CHAPTER XXX.
AU REVOIR, BUT NOT GOOD-BY.
It was not until two hours after daylight that the complete result ofVilla's strategy was apparent. At that hour the battle was over and theFederals took possession of the city. For a minor battle it had been asevere one, and the victory was well won.
From the balcony of the city hall the Broncho Rider Boys watched thevictorious army, with General Sanchez at its head, march into the town.As the column passed the place where the boys stood, the general caughtsight of them as he glanced from right to left, and gave them a salutewith his sword, which was followed by every member of his staff. Theboys returned the salute, and a few minutes later were given a chorus of"_Vivas_," as the troop of Villa passed the balcony.
The Americans who had taken part in the rescue of the boys had returnedto the American side before it was light.
"I reckon we had better return, too," said Donald, as the boys weretalking the matter over a few minutes later.
"Yes," replied Adrian, "I suppose we should go and make our report toLieutenant Grant."
"I can't see that there is much to report," declared Donald.
"Why," exclaimed Billie, with a hearty laugh, "that the gun-runningexpedition has been abandoned for want of runners."
"Don't you think he has heard about it before this?" asked Adrian.
"Possibly," and Billie chuckled to himself; "but that doesn't relieve usfrom making our report. Besides (decidedly), I'm hungry, and there isnothing this side of the river fit to eat!"
"I thought there was some reason for the anxiety," laughed Donald, "butat that, I think we should go and report."
They made their way hastily to General Sanchez's headquarters, wherethey were cordially received, although General Sanchez was so busy withthe work of taking over the city that he could spare them but a moment.He thanked them, however, in the presence of all the officers for whatthey had done, and gave them an escort to the river.
"When these troublesome times are over," he said, as the boys wereleaving, "you must all come and pay Pedro a visit in the City of Mexico.We shall be most glad to see you."
The boys thanked him for his invitation, and rode away.
It was not until they had enjoyed a good breakfast that they put intheir appearance at Lieutenant Grant's quarters. Here again they werecordially received, although, as they had expected, a report of what hadhappened on the other side of the river had already been made. Here,also, Billie found a telegram from his father, telling him that he couldwait no longer in El Paso, and saying that he would write him aboutcoming back East in the near future.
"It looks as though my days as a Broncho Rider Boy were about over,"said Billie, with a sigh; "but whenever you fellows are ready to go andvisit Pedro in the City of Mexico, let me know, and I'll surely be withyou."
And in passing it may be well to say that some two months later, whenaffairs became so bad in Mexico under General Huerta that the UnitedStates government was obliged to send a force of sailors and soldiers totake possession of Vera Cruz, our Broncho Rider Boys foundthemselves--because of General Sanchez's invitation--right in the midst ofthis trouble. This furnishes another story of the Broncho Rider Boys,which will be known as The Broncho Rider Boys With Funston At Vera Cruz,Or Scout Duty Afloat and Ashore.
"You must leave me your permanent address," declared Lieutenant Grant."I may have occasion to write you almost any time."
"For what?" asked Billie.
"Why, in reference to the ten thousand pounds. If we succeed in tracingthe purchaser of these drafts, your testimony will be necessary topunish those who may be responsible for creating this trouble along theRio Grande."
"What is he talking about, Ad?" queried Donald.
"I'm sure I don't know. I haven't heard anything about ten thousandpounds. What is it, Billie?"
In answer to which question, Billie related again, both for the benefitof his chums and of Lieutenant Grant and Captain Peak, the story of hisexperiences in the river and at Don Pablo's _hacienda_.
"Suppose no owner is found for the drafts?" asked Captain Peak. "Thenwhat?"
"I reckon the bank will be that much ahead, unless," the lieutenantadded, with a laugh, "our friend Billie should wish to return them toDon Pablo."
"Hardly," replied Billie. Then, as an afterthought: "Santiago said theywere to be a part of my reward."
"Who is Santiago?" queried Lieutenant Grant.
"A mystery," was the laughing rejoinder.
And a mystery he must remain for the present, although in the story ofthe Broncho Rider Boys with Funston, the mystery is cleared away, andthe ownership of the ten thousand pounds is settled in a manner thatshows what strange things may happen when a nation is at war.
"There is just one more question which I should like to ask," saidLieutenant Grant to Billie, as the boys were about to leave. "Of coursethere were no Americans in the force that captured Presidio del Norte?"
"Certainly not," replied Billie. "I am reliably informed that everyAmerican, except we three, left the city some hours before it wascaptured. Isn't that right, Captain Peak?" And Billie turned to thecaptain of the rangers.
"Such is the report that was made to me," declared the captain, "and Ihave no reason to doubt it!"
"Then that will be all," laughed the lieutenant; "and I wish you apleasant journey home. When do you start?"
"Just as soon," replied Billie, "as we can get old Bray loaded withenough provisions to carry us through."
And with a hearty handshake all around, the boys started to makepreparations for continuing their journey, carrying with them the bestwishes of all the Texas Rangers.
THE END.