"Safe?" echoed Captain Foster sternly. "That's a question that an American soldier never asks."
"Just as you will, then, Señor Capitain," returned Guarez. "I protest, but I cannot fight you—alone."
"And you'd better stop all that talk of fighting, too," warned the captain. "Come, if you want to go through with me."
Just then about a score more of excited Mexicans poured into the yard.
"You see," cautioned Guarez. "You will stir up a lot of trouble, Señor Capitain."
"Mr. Overton, don't let any of the rabble come into this barn for the present," directed Hal's company commander. "Come, Guarez, if you wish."
The Mexican hesitated, for an instant. But he saw Captain Foster walk toward the haymow.
"Come on, my friends!" cried Guarez. "You, too, shall see what this too-officious soldier dares to do here!"
He spoke in Spanish, but Captain Foster understood, and so did Hal Overton. Instantly there was an excited rush on the part of the Mexican loungers outside, who tried to crowd past Hal.
"Back, all of you!" ordered the young lieutenant. He spoke in English, accompanying his order with a gesture that any man might understand.