“Americanos,” he said.
The soldier seemed to comprehend, and nodded. Beckoning, he led the Dreadnought Boys through a thick grove to where a group of officers stood chatting.
“You’d think they were going to play tennis to look at them!” exclaimed Herc.
“Yes, if Colonel Lazard is worrying, they are not,” agreed Ned.
Fortunately the leader of the halted government infantry and artillery spoke English, so that Ned was able to explain to him his errand. Many and loud were the congratulations the Americans received on their bravery in daring to cross the road. Such a deed was, in fact, beyond the comprehension of the Costavezans, brave enough though some of them were.
Ned noted with satisfaction that fully twenty machine guns and a good-sized body of infantry were scattered about under the trees. Their commanding officer explained coolly enough that he had ordered a halt till he heard from Colonel Lazard.
“But suppose he could not have communicated with you?” asked Ned.
“Then,” said the officer, with a shrug, “we should have had to remain here.”
“Nice sort of soldiers,” thought Ned.
But now that they had definite orders to advance on the hill, the troops became animated enough. In five minutes the guns were ready to be rushed into position, and the infantry was so arranged as to surround the precious implements of warfare and protect them.