“I hardly think so,” answered Donald. “My observation is that the average Mexican is not a drinker of anything stronger than agua frescas”—meaning by this, drinks like limeade, piña and other soft drinks.
“Oh, well,” laughed Billie, “I could stand a good lemonade right now. Let’s hurry up!”
Donald’s prediction was quite right, and when the boys entered they found a number of the troop just about to indulge in a grosella, a very palatable beverage made from currants and tasting much like the now famous grape juice. A couple of tough-looking
Americans were the only ones who were drinking anything intoxicating.
“These are our new recruits,” cried Don Carlos, so that all could hear. “Here’s their health!”
“Salud!” meaning, “your health,” was the boisterous response, and in a very few minutes the boys found themselves on terms of soldierly good fellowship with the whole band, not excepting the Americans, who were the most boisterous of all.
“I don’t like these fellows’ looks at all,” declared Adrian to Billie, the first time he got a chance to speak to him privately. “They look like a couple of outlaws.”
“I expect they are,” laughed Billie. “Perhaps they take us for the same.”
“By George, I believe they do!” was Adrian’s answer. “Now what do you think of that?”
“What do I think of what?” queried Donald, who had heard the remark.