themselves again; and no Indians had returned to disturb
their slumbers.

XXIV

Hill met them as they entered the living-room. His eyes were full of
news.

"Well, boys," he said, "I don't know that you're in fur another
adventure, but ye kin call it by that name when you git home if you
like; leastways there ain't no doubt about it's bein' an experience."

The boys forgot the waiting breakfast. "What is it?" they demanded
simultaneously. "Quick! quick!"

"It's this. I don't suppose you know more about the history of your
country 'n most kids do. Well, Alvarado and General Castro are your two
big men--"

"We know that," interrupted Roldan, scornfully.

"Oh, you do? Then mebbe you know who'se govenor at the present moment."

"Micheltorena. He was sent from Mexico. People don't like him, and they
despise the men he brought with him, still more."

"So. Well, I allus did say you was a remarkable kid, Rolly. However,
this is the way the case stands now. Alvarado's mad as hops to be
ousted for a furriner, so to speak, and Castro's been bilin' fur some
time, because General Vallejo's been promoted ahead of him. So the two
on 'em determined on a revolution. They had a skirmish on Salinas
plains that didn't decide much, and then Alvarado and Castro marched
south, from ranch to ranch,--you just levanted in time,--persuadin' the
rancheros to uphold their cause and give 'em their sons. As they have a
way with 'em, of course they got all the recruits they wanted, to say
nothin' of the finest horses in stock--caponara after caponara. They
say the sight when they marched into Los Angeles was somethin' to go
hungry for. Of course all Los Angeles went over to such triumphant
lookin' rebels, and to-day or to-morrow there's goin' to be a big
battle. I only heard this mornin'. Old Sanchez' brother come post haste
about two hours ago fur his gun and as many men and horses as he could
drum up. Of course Alvarado marched down the coast valleys, so old
Carillo and his neighbours are eatin' their breakfast in blissful
ignorance."

"And shall we really see a great battle?" demanded Roldan, faintly. He
was pale, his nostrils were twitching, "Alvarado! Castro! Micheltorena!"

"Well, you kin, if you bolt that there breakfast. The horses'll be here
in about twenty minutes, and a battle's somethin' I'm pinin' to see,
too."

The boys ate their breakfast rapidly and in silence. A half hour later
they were galloping furiously for Los