To the ears of the Mexicans it sounded as though the word "fire" trembled on the young officer's lips. Guarez led the wild rush into the cabin.
Hal smiled. He had not had the least intention of firing upon the Mexicans. His seeming firmness had been enough.
"Close the cabin doors on both sides, and guard 'em," Lieutenant Overton directed. "Simms!"
"Yes, sir."
"Run back up the road and bring Check and Varnum, and their prisoners here without delay."
"Very good, sir."
Simms measured the distance to the string-piece with accuracy, then he made a leap and landed.
The engineer and fireman stood leaning out over the closed lower half of the engine-room door.
"What do you want us to do, General?" demanded the engineer, with a grin.
"Just stay where you are," Hal answered pleasantly. "Obey the bell-signals and keep steam up, and I don't believe you'll run into any hardship."