hat the rebels are in the field, instead of in their
graves, shows that their movement possesses some stability," replied
Captain Foster. "The fact is that other Mexicans over here on the Texas
side are organizing to go to the aid of the rebels just across the Rio
Grande. Our government has information that the Mexican sympathizers in
this state have secured a good many stands of rifles and a considerable
supply of ammunition, and are watching their chance to slip over the
border into Mexico with their war supplies. Now, the few hundred rebels
at present in the field in Mexico may be joined by enough more Mexicans
from this side to make an army of two or three thousand men. If so many
get together under the standard of the rebel leader, then more thousands
will flock in answer to the call. The rebel army may be ten thousand
strong next week, and twenty thousand the week after."

"But surely," interposed Mrs. Foster, "this government will not allow
the Mexican rebels on this side of the river to take their war supplies
across the river into Mexico?"

"Not if our government can stop the operation," smiled Captain Foster.
"But, my dear, how would the government stop it?"

"By the use of the troops, I suppose," replied Mrs. Foster.

"Exactly. And did you know that Wilshire's and Apthorpe's troops of
cavalry have been ordered to patrol the border in small riding parties,
for the very purpose of stopping such expeditions into Mexico?"

"No!"

"Nor did I, until Major Tipton informed me, only a little while ago.
Further, Tipton has been directed to hold the troops at this post ready
for work in patroling the frontier. That was why I just suggested that
Mr. Overton will do well to wait until this border business has blown
over before he encourages you to invite his mother. Mrs. Overton might
arrive here only to find her son absent on several weeks of hard
hiking."

"Am I discreet in asking you, Captain, whether you think it likely that
this battalion will be called out for frontier patrol duty?" asked
Lieutenant Hal.

"I think it highly likely that at least three-fourths of this command
will soon be called out on such duty," replied the captain of H company.

Hal's eyes gleamed.

"You seem to like the prospect, my boy."

"I do, sir. Active service always appeals to me."

"You'll find it very active service," sniffed Mrs. Foster. "Nothing but
a lot of hard, dusty marching, with insufficient food, little time to
pre