"And what are we going to do with our friend the captain?" queried Billie.
"He'll have to accept our hospitality under the stars until morning and then we'll see."
In telling about his experiences later Billie said it was the longest and the shortest night he ever knew. It seemed a long time for daylight, but it seemed a short time for the train which was bearing his countrymen to safety.
When day finally began to break, the first thing that became visible was the snow-tipped peak of Mt. Orizaba, against which the sun threw his brilliant rays long before he could be seen above the horizon. It was a beautiful sight and the boys voiced their admiration with many exclamations of delight. Then they turned their attention to the more serious thoughts for the day.
The first thing they did was to release the lieutenant from his unpleasant predicament and restore to him his uniform.
"We should like to return you your arms also," said Donald, "but your government took ours from us and I think we shall have to keep yours in their place."
Neither of the officers made any reply, but their dark looks boded no good for the boys.
"You might just as well look pleasant," laughed Billie. "All is fair in love and war."
"We'll make you sing a different song when we get you in Vera Cruz," said the captain.
"And when do you think that will be, Captain?" queried Adrian.