AN UNUSUAL RIDING PARTY.
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 were in 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 think this 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 you think 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's headquarters.
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 the general.
"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 men to 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 know you are made of the right stuff. You lead! We'll
follow, won't we, boys?"
"You bet!" replied the others in one voice.