do as we wished; that you dared not turn back, since your life was in
danger. We stand ready to shoulder all the blame there is."

The dusky face of the old river pilot, whom they had fortunately run
across in Maracaibo, became wreathed in a smile.

"Perhaps the young señor would not mind showing the Capitan?" he
suggested.

Frank grasped his meaning; and pretending to scowl darkly, he drew out
the revolver which Colonel Josiah had made him promise to carry while
down in this explosive country.

"Now, Felipe," he said, as he clapped the weapon deliberately against
the head of the pilot, "your gay Capitan can easily see what I am doing,
and will understand what it means. You keep right on up-river; and if
you dare disobey it will be bad for you, Felipe!"

The shrewd old pilot tried to smother an expansive grin as he replied:

"Si, señor, I am in your hands; do with me what you will. I dare not
refuse longer. See, I have made one effort to turn about; but you
threaten, and I give it up. He no longer calls. He knows old Felipe is
powerless. It is well!"

Frank stood by him until the wharf was dimmed by distance. Then he
hastened to rejoin his cousin and chum, who was mightily pleased to hear
all about it.

"Do you think they will chase after us?" queried Andy, still worried.