“Those shells aren’t a bit particular where they drop!” gasped Dick, “and if one should happen to——”
“Quite right!” said Cranny with a faint grin.
As fast as they had ever done in their lives the two slipped into their clothes, and were just in the act of adding the last finishing touches, when a peremptory bang on the door panel sounded simultaneously with the voice of George Parry: “Hurry up! We’re waiting for you, boys!” he yelled loudly. “Don’t waste an instant!”
Dick flung the door wide open. Outside in the corridor stood the three Americans.
“Boys,” exclaimed Professor Kent, in calm, even tones, “you’d better saddle your horses without a moment’s delay and make straight for the International bridge—ah!”
Heavy rifle firing from the intrenched Federal troops, defending the town, had just started up, and the roar of their cannon, replying to the Constitutionalists’ fire, gave an indication that the battle would be desperately waged.
“And stay in Texas until this scrap is over,” exclaimed Ralph Edmunds. “I’m mighty glad those other two chaps are safely out of it. We’ll see you as far as the bridge and——”
Cranny Beaumont, his face fairly shining with excitement, shook his head emphatically.
“I’ll not budge an inch from this town until we find Jimmy Raymond!” he cried.
“Of course we won’t!” chimed in Dick.