Before he left the scouts, General Villa had another interview with them.
"Fortunately," he told the boys, "I know just about the number of head of cattle there happens to be on Dr. Matthews' ranch right now, because my men have been on guard there to protect it against all danger. And I have figured it out that if I send him seventy-five thousand American dollars it will cover the bill. This I now take pleasure in handing over to you, as the nephew of my old friend, the man who saved Pancho Villa's life. Sign this receipt, all of you, as the custodians of the fund, so that I may have something to show. I shall sometimes think of you, boys, for you are after my own heart. I shall immediately send men to fetch my cattle to camp, so that my army may be fed. This money comes from honest sources, tell Dr. Matthews. It is the advance payment made by an American company for some of the property held by traitors to the cause in Chihuahua, and which they can never own again while Villa or his cause lives. That is all, for I must be gone."
He shook hands with every one of the four boys, but drew the line at Jared, for whom he evidently felt only contempt and distrust. Whether it was an honor, or not, to press the hand of this rebel leader must always be an open question in the minds of the scouts, because they had heard many terrible stories about his cruelty, as well as others concerning his rare ability as a leader of men. But at least, it would be something to remember and to tell the other lads in Hampton when they reached home again.
Jared had not been close enough to overhear what was said at the time the package of bills was turned over, and Tubby had been careful to secrete it at once; so they hoped that the wretched traitor to his country knew nothing about it.
When Tubby found a chance, he turned the packet over to Rob for safe keeping.
"I managed to count it, Rob, on the sly," he whispered; "and just as Villa said, there's a full seventy-five thousand dollars there in big bills. Just to think of us carrying a whole fortune around like that! But after you've sewed it in the lining of your coat, where that letter was, I guess there'll be no danger."
"More from Jared than anybody else," warned Rob; "so make sure not to drop a hint."
"Mum's the word," agreed Tubby with a set look on his face. "And say, I hope we take things easy going all the way to Juarez again. No need for hurrying, is there?"
"No, not anything that would worry us," Rob replied; "though I won't rest easy until we've handed this money over to a bank, and got a draft for it. And I'll see if I can fix you a more comfortable seat by using your blanket in four thicknesses. I managed to get a horse for Jared, so we'll be able to ride in company. We'll feed him and take him along to Juarez; but under no circumstances must he be allowed to join in our talk."
Lopez again took charge of the expedition, and they headed north, satisfied with the result of their adventurous ride into Mexico. They carried a paper from Villa that would serve to pass them, should they come upon any detachment of roving rebels. If raiding Federals appeared, they would have to gallop for it, or fight them off.