“Who are you?”
“I’m a messenger from Americans who are in danger in Presidio del Norte,” replied Billie; “but there are Mexicans in the boat. You have hit one of them, and I’ve captured the boat!”
“Then bring the boat ashore,” called the patrol.
“I can’t!”
“Why not?”
“They won’t let me!”
“I thought you said you had captured the boat!”
“So I have,” replied Billie, “but I haven’t captured the Mexicans!”
“No,” shouted Don Pablo, who was now slowly making his way toward the stern of the boat, “nor will you. Your hour has come!”
“Don’t be so sure!” called the voice from the shore, and a shot rang out, which came so close that Billie could hear it sing above his head. Don Pablo ducked into the bottom of the boat, as though to dodge a bullet which was already yards away.