“I see,” laughed the Captain. “Well, go ahead; but we shall not wait for the Greasers to get the guns down to the shore before we nab them.”
Having obtained permission to act, Donald at once called Adrian and Billie and unfolded to them his plan. It was very simple, namely, to secrete
themselves on the shore, or even in the water if necessary. Then, as soon as the boat had landed the men, to swim up behind it and draw it back into the river.
“Suppose they make it fast to the bank,” suggested Adrian.
“I had thought of that,” replied Donald, “and that is why I think it better to hide on shore.”
“How would it do for one of us to remain on shore,” suggested Billie, “and the others to station themselves out in the river where the water is breast high? Then, if they fastened the boat to the shore, the one on land could, in the dark, easily slip up and cut the ropes.”
“Not a bad idea,” replied Donald. “Suppose you stay on shore and Ad and I will do the water act.”
“Yes,” said Adrian, “and if you are discovered you can easily pass yourself off as a Mexican. If you are questioned all you have to say is 'quien sabe’ and stick to it, and they’ll know you are a peon.”
“Suits me,” declared Billie, and he drew his hunting knife from his belt. “One stroke of this will cut any ordinary rope.”
This plan having been decided upon, Donald and Adrian threw off their superfluous clothing and waded out into the stream, while Billie secreted himself behind a little pile of brush, left on the shore by the last high water.