“That was a narrow escape,” he said as they rode along.
“It was that,” replied Donald; “but it was either escape or be stood up before a firing squad, and we took the chance. If that’s the way the Madero government treats people, it’s no wonder you all revolted.”
“That’s right,” declared Billie. “I’d like to have a chance to take a shot at them.”
“You shall have it,” declared the officer. “I will tell the general and he will be glad to enlist you.”
“Bueno!” replied Billie, although joining the revolutionists was a thing he had not before considered. A gun-running expedition didn’t seem so
bad; but to be put out on the firing line was a good deal too much like war.
They soon reached the barracks, and for the second time that evening the boys were ushered into the presence of a commanding general.
Without giving them a chance to speak, the officer who had conducted them thither introduced them by saying:
“General, here are three Americans who have just broken through the enemy’s line and want to join our army.”
“Is it possible?” queried the general, a dapper little man, who looked about as much like the boys’ idea of a revolutionist as a horse looks like a goat.