Leaving the Lieutenant, the boys mounted their horses and rode rapidly out of town to the spot where the boat lay. A short distance from the shore they were stopped by the patrol and presented the pass. The corporal of the guard was called, to whom they also gave the order for the use of the batteau and men to row them over. Both the pass and the order were promptly honored and in less than half an hour after leaving the Lieutenant they were on the Mexican shore.
While the spot upon which they landed was some distance from the firing line between the Federal troops and the revolutionists, they soon found that they were in the direct line of fire and quickly proceeded to change their position.
“I don’t mind taking some chances in a fight for Uncle Sam,” said Adrian, “but I object to being made a mark for a lot of greasers, who are fighting among themselves.”
“Right,” assented Billie, “but it looks as though this were Uncle Sam’s service, so we’ll have to take some chances. Suppose we get to the top of that knoll and see if there is still enough light to determine what is happening.”
For want of better advice the boys accepted Billie’s suggestion, and rode toward the little rise of ground. When they had approached the top, they dismounted, threw their bridle reins over a mesquite bush and cautiously made their way to the summit on foot.
While it was after sunset, it was well that the boys took this precaution. As they lifted their heads above the brow of the little hill they discovered, a short distance away, a force of Federals so posted as to command the knoll, evidently fearing that it might conceal some of the attacking revolutionists.
Quickly the boys dropped out of sight, and remounting their horses rode rapidly farther up stream. Then, using the little ridge as a screen, they made their way around to where they could approach the Federal line from the left.
Having then determined their position by a hasty reconnoiter, they advanced openly as though ignorant of all the trouble.
Their presence was quickly discovered and a detachment of cavalry charged down upon them, whereupon Donald waved his white handkerchief as a flag of truce, and the three halted until the horsemen came up.
“Quien viva?” shouted the leader as he came within hailing distance, which, being translated,