"Just as soon as we can obtain passage," replied Donald.
"I think we can arrange that for you in a few days," replied the general. "In the meantime come in occasionally."
The boys thanked him and started to leave, when the telephone in the general's quarters rang. He looked for some one to answer, but no one being at hand, he picked up the 'phone himself.
"What's that?" he asked after a brief moment. "The water works. You think they are attempting to cut you off. All right, I'll rush help."
He set down the 'phone and turned to Lieutenant Grant.
"The enemy has gathered in force about the water works," he said sharply. "They evidently intend cutting off the water supply. Tell Colonel Bright to send them reinforcements at once. Do you boys know the way there?"
"Yes, sir," from all three.
"Then show the men the nearest way! Now go! The safety of the city may depend upon you!"
Flinging themselves into the saddle, the boys rode rapidly after Lieutenant Grant and were at Colonel Bright's quarters by the time the bugle had called to boots and saddle. In another minute, at the head of a squadron of cavalry, they dashed over the road they had come to know so well.
What happened during the next twenty minutes is history.
Guided by the boys, the reinforcements arrived opportunely to stop the advance of a large body of Mexicans who would have destroyed the water works and have left the inhabitants and the American troops entirely without water.
A few minutes later two batteries with rapid-fire guns put in an appearance, and in less time than it takes to tell it, the Mexicans turned and fled.
It was not General Funston's mission in Vera Cruz to overrun any more Mexican territory, so the Mexicans were allowed to retreat without pursuit; but the lines were strengthened so that from that time on there was never any danger from Huerta's forces, although there were numerous alarms and plenty of scout duty.
During the few minutes of fighting, the boys werein the midst of it and all came through it without a scratch. But it was exciting work and when it was over they were publicly thanked by Colonel Bright for their good work.
"Well," laughed Billie as the three rode slowly back to their home, "that's glory enough for one day. I don't care to be a soldier."
"Nor I!" agreed Donald. "I prefer a quiet life on the ranch."
"Which we are in a fair way to see in a few weeks," commented Adrian. "I have no doubt that General Funston will do as he agreed and find us passage."
"I for one shall be glad to return to the States," said Donald.
"So shall I after I have found out about Santiago's connection with that ten thousand pounds."
"That's right," was the laughing rejoinder. "Stick to it, Billie, and who knows what may happen?"
"Do you know," remarked Adrian slowly, "I'm beginning to be considerably worried for the Americans scattered throughout Mexico."
"Why should you be?" from Donald.
"I remember Pedro's words that, if the United States did anything, Carranza would unite with Huerta."
"I don't believe he would."
"Maybe not. But the Zapata brothers will thinkthis a good time to make the Americans trouble. I was thinking of Mr. Black and Josie."
"I'll bet you were," laughed Billie. "I wouldn't be surprised if they were thinking about you. Hey, Don?"
"Well, they might do worse," said Donald. "There are worse fellows than Adrian."
"That's right," retorted Adrian good-humoredly. "I can stand it. But, just the same, I wish I knew they were safe."
"Well, what's the matter with our paying them a visit?" queried Billie.
"Nix," from Donald. "We'll stay inside the lines. I've had enough of this bush fighting."
They approached Santiago's residence, where they had decided to remain until they sailed, when they perceived a peon on a pony standing by the gate. As they drew near they recognized him as one of the peons who had served as Mr. Black's mozo.
"Why, hello, José!" exclaimed Donald. "What brings you here?"
The mozo drew a letter from beneath his poncho and handed it to Donald.
"For me?" asked Donald. "I thought it must be for Adrian. I didn't think the——"
"It is from the jefe," interrupted the mozo.
"Oh, it's from Mr. Black!" with an accent on the Mr. "That's different."
Donald opened the letter and read it hastily.
"Well, by George!" he exclaimed, "what do youthink of that?"
"I can tell you better when I know what that is," replied Billie.
"Why, Mr. Black is becoming alarmed over the activities of the Carranza forces and wants us to ask General Funston if he won't send out enough cavalry to escort him and his daughter to Vera Cruz in safety."
"Of course we'll ask him!" exclaimed Adrian. "Let's do it at once."
"Now wait a minute," said Donald. "Let's see about it."
"What is there to see?"
"There's a good deal to see. You remember our experiences on the Rio Grande?"
"But this is different! We are at war with Mexico now."
"No, we are not. We have simply seized one port as a reprisal. To send a cavalry force out into the country might bring on more trouble."
"Well, I don't care!" exclaimed Adrian hotly. "I'll go and ask him alone if you are afraid to go with me. I'm not going to leave Jos—I mean Mr. Black and his daughter out there at the mercies of these greasers. You hear me!"
"Oh, we'll go with you, all right!" said Billie. "But don't be surprised if you don't get what you ask."
Accordingly the trio started for General Funston'sheadquarters. After some delay they were admitted to his presence and Donald showed him Mr. Black's letter.
The general perused it carefully and then remained silently thoughtful for some moments.
"I wish I could do what our countryman asks," he finally said, "but I do not see how I can. To send a force out nearly fifty miles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purpose for which I am here. I——"
"But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated and perhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian.
The general smiled.
"Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. We must use a little strategy."
"That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who went out and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!"
Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at the implied compliment.
"I'll do the best I can," he said quietly, "but I am not very familiar with the lay of the land. You boys have had some experience. Perhaps you can suggest something."
Adrian said nothing, and Donald scratched his head. It was Billie who spoke.
"I was just wondering, General," he said, "if some of the men wouldn't like to take a little horseback ride and see something of the country."
"Well, now, perhaps they might," assented thegeneral.
"We could show them some mighty fine scenery, sir."
"By the moonlight, I suppose?"
"Yes, sir. By the moonlight and early sunrise."
"And about how many would you like to take on this picnic?"
"Well," replied Billie, squinting up one eye, "I was thinking that Adrian and I might take out about ten to-night. Then about the same time to-morrow night Don could take another ten. We would probably meet somewhere in the mountains and watch the sun rise."
"A very nice plan," said the general, "and one of which I approve. You may ask Lieutenant Grant to make enquiries among the men in his company and see if there are any who would like to be given two or three days' leave for such a purpose."
"Thank you, sir!" and Billie touched his hat in true military style.
"And you might say to the lieutenant," was General Funston's parting words, "that I should be glad to hear later how the men enjoyed their ride. I think, now that the boys are down here, they should be given a chance to see the country."
"Billie, you have the making of a great general," was Donald's comment as they left the general's quarters. "How did you think of it?"
"I remembered my experience when I wanted mento help me get you and Ad out of trouble in Presidio. Lieutenant Grant will know all about it."
And so he did. In less than half an hour ten regulars, some of them but very little older than Billie and Adrian, were ready for the ride which Billie had proposed and which in his mind would be as far as Moreno.
"You are sure ten will be enough?" asked Lieutenant Grant.
"Sure! Twelve Americans are enough to lick fifty Mexicans if it comes to that; and besides we shall have Mr. Black and Josie. He's as good as four."
"And don't forget the reinforcements, if they are needed," laughed Donald. "We will be right on the spot where we saw the sun rise the first morning after we left Moreno."
"It looks all right," was Lieutenant Grant's comment, "but it is always well to have a big enough force. Success to you!"
"You'll make all the necessary explanations to the crowd you bring out, Don," was Billie's parting words. "Adrian and I will explain the nature of the trip to our fellows as we ride along."
This they did, and gave the soldier boys a little history of their own troubles in reaching Vera Cruz.
"No explanations are necessary," remarked a young chap by the name of Brooks, a corporal. "We saw you out at the water works and we knowyou are made of the right stuff. You lead! We'll follow, won't we, boys?"
"You bet!" replied the others in one voice.
It was nine o'clock of the second night that Adrian and Billie, accompanied by Mr. Black's mozo, José, and the ten troopers, reached the outskirts of Moreno.
They had made good headway the first night, had slept in the hills during the day and had come this far without molestation.
"If everything goes to the end as it has this far," remarked Corporal Brooks to Billie as they neared the little town, "it will be nothing but a pleasant outing, sure enough."
Arriving at the edge of the town, the boys sent José forward to see how the land lay and to bring them word.
"Do you think you can trust him?" asked the corporal.
"We'll have to," replied Adrian. "I believe he is loyal, and Mr. Black seems to have complete confidence in him."
"Let's hope so, anyway," said Billie. "It seems to be the best we can do to get word to Mr. Black of our presence."
"Hurry back, José," urged Adrian as the mozodeparted.
"Si, señor," was the brief reply. "You may depend on me."
"It ought not to take him more than half an hour," explained Billie. "It isn't more than a mile."
But a half hour passed and then another and still no José.
"Something must have happened to him," said Adrian.
"That's the charitable way to look at it," laughed the corporal. "It's more likely, however, that he's making arrangements to have something happen to us."
"I hardly think so," was Billie's comment, "but, if he is, we'll fool him."
"How?"
"We'll move."
"But he may come back."
"We'll leave one man here on guard. The rest of us will go around to the other side of town."
"Good!" from the corporal. "You are a strategist."
The plan was at once carried into effect.
"Now then," said Billie, "I'm going in to town myself."
"Not much," declared Adrian. "I'm going."
"I'd offer to go myself," laughed the corporal, "but I don't know the place."
"We'll toss for it," said Billie.
"All right," and Adrian produced a coin. "Heads I win. Tails you lose."
"No funny business," said Billie. "Choose heads if you want."
Adrian flipped the coin. It came down heads up.
"All right," agreed Billie. "Now for some set of signals."
"Our old Broncho Rider whistle if I need help," said Adrian. "If everything is O. K., I'll give the whip-poor-will."
Adrian slid from his horse.
"What are you doing?" asked Billie.
"I'm going afoot. I didn't spend my boyhood among the Indians for nothing. Good-bye!" and a moment later he disappeared in the fading moonlight.
"Whatever the conditions," said Billie, "we'll soon know," as he settled back in his saddle.
Running swiftly along, Adrian made straight for the barracks in which he knew would be found whatever soldiers might be in the city.
"If I find everything quiet at the barracks," was his thought, "I can go straight to where Mr. Black is stopping without fear. If I find there is any disturbance, I'll be more careful."
Ten minutes of running brought him to the barracks. All was as quiet as the hour demanded. He stood under the shadow of the back wall longenough to hear the sentry's call and then he turned in the direction of the house where the two Americans were stopping.
It was only a few blocks away and he reached it without incident.
"Kind o' funny," he mused, "that I haven't seen or heard a soul on the street. I wonder what's become of José?"
He stopped a minute to ponder.
"Things are going almost too smooth. I'll just stop a bit."
He stole past the house and a moment later threw himself into the gutter, where he lay as one dead.
The wisdom of his action soon became apparent.
He hadn't been lying there two minutes until a solitary figure passed him and stopped in front of the house, evidently listening to hear what might be going on inside.
A moment later he was joined by another figure. Adrian could just make them out in the darkness.
"Have they come?" was the whispered question.
"I can't tell," was the whispered reply.
Adrian heard both the question and the answer distinctly.
"It's José," he said to himself. "He knew that it was the plan for Billie and I both to come to the house. The traitor! I have a notion to shoot him in his tracks."
Only the fear of creating a disturbance kept thelad from carrying out his notion.
"Why don't you knock and tell the Gringo you are here?" was the next question.
"They might be in there."
"Well, what of that? You can tell them you were stopped by the guard and have just been released. That'll seem reasonable."
José stepped to the door and knocked.
There was no response and he knocked again.
"Who is there?" asked a voice.
"José. I just come from Vera Cruz. Let me in."
There was a movement within and presently the door opened and José entered, closing the door behind him.
Adrian slowly arose to a kneeling posture.
"I wonder what the other will do now?" he wondered.
He did not have long to wait, for the other knocked on the pavement with his gun and presently several more figures appeared. Adrian had just time to throw himself to the ground and escape detection.
The men in front of the house exchanged whispered confidences and then all but one started to leave.
"If any one attempts to leave the house," was the command, "fire! If any one attempts to enter, allow them to do so and then give the customary call."
"Bueno!" was the response, and all but the onewithdrew.
A minute later Adrian again arose to a crouching posture and as the sentry cautiously approached the door, he crept up behind him. An instant more and he was upon the man and had him by the throat.
The man was a wiry Mexican and evidently in training, for he squirmed and kicked vigorously; but Adrian's grip was too firm upon him and in a couple of minutes he sank down limp upon the ground.
The noise of the scuffle must have been heard inside, for the door cautiously opened and a head peered out.
Without a question Adrian sprang within, dragging the lifeless form of the sentry with him.
"Quick, bar the gate!" he commanded.
The command was obeyed.
"Now where is Mr. Black?" he asked.
"Upstairs talking with José."
"All right. Bind this man while I go up. Don't let him escape or he is liable to cut your throat."
"No temer V, señor" was the response, meaning "Have no fear."
Adrian ran lightly up the stairs, revolver in hand. He heard voices talking and had no doubt that José was narrating some trumped-up story.
"Yes, señor," he heard the mozo say, "they are expecting you. It is necessary that you go at once."
Adrian flung open the door and covered Joséwith his revolver.
"Put up your hands," he commanded. Then to Mr. Black, to whom José was talking: "Take his weapons away from him, Mr. Black."
Realizing at once that something was wrong, Mr. Black obeyed.
"Now tie him."
This was also quickly done, Mr. Black asking at the same time what had happened.
"I can't tell you exactly, Mr. Black, but this man has betrayed us and we are now watched by a squad of soldiers."
Mr. Black's face turned as black as his name.
"Is that true?" he demanded, seizing José by the shoulder with such a powerful grip that the man cried out with pain.
"Oh, señor," he cried, "don't kill me! I will tell you all."
"See that you do," was the command. "One lie and I will wring your neck as I would a chicken. You know me."
"I'll tell the truth. I told the captain at the barracks. He is going to capture all the Americanos and hold them for ransom and I am to have half."
"That is evidently the truth," declared Adrian, and he proceeded to tell Mr. Black what was being done to get him and his daughter to Vera Cruz, and how José had played them false.
For a moment it looked as though Mr. Blackmight wreak his vengeance on José, but after a minute he thought better of it.
"You ought to die this minute," he declared, "but I'll wait till I have more time." Then to Adrian: "What had we better do now?"
Before Adrian could reply the clear note of a bugle rang out upon the night air.
"What do you suppose that means?" asked Adrian.
Mr. Black made no reply and a moment later the bugle call was repeated.
"It sounds to me," said Mr. Black, "as though some fresh troops were coming in."
"That's bad," was Adrian's comment.
"Perhaps not, my lad, if we act quickly."
"How so?"
"The new arrivals may take up the attention of the gang of bandits outside and we may get away ere they return."
"Good," was Adrian's comment. "Where is Miss Josie?"
"Waiting in the next room with the family of my host."
Mr. Black stepped to the door and called tothose within. In a few words he explained the situation and in less than three minutes he and the girl were mounted and ready to ride.
"Where is your horse?" he asked Adrian.
"I left it with the boys at the cocoanut grove."
"But we can't go and leave you here."
"Of course not. I shall run alongside of your horse, holding to its mane, Indian fashion. Now then, are we ready?"
"All ready!"
The great gate was opened noiselessly and, bidding a subdued good-bye to the family, the three passed out into the night.
"I should have throttled José ere I left," declared Mr. Black as they passed down the street.
"I wish we were as safe as he is," laughed Adrian.
For three blocks they wended their way as silently as possible and just as they came out into the open there came another bugle call.
"That's for us," said Adrian. "There is no mistaking that command. Now to run for it."
The two riders put spurs to their horses and Adrian bounded along at their side, running as lightly as an antelope. They were rapidly nearing the spot where the Americans were in waiting, when Adrian stepped into a hole and pitched forward onto his face.
"Don't stop for me!" he called. "I'll be there as quick as you are!"
He picked himself up and started to run, but hisankle gave him such a pain that he almost fainted.
"Great Scott!" he exclaimed, "I've sprained my ankle."
He sat down and rubbed the maimed member for a couple of minutes and then attempted to hobble on. It was more than he could bear and he sat down again.
"By George," he groaned, "this is tough! I'll have to call for help."
He gave the well-known whistle, but there was no response.
He gave it again; but still no answer.
"Worse and more of it," he muttered. "Something has happened to Billie."
What it might be Adrian could not imagine, but he was sure that his chum was not at the appointed spot, as he was near enough to have heard the whistle and would surely have answered.
"Well, I can't stay here. The greasers will be coming pretty soon. I must get along some way."
He got up and walked a few steps and again sat down. There was no sound of a pursuit and the hoofbeats of Mr. Black's horses had ceased.
"They have reached the grove," Adrian muttered. "I must get there some way."
Once more he arose to his feet and took several steps and then sank down in a faint, so great was the pain.
When he came to himself he was lying upon amatting of some kind and to his ears came the faint sound of a guitar, followed a few moments later by sounds of girlish laughter.
He sat up and looked around, but could see nothing, except a ray of light coming in through a little crack between a couple of blankets that formed a curtain in a doorway.
"Where in the name of common sense am I?" he muttered.
He attempted to get to his feet, but the pain in his ankle brought him quickly to himself.
"Now I remember!" he exclaimed. "I fell and sprained my ankle. But how did I get here?"
He started to call, but at that moment the music ceased and a minute later he heard voices saying good night. Then a door was closed and immediately the curtains were thrown open and a peon woman stood in the door.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, upon seeing Adrian sitting up and looking at her. "Then you are not dead?"
"I should say not. Did you think I was?"
"I was afraid so."
"Why?"
"Because your death might be laid at my door."
"Evidently she hasn't discovered I am an American," thought Adrian. "Well, I'll not tell her until I have to."
The woman turned around and called to some onein the other room and another figure appeared in the door—that of a girl some fifteen years of age.
"Look, Peppita," and the elder woman pointed at Adrian.
The girl gave a little scream.
"Madre mia!" she exclaimed. "Who is it?"
"I know not, my child. I found him unconscious at our back door and dragged him inside."
"I beg your pardon," said Adrian. "I didn't know I was near any house."
"It is a very poor one, señor. I and my daughter are all alone since my poor Leocadio was killed."
"Who killed him?" asked Adrian, becoming interested.
"The Huertistas. He was a soldier under Gen. Dorantes."
"Is that so?" exclaimed Adrian. "I know Gen. Dorantes well. He is a fine man. But you will soon be avenged, for Huerta's days are short."
The woman's eyes snapped.
"Es verdad?" meaning, "Is it true?"
"It certainly is. Since the Americans have taken Vera Cruz, Gen. Huerta will have to go. It is only a question of a few days."
"Bienissimo!The Americans are brave men! My Leocadio was fond of the Americans."
"I am glad of that, señora, for I am an American."
The woman and girl both started back as in fear and then came forward again.
"How did you come here, señor?"
"I fell from a horse and sprained my ankle. I tried to walk and must have fainted."
"Have you friends in Moreno?"
"I did have, but they have gone and I want to get to Vera Cruz."
"Vera Cruz is a long way, señor. I never expect to go that far from home—me and my little Peppa."
Adrian smiled.
"I expect it does look like a long ways to you, señora; but it is not far. Do you think I can stay here with you until my ankle is well enough to walk? I have a little money. I will pay you something."
"Oh, Mother!" exclaimed the girl, who now spoke for the first time. "You will let him stay, won't you?"
"The wife of Leocadio would not turn a lame dog out, much less a lame boy."
"Mil gracias, señora!" exclaimed Adrian, with much gratitude. "Yes, more than a thousand thanks. You will never regret it."
"The wife of Leocadio is not learned," was the reply, "but she knows an honest youth when she sees one. Come, Peppita, let the young man go to sleep. We will make our bed out here."
She drew the curtains together and Adrian was left alone to his own reflections.
"By George!" he exclaimed under his breath, "if I ever get out of this measly country, I'll beglad. I wonder what has become of Billie? Of course he'll look for me, and old Don, too; but it looks as though it might be weeks before I could walk. Well, I don't care. If Mr. Black and Josie got away, that's glory enough for one day."
He settled himself down and tried to go to sleep, but his leg hurt him so that he could not. In fact, the pain was so great that every once in a while he groaned.
After a few of these groans the woman appeared in the door with an earthen vessel filled with hot water.
"If the señor will bind this on his ankle, it will do it much good," she said.
"I'll do anything to get rid of this pain," said Adrian.
He took the jar and, dipping his handkerchief in it, bathed his ankle freely and finally bound the cloth around the swollen part.
"There," he muttered as he at last succeeded in finding a comfortable position, "now I think I can get a little sleep."
How long thereafter it was before he came to himself he did not know, but when he opened his eyes the first streak of daylight was creeping in through a little window.
A minute later there was the rattle of musketry, followed by a hearty American cheer. He raised up to look out of the window, when the side of the room came in with a crash.
It would be hard to describe Adrian's surprise at the unexpected event which closed the preceding chapter. His first thought was that a cannon ball had struck the house, but a second thought convinced him that such was not the case. Before he had time to think further he heard a big voice call out:
"Here he is!"
A moment later Mr. Black burst in through the opening in the wall and, picking Adrian up in his arms as though he had been a baby, started on a run with him for the nearest horse.
"There you are!" he exclaimed as he set the boy on the horse. "Now to run for it!"
Adrian needed no second bidding, but digging his heels into the horse's side he dashed away toward the cocoanut grove, his flight being protected by the Americans with Billie at their head.
A couple of minutes after, the entire band had rallied in the shelter of the trees, where they stopped to plan for the next move.
"How did you ever find me?" asked Adrian as he and Billie peered out toward the town.
"Mr. Black knew about where he lost you and we tracked you by your trail. Whoever draggedyou into the house, left a trail as wide as your body."
"It was a woman," explained Adrian, "and she was hiding me. But where were you when I whistled for help?"
"That's a long story," was the reply, "which I will tell you when we have time; but briefly we were on the other side of the town, where we left the man on guard. It appears that our friend José was a first-class traitor."
"As I discovered," said Adrian.
"Yes," continued Billie, "he sent a bunch of soldiers to capture us. The sentry heard them coming and gave the alarm. We went to his aid and succeeded in rescuing him, but that is what got us into this trouble."
"And now what?"
"Now we have to get away just as soon as we can."
"Right," said Mr. Black. "There is no enemy in sight at this moment and the best thing we can do is to run for it. If we can cross the valley safely, we shall have little trouble."
"I'd like to stay and give them a few shots," said the corporal, "but it would probably be unwise."
"I'll tell you what, Brooks," suggested Billie, "suppose you and I remain behind until we see the others well across the valley. If there is any pursuit, we can hold them back for a few minutes.They will not know how many we are and it will give the others a chance to escort Mr. Black and his daughter to a place of safety. You know that is what we really came for."
"Fine!" was the corporal's reply.
Mr. Black and Adrian protested, but they were overruled.
"It's a good idea," said the oldest of the troopers, "and now to run for it."
It was fully five minutes after the others had left that Billie and Brooks saw the Mexican infantry, some fifty in number, emerge from the town and come slowly toward them.
Looking across the valley, they could perceive that the little band under the direction of Mr. Black was nearing the protection of the forest that covered the next hillside.
"Two minutes more and they will be safe," said Billie.
"Then we'll give them the two minutes," replied the corporal. "Cut loose at the bunch as soon as it is near enough."
A moment later two rifles spoke out and then they turned loose their automatics, to give the impression of a much larger force.
Two men fell and a minute later two more, as the boys' Winchesters again spoke.
"Now for the horses!" cried Billie as the Mexicans threw themselves upon the ground.
They sprang to their horses and dashed awaydown the valley.
They were not discovered until they had cleared the shelter of the trees and then a volley was fired after them. The bullets sang all around them, but they escaped unhurt, and before another volley they were out of range.
"It's a good thing for us that they have no cavalry," said Brooks as they sped along.
"Sure is," was the response, "and I hope they don't succeed in getting word ahead of us."
"We'll fix that," said Brooks. "We cross the railroad just at the foot of the hill and I'll climb up and cut the telegraph wires."
"They may have sent word already."
"Hardly. They may have tried to, but it's dollars to doughnuts that there was nobody at Joachin or Rio Blanco to receive it. The nearest night operator, I imagine, is at Piedras Negras."
"They may send a force from there to head us off," suggested Billie.
"That's so; but I'm not sure whether Piedras Negras is held by the Carranza or the Huerta forces."
"It's a terrible mix-up, isn't it?" laughed Billie. "But I guess either side would be glad to get us."
They had reached the tracks by this time and a couple of minutes later Brooks was up a pole and with the aid of his bayonet broke the wires.
"If it isn't too late, that'll hold 'em for a while,"he remarked as he descended from the pole and mounted his horse.
When they joined the main company, Billie told Mr. Black what they had done and repeated to him what Brooks had said.
"I think he is right," said Mr. Black, "and my advice is that we should give Piedras Negras a wide berth."
"We can't get too far away from the railroad," explained Billie, "or we shall miss Don and his company. They are coming out for just such an emergency."
They rode rapidly forward for a couple of hours and then, turning sharply off the highway, took to the woods which now grew dense all along the mountain sides.
About ten o'clock they stopped for breakfast and then all took a nap until the sun drew near the western horizon.
"We should reach our rendezvous with Don about dark," explained Billie, "and that would get us into Vera Cruz about daylight."
As they approached the appointed spot, Billie and Adrian, ever on the alert, noticed almost as one that the place had a changed appearance and mentioned it to the others.
"What do you mean?" asked the corporal.
"I can't exactly explain," was Adrian's reply,"but my prairie training always warns me to go slow when I sense danger."
"A mighty good idea," muttered one of the troopers, an old campaigner who had seen service with Funston in the Philippines. "These are slippery chaps."
"If I could walk," was Adrian's comment, "I'd soon find out what is wrong; but you can't scout on horseback."
The cavalcade came to a halt and the men examined their weapons to be sure they were in order.
"What do you think we'd better do, Ad?" queried Billie.
"I don't know. How far are we from the rendezvous?"
"Not more than half a mile."
"If it were not for the possibility of making matters worse," suggested Adrian, "I'd fire a few shots; but of course what we want is to get into Vera Cruz without a fight. What do you think, Mr. Black?"
"This is new business to me, boys," was the reply. "I'll have to leave it to you."
"What's the matter with my going on a scout?" asked Billie.
"Nothing the matter with your going," laughed Adrian, "but there might be with your coming back. No, I shall have to go, ankle or no ankle."
He slid from his horse, and almost before anyone realized what he was doing he had slipped away on his hands and knees.
"He is certainly a brave boy," was Josie's remark, "and I hate to think of his taking all this risk on my account."
"Not so much risk for him as for us, I'm thinking," muttered the old trooper. "They are looking for mounted men—if they're looking at all—and not for crawling boys."
The old trooper was right, and ten minutes later Adrian returned to say that there was a small body of horsemen at the next turn of the road.
"Did you see anything of Don?" queried Billie.
"Not a sign."
"That's mighty funny. Where do you suppose he can be?"
"He may be hiding back in the woods, just as we are."
"Well," said the corporal, "now that we know where the greasers are, what's the matter of going forward?"
"No matter at all," replied Adrian. "We can easily bear away to the left and give them the shake, but I don't know what to do about the others."
"The others will have to look out for themselves," replied Brooks. "They are able to do it."
The words had hardly left his lips ere there came the sound of a single shot away to the left.
"There they are!" cried Billie. "Come on!"
The little cavalcade started forward, but ere they had gone a dozen rods they could hear the sound of approaching horsemen, crashing through the woods to their right.
"The Mexicans!" said Adrian.
"To cover, every man!" cried the corporal.
A minute later every horse lay flat on the ground with his rider concealed behind him.
With a shout the Mexicans broke into the clearing which the Americans had just left. They were a motley crowd, not much like the cavalry that forms such a great part of Uncle Sam's army.
"It seems a shame to hurt them," muttered the corporal. "They look as though they would run if you said boo!"
Seeing no one, the Mexicans, some twenty or twenty-five in number, came to a halt and their leaders held a council of war.
The Americans, a couple of rods back in the woods, partly concealed by the trees and partly by the deepening twilight, watched them silently.
After a couple of minutes' confab, the captain of the band gave an order which the boys couldnot hear and a couple of Mexicans dismounted and began carefully to examine the ground. They were looking for the prints of horses' hoofs.
"Aqui'sta!" exclaimed one of the men on foot, pointing to the ground.
The captain drew near and leaned over from his horse to see more clearly.
He was evidently satisfied, for he straightened up and gave another command and the two horsemen sprang to their saddles.
Another command and every man's sabre flashed in the air.
Raising his own sabre aloft, the captain was about to give another command, when there was the sound of a single shot from the rear and the captain's sabre went flying from his hand, struck by a rifle ball.
"Carramba!" he cried. "Emboscado!" meaning "an ambush," and putting spurs to his horse he turned and fled in the direction from which he had come, followed by the entire band, while the Americans fired a volley into the air.
"They'll never stop running," laughed the corporal, "until they reach home—wherever that is."
"And in the meantime we'll get out of here," said Mr. Black.
The men sprang to their feet and to their horses. At the same moment there came from the woods to the left the well-known whistle of the Broncho Rider Boys.
"It's Don!" cried Billie, as he gave the answeringcall, and an instant later Donald came into view through the trees, closely followed by half a score of Uncle Sam's troopers.
"Just too late," said Adrian.
"Too late for what?" queried Donald.
"To see a masterly retreat," and in a few words he told Donald what had occurred.
"Well," was the rejoinder, "I am glad no blood was shed. But who fired the shot from the rear?"
"I," came a voice, and out of the shadows appeared a figure which had a most familiar appearance. "If you don't recognize me," he continued, "you may recognize Ambrosio."
"By George!" exclaimed Billie, "if it isn't our old friend Strong. Where on earth did you come from?"
"I suppose I might ask you the same thing," was the laughing reply. "Briefly, I am on my way to Vera Cruz. I heard there was a band of American brigands out in the mountains and I thought I might fall in with them."
"So that's what they call us, is it?" said Billie. "I never expected to be called a brigand."
"Strange things happen to men who travel," declared Strong facetiously; "but you'd better be going. There are some good troops in this section and they are on the lookout."
"Good advice," muttered the old trooper. "This ain't no pleasure excursion."
"Sorry we haven't a horse for you," said Adrianto Strong, "but I guess you are used to walking."
"A good deal more so than riding. But, if one of you don't mind giving Ambrosio a lift, it will help some."
Several expressed their willingness to take the ape on behind, but he would go to no one but Billie.
"All right, old man," laughed the boy; "but no funny business," and he broke off a twig and shook it at Ambrosio. "You see this."
Now that the two companies had united, they broke away from the railroad and made a bee line toward Vera Cruz, arriving in sight of the city at daybreak.
"Here's where we part company with the troopers," explained Donald. "We six and Ambrosio will ride into town together and the boys will come in as they wish. There must be no suggestion of a military expedition."
"I see," said Mr. Black, "and I want to thank you all for your kindness to my daughter and to me. That is about all I can do now. Perhaps some day I can do more."
"That's enough," muttered the old trooper, "unless you can get us all sent back home. I can't see any use of keeping us here."
"That's all right, old man," laughed the corporal. "You know you would not go home if you could."
"Better not give me a chance," was the grumblingreply, as the trooper bit off a big piece of tobacco and tucked it away in his cheek.
Reveille was just sounding when the boys, accompanied by their three friends and Ambrosio, perched upon Billie's horse, drew up in front of Lieut. Grant's quarters. They had been recognized and passed through the lines, and as the men caught sight of them they were given a hearty cheer.
"You seem to have made friends," laughed the lieutenant as he greeted them, "and there is every reason why you should. The general will be glad to see you and hear your report. I have no doubt you have a good story to tell, and he likes a good story."
When the boys reached home they found the gate still locked, although it was now considerably past the time when the household was astir. Their knock was answered by theportero, who, in response to a question by Billie, said that Santiago was seriously ill and had been for thirty-six hours.
"What is the matter?" asked Donald.
"Fever."
"I am not surprised," declared Adrian. "The strange thoughts he has been thinking so many days were bound to result in something serious."
"Perhaps it is not convenient for us to remain here," said Mr. Black. "We can, I am sure, find some other place."
But at this moment Lucia appeared at the headof the stairs. When made acquainted with Mr. Black's words she would not hear of his taking Josie to any other house and gave orders for making her perfectly at home. The only one who did not remain was Strong.
"I'll come back this evening," he said. "I have a strange story to tell you boys and I may need your help in locating a man I am most anxious to find."
But he did not come back that evening, and when he did come the next night the boys were not there, having been invited to dine with Gen. Funston. Had things not happened thus, a part of this story could never have been written, for it was while dining with the general that the boys were given a duty to perform, which was the most arduous of all their adventures in the land of the Montezumas.
And this was the manner of it.
They were just finishing dinner and Billie was congratulating himself that he had had his fill of good American cooking, when an aide announced that a Mexican gentleman, Don Esteban Mendoza, craved an immediate audience with Gen. Funston.
"I am sure you young gentlemen will excuse me a few minutes," said the general, "as Don Esteban is one of the prominent bankers of the city and I know his business must be of importance."
The boys were glad to accept the proffered excuse and the general withdrew, leaving them in thecompany of several members of his staff, to whom they briefly related their recent adventure. When they told of the "ambush" there was much amusement.
In the midst of their conversation the general returned accompanied by Don Esteban.
"These are the young gentlemen to whom I referred," explained the general, introducing the boys. "They are typical Americans and, being civilians and speaking Spanish fluently, will be just the ones to help you in your trouble."
Then to the boys: "Don Esteban has a very delicate mission for which he asks the assistance of Americans. He wished me to detail three young officers for the work, but this I do not feel I can do, as it is strictly a private mission. If you feel that you can undertake it, he will be glad to explain it to you."
"Anything that you recommend, General, we shall be glad to undertake," replied Donald, acting as spokesman for the trio.
"Then I shall turn you over to Don Esteban, and as his business is pressing, I will excuse you if you wish to accompany him home."
"A thousand thanks, General," said Don Esteban effusively. Then to the boys: "My automobile is at the door. If you will take seats in it, we shall be speedily at my house. You will pardon me if I speak nothing but Spanish, as I know very littleEnglish, although"—with an expressive glance at Gen. Funston—"I hope to know it better."
Following Don Esteban, they were soon speeding through the streets and five minutes later entered a handsome patio.
"This is my house," said Don Esteban. "Be pleased to consider it your own. Now, if you will follow me to the library, I will explain the mission I wish you to undertake."
The boys followed without a word, but as they passed up the stairs Billie muttered under his breath:
"Did you notice, boys, that this house backs right up against Santiago's?"
"Before I explain to you the mission I wish you to undertake," said Don Esteban, "I must narrate briefly a story that has been handed down from the days of Montezuma. It is to the effect that when the Spanish conqueror, Cortez, was about to capture the City of Mexico, most of the treasure of the Aztecs was sunk in the lake, which at that time covered a portion of the Mexican plateau.
"A part of this treasure is said to have been recovered, but the mine from which the gold ofMontezuma was taken has never been discovered, although search has been made for upward of five hundred years. Some have supposed that the mine was adjacent to the City of Mexico and that it was flooded at the time the treasure was sunk in the lake. Others have thought it was located in the state of Michoacan, while still others have believed it located in the vicinity of Mt. Orizaba.
"My reason for telling you this is that some years ago a strange appearing man came to our bank and made a large deposit of money, all in gold. He did not deposit it all at once, but brought it in a few thousand dollars at a time until it amounted to more than a million dollars. Then he disappeared and we have never seen him since."
"And has he never called for any of the money?" asked Billie.
"Not in person, although he has drawn upon it at frequent intervals. The name under which it was deposited is James Moon."
"An American?" asked Donald.
"I could not say whether he was an American or an Englishman. We took him for the latter. But now I am coming to the real part of the story.
"In addition to the money which he deposited, he also left with us a small brass-bound box, in which he said there were valuable papers. He gave orders that it should be delivered to no one but himself in person, or until the expiration of ten years. The ten years will be up in a few daysand this afternoon I bethought me of the box. But when I went into the vault in which it has been kept for so many years, the place upon an upper shelf, where it has always stood, was vacant. The box was gone!"
"Gone?" exclaimed all the boys in unison. "Do you mean stolen?"
"So it would appear."
"How could it have been done?" asked Adrian.
"I cannot say; but the strange thing about the whole matter is that in place of the box, there lay upon the shelf an envelope—yellow with age, upon which was written in ink that had scarcely faded the words: 'Montezuma's Mine.'"
"Well, what do you think of that?" queried Billie, looking at the others in amazement.
"I don't think," laughed Adrian. "It's up to you to do the thinking."
"Is there no clue whatever?" asked Donald.
"Not that could be really called a clue. The only suspicious thing that has happened to-day at all, was that a mountebank came into our bank——"
"A mountebank!" from all.
"Yes."
"Did he have an ape with him?"
"No! He was quite alone. He did not come in to make merry, but to get a bill changed. While he was there he was observed to scrutinize the place very closely."
"But he did not go into your vault?"
"No! He took his change and went peaceably out."
"Then, why should you suspect him?" insisted Donald, casting a knowing glance at the other boys.
"Because, an hour later, he came in again and said that one of the bills we gave him as change was a counterfeit."
"Was it?"
"No, it was not, although it was an old issue. The teller who waited upon him had no recollection of ever having seen the bill before, but rather than have a scene, we gave him another bill for it."
"How large a bill was it?" asked Adrian.
"Only a peso"—that is a dollar—"and it seemed hardly worth talking about; but you'd have thought it was a hundred."
"Perhaps it seemed a large amount to him," ventured Billie.
"Perhaps," admitted Don Esteban. "But be that as it may, I should like to see the man again, and especially would I like to know where he got that old dollar."
"Why?"
"Because it may have come out of that box."
"Well, yes," said Donald, with a shake of his head, "it might have; but how could the mountebank have gotten the box?"
"That is the mystery," was Don Esteban's reply.
"And how do you wish us to help you?" askedAdrian.
"Why," explained the banker, "I asked Gen. Funston to find the mountebank for me. He said you boys would do better than any one else."
"But why us? Why not a Mexican policeman?"
"Because the mountebank was an American. He may even have been a soldier and have hidden himself among your men."
"Oh, he was an American, was he?" laughed Donald. "Then I believe we can put our finger on him with ease. But the man we have in mind always carried with him an ape."
"Then it may not be the same," replied Don Esteban, "for this one had no ape with him either time."
"It certainly does look like a mystery," was Adrian's comment. "Where is the vault from which the box was taken?"
"On the other side of the patio."
"May we examine it?"
"Certainly. I'll show it to you now."
Don Esteban led the way downstairs and across the patio. Opening the rear door of the bank, he escorted them within and closed the door.
Passing behind the counter, he opened the iron door of the vault, disclosing within a good-sized chamber, in the rear of which was set the great steel safe, locked with a time lock.
"There," explained Don Esteban, pointing toan upper shelf, "is where the box stood."
"Oh, it was not a large box, then!" said Adrian.
"Oh, no! Not more than eight or nine inches cube."
The boy examined the vault carefully by the light of a gas jet.
"There seems no way that any one could have entered except by the door," said Donald.
"None whatever!"
"You are sure there is no opening in the ceiling?"
"Absolutely."
Don Esteban led the boys out and locked the door of the vault.
"Well," declared Donald as they came out into the patio after finishing their inspection, not only of the vault but of the rest of the office, "I guess we had better go home and study over the matter a little. I should not be surprised if we could put our hands upon the mountebank with very little trouble; but I feel sure he had nothing to do with the disappearance of the box."
"I wish I could feel that way," said Adrian after they were out of hearing of Don Esteban. "I have never quite trusted Strong. There is something strange about him."
"Yes, he is a bit queer; but how on earth could he have stolen the box if he did not even go behind the counter?"
"He couldn't; but still I mistrust him."
"I wonder where Ambrosio was all this time?" mused Billie.
"Tied up at home, most likely. An American among Americans would hardly feel like traveling around with a hand organ and a monkey," was Don's emphatic reply.
Upon arriving at Santiago's residence they were told that Strong had been there earlier in the evening and seemed much disappointed at not finding them at home.
"Did he leave any word?" asked Billie of the portero.
"None, señor; but Donna Lucia would like to see you in the library."
"What is the matter? Is Santiago worse?"
"No, señor. He is sleeping quietly. I could not say what she wants, but she seemed considerably disturbed."
"Better go up alone, Billie," said Donald. "If we are needed, you can call us. We'll wait here in the patio for a few minutes before we turn in."
Billie ran up the stairs and tapped at the library door. He was immediately admitted by Lucia and the door was closed behind him.
"It is getting to be a good deal of a family affair," laughed Adrian.
"Yes," replied Donald, with a grin. "I wonder where Josie and Mr. Black are?"
Adrian colored.
"I don't know why you should have thought ofthem!"
"Oh," replied Donald nonchalantly, "speaking of family affairs naturally reminded me that you——"
"Oh, Don!" came Billie's voice, breaking in upon the conversation.
"Yes. What is it?"
"Come up here, the both of you! Quick!"
The boys ran up the stairs two steps at a time.
"In here," and Billie held the library door open. "I've something I want to show you."
He led the way to the table, and there, under the glow of the lamp, stood a brass-bound box about eight or nine inches cube.