"Bet your life, neighbor!" Then as he lighted a fresh cigarette: "Smoke?"
"Never learned!" laughed Donald. "Seems mighty funny down here, doesn't it?"
"Sure does; but you're just as well off without it. Live here?"
"No," replied Adrian; "we were on our way home and got stuck!"
"What's the matter?" asked the soldier, with much concern. "Out of coin?"
"We haven't much; but Gen. Funston has promised to find us passage home in a few days. Our friend saw him early this morning," this latter remark expressly for Strong's ears.
"If he told you he'd do it, he will," said the soldier. "You can bet on him every time."
It was very evident from Strong's actions that he was taking in every word of the conversation, which was in English and in an unusually loud voice. He pretended to eat, then leaned over and said something to his companion, and a minute later arose from the table and hastily quitted the place.
But the boys were not to be fooled. They sprang from the table and hastily followed, Donald throwing a greenback to the cashier which more than doubly paid the bill.
Their sudden action did not escape the soldier, who, attributing it to another cause, also hastily quitted the cantina.