The Broncho Rider Boys with Funston at Vera Cruz

  CHAPTER XIX.

  AN UNUSUAL RIDING PARTY.

  Flinging themselves into the saddle, the boys rode rapidly afterLieutenant Grant and were at Colonel Bright's quarters by thetime the bugle had called to boots and saddle. In another minute,at the head of a squadron of cavalry, they dashed over the roadthey had come to know so well.

  What happened during the next twenty minutes is history.

  Guided by the boys, the reinforcements arrived opportunely tostop the advance of a large body of Mexicans who would havedestroyed the water works and have left the inhabitants and theAmerican troops entirely without water.

  A few minutes later two batteries with rapid-fire guns put in anappearance, and in less time than it takes to tell it, theMexicans turned and fled.

  It was not General Funston's mission in Vera Cruz to overrun anymore Mexican territory, so the Mexicans were allowed to retreatwithout pursuit; but the lines were strengthened so that fromthat 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 midstof it and all came through it without a scratch. But it wasexciting work and when it was over they were publicly thanked byColonel Bright for their good work.

  "Well," laughed Billie as the three rode slowly back to theirhome, "that's glory enough for one day. I don't care to be asoldier."

  "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," commentedAdrian. "I have no doubt that General Funston will do as heagreed 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 connectionwith 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 beconsiderably worried for the Americans scattered throughoutMexico."

  "Why should you be?" from Donald.

  "I remember Pedro's words that, if the United States didanything, Carranza would unite with Huerta."

  "I don't believe he would."

  "Maybe not. But the Zapata brothers will think this a good timeto make the Americans trouble. I was thinking of Mr. Black andJosie."

  "I'll bet you were," laughed Billie. "I wouldn't be surprised ifthey were thinking about you. Hey, Don?"

  "Well, they might do worse," said Donald. "There are worsefellows 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?" queriedBillie.

  "Nix," from Donald. "We'll stay inside the lines. I've had enoughof this bush fighting."

  They approached Santiago's residence, where they had decided toremain until they sailed, when they perceived a peon on a ponystanding by the gate. As they drew near they recognized him asone of the peons who had served as Mr. Black's mozo.

  "Why, hello, Jose!" exclaimed Donald. "What brings you here?"

  The mozo drew a letter from beneath his poncho and handed it toDonald.

  "For me?" asked Donald. "I thought it must be for Adrian. Ididn't think the----"

  "It is from the jefe," interrupted the mozo.

  "Oh, it's from Mr. Black!" with an accent on the Mr. "That'sdifferent."

  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 theCarranza forces and wants us to ask General Funston if he won'tsend out enough cavalry to escort him and his daughter to VeraCruz in safety."

  "Of course we'll ask him!" exclaimed Adrian. "Let's do it atonce."

  "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 theRio 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. Tosend a cavalry force out into the country might bring on moretrouble."

  "Well, I don't care!" exclaimed Adrian hotly. "I'll go and askhim alone if you are afraid to go with me. I'm not going to leaveJos--I mean Mr. Black and his daughter out there at the merciesof these greasers. You hear me!"

  "Oh, we'll go with you, all right!" said Billie. "But don't besurprised 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 Donaldshowed him Mr. Black's letter.

  The general perused it carefully and then remained silentlythoughtful 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 fiftymiles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purposefor which I am here. I----"

  "But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated andperhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian.

  The general smiled.

  "Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. Wemust use a little strategy."

  "That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who wentout and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!"

  Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at theimplied compliment.

  "I'll do the best I can," he said quietly, "but I am not veryfamiliar with the lay of the land. You boys have had someexperience. Perhaps you can suggest something."

  Adrian said nothing, and Donald scratched his head. It was Billiewho spoke.

  "I was just wondering, General," he said, "if some of the menwouldn't like to take a little horseback ride and see somethingof 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 thinkingthat Adrian and I might take out about ten to-night. Then aboutthe same time to-morrow night Don could take another ten. Wewould probably meet somewhere in the mountains and watch the sunrise."

  "A very nice plan," said the general, "and one of which Iapprove. You may ask Lieutenant Grant to make enquiries among themen in his company and see if there are any who would like to begiven two or three days' leave for such a purpose."

  "Thank you, sir!" and Billie touched his hat in true militarystyle.

  "And you might say to the lieutenant," was General Funston'sparting words, "that I should be glad to hear later how the menenjoyed 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'scomment as they left the general's quarters. "How did you thinkof it?"

  "I remembered my experience when I wanted men to help me get youand Ad out of trouble in Presidio. Lieutenant Grant will know allabout it."

  And so he did. In less than half an hour ten regulars, some ofthem but very little older than Billie and Adrian, were ready forthe ride which Billie had proposed and which in his mind would beas far as Moreno.

  "You are sure ten will be enough?" asked Lieutenant Grant.

  "Sure! Twelve Americans are enough to lick fifty Mexicans if itcomes 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 thesun rise the first morning after we left Moreno."

  "It looks all right," was Lieutenant Grant's comment, "but it isalways
well to have a big enough force. Success to you!"

  "You'll make all the necessary explanations to the crowd youbring out, Don," was Billie's parting words. "Adrian and I willexplain the nature of the trip to our fellows as we ride along."

  This they did, and gave the soldier boys a little history oftheir own troubles in reaching Vera Cruz.

  "No explanations are necessary," remarked a young chap by thename of Brooks, a corporal. "We saw you out at the water worksand we know you are made of the right stuff. You lead! We'llfollow, won't we, boys?"

  "You bet!" replied the others in one voice.