"Boys," said Mr. Black the following morning as they were preparing to pay a visit to the jefe politico, "I want you to do me a favor."
The boys looked at him in surprise.
"Well, what is it?" asked Donald, when Mr. Black did not immediately continue.
"I want you to accept, as a mark of my appreciation of your bravery and good services, the horses upon which you are mounted and the accoutrements."
The look of surprise on the faces of the boys deepened.
"I am sure, sir," replied Donald, speaking for the others, "we should be pleased to accept them if we were expecting to remain in the country. We hope, however, to leave Vera Cruz in a very few days."
"Boys," and Mr. Black's face was most serious, "there is no knowing when you will reach Vera Cruz; much less leave it."
"What do you mean?" from Billie.
"I had a long talk with my friend, Don Ramon, last night after you were in bed and he tells me that the railroad between here and Vera Cruz is in the hands of Gen. Maas, the other side of Guayabo, andthere is almost no chance of your being allowed to pass through the lines."
"Why not?" from Adrian.
"Well, you see, since we have heard anything, relations between the two countries have become more and more strained and the United States has practically declared a blockade on Vera Cruz. The entire Atlantic fleet is assembled outside and there is liable to be a clash at any time."
"Then we'll accept the horses, Mr. Black," spoke up Donald, "and we'll ride to Vera Cruz. It can't be more than fifty miles."
"Forty-six by rail," said Mr. Black. "I kind of thought you might like to try and make it, is why I want to give you the horses," and the speaker smiled knowingly.
"The sooner we start the better, I expect," said Adrian.
"Yes; after you pay your respects to the mayor."
The foregoing conversation explains how it happened that on the morning of April 21, 1914, the Broncho Rider Boys looked down from a little hill, the top of which was covered by tropical foliage, upon the harbor of Vera Cruz, with the American fleet in the offing.
By a circuitous route and by two nights of riding, hiding in the day, the boys had reached this spot about an hour after sunrise.
"Whew!" was Billie's exclamation as he looked out across the harbor at the men-of-war flying theAmerican flag. "There's a bunch of them, isn't there?"
"Sure is," from Adrian, "and they look peaceable, too."
"You never can tell by the looks of a toad how far it will jump," laughed Donald. "But peaceable or warlike, I'd like mighty well to be on board one of them."
"Here, too," from Billie. "I wonder how we're going to make it."
"How would it do for one of us to try and get into town and find the American consul?" queried Adrian.
"Fine," from Donald, "if he succeeded; but bad if he did not."
"Then what had we better do?"
"Give it up. Suppose we wait here a while and something may turn up."
"I'd like to know what can turn up?" asked Billie.
"I don't know; but I was thinking that one of the ships might happen to send a boat ashore for something. If we saw it coming, we could ride quickly into town."
Adrian laughed. "I reckon it would be just as hard to get through the Mexican lines then as now. No! I'm going out to reconnoiter."
It was an hour later when he returned.
"I've found a way," he said as he threw himself on the ground and fanned himself vigorously withhis hat. "It's down by the water works. There are several Americans down there."
"Good," said Billie. "Let's go. I'm getting mighty hungry."
"Now don't be in a rush," cautioned Adrian. "There's a picket between here and there. We'll have to ride easy. You put the saddles on the horses. I'm pretty well tired. I want to tell you it's hot."
Billie was busy with the horses when Don suddenly pointed out toward the American men-of-war.
"Look!" he exclaimed. "There's something doing."
And sure enough there was.
Out from behind two of the largest vessels there suddenly darted a number of launches loaded with blue-jackets and marines.
In another instant they had headed for the shore, while out behind them trailed the American flag.
The boys sprang to their feet and watched the approaching boats with the utmost interest.
"There must be a thousand of them!" exclaimed Billie.
"More than that," said Donald, as his eyes ran over the oncoming boats. "There's nearer fifteen hundred."
"And look there," cried Adrian. "See those two smaller ships moving in toward shore."
"What do you suppose they are going to do?" asked Billie, all in a tremor of excitement.
"Looks to me," replied Donald, "like they weregoing to capture the town."
"Why, that's war!" from Adrian.
"Well, isn't that what we've been expecting? I wish I knew what it all means."
As some of the readers may not know what was the cause of the action it may be explained that a German steamship had arrived the night before loaded with arms for Huerta's army. Admiral Fletcher had no right to seize the German ship, so he determined to seize the port of Vera Cruz. Then if the arms were landed they would be in the hands of the Americans.
"Well," declared Adrian, "whatever else it means, it means business."
"Do you suppose the Mexicans will try to prevent the landing?" asked Billie.
"We'll know in a minute, for they are most ashore," said Donald.
Donald was right and in another minute a shot rang out followed by a rattle of musketry.
"Flash! Flash! Bang! Bang!" spoke the howitzers in the foremost of the launches.
Boom! Boom! Boom! came the sound of three guns from the ship nearest the city, which proved to be thePrairie.
The crash of the six-inch shells as they struck in the city could be heard above the rattle of the rifle fire which had now become continuous.
"It's a sure enough battle," cried Billie. "Comeon! Let's go down!" and he flung himself onto his horse.
"What would you do?" cried Donald, seizing Billie's horse by the bridle. "You'd be killed by the fire from our own guns. This is the best place we could be in while the firing is going on. As soon as our men have driven the Mexicans out of town, then we can go in."
"But I want to take a hand in the fun," said Billie.
"It's no fun, as you'll find after it's all over. No knowing how many of our boys are being lost, to say nothing of the Mexicans."
"Look!" cried Adrian, who had not taken his eyes from the scene in the harbor. "There are a couple of other ships going into action."
Billie turned at sound of Adrian's words. Sure enough, there came flashes from more guns, as theChesterandSan Franciscomoved up into striking distance, although at that time the boys did not know the vessels' names.
"What show will the Mexicans have against those guns!" exclaimed Donald. "They'll be driven out of town in short order."
Once more Donald was right and after some minutes of firing, the boys realized that the rifle fire was becoming less.
"If they retreat, which way do you suppose they will go?" queried Adrian.
"I was just thinking about that," was Donald'sreply. "What do you think, Billie?"
"I should think along the main line of railroad."
"And I imagine they'll retreat in every direction," said Adrian.
"In which case," advised Donald, "we'd better be prepared to make a dash through."
"Look here," from Billie. "Can't you see that the shots are all aimed at one particular place? I'm sure if we come around by the south, we can get in behind our men some way. It's a good deal better chance than to stay here to be shot down by the retreating Mexicans."
The others were forced to admit the wisdom of Billie's advice and they proceeded to follow it.
Mounting their horses, they rapidly retraced their steps for a couple of hundred yards and then headed for the harbor.
They had not gone more than half a mile when they caught a glimpse of foot soldiers forming in line on what appeared to be a parade ground.
"This is no place for us," exclaimed Donald. "Back to the woods."
"I'm afraid it's too late," from Adrian.
"I hate to run for it," was Billie's comment, "but it's the best we can do. I have no mind to fall into Mexican hands right now."
He put spurs to his horse and dashed through a little clump of trees which grew by the way, closely followed by the other two.
They seemed to have done just the right thing andwere congratulating themselves upon their lucky escape, when they heard horses coming from the other way.
Billie drew his horse up with a sudden turn.
"It looks as though we'd have to fight for it, boys! If we do let's give a good account of ourselves."
They drew their Winchesters for instant use.
The sound of hoofbeats drew nearer and then there burst into sight from around a turn in the road a sight which caused the boys nearly to fall from their horses with laughter.
Riding on a mule and followed by several peons on burros was the florid-faced gentleman whom they had met on the train the day they left the City of Mexico. He was bare-headed and his coat tails streamed out in the breeze. He had no saddle and was clinging onto the mule by grasping him around the neck.
"Help! Help!" he cried as he caught sight of the boys. "I surrender. I surrender."
Seeing the boys' horses directly in his path, the mule came to a sudden stop, with both feet stuck out before him. The result was that the florid-faced gentleman, who wished to head a company of marines to drive the Mexicans off the earth, shot forward over the mule's head and landed in a cactus bush.
Now a cactus is not a pleasant thing to sit upon,even when the greatest care is used; but to be shot into it as from a catapult is more than any one can bear.
With a yell that might have been heard half a mile, had it not been for the noise of the guns, the man scrambled to his feet and darted away down the hill, while the peons stopped at the unexpected sight of the boys.
"Americanos!" they cried, and, tumbling off their burros, fell on their knees in abject terror, as though expecting that their end had come.
Perceiving that the advantage was on their side, the boys did not hesitate to profit by it.
"Do as we bid," ordered Donald sternly, "and your lives will be saved. Disobey and we will not answer for the consequences."
The kneeling peons uttered never a word, but raised their eyes with a look of surprise.
"Get up," was the next command.
The peons obeyed.
"Now conduct us to the water front by a route where there are no Mexican soldiers."
"Do you think you can trust them?" asked Billie.
"At any sign of treachery, our first shot will befor them." Then to the peons: "Now march."
Without a word the peons, five in number, started back over the route by which they had come but a minute before.
"Where did the other American come from?" asked Billie of the peon nearest him as they rode along.
"Quien sabe, señor," was the hesitating response. "We saw him riding by and we followed him."
"That's the way with loud talkers," remarked Adrian. "When the test comes they usually weaken."
The firing, which had somewhat subsided for a few minutes, suddenly began again with renewed vigor, especially on the part of the ships.
"Our boys are getting ready for another advance," said Billie, and his manner became greatly excited. "Let's get there in time to take part."
"I'm willing," declared Adrian. "Come on!"
The two boys dug their spurs into their horses and dashed forward, upsetting a couple of the peons in their flight.
"Hold on!" called out Donald. "You'll get into trouble."
Billie and Adrian paid no attention to his cry, whereupon he also put spurs to his horse, leaving the peons gaping with astonishment in the middle of the road.
And now the boys came into sight of the waterfront where the fighting was going on. It was at the instant that the order had been given to clear the space around the custom house, and the boys saw the marines advance on the double quick.
The Mexicans gave way, but volley after volley was poured down upon the advancing Americans from the roofs of houses and from nearby church towers.
There were several shots in rapid succession from theChester, which had drawn in more closely, every one of which struck a tower where a large force of Mexicans had gathered.
The tower toppled and fell, carrying many with it.
"Hurrah!" cried Billie. "Give it to them!" and, firing his rifle as he went, he rode right down into the main street.
"He'll be killed by our own men!" cried Donald.
But he was not. Instead he dashed into the open space in front of the custom house, just as the marines swept by, his hat off and his rifle cracking as fast as he could fire.
Seeing that the danger from the marines was past, Donald and Adrian fell in behind Billie, just as an officer came around the corner at the head of another company.
Espying the boys, he halted his command.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
"We just came to town," replied Billie, "and we're trying to help avenge the insult to the flag."
"Good!" was the emphatic reply. "Fall in behindus. You may be of service."
The boys obeyed and followed the company as it swept up the street. Presently they came to a barricade, behind which the marines had taken a stand. The boys expected the command to halt, but instead they passed the barricade and pushed onward toward the outskirts of the city.
All the time there was a continuous fire upon them by men secreted on the roofs of houses.
"I'd clean out those snipers if I were in command," said Donald to his companions.
The words were hardly out of his mouth ere another company of marines made its appearance and the men dashed into the houses on either side of the street.
"Somebody has the same idea, Don," was Billie's comment as they rode along.
Two blocks farther came the order to halt and entrench. A minute later the officer called the boys toward him.
"Would you rather lend us your horses, or act as orderlies?" he asked.
"If it's all the same to you," was the reply, "we'll serve as orderlies."
"Very well. Will you," turning to Adrian, "go back to the custom house and tell Captain Rush that we have reached our position. You," to Billie, "ride with all speed to the landing and say that the enemy has retreated toward the water works. Theyshould not be allowed to stop long enough to do any damage."
The two boys were off like the wind to carry the orders.
"Anything for me?" asked Donald.
"Not for the present. Better dismount and get behind something."
Two minutes later Adrian pulled up in front of the Custom House and delivered his message, while Billie kept on to the water's edge.
"Do you know where the water works are?" asked the officer to whom Billie gave his order.
"Yes, sir!"
"Then lead us to it."
Without a word Billie obeyed and the Jackies followed on the run.
The information was evidently received none too soon, for they encountered quite a force of Mexicans, guarding the works.
A volley from the bluejackets was returned by a scattering fire and the Mexicans turned and fled.
But the volley had been sufficient to lose Billie his mount, as his horse came to his knees with a bullet in his shoulder.
Without waiting to see the cause of Billie's fall any more than to ask if he was hit, the Jackies pushed on toward the water works, leaving Billie to look out for himself as best he could until the work in hand was completed.
"This is sure enough tough luck," was Billie'scomment as he helped the horse to his feet and examined the wound. "It will lay him up for a week."
He took the horse by the bridle and led him slowly back toward the Custom House, where he reported to an officer and hunted up Adrian.
"What had we better do now?" he asked. "I'd like to find a place to tend to my horse."
"The fighting seems about over," was Adrian's reply, "and I reckon the horse will be given attention by some one."
"Oh, I don't want to make any trouble, Ad! If nobody objects, suppose we go hunt a stable."
They were about to leave when a sergeant stopped them.
"You're to follow me to the Captain," he said. "Here," to a marine who stood by, "take charge of these horses and see that the lame one is cared for."
"I wonder if they will take our horses away from us?" muttered Adrian as they followed the sergeant.
"Give it up. I wonder what he wants of us?"
It did not take them long to find out.
"Are you the boys that brought the messages from Lieutenant Blunt?" asked Captain Rush.
"Yes, sir."
"Will you undertake another mission?"
"With pleasure," replied Adrian.
"Same here, sir," from Billie, "but my horse has been wounded."
"That's bad. However, I guess we can find another."
"Sure, sir. I can borrow Don's."
"Who is Don?"
"He's the other one of us, sir. He is still out with Lieutenant Blunt."
"Well," said the Captain, "either two of you will do. What I want is to find out to just what point the Mexican army is falling back. Do you think you can find out?"
"Sure."
"Very well. My compliments to Lieutenant Blunt and give him this order. He will pass two of you through the lines. The other can remain with him. Sergeant, their horses."
Five minutes later, both astride Adrian's horse and leading the other, they appeared at the outpost and delivered the order.
"Which two shall it be?" laughed the lieutenant as he looked the boys over.
"I guess it will have to be Adrian and Don," replied Billie ruefully. "I've had glory enough for one day. The insult to the flag has been avenged and the Stars and Stripes are floating over Vera Cruz."
"I think it's only fair that Don, as you call him, should share in the adventure," said the lieutenant, "and the sooner you go the better. It is almost sundown now."
Then as Donald and Adrian started on their mission:
"Success to you and report here when you return."
"Is there any place near here where I can care for my horse?" asked Billie as soon as the others had passed out of sight.
"Why, yes. There are stables in almost any of these houses. Here, try this one," and the lieutenant indicated the one before which they were standing.
Billie knocked on the big door, but there was no reply.
"Knock louder," laughed the lieutenant. "Use your boot."
Billie used his foot and with such vigor that the gate flew open.
When no one appeared to answer his summons, he stuck his head inside the patio and called lustily.
"Must be deserted," he finally remarked. "Such being the case, lieutenant, I reckon I might as well take possession."
"Sure. Go ahead. If every one has gone, I may join you later."
Billie led his horse within and looked around. It was a large house and the patio was the most elaborate Billie had ever seen. He had thought that Pedro's home in Mexico City was fine, but this was much finer.
"They must be swells," was the lad's comment."I reckon they became frightened and have run away with General Maas."
He started to lead the horse to the stable and then stopped.
"I might as well shut this big gate," he thought. "I'll leave the little gate open so the lieutenant can come in."
He pushed the big gate together and dropped the bolt in its place.
"Now to do something for the horse," and he turned to the animal which stood patiently by.
Then he stopped and stood in mute astonishment at what his eyes beheld.
In the center of the patio, with rifle in hand, aimed squarely at his head, stood a figure he had last seen on the banks of the Rio Grande more than a year before—the figure of a man whom he had known only as Santiago.
The recognition was mutual, but instead of the friendliness which had always before marked the attitude of the strange man, there was now upon his face a look of the most bitter hatred.
When Donald and Adrian left the city they rode slowly along for some distance without any signof the retreating Mexicans, except the occasional sight of some camp utensil which had been thrown aside as too heavy to carry. Occasionally they met peons or women, who looked at them curiously, but all of whom were more than willing to tell of the army that had so recently passed.
"How many men do you suppose General Maas has?" queried Adrian.
"The lieutenant said it was supposed he had about seven thousand. It may be more, and it may be less."
"Well, they're certainly light-footed," laughed Adrian. "Don't you think we ought to get closer?"
"If we can without being seen."
They put spurs to their horses and for a mile or more galloped along at a fair speed.
Then from a little eminence they saw the rear guard of the retreating army.
"This is near enough," cautioned Donald.
They halted and watched the marching men.
"How far would you say we are from town, Don?"
"At least seven or eight miles."
"Do you know what towns are in this direction?"
"Not the slightest idea. That's the next thing we must find out."
The enemy having by this time passed out of sight, they again spurred forward, but holding their distance.
Darkness had now fallen and the boys wereobliged to pick their way more carefully.
For half an hour they rode silently and then Donald spoke:
"They certainly will not march all night. They must have some place in mind."
"So I think," from Adrian. "But there seems no sign of a halt."
Ten minutes later, however, they caught sight of a fire light.
"That looks like it might be a camp," suggested Adrian.
They rode cautiously forward.
"It surely is," affirmed Donald a couple of minutes later. "We'd better dismount and do a little reconnoitering on foot."
The suggestion was immediately put into effect.
Leaving their horses tethered beneath a giant palm, which would serve as a landmark, the boys crept stealthily forward. In a few minutes they were near enough to see figures about the fire.
"They are evidently getting ready to pass the night," said Donald.
"Yes," from Adrian, "and there is another fire off yonder," and he pointed to the right.
"They are getting ready to post their pickets," explained Donald.
"Then we'd better get busy, Don. There must be some way of finding out where the army is going to stop."
As with one accord they drew still nearer thecamp, they could smell the coffee and their appetites began to assert themselves.
"Wish I had some," whispered Adrian.
"You'll get to be as bad as Billie first thing you know," was the retort. "But, hush! There comes some one."
They lay flat on the ground and listened.
Whoever it might be was coming directly toward them.
Not a move did the boys make, hoping that they might not be discovered, but ready to act if they were.
When within ten feet of them the footsteps halted and they heard a voice say:
"This will be far enough. You are the end man on the line."
"Bueno, caporal!"
"Keep a close watch," cautioned the corporal. "You never know what these Americans may do."
"Si, Señor. How far are we from Vera Cruz?"
"About four leagues" (twelve miles). "General Maas will make a stand at Tejeria, about a league further on."
Then as he moved away. "Remember now, no sleeping. This is a real war."
"Bueno, mi caporal. I understand."
The corporal departed and the sentry, shouldering his rifle, began pacing his station.
A minute later Donald gave Adrian a dig withhis elbow as a signal, and they slowly crawled away.
"That's the information we are after," whispered Donald when they were out of earshot. "Now to get back to Vera Cruz as quickly as possible."
They rose to their feet and ran swiftly but silently toward the palm tree, where their horses were tethered.
Suddenly Adrian stopped and grabbed Donald by the arm.
"What is it, Ad?" asked Donald.
"Can't you see! There is some one there with the horses."
They both peered through the darkness and Donald quickly perceived that Adrian was right.
Then as by one impulse they drew a few steps nearer.
In the dim starlight they were able to make out the figures of several men.
"Do you think they are soldiers?" whispered Don.
Adrian shook his head.
"Camp followers. Thieves," he whispered.
Donald nodded his head in acquiescence.
The boys lay down upon the ground and put their heads together.
"It wouldn't be any trick at all," whispered Donald, "if it were not for the pickets. But any noise will bring down upon us a couple of hundred men. Maybe more. We have simply got to dispose of that outfit without noise. But how?"
"Bad job," was Adrian's only reply.
"If the horses were only our Wyoming cow ponies, they'd come at our call."
"But they're not," replied Adrian.
For several minutes neither spoke, but lay silently watching the movements of the men about the horses.
"How many can you make out, Ad?"
"Five."
"I don't see but four."
Adrian pointed to the left, about ten or twelve feet, to one who stood alone.
"What's he doing there?"
"Give it up." Then a moment later: "I have it!"
"Well, what is it?"
"He's watching for us to return. That's what they're all waiting for. They think we'll be a great catch."
"That's just it," from Donald. "Let's fool them!"
"Well, first, let's capture the one yonder. We'll show them a Wyoming Indian trick."
Slowly and silently the boys wiggled their way to where the lone robber stood. Then as silently as a ghost Donald arose, while Adrian bent on his knees.
There was a swift movement and Donald's arm was around the Mexican's neck, shutting off his wind, while Adrian pulled his feet from beneathhim. In another minute he was bound by his own sash and gagged with a handful of grass.
"That's one!" exclaimed Donald, as he sat upon his prisoner's chest. "Now, how about the others?"
"Not so easy, Don."
"But it has to be done," declared Donald. "Scratch your head."
Adrian did so, but to no avail.
Time was passing and they did not know how long ere something would turn up, when Donald gave Adrian a kick.
"Look! They're getting uneasy."
This was undoubtedly true, as the men were moving about and one of them even had the temerity to light a cigarette.
Then of a sudden Adrian spoke.
"I've got it!" he exclaimed under his breath. "Help drag this chap farther away."
They picked him up bodily and carried him fifteen or twenty feet.
"Now, listen," said Adrian, "both of you. You, Don, sneak as near the horses as you dare. I'll give you just five minutes by my watch. Then I am going to give this man one chance for his life. I am going to take the gag from his mouth and let him give one call for help. If he makes another sound, it will be his last."
"Then what?"
"Those fellows have waited so long that they are tired. They will all rush to where they expect tofind him. Then you will rush in and cut the tethers. By the time they find this man I will be with you. Sabe?"
"Good!" from Donald. "I'm off."
In exactly five minutes by his watch Adrian gave the prisoner a rough shake.
"You know what I said?"
The man nodded his head.
"Well, I am now going to take out your gag. If you make more than one cry, or utter more than one word, your own knife will finish you."
He held the knife before the man's eyes. Then with the knife in one hand, Adrian pulled the wad of grass from between the prisoner's teeth.
No sooner had the man drawn one long breath than he let out a yell that might have been heard half a mile and which he was about to repeat with variations, when with a swift movement, Adrian forced the grass back into his mouth and the yell died in a dismal gurgle.
"I ought to use the knife," said Adrian, "but I guess this will do."
With a bound he sprang to his feet and dashed to where Donald was already performing his part of the work.
The plan had worked exactly as Adrian had figured, and in another moment the boys were astride the horses and away toward Vera Cruz.
But one thing they had not taken into consideration. That single yell of their erstwhile prisonerhad aroused the Mexican pickets and from half a dozen directions came the sound of rifle shots and then the sound of a bugle calling to arms.
Even while Adrian was running toward the horses, the excitement had begun, and as the boys started on their homeward ride, a volley from the encamped forces sent the bullets whistling by their ears.
"This is no place for us!" cried Donald. "Don't be afraid to use the spur. It is our only chance."
And now as they rode furiously forward, came the sound of firing on their left and some distance ahead.
"What does it mean?" called out Adrian as they rode neck and neck through the darkness.
"Search me, Ad; but our only chance is in our horses," and Donald again plied the spur.
Outlined against the sky at the top of a small knoll, they could see a small body of horsemen.
"Keep away to the right," said Donald. "Keep in the valley and in the shadow," and he drew off the beaten highway, with Adrian close behind.
On the soft earth their horses' hoofs made no sound and in a couple of minutes more they descended into a little valley and the noise of the alarm passed out of hearing.
"It was a mighty close shave," declared Adrian a few minutes later, when they pulled their horses down to a walk to allow them to catch their breath.
"Sure was," from Donald, "but we got the informationwe went after."
Half an hour later they were challenged by the American pickets, which had been thrown even further forward than where the boys had passed through the lines. They stated their mission and were at once sent under guard to the officer of the day.
"Oh, it's you!" was the lieutenant's salutation as he saw who it was. "Did you get what you went after?"
"Yes, sir," from Donald. "The enemy has halted at Tejeria, fifteen miles away."
"Well done. I'll send an orderly to carry the report to headquarters. You boys are entitled to a rest."
"Where's Billie?" asked Adrian, looking around after the orderly had departed.
"Who?"
"Billie. Our chum."
"Oh, yes," replied the lieutenant. "He's disappeared."
"Disappeared?"
"Yes. He went into this house here," pointing to the building before which he had stationed himself, "and when I went in later to see how he was coming on with his wounded horse, I found the horse standing in the middle of the patio, but your chum had disappeared."
"And then what?" queried Donald.
"Nothing. I made up my mind he had goneafter something to put on his horse and I haven't thought much about him since."
"Then it's up to us to find him. Can we go inside?"
"Sure," laughed the lieutenant. "Go as far as you like, only keep inside the lines."
Without more words the boys entered the patio.
When Billie found himself looking into the muzzle of a rifle in the hands of Santiago, his first impulse was to call out; but the expression on Santiago's face caused him to remain silent.
While the strange man owed his life to the lad, as is related in the story of the "Broncho Rider Boys with the Texas Rangers," there was that in the man's face which told that he was under a severe mental strain, and Billie did not think it wise to presume upon his former friendship.
Therefore, he remained quiet, waiting for Santiago to speak.
If he recognized Billie, he gave no intimation of the fact; but in a harsh voice commanded: "Up with your hands!"
Billie obeyed.
"Turn to the left and march. In there," he continueda moment later as Billie approached an open door in the rear of the patio.
Into the house Billie went—into a large room, but dimly lighted. Santiago followed, closing the door behind him with a kick.
"Why shouldn't I shoot you down like a dog?" asked Santiago as soon as the door was closed.
"I can't see any reason," was the reply, "except that it might cause you a lot of trouble when it was found out. I imagine that Admiral Fletcher is going to be pretty severe upon snipers and others who shoot Americans."
"Bah!" exclaimed Santiago angrily. "I spit upon Americans! Bah!"
"That's all right," Billie agreed, "if it's the way you feel about it."
"Just because you Americans have driven away a few soldiers with the guns of your great fleet, you don't think you can conquer Mexico, do you?"
"I hadn't thought much about it."
"Then it's time you did, as you may never have another chance."
"Well, then," explained Billie, "I'll tell you how it looks to me. You might a great deal better be governed by the United States than by a man like Huerta."
"Huerta! Huerta!" fairly screamed Santiago. "He is not the governor of Mexico."
"No," from Billie. "He calls himself the provisionalpresident. In reality he is a dictator."
"He is a murderer!" shouted the thoroughly excited man.
"Then what are you worrying about? All that the Americans want is to get rid of Huerta. They don't want Mexico. Didn't you know that, Santiago?"
"What? Who calls me Santiago? I am Ixtazhl, Prince of the Aztecs and guardian of the treasures of Montezuma. Who calls me Santiago?"
In his excitement he rested the stock of his rifle upon the floor and bent upon Billie a gaze so fierce as greatly to disconcert him for the moment.
But Billie was not a lad to be easily unnerved and after a moment he replied calmly:
"I call you by the only name I know. It was the one you used on the Rio Grande when you sent me on a mission to Pancho Villa."
"Villa! Villa!" repeated Santiago, as though trying to recall something that had passed from his memory. "Villa! Where have I heard that name before?"
"On the Rio Grande is all I can tell you. Do you remember Don Rafael?"
At mention of the name the expression on Santiago's face changed again, this time to one of fiercest rage.
"Don Rafael!" he cried. "Don Rafael! Now Iknow you! You are Don Rafael. That is why I should kill you!"
"Great Scott, no, I am not Don Rafael!" shouted Billie as Santiago again raised his rifle and the lad perceived that he had to do with a crazy man. "I'm the boy that saved your life when Don Rafael tried to kill you. Don't you remember?"
Again Santiago lowered his weapon, and again there came upon his face that puzzled expression.
"Tell me, Santiago—I mean Prince Iztazil, or whatever you call it, what are you doing here?"
Santiago eyed him suspiciously, but finally laid his rifle across a table in the center of the room and approached nearer the lad.
"Listen!" he said in a whisper. "I am the guardian of the treasure of Montezuma. It is to be used to free Mexico from the Spaniard. He must be driven out. The land belongs to the Aztec."
"But where is the Aztec?" queried Billie. "I know him not."
"I am he. The peons are my people. The Spaniard—bah! He owns the houses and he owns the lands; but he must be driven out."
"Isn't that what Villa says?"
"Villa? Villa?" again repeated Santiago, and again he lapsed into silence.
For some minutes he remained motionless ere he stepped back, picked up his rifle and started for a door leading to a stairway.
"Come!" he commanded. "I will show you."
"Hadn't we better take care of the horse first?"asked Billie, not at all anxious to be wandering around with an armed lunatic. "He may die."
"What is a horse when the future of Mexico is at stake, my son? Come with me and you shall hear a strange tale."
"I have heard one already," was Billie's mental comment, but realizing by the term son which Santiago had applied to him that he was in no immediate danger and trusting to his wits to finally overcome the strange man should it become necessary, he followed.
At the head of the stairs was another door, which Santiago opened and entered. It was a sort of ante-room, much like the entrance into a lodge room. Around the walls was a motley collection of firearms, swords, spears and smaller weapons.
Stopping in front of one of the racks, Santiago placed his rifle in it, and then from another took a couple of small swords, one of which he handed to Billie.
"This is a bug house sure enough," muttered the boy as he took the sword and examined it curiously. "I wonder what next?"
He had not long to wait, for opening a closet, Santiago took therefrom two beautifully embroidered robes, one of which he threw over his own shoulders and the other of which he put on Billie.
"It doesn't hardly match my hat," laughed Billie.
Without a word, Santiago removed Billie's sombreroand hung it on a peg in the closet, which he closed.
Then he opened another door and led Billie into a large, brilliantly lighted room, hung with the richest tapestries.
"Looks like we had strayed into some Turkish bath house," thought Billie, "but I might as well see the thing through."
"Sit here beside me, my son," Santiago finally said. "You shall become my heir. I will introduce you to the court."
Santiago clapped his hands, as though bidding a servant to attend; but there was no response.
He turned his head from one side to the other as though in amazement and again clapped his hands, this time with vigor.
After a moment's delay, there was a movement behind one of the draperies and presently the curtain was drawn back and a man's face appeared.
"Come hither," commanded Santiago.
The man obeyed.
"Where are the others?" demanded Santiago.
"Oh, señor," cried the man, "the others have hidden themselves in the cellar!"
"Slaves! Cowards!" exclaimed Santiago. "What do they fear?"
"The great guns, señor. We might all be killed."
"You will certainly be killed if you do not mind what I say," was the reply as Santiago drew hissword. "Now summon the court that I may introduce my son."
The man bowed and left the room, and in a few minutes returned accompanied by two more men and several women, all arrayed in fantastic costumes.
All bowed as they entered, and Santiago waved his hand.
"This is my son and heir," he said. "Come and kiss his hand."
They all came forward and kissed Billie's hand, which he held out in order to facilitate the job.
"Now," said Santiago, "we——"
"Now," interrupted Billie, "if it is all the same to you, Prince, we'll have supper. I haven't had a mouthful to eat since daylight. I'm 'most starved to death."
"It is well," agreed Santiago. "It is well that my heir should not die of hunger. Let the table be placed."
The order seemed to meet with general approval, and in the course of half an hour there was spread what would have proved a feast at any time, but which was beyond description to a hungry boy; and the way he waded into the food was a caution.
During all this time Santiago had uttered never a word, nor would he eat but the smallest portion of food—a taste of every dish which he set before his guest.
"My son tells the truth," Santiago finally remarkedas Billie pushed back his chair with the single word "Bastante," meaning enough.
"I always try to," was the smiling rejoinder, for Billie was now in the very best humor. Eating was his strong point and he had gone the limit.
"Clear away the feast and then reassemble," was Santiago's next order.
This order was carried into effect, and the servants also must have enjoyed a square meal, for it was more than an hour ere they again assembled, during which time Billie sank back in his chair and slumbered peacefully.
He was finally awakened by a hand laid upon his arm.
"Awake, my son," were the words he heard. "It is now time that I reveal to you the secret of my life. It is now time that I should tell you the secret of the treasure of Montezuma."
"That's right, Prince," said Billie sleepily. "Let her go."
Santiago regarded him interrogatively.
"What said my son?"
"Oh, yes, Prince. I forgot you only understood good English. Let her go, means proceed with the secret."
"Let her go. Let her go," Santiago repeated a couple of times. "Yes," he continued, "I had forgotten about her."
He clapped his hands and the same servant who had first appeared approached his chair.
Santiago gave an order in a language whichBillie did not understand, but which he imagined was Indian, and the servant withdrew, only to reappear a few minutes later with a young woman who greatly resembled Santiago and who was also arrayed in a gorgeous costume.
She had evidently not expected to meet a stranger, for she drew back upon seeing Billie and the color rushed to her face.
"Come hither, daughter," was Santiago's command.
The young woman obeyed.
"Lucia," said Santiago, "this is the honorable young man whom I have chosen for my heir. Henceforth consider him your betrothed. The marriage shall take place one new moon from to-day."
"Oh, Father," cried the girl, her face becoming even more scarlet than before, "I cannot——"
"No!" interrupted Billie, springing to his feet, "neither can I. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Santiago——"
"What!" cried Santiago, springing to his feet and again drawing his sword. "Who calls me Santiago? I am Prince Ixtazhl of the great Aztec nation and guardian of the treasure of Montezuma!"
He raised his sword and would have stricken Billie down ere the boy could have prevented had not the young woman thrown herself between them and seized his arm.
At the same instant the door from the ante-roomopened and Donald and Adrian entered.
"Santiago!" exclaimed Donald.
"By all that's great!" from Adrian.
"Help!" cried Lucia. "He will do something desperate!"
Donald and Adrian sprang forward, but their assistance was not needed. Billie had by this time gathered his wits and in a twinkling the mad-man was disarmed.
"Shall we bind him?" asked Adrian as they came forward.
"No, indeed," replied Billie as the now helpless man sank down upon the chair. "He isn't dangerous."
"What's it all about?" queried Donald.
"Oh, nothing much! He simply wanted to make me his heir and marry me to his daughter."
Donald and Adrian cast an admiring gaze upon Lucia, who was now kneeling at her father's side.
"Well," said Adrian in an aside, "I don't see why you should object to that."
"Who said I objected?" demanded Billie. "It is the young woman who objects."
"But whoever supposed he had a daughter?" saidDonald.
"Not I," from Billie. "But this is certainly a queer mess."
Then to Lucia: "How long has he been in this way, Señorita?"
"Only a few days. Since this trouble with the Americanos."
"But how could that affect him?"
"It is a long story, señor. For years he has been trying to overthrow the government. When Madero was made president, he was happy. Then came that awful tragedy, by which Madero was killed. Since that time he has not been himself. But when it became evident that the United States would interfere he became as you have seen him to-day."
"When I told him that all the United States wanted was to get rid of Huerta, he was much pleased," explained Billie. "That was when he proposed to make me his heir."
Lucia's cheeks grew red, as she asked: "And did you accept his proposal?"
"I neither accepted nor rejected. I just followed him in to see what would happen next."
"But would you accept?" insisted Lucia.
"That depends," replied Billie, with a touch of color in his own face. "But what had we better do now? You and I will discuss the other question later."
"The best thing we can do," interposed Donald,"is to report to Lieutenant Blunt. Isn't there some place, Señorita, where your father can be placed for safe-keeping?"
"He will be perfectly safe here with me, señors, if the servants are allowed to remain."
"They certainly will be," declared Billie. "I will personally vouch for that. We have done Captain Rush a good turn to-day and I know he will be glad to do that much for us. And besides, the Americans will harm no one."
Lucia gave Billie a grateful look as she replied:
"Ah, señor, I shall trust it all to you. I can see that you are a friend of my father and I know you are telling the truth."
"You bet you can trust me," was Billie's emphatic reply. "Come on, fellows, let's go look after my horse."
In the door Billie turned:
"I'll leave my robe in the cupboard, Señorita; and, if you don't mind, I'll ask Lieutenant Blunt to make himself at home in the patio."
"The house is yours, señor. Do as you think best."
"By George!" exclaimed Adrian as they descended the stairs to the patio, "this is getting serious."
"What?" queried Donald.
"Why this affair of Billie and the young lady we have just left."
"Nonsense!" from Billie. "It isn't half as seriousas what I saw at Moreno."
"No!" laughed Donald. "I saw that myself; but Josie is an American. Hey, Ad?"
"I don't think it's very nice to be making remarks about young ladies in their absence," retorted Adrian, bristling up.
"Oh, come now, Adrian!" laughed Billie. "You started it. But what do you make out of Santiago?"
"He's evidently a rich old chap with a bug. That's all."
"Well," commented Billie, with a nod of his head, "strange things do happen when you travel. Who'd have thought we'd ever see the old chap again, and at a time like this?" and he went back to where Adrian and Donald had stabled the horses, to see if there was anything he could do for the wounded animal.
When Lieutenant Blunt was made acquainted with the conditions prevailing in the house, he immediately took possession of the lower floor and from that time on until the arrival of General Funston with the Fifth Brigade, it was made one of the official residences.
The week following the occupation of Vera Cruz by the American forces was a busy one for our boys. Because of their intimate knowledge with the Spanish language, they were continually in demand. There was never a verbal message fromthe American Admiral to some Mexican official but what they were called upon, and they very soon made friends of every Jackie and marine in the city.
Ten days later the boys stood upon the wharf awaiting the arrival of the first boatload of General Funston's regulars from the big transports which had anchored in the harbor the night before. Because of the shallowness of the water, everything in Vera Cruz harbor has to be brought ashore in small boats, known as lighters. As the boys watched the first of these to approach there was something in the face and bearing of the officer in command which attracted their attention.
"By George!" exclaimed Donald, "I seem to know that face. Don't you, Billie?"
"Does look kind o' familiar. Where have we seen him?"
"I'll tell you!" cried Adrian. "It's the lieutenant who was in charge of the patrol on the Rio Grande."
"Lieutenant Grant!" exclaimed Billie. "Sure as you're born. Well this is luck!"
"Luck? What do you mean?"
"Why, maybe he'll be able to tell me whatever became of those drafts for ten thousand pounds that I took from old Don Pablo."
His companions laughed.
"Still thinking about that, are you?" said Donald. "Why of course you'll never hear of them again. The bank is simply in that much."
"Maybe so," admitted Billie, "but I'll get somethingofficial."
And he did.
It was several days later, though, after the regulars had taken possession of the city and the navy forces had withdrawn to their ships. The boys were sitting in Lieutenant Grant's quarters, to whom they had offered their services as soon after his landing as they were able, and were laughing over their adventures on the border.
"It was certainly a close call you boys had," the lieutenant was saying. "I'm not sure but our neutrality was mighty near a breaking point. What do you think, Billie?"
"Possibly so; Americans will be Americans. But say, Lieutenant, whatever was done about those drafts I took from Don Pablo? I've never been called upon to tell my story, nor have they ever come back to me."
"That's because you were out of the United States," replied Lieutenant Grant. "It was less than a month ago that I was asked if I knew your whereabouts. Uncle Sam has decided that he has no claim to the drafts and they were returned to me. I have them in my army chest. If they are any good to you, I shall be pleased to hand them over."
"I guess they are not much use to any one," sighed Billie mournfully. "My father says no bank would cash them without Don Pablo's signature, and no one can get that."
"I'm glad you take it so philosophically," laughedthe lieutenant. "I hope you'll have better luck next time."
The boys arose to leave.
"Which way?" asked the lieutenant.
"No place in particular. We thought we'd go home."
"You mean to the United States?"
"Not to-night," laughed Adrian. "Just to the house where we are living. It belongs to old Santiago."
"Who is he?"
Briefly the boys narrated what they knew about him on the Rio Grande, how they had met him here, and why they were staying at his house.
"Has he no other name?"
"Why, yes, I suppose so," replied Billie. "We always call him Prince to his face, and his daughter as the Princess Lucia. Of course, it is all make-believe, but it is one way of keeping him quiet."
He called to one of Santiago's servants, whom Lucia had lent them to look after their horses.
"Oh, Chomo!" he said. "Do you know what Santiago's surname is?"
"Si, señor. It is Ojeda."
"What?" cried all the boys at once. "Ojeda? Why, that was old Don Pablo's name."
The boys stood and eyed each other in speechless wonder. The same thought was in all their minds.
"Do you think it is possible?" asked Billie atlast.
"Do I think what is possible?" asked Lieutenant Grant.
"Why, that Santiago could have given those drafts to the stranger so as not to be known in the matter."
"Possibly. He seems a man of mystery."
"Well," declared Billie, "I am going to find out."
"How, I should like to know," asked Donald. "He's too crazy to remember anything, even if he wanted to tell you."
"You forget Lucia," said Billie.
"Oh, no, I haven't," laughed Donald, "and I have no doubt she would tell you all about it if she knew; but I do not believe she does. Santiago is too deep to have entrusted his secrets to a girl not yet out of her teens."
"You never can tell," remarked the lieutenant. "Men with a hobby do strange things. You'd better ride along with me to headquarters. I'd like to introduce you to General Funston. He's a man after your own hearts. You know how he went out and captured Aguinaldo when he was in the Philippines."
"I've read about it," replied Adrian. "It was a bold deed."
"Sure was," said Donald. "We'll be mighty glad to meet him."
It may also be said that General Funston wasglad to meet the Broncho Rider Boys, especially after Lieutenant Grant told him in a few words of the good work they had done on the border and on the day that Vera Cruz was taken.
"And when do you expect to return to the United States?" asked the general.