At the same time a train of cars came thundering over the hollow structure behind them, causing the mare to plunge violently in a terrified effort to escape.
"Now is your chance!" whispered Comly.
Quick to take the hint, Ridge flung himself on the animal's back and dashed away, followed by a harmless bullet from Herman Dodley's revolver.
Ere he could fire another shot the naval man snatched away the weapon, flung it into the sea, and started on a run after the disappearing horseman.

As he ran he shouted: "Look out for that horse, you in the boat, and get it aboard lively! Do you understand ?" "Ay, ay, sir," came a cheery answer from out of the darkness.
Behind the Ensign ran Major Dodley, swearing, and also shouting: "Corporal of the guard! Turn out the guard! Quick! This way!" Then all other sounds were drowned in the roar of the passing train.
When it subsided a confused struggle between a dark mass and a number of dimly seen white forms was going on in the shallow water.

Several sailors were lifting Senorita bodily into a little flat-bottomed boat, and two young men in soaked uniforms were aiding them.

Then, as two boats, one in tow of the other, began to move away, a squad of soldiers with muskets in their hands came running down to the beach.
"Fire!" commanded Herman Dodley, beside himself with rage.

"Fire at that boat.