"Well," was the rejoinder, "I am glad no blood was shed. But who fired the shot from the rear?"
"I," came a voice, and out of the shadows appeared a figure which had a most familiar appearance. "If you don't recognize me," he continued, "you may recognize Ambrosio."
"By George!" exclaimed Billie, "if it isn't our old friend Strong. Where on earth did you come from?"
"I suppose I might ask you the same thing," was the laughing reply. "Briefly, I am on my way to Vera Cruz. I heard there was a band of American brigands out in the mountains and I thought I might fall in with them."
"So that's what they call us, is it?" said Billie. "I never expected to be called a brigand."
"Strange things happen to men who travel," declared Strong facetiously; "but you'd better be going. There are some good troops in this section and they are on the lookout."
"Good advice," muttered the old trooper. "This ain't no pleasure excursion."
"Sorry we haven't a horse for you," said Adrian to Strong, "but I guess you are used to walking."
"A good deal more so than riding. But, if one of you don't mind giving Ambrosio a lift, it will help some."
Several expressed their willingness to take the ape on behind, but he would go to no one but Billie.