ing of Mr. Black and
Josie."

"I'll bet you were," laughed Billie. "I wouldn't be surprised if
they were thinking about you. Hey, Don?"

"Well, they might do worse," said Donald. "There are worse
fellows than Adrian."

"That's right," retorted Adrian good-humoredly. "I can stand it.
But, just the same, I wish I knew they were safe."

"Well, what's the matter with our paying them a visit?" queried
Billie.

"Nix," from Donald. "We'll stay inside the lines. I've had enough
of this bush fighting."

They approached Santiago's residence, where they had decided to
remain until they sailed, when they perceived a peon on a pony
standing by the gate. As they drew near they recognized him as
one of the peons who had served as Mr. Black's mozo.

"Why, hello, Jose!" exclaimed Donald. "What brings you here?"

The mozo drew a letter from beneath his poncho and handed it to
Donald.

"For me?" asked Donald. "I thought it must be for Adrian. I
didn't think the----"

"It is from the jefe," interrupted the mozo.

"Oh, it's from Mr. Black!" with an accent on the Mr. "That's
different."

Donald opened the letter and read it hastily.

"Well, by George!" he exclaimed, "what do you think of that?"

"I can tell you better when I know what that is," replied Billie.

"Why, Mr. Black is becoming alarmed over the activities of the
Carranza forces and wants us to ask General Funston if he won't
send out enough cavalry to escort him and his daughter to Vera
Cruz in safety."

"Of course we'll ask him!" exclaimed Adrian. "Let's do it at
once."

"Now wait a minute," said Donald. "Let's see about it."

"What is there to see?"

"There's a good deal to see. You remember our experiences on the
Rio Grande?"

"But this is different! We are at war with Mexico now."

"No, we are not. We have simply seized one port as a reprisal. To
send a cavalry force out into the country might bring on more
trouble."

"Well, I don't care!" exclaimed Adrian hotly. "I'll go and ask
him alone if you are afraid to go with me. I'm not going to leave
Jos--I mean Mr. Black and his daughter out there at the mercies
of these greasers. You hear me!"

"Oh, we'll go with you, all right!" said Billie. "But don't be
surprised if you don't get what you ask."

Accordingly the trio started for General Funston's headquarters.
After some delay they were admitted to his presence and Donald
showed him Mr. Black's letter.

The general perused it carefully and t