The information was evidently received none too soon, for they encountered quite a force of Mexicans, guarding the works.
A volley from the bluejackets was returned by a scattering fire and the Mexicans turned and fled.
But the volley had been sufficient to lose Billie his mount, as his horse came to his knees with a bullet in his shoulder.
Without waiting to see the cause of Billie's fall any more than to ask if he was hit, the Jackies pushed on toward the water works, leaving Billie to look out for himself as best he could until the work in hand was completed.
"This is sure enough tough luck," was Billie's comment as he helped the horse to his feet and examined the wound. "It will lay him up for a week."
He took the horse by the bridle and led him slowly back toward the Custom House, where he reported to an officer and hunted up Adrian.
"What had we better do now?" he asked. "I'd like to find a place to tend to my horse."
"The fighting seems about over," was Adrian's reply, "and I reckon the horse will be given attention by some one."
"Oh, I don't want to make any trouble, Ad! If nobody objects, suppose we go hunt a stable."
They were about to leave when a sergeant stopped them.