ry few years a lot of discontented fellows over
in Mexico start some kind of a revolution, but this present one appears
to be the strongest one yet. Colonel North, I know, had a report to the
effect that Mexicans enough were waiting on the other side of the river
to organize a large army corps as soon as they can get guns enough from
this side."

"Any arms captured on this side, yet, that you know of, Overton?"

"No," Hal answered. "But I guess a cargo got across all right. We got
this boat, and a lot of cases on board, but the cases have been carted
up to camp. If the cases have been opened yet I haven't heard what they
contained."

"Arms or ammunition, or both, undoubtedly," nodded Lieutenant Holmes.
"The Mexicans would hardly go to the trouble of sending a cargo of
anything else out in the dead of night."

"Yes; I imagine they were arms, but I don't want to say so. Captain
Foster did find war supplies in two of the cases that he opened, I ought
to add. But I guess I've been rattled by meeting you two so
unexpectedly."

"Getting rattled is a highly unmilitary form of conduct," retorted
Prescott, with a look of mock sternness.

While the young officers were still at the table Captain Foster boarded
and entered the cabin.

"Keep your seats, gentlemen," directed Captain Foster, throwing himself
into a corner seat. "I've just eaten. Mr. Overton, your present
detachment will march ashore presently, when a sergeant and nine men
relieve them here. The two companies of the Thirty-fourth are to watch
the water front to the west of us. When you go on the water to-night
you'll carry officers and men from both regiments. If you have to land
anywhere within the territory guarded by the Thirty-seventh, Mr.
Overton, you'll be in command. If within the territory of the
Thirty-fourth Mr. Prescott is detailed by Captain Cortland to command
on landing. While pursuing on the water, Mr. Overton, you will be in
command at all times, as our regiment is furnishing the boat. Mr. Terry
will accompany you also."

"There's a Navy officer, Ensign Darrin, who was visiting at Fort
Clowdry, and who accompanied us, sir," announced Lieutenant Prescott.
"Mr. Darrin stopped up in the village for supper and to send a telegram
or two. If Mr. Darrin reaches us here in time, sir, I request permission
to take him on board as a passenger."

"Who's taking my name in vain?" demanded a hearty voice from the cabin
doorway.

Ensign Dave Darrin, U. S.