“I didn’t know it was our business to stop that. I thought anybody could buy arms to sell in Mexico?” said Adrian.
“So they can; but these arms would not be for sale. They would be for arming bands of men to overturn the government. We are under no obligation to stop it, but, as we want law and order along the border, we always try to help the Mexican authorities,” explained Captain Peak.
“But there come my men now,” he continued, as several horsemen turned into the main street.
The boys crowded around with others to hear the result of the chase, which the men reported to have been fruitless.
“If we could only have chased them over the river we could have captured them,” declared the sergeant in charge, “but, after the little raid yesterday, we thought we’d better not try it.”
Seeing that there was likely to be no more excitement, the crowd dispersed and the boys went into the hotel for breakfast; but when they came out they found Captain Peak waiting for them.
“How would you boys like to do a little scout duty for me over the river?” he asked.
“Scout duty?” repeated Donald. “I don’t think I understand.”
“Draw up some chairs,” replied the captain, “and I’ll explain.”
The boys did as directed, and the captain continued: