nder the American flag? Well, I'll bet that will mean
war--unless," he added after a brief pause, "Gen. Huerta
apologizes."

"Why should he apologize?" asked Pedro.

"For insulting the American flag."

"That's what the American Admiral says," interrupted Guadalupe,
"and he threatens to fire on the city."

"And I'll bet he'll do it," said Adrian.

"If he does we'll sink his ships," said Pedro.

"What with?" asked Billie sarcastically. "Why, Admiral Mayo could
blow Tampico out of the water."

"If he does, the Mexicans will march on Washington," from Pedro.

"What?" from Donald. "March on Washington? Why, Huerta can't
hardly keep Carranza out of the City of Mexico."

"But if your admiral fires on Tampico, Carranza will help Gen.
Huerta," declared Pedro.

"Do you really think so?" asked Adrian.

"I know it. We may have our little family troubles down here in
Mexico, but if the United States should interfere, we'd all turn
in and fight her."

Billie was about to reply when Gen. Sanchez entered the room.

"I see you have been reading the news," he said calmly.

"And discussing it too," said Donald.

"Which we had better not at present," replied the General. "You
boys are our guests and as long as you are, you are our friends;
but I am afraid there is serious trouble coming and I think it
will be much better if you make arrangements at once to return to
the United States. As you know, I am not a favorite with the
present administration and I might not be able to protect you."

"We can ask the protection of the American Ambassador," said
Donald.

Gen. Sanchez smiled kindly.

"The American Ambassador may be asked to leave."

The boys looked serious.

"Do you really think it is as bad as that?" asked Adrian.

"I fear so. Later dispatches from Tampico state that the American
Admiral has demanded a salute of twenty-one guns to the American
flag. I know Gen. Huerta well enough to know that he will never
order the salute."

"Then what will happen?" asked Donald.

"No one can say. I understand that the American government has
placed the matter in the hands of Admiral Fletcher, the ranking
officer, who is in charge of the Atlantic fleet off Vera Cruz."

"Do you think we should go at once?" queried Billie.

"Yes, I think it would be better. I will make such arrangements
as I can for your transportation to Vera Cruz. In the meantime
you had better go and register yourselves at the United States
Embassy.