Accordingly the trio started for General Funston's headquarters. After some delay they were admitted to his presence and Donald showed him Mr. Black's letter.
The general perused it carefully and then remained silently thoughtful 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 fifty miles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purpose for which I am here. I——"
"But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated and perhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian.
The general smiled.
"Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. We must use a little strategy."
"That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who went out and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!"
Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at the implied compliment.
"I'll do the best I can," he said quietly, "but I am not very familiar with the lay of the land. You boys have had some experience. Perhaps you can suggest something."
Adrian said nothing, and Donald scratched his head. It was Billie who spoke.