"How many pailfuls will a thousand dollars buy?"
"Is it as bad as that?" asked Skipper Tom quickly.
"American women's lives are at stake up at Holmesville!" returned Overton. "Riot going on there—Mexicans against Americans."
Hank Butts didn't wait for orders.
"Joe," he yelled, bending over the engine-room doorway, "sheriff and a bill-collector after that Dutchman!"
Joe Dawson didn't wait to be told more. He threw open everything to the widest notch, then snatched up a bulky oil can with an unusually long spout, and stood feeding oil to the bearings.
"The sweethearts of Mr. Prescott and Mr. Darrin are in great danger at Holmesville," Lieutenant Hal murmured in Skipper Tom's ear.
"Jumping Jupiter!" gasped Halstead, and went down into the engine-room in two bounds for a word with Joe.
Those standing on the deck could fairly feel the quiver with which the "Restless" leaped forward at her best speed.
"It's like riding on an express train!" glowed Lieutenant Greg Holmes.