“Right,” said Bob, “but, first, meet the rest of my gang.”
Introductions followed, while Bob explained how his two friends and Mr. Hampton, overhearing his S.O.S. call to the aviators, had themselves responded. Briefly, he put Captain Murray in possession of the major facts.
The latter nodded briskly at Bob’s conclusion. “First thing,” he said, “you fellows who brought two automatics, kick loose with the spares. Right—” As his brother aviators began arming Mr. Hampton and the three boys. “Now, let’s see. There are ten of us, not counting the chauffeur. I’ll take four and go ’round to the front of the house. Lieutenant Bracewell, do you take charge with the other half of our party at this end. Mr. Hampton, will you and your son come with me. Hartridge, Thorsen. Fine.”
He leaped to the wheel of the big car, and the others piled in behind him. A momentary pressure on the starter button, and the engine began to purr. Then he leaned out to give final instructions.
“Boys, we’re going to get Cornell out of that. But I want you to remember that we’re in a foreign country. If this came out, there would be a pretty mess. However, the outfit we are after undoubtedly is comprised of crooks who won’t air their difficulties, so I think we are reasonably safe from the danger of embroiling the government with the Mexican authorities. However, if any trouble develops, I’ll take the blame. You all are acting under my orders.
“Now, Lieutenant Bracewell, I’m going to pick up this Mexican boy that Bob has stationed around the corner and he’ll point out the house. Then I’m going to go right up to the door and demand entrance. If they turn Cornell over to us, well and good. If they resist and I need help, I’ll blow my whistle. You will be able to hear easily. Meantime, guard this secret exit. Got it?”
Young Lieutenant Bracewell, a slender taunt youngster little older than Bob, nodded. Among the aviators was an easy camaraderie that to Army martinets would have seemed lamentable. Yet co-operation was none the less effective.
Captain Murray released the clutch and the car rolled ahead, gathered speed, whirled around the corner, and disappeared from view.
Wasting no time, the young commander turned at once toward Bob with a question regarding the secret tunnel. Bob explained what Juan had told him. The other nodded.
“Well,” he said, “the best thing for us to do is to get into that house and keep watch right at that trap door. Should the rascals try to escape that way, it will be an easy matter to bag ’em one at a time as they climb out, while if we wait outside for them there is bound to be a fight. And we want to avoid bloodshed, if possible.”