The officers and Mendoza strode from the room.
O'Donnell was already at his horse's side.
"On, for Half Moon Bay! You, O'Donnell, lead the way!" shouted Billings.
"Faith! Commodore, I'm in for the race, and it's bad luck catch the hindmost!" as O'Donnell swung to the saddle.
Tomaso and his peons, signaled by Mendoza, came hurrying with horses.
"I too will ride with the Commodore Americano," called Zelaya, forgetful of his fatigue.
"Not so, Pedro," from Mendoza. "A bed and a surgeon for thee."
The Administrator mounted his prized racer, Mercurio. He waved his hand. Instantly, Tomaso and his fighting peons reined their horses behind him in double file. Captain Hamilton stood with toe in stirrup, looking ruefully enough at the prospect of a jolting ride back to Half Moon Bay.
"Fall in, Captain!" called Billings.
In a moment the Captain was racing along the road, not second to many in the run.