"Yes, so would I," echoed Billie.
"If he has taken it," ventured Donald, "we may have difficulty getting through the Mexican lines."
"Well, the best thing we can do," asserted Adrian, "is to get somewhere and find out what is going on just as soon as we can."
The call to breakfast interrupted their conversation, but as soon as they were seated at the table, they broached the matter to Mr. Black.
"I expect you are right," he said, "but I'd like to have you stay with me a while. It's mighty lonesome here for Josie and me."
"If we are at war with the Mexicans," remarked Billie, "this will be an unhealthy place for an American, I imagine. I should think you would want to take your daughter away from here."
"Oh, Josie and I are not afraid, are we, Josie?"
"No indeed, Dad. We are a match for a regiment of Mexicans when we are on our own ground."
But in spite of the assertion made by Mr. Black he admitted to the boys after breakfast when Josie was not present that he wished his daughter was safe in Vera Cruz.
"Why don't you go with us?" asked Adrian. "We should be pleased to act as an escort."