“Quite likely,” agreed Captain Cornell. “Excuse me a minute, while I order a taxi.” And he stepped to the desk.
While he was absent, Mr. Temple with a look of some anxiety lectured the youths on the necessity for avoiding trouble in Nueva Laredo.
“Oh, Dad,” said Bob, a bit impatiently, “we’ll be all right. Nothing is going to happen. Why, it’ll be just like Coney Island. Besides we’re able to take care of ourselves.”
“Huh.” Mr. Temple snorted. “Why, even while I’ve been looking at you, you’ve gone and got into trouble that took you a year to shake off.”
There was a general laugh. Then up came Captain Cornell to bear the youths away.
“Taxi’s waiting,” he said. “Well, good-bye. Look for us around midnight.”
But at the door he paused in sudden thought. “Tell that taxi to wait a bit, fellows,” he said. Frank obediently crossed the sidewalk and told the driver of the rickety vehicle to wait for them. When he returned a conversation was going on which informed him that Captain Cornell had decided to doff his uniform before entering Mexico.
“We’re about of a size, Captain,” Bob was saying. “Come on.” And he bore him away.
Frank turned to Jack for an explanation and was informed Captain Cornell had decided not to wear his uniform because it would bring undue notice in Mexico and might induce some rowdy to start a fight.
The others returned in a very short time, the flyer attired in a companion suit to Bob’s, and then climbing into the taxi all four set out for the International Bridge.