“We’ll leave what we don’t want on the sidewalk,” he called to Captain Saunders. “Please have one of the servants take them in.”
The clatter of hoofs sounded, and four horsemen dashed around the corner and came to a sharp halt in a cloud of dust. Four other horses were being led. The first to dismount was a little man clad in a brilliant uniform of red and gold braid.
“General Matajente!” exclaimed Mr. Dartmoor, and he grasped the soldier fiercely by the hand. “Thank God you have come!”
“Rosita and Bella kidnapped!” replied the officer. “Never fear, we will soon be up with them.”
“Hurry, boys! dismount and make ready!” and Mr. Dartmoor pointed to the clothing that lay on the pavement.
So expeditious were the lads that they were fully equipped by the time the men had tightened their saddle girths.
“Have you weapons?” asked the general, as they all prepared to mount.
Mr. Dartmoor made an affirmative gesture.
“And the boys?”
“Each has a revolver. I have permitted them to carry firearms since these dangerous times began.”