought his sons would need, and which he carried downstairs so they might lose no time in getting ready for the road.
“We’ll leave what we don’t want on the sidewalk,” he called to Captain Saunders. “Please have one of the servants take them in.”
The clatter of hoofs sounded, and four horsemen dashed around the corner and came to a sharp halt in a cloud of dust. Four other horses were being led. The first to dismount was a little man clad in a brilliant uniform of red and gold braid.
“General Matajente!” exclaimed Mr. Dartmoor, and he grasped the soldier fiercely by the hand. “Thank God you have come!”
“Rosita and Bella kidnapped!” replied the officer. “Never fear, we will soon be up with them.”
“Hurry, boys! dismount and make ready!” and Mr. Dartmoor pointed to the clothing that lay on the pavement.