[CHAPTER XXVII.—HUSTLING FOR EVIDENCE.]
After what seemed an age to Billie, although the time actually consumed could not have been more than fifteen minutes, the boat reached the shore at a spot with which he was most familiar. It was the end of the trail leading from the river to Don Pablo’s hacienda.
As soon as the boat touched the beach, Don Pablo sprang ashore and pulled it up onto the land and made it fast to a post. The oarsman followed more slowly, while Billie remained in the water until both men started up the trail.
Then he came ashore and silently followed after. He was barefooted and bareheaded. He was wet through and had no weapon; still he was undaunted.
He kept as close to the two men as he dared, fearing he might lose sight of them in the dark. He had no idea of what time it was, but figured that he must have been away from General Sanchez’ headquarters at least three hours. This gave him
only three hours to finish his mission and return. His heart sank, as he thought what might happen in case he should fail, and a great sob welled up in his throat, as the faces of his chums came to his thoughts.
“I can’t fail!” he declared to himself. “I have just got to win.”
The men ahead of him walked rapidly, and in a comparatively short time reached the hacienda. Billie remembered it well—every spot he had noticed upon his first visit to the hacienda had impressed itself upon his memory.
Reaching the big gate, Don Pablo knocked lustily and the gate was quickly opened.
Here was Billie’s first real difficulty. How was he to enter? Once the gate was shut, he knew it might take him hours to find a way in. Something had to be done and done at once.