“Well,” remarked Donald as the trio rode away, “I never expected to become a military scout.”
“Nor I,” declared Billie, “but neither did I ever expect to be christened Broncho Billie. I’ll sure have some tales to tell when I get back east.”
“Yes,” laughed Adrian. “First thing you know
you’ll become a regular Buffalo Bill, and be running a Wild West show!”
“I shouldn’t be at all surprised. In these days of rapid-fire methods, why not a circus?” asked Billie.
And the other two replied: “Why not?”
[CHAPTER XX.—SCOUTING FOR UNCLE SAM.]
When the boys reported for duty to Lieut. Grant at seven o’clock they found that conditions across the river had developed rapidly. The revolutionists had taken possession of Presidio del Norte and the skirmish referred to in the last chapter was in full swing.
“I hadn’t expected such rapid developments,” said the Lieutenant after a word of greeting. “This breaking out of open hostilities has made the mission upon which I wish to send you much more dangerous than I had thought. If, under the circumstances, you do not feel like undertaking it, I will detail someone else.”
“Has the telegram gone to my father?” asked Billie.