they were to
capture you, there certainly would be some commotion at Washington,
the national capital, that would make trouble for President Obregon of
Mexico. Maybe another punitive expedition would be sent into Mexico,
like General Pershing led in the time of Carranza, after Villa's raid
on Columbus, New Mexico. At least, that's what they expect, I guess."

Mr. Temple nodded, but remained silent.

"But, Jack," demanded Frank, "if you are right in your surmise, then
it means that these fellows knew in advance of our coming."

"Yes," said Jack, "that's the puzzling thing about it."

"Anybody here know we were coming?" asked Bob, speaking for the first
time.

"Sure," said Jack, "Gabby Pete knew. And Rollins, father's assistant.
But you met the one, and you know he can be trusted. As for Rollins, I
don't know much about him. He's a queer, silent man. Not here tonight,
because he left early this morning to see a man on business over here
some twenty miles or so. He said he might not return tonight. But I
know father trusted him."

"Then, Jack, there is one other thing to be considered," said Bob.
"And that is, has anybody among our enemies--for I suppose we can call
them that--listened-in when we spoke by radio?"

"Of course," said Jack, "with all these amateur receiving sets in use
nowadays it is pretty hard to get absolute secrecy. But, in the first
place, since that Washington conference, the government has limited
the use of certain wave lengths. Now we are licensed to use an 1,800
metre wave length, and I imagine there are very few--at least in this
region--who could 'tap' our conversation. In addition, of course, we
used our code in discussing when you would arrive."

"No, you're wrong," said Bob. "You used the code when you telegraphed
that your father was kidnapped. But, as I recall it, when we spoke by
radio after getting your wire, we all were so excited we never thought
of the code."

Frank nodded agreement. "That's right," he said. "But, anyhow, we
never thought of making it a secret. Perhaps your cook--this Gabby
Pete--said something innocently in town. Or the word got around
somehow."

"Yes, I suppose that's the way it happened," said Jack, dismissing the
subject. "But the question now is, what are we going to do? Shall we,
telephone the county sheriff about this attack on us tonight and about
Remedios? And--what shall we do about father?"

Mr. Temple who had been puffing thoughtfully throughout