of the class who would have been camp
followers of the insurgent army, had that especial revolution gained the
dignity of being backed by a rebel army.

For three weeks more the border patrol was continued. Then, as the
revolutionists over in Mexico had been soundly thrashed by the
responsible federal government of Mexico, the border patrol by our own
American troops was no longer needed.

As early as possible Laura Bentley, Belle Meade and Laura's mother were
escorted to the railway, and sent forward to Fort Clowdry, there to wait
as Mrs. Cortland's guests until Prescott could return from Texas. Dave
Darrin, of course, went along with the ladies.

Ruggles, who had once been worth some three million dollars, mostly
invested in Mexico, never dared press his absurd charge against
Lieutenant Hal Overton. As a result of the revolution, and his known
part in it, Ruggles had much of his Mexican property confiscated under
the laws of that country. The rest of his estate dwindled sadly for want
of his care, for Ruggles, owing to his orders to fire on United States
troops, was sent to a federal prison for ten years.

Guarez, Boggs and a few others were given prison sentences of two or
three years each.

Of the two boats captured, Boggs's tug was released on payment of a
fine. Ruggles's motor boat, however, was condemned and sold at auction.
Ruggles's daughter, Meta, his sole near relative, is now living on the
remnant saved out of her father's fortune. She is a good girl, and is
waiting to aid her parent to begin life over again when he is freed.

Tom Halstead and his boatmates, as soon as released from the government
contract, departed in search of further adventures. That they found them
is known to readers of the volumes in the "MOTOR BOAT CLUB SERIES."

* * * * *

A month after the affair at Holmesville there was as picturesque a
double service wedding as it was possible to have at Fort Clowdry.

The Thirty-fourth's band furnished the music. The post chapel was the
scene of the solemn affair. All the parents of the contracting parties
came on from Gridley.

The chapel was ablaze with all the pomp and glory of the dress uniforms
of the Army and the Navy, for a few of Dave's brother officers contrived
to be present.

Greg Holmes was, of course, Prescott's best man; Ensign Dan Dalzell
performed that service for Ensign Dave Darrin.

Nor were Lieutenants Hal and Noll absent, for they s