AVENGED.

Perceiving that the advantage was on their side, the boys did not
hesitate to profit by it.

"Do as we bid," ordered Donald sternly, "and your lives will be
saved. Disobey and we will not answer for the consequences."

The kneeling peons uttered never a word, but raised their eyes
with a look of surprise.

"Get up," was the next command.

The peons obeyed.

"Now conduct us to the water front by a route where there are no
Mexican soldiers."

"Do you think you can trust them?" asked Billie.

"At any sign of treachery, our first shot will be for them." Then
to the peons: "Now march."

Without a word the peons, five in number, started back over the
route by which they had come but a minute before.

"Where did the other American come from?" asked Billie of the
peon nearest him as they rode along.

"Quien sabe, senor," was the hesitating response. "We saw him
riding by and we followed him."

"That's the way with loud talkers," remarked Adrian. "When the
test comes they usually weaken."

The firing, which had somewhat subsided for a few minutes,
suddenly began again with renewed vigor, especially on the part
of the ships.

"Our boys are getting ready for another advance," said Billie,
and his manner became greatly excited. "Let's get there in time
to take part."

"I'm willing," declared Adrian. "Come on!"

The two boys dug their spurs into their horses and dashed
forward, upsetting a couple of the peons in their flight.

"Hold on!" called out Donald. "You'll get into trouble."

Billie and Adrian paid no attention to his cry, whereupon he
also put spurs to his horse, leaving the peons gaping with
astonishment in the middle of the road.

And now the boys came into sight of the water front where the
fighting was going on. It was at the instant that the order had
been given to clear the space around the custom house, and the
boys saw the marines advance on the double quick.

The Mexicans gave way, but volley after volley was poured down
upon the advancing Americans from the roofs of houses and from
nearby church towers.

There were several shots in rapid succession from the _Chester_,
which had drawn in more closely, every one of which struck a
tower where a large force of Mexicans had gathered.

The tower toppled and fell, carrying many with it.

"Hurrah!" cried Billie. "Give it to them!" and, firing his rifle
as he went, he rode right down into the main street.

"He'll be killed by