“If you’re going to make fun of it before I’ve a chance to say a word, I won’t say anything,” declared Fred, and tried to look as if he felt much injured.
“Oh, don’t pout, little boy,” said Spouter. “Be real good and maybe we’ll give you an extra gingersnap for dessert.”
Even though hurt, Andy managed to eat his full share of the meal which Gif and Spouter had prepared and which consisted largely of the fish the crowd had caught. The others also enjoyed what was set before them, yet it must be confessed that all of the other Rover boys, and also their chums, were curious concerning the revelation Fred might have to make.
“I don’t suppose any of you ever heard of Miguel Torra,” said Fred, after everything had been put away and the whole crowd were comfortably seated in front of the hunting lodge. “He was a Mexican revolutionist who disappeared many years ago.”
“Say, see here, Fred, you promised to tell us about this ocean bottom business!” interrupted Randy.
“So I did. But I can’t tell you about the ocean bottom until I get there,” was the answer. “This Miguel Torra was not in favor with his government at that time, and neither was he in favor with the United States authorities. In fact, so far as my father has been able to learn, he was little short of being an out-and-out bandit, although a good many of his followers were simply revolutionists.”
“All right! Proceed!” put in Andy, as his cousin paused.
“Well, this Torra got together a small amount of cash and also a large amount of jewels and gold and silverware, the results of numerous raids made in various parts of the country and also along the Texan border. Then, when matters got too hot for the rascal and his followers, he journeyed to the sea coast with half a dozen of his closest comrades and either hired or commandeered a small steam yacht called the Margarita. There was a fight on the shore and the steam yacht got away somewhat damaged. Then the yacht set sail, either for the West Indies or for the north coast of South America.”
“Gee, this begins to sound interesting,” declared Jack.
“Don’t interrupt Fred!” cried Andy. “He’s going along slowly enough as it is.”