hen remained silently
thoughtful for some moments.

"I wish I could do what our countryman asks," he finally said,
"but I do not see how I can. To send a force out nearly fifty
miles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purpose
for which I am here. I----"

"But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated and
perhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian.

The general smiled.

"Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. We
must use a little strategy."

"That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who went
out and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!"

Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at the
implied compliment.

"I'll do the best I can," he said quietly, "but I am not very
familiar with the lay of the land. You boys have had some
experience. Perhaps you can suggest something."

Adrian said nothing, and Donald scratched his head. It was Billie
who spoke.

"I was just wondering, General," he said, "if some of the men
wouldn't like to take a little horseback ride and see something
of the country."

"Well, now, perhaps they might," assented the general.

"We could show them some mighty fine scenery, sir."

"By the moonlight, I suppose?"

"Yes, sir. By the moonlight and early sunrise."

"And about how many would you like to take on this picnic?"

"Well," replied Billie, squinting up one eye, "I was thinking
that Adrian and I might take out about ten to-night. Then about
the same time to-morrow night Don could take another ten. We
would probably meet somewhere in the mountains and watch the sun
rise."

"A very nice plan," said the general, "and one of which I
approve. You may ask Lieutenant Grant to make enquiries among the
men in his company and see if there are any who would like to be
given two or three days' leave for such a purpose."

"Thank you, sir!" and Billie touched his hat in true military
style.

"And you might say to the lieutenant," was General Funston's
parting words, "that I should be glad to hear later how the men
enjoyed their ride. I think, now that the boys are down here,
they should be given a chance to see the country."

"Billie, you have the making of a great general," was Donald's
comment as they left the general's quarters. "How did you think
of it?"

"I remembered my experience when I wanted men to help me get you
and Ad out of trouble in Presidio. Lieutenant Grant will know all
about it."