Seeming almost to rise from the ground, so suddenly did he appear, a ragged Mexican bumped violently against the woman.
There was a scream, and in a twinkling the ragged Mexican was in full flight, carrying the handbag as he ran.
"After that rascal, Rogers!" cried Dave Darrin, aghast at the boldness of this daylight robbery.
"Aye, aye, sir, and with a hearty good will!" called back Rogers, as both sailors started in full chase.
CHAPTER XIV
A "FIND" OF A BAD KIND
In the nature of timings it could not be a long chase, for Ensign
Dave Darrin was a swift runner, of many years' training.
Rogers, slim and lithe, was also an excellent runner.
Less than a block's distance, and Darrin had gripped the fleeing
Mexican by the collar.
His left hand reached for the bag, and in a moment Dave had it in his custody. Not a man of the Vera Cruz police force was in sight, to whom to turn the wretch over, so Darrin flung the fellow from him.