"What's happened?" asked Ruggles anxiously.
"We struck a snag: goodness knows what damage is done. We shall have to run into the bank and wait till morning. Can't see to do anything in the dark. Was there ever such beastly bad luck!"
"Well, you couldn't expect everything to go smoothly. You haven't had much to complain of so far."
"That's true; but just at this moment, when everything depended on our keeping ahead of the train! Listen to it. We must be close on the narrows, to judge by the row it's making."
"It's lucky we hadn't got any farther, then."
By this time Will had steered the vessel to the left bank, running under the overhanging branches of a large tree. Before it came to rest, Azito beat the bank with his pole to scare away any alligator that might lurk there.
"Water's coming in," said Will. "But I'm afraid that's not the worst. We can stop a leak, but we are done if there's anything seriously wrong with the engine. We haven't even got the yacht now."
"Better lift the craft on to the bank, so that she doesn't become absolutely waterlogged," Ruggles suggested.
Everybody got out, Azito removing the small stock of food left in the vessel, and Ruggles and José lifting the General between them.
"Shall we untie his cords?" said Will. "He must be pretty stiff and uncomfortable."
"It depends what you mean to do. Will you still have a try at getting him to Bolivar?"
"Without a doubt. There's the Chief to consider."
"Then you mustn't loose him. It won't be safe. By the way, what was that howl I heard as we hauled him into the boat?"
"Señor, it was this man," said the Indian, pointing to Machado. "He was going to hurt the engine."
"It's a lie!" cried Machado, in abject fear.
The Indian explained that Machado and the General had conversed in low tones while on the yacht, arousing his suspicion. He told how he had prevented the man from carrying out his intention when the Señor's back was turned. Will caught Machado's arm, and he winced.
"Tie him up," said Will. "He shan't have another chance."
Machado was bound and laid beside the General. Food was distributed, but sparingly; the supply brought from Bolivar would soon be exhausted. Then they sat down to wait for daylight, not daring to sleep, in case danger in the shape of beast or man should come. They heard the train rumbling along to their left, until by and by the sound died away.