Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico

by H. Irving Hancock

A rifle was leveled at the young ensign's breast, and in a steady voice came the hail that set the young ensign's heart to beating fast:

"Quien vive"

It was the Spanish challenge—-"Who goes there?"

CHAPTER VII

DAVE DARRIN TO THE RESCUE

Dave's sword hung at his side. His revolver was in its scabbard over his left hip, but just out of view of the sentry.

As to his being in uniform, he realized that the night was so dark that there was little danger of his nationality being discovered.

All these thoughts flashed through his mind in a twinkling, as they should with a good officer.

Darrin's course of action was as swiftly decided.

"Amigo," he replied, tranquilly. "Amigo de los prisoneros!" (Friends of the prisoners).