Springing from his chair, the general seized first one boy by the hands and then another and wound up by throwing his arms about all three, much to their discomfort as well as their embarrassment.
“My brave lads!” he exclaimed. “How can I ever thank you for what you did for my son? He has told me all about you! I can never repay you.”
“We’re not looking for any payment,” stammered Adrian. “All we want is to get into Presidio del Norte.”
General Sanchez drew back and regarded them in surprise.
“Presidio del Norte!” he exclaimed. “What can you possibly want there?”
For a moment the boys made no reply, but eyed each other in a questioning manner. Each knew what the other was thinking, but neither was sure just what to say. At last Billie spoke.
“Tell him, Donald,” he said. “It’s the very best thing to do.”
“Right!” was Donald’s reply. Then to the general: “Can we have five minutes with you in private?”
“Five!” exclaimed General Sanchez. “Ten times five if you wish!”
“Five will be plenty,” said Donald.