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diff --git a/26381-h/26381-h.htm b/26381-h/26381-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c61f7a --- /dev/null +++ b/26381-h/26381-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8231 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants, by H. Irving Hancock + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- +body { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; } + +p { margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .75em; text-indent: 1em; } +p.cap {text-indent: 0em;} +p.cap:first-letter { float: left; + margin: -.1em 0.1em 0 0; + padding: 0; + line-height: 1em; font-size: 300%;} + +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 +{ + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} +h1.title { margin: 3em auto 3em auto; font-size: 250%;} +h2.con { margin: 3em auto 1em auto;} +h2.tm { margin-top: 3em;} +hr +{ margin: 70px auto 30px auto; + height: 1px; + border-width: 1px 0 0 0; + border-style: solid; + border-color: #d0d0c8; + width: 66%; + clear: both; +} +hr.hr1 {width: 100px; margin: 1em auto 0 auto;} +hr.hr2 {width: 80%; margin: 3em auto 3em auto;} +hr.hr3 {width: 200px; margin: 0 auto 0 auto; border-color: #000000;} +hr.hr4 {width: 33%; margin-top: 40px;} +hr.hr5 {width: 100%;} +hr.hr6 {width: 100%; margin: 30px auto 70px auto;} + +em {font-style: italic;} + +ol {list-style: decimal;} +li {margin-bottom: .5em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1em; padding-left: 1em;} + +table {margin: auto; text-align: center; width: 80%;} +.tdl {text-align: left; vertical-align: top;} +.tdl2 {text-align: justify; padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; vertical-align: top;} +.tdr {text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 2em;} + +.pagenum +{ position: absolute; + left: 94%; + font-size: 10px; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + font-style: normal; + letter-spacing: normal; + text-indent: 0em; + text-align: right; + color: #999999; + background-color: #ffffff; +} /* page numbers */ + +.block {margin: auto; width: 80%;} + +.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} +.right {text-align: right; padding-right: 4em;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} +.u {text-decoration: underline;} + +.caption {font-size: .9em;} + +.figcenter {margin: 5em auto 3em auto; text-align: center;} +.figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin: -3px 1px 0em 0em; padding: 0; text-align: left;} + +.noi {text-indent: 0em;} + +.nh {line-height: 0em;} + +.tp {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-size: 160%; margin: 3em auto 1em auto;} +.tpp {font-size: 60%; text-indent: 0em;} +.tpb {font-size: 150%;} +.pub1 {letter-spacing: .8em; font-size: 100%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} +.pub2 {word-spacing: 0em; font-size: 120%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} + +.copy {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; margin: 3em auto 1.5em auto;} + +.back {font-size: .9em; text-indent: 0em; margin: 2em auto;} + +.mtmb {margin: 0 auto 0 auto;} +.mb {margin: 0 auto .75em auto;} + +.adb1 {border-bottom: 1px solid; padding: 3px 0 5px 0; width: 100%; text-align: center; margin: auto;} +.adb2 {border-bottom: 1px solid; width: 100%; text-align: center; margin: auto;} +.adb3 {border-bottom: 1px solid; padding: 3px 0 5px 0; width: 100%; text-align: center; margin: auto;} +.adb4 {border-bottom: 1px solid; width: 100%; text-align: center; margin: auto;} +.adsm {font-size: .8em;} +.adbb {padding-bottom: 3em;} +.pubend1 {word-spacing: .5em;} +.pubend2 {word-spacing: 2em;} +.pubend3 {word-spacing: 5em;} +.q {margin: auto; width: 70%;} +.tn {border: solid 1px; background-color: #d8Dbc0; padding: .5em; width: 20em; margin: 70px auto 70px auto; + text-align: center; +} +// --> +/* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants, by H. Irving Hancock + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants + or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers + +Author: H. Irving Hancock + +Release Date: August 21, 2008 [EBook #26381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jacqueline Jeremy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1 class="title">Uncle Sam's Boys as<br /> +Lieutenants</h1> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 499px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="499" height="600" alt="Cover" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 387px;"> +<img src="images/illus001.png" width="387" height="600" alt=""Stop This Nonsense!"" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Stop This Nonsense!"<br /> +<em>Frontispiece</em></span> +</div> + + + +<p class="tp"><span class="tpb">Uncle Sam's Boys as<br /> +Lieutenants</span><br /><br /> + +<span class="tpp"><small>OR</small></span><br /><br /> + +Serving Old Glory as Line Officers<br /><br /> + +<span class="tpp"><small>By</small></span><br /><br /> + +H. IRVING HANCOCK<br /> + +<span class="tpp"><small>Author of "Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks," "Uncle Sam's Boys<br /> +on Field Duty," "Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants," "Uncle<br /> +Sam's Boys in the Philippines," "Uncle Sam's Boys<br /> +on Their Mettle," The Motor Boat Club Series,<br /> +The High School Boys Series, The West<br /> +Point Series, The Annapolis Series,<br /> +The Young Engineers Series,<br /> +Etc., Etc., Etc.<br /></small></span><br /> + + +Illustrated</p> + +<p class="copy"><span class="pub1">PHILADELPHIA</span><br /> +<span class="pub2">HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY</span></p> + +<p class="copy"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1919, by<br /> +Howard E. Altemus</span></p> + + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + +<table summary="Contents"> +<tr> +<th class="tdr" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Page</span></th> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Chapter I—On Waiting Orders</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#I">11</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Uncle Sam's Boys grow impatient. A mother's +logic. The postman's whistle makes Hal nervous. +"Who is Ad Interim?" Uniforms are ready. A +surprise for Mrs. Overton. "Lieutenants" Overton +and Terry now.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter II—Trouble In The Making</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#II">25</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +In their new uniforms. All eyes on Uncle Sam's +Boys. Honors and insult. "See the Conquering +Hero Comes." An invitation declined. Bunny +Hepburn loses his job. "I'll get even with that +cheap officer."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter III—Plotters Lay Their Plans</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#III">41</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Victims walk into a trap. "Get busy, Skinny!" +Twelve against two. "Sail into the soldier loafers!" +Hal Overton's blood is up. Bunny's eyes +are closed. A fight to a finish.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter IV—The War Department Acts</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#IV">54</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Hal and Noll under charges. Uncle Sam's Boys +shunned by neighbors. "We won't submit to such +false charges." A town divided against itself. A +bitter attack in the press. "The culprits face their +ordeal to-day."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Chapter V—Before a Court of Inquiry</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#V">62</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Looks dark for the young lieutenants. Perjurers +have their say. "I wouldn't believe 'em under +oath." Gangsters get a jolt. The findings of the +Court of Inquiry. Hal and Noll outwit the enemy.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter VI—The Call To Duty</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#VI">74</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +All in the soldier's game. A descendant of the +knight of old. "There isn't a thing left that we +can ask for." A parting shot. Mothers as "best +girls." The goal of their youthful dreams lays before +Hal and Noll.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter VII—At Their New Post</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#VII">80</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Welcomed by the Major. Bachelors and glad of it. +Hal and Noll settle down in their new quarters. +"At the officers' club." An old friend in a new +guise. "It's our old Algy." Brother officers are +cordial to the boys who have risen from the ranks.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter VIII—New Lieutenants Look and Listen</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#VIII">91</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +"Feathers" tells his life history. Algy reads +brother officers a lecture. "We do not smoke yet." +The start to meet their captains. The new life in +the Army begins.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter IX—The Summons to Duty</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#IX">100</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +The new officers get their assignments. An invitation +to Mrs. Overton. The Mexican situation +threatens. Frontier duty promised. Young lieutenants +perform their duties with snap and precision. +"The Mexican border trouble has broken +out!"</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Chapter X—On Active Service</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#X">111</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Overton and Terry keenly alert to their work. +"Quick work." Platoons march. The camp at +Agua Dulce. On a ticklish mission. On the trail +of the hidden rifles. The Greasers are ugly.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XI—Lieutenant Hal Guards the Entrance</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XI">120</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +"Keep them from closing that door!" Mexicans +assume a threatening attitude. "Back, all of +you!" Lieutenant Overton draws his sword. His +life hangs on a thread. Greasers cowed by his +nerve. Grimmer work ahead.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XII—In the Hands of the Enemy</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XII">131</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +A much-needed rest. Assigned to an important +post. The night patrol of the river bank. A +nerve-trying vigil. "Halt! Who goes there?" A +stealthy step. Lieutenant Hal in the toils.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XIII—Hall Sees His Reputation Blasted</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XIII">139</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Bound hand and foot. A disheartening discovery. +A knife at his throat. Sentries in a fix. Greasers +gloat and threaten. A Mexican boot in Hal's face. +Moving day on the border. "It's our night to +laugh." Rejoicing on the Rio Grande.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XIV—When the Tables Were Turned</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XIV">149</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +A thrill of joy. Unarmed but free. Lieutenant +Overton plans his next move. Only a fighting +chance. Crafty as an Indian. The enemy's plans +revealed. "Lift that hawser and I'll shoot you!"</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XV—Lieutenant Overton in a Quandary</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XV">160</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +In command of a river tug. The skipper learns a +lesson. A duty well done. "A very bad business." +Prisoners taken to camp. "Do you begin to see a +light, Mr. Overton?" A suspicious craft sighted.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XVI—Orders That Were Disobeyed</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XVI">170</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Hal takes a long chance. The race on the river. +Beaten by the stranger. Lieutenant Overton has +misgivings. Discipline the soldier's greatest asset. +The return to shore. "Now I'm in for it."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XVII—A Breach of Orders</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XVII">175</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Overton meets his first rebuke. "Your defence is a +manly one." A message that was never delivered. +Old friends surprise Hal. Lieutenants Prescott +and Holmes share the tug's hospitality. Dave Darrin +joins the happy family. "Real doings" promised.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XVIII—An Act of Piracy</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XVIII">189</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +The cruise of the "Restless." "A real fighting +bunch." Ensign Darrin at the wheel. "Look sharp +there!" A suspicious craft sighted. The pursued +motor boat refuses to lay to. The "Restless" swept +by a volley of rifle shots. The battle is on.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XIX—The Bribe of a Traitor</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XIX">198</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +"Fire!" commands Lieutenant Hal Overton. A +woman's shriek. "Fix bayonets!" The stranger +boarded. Mexicans ordered to surrender. A young +woman on board. Contraband discovered in the +hold. "We can fix it all with money."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XX—An Officer and His Honor</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XX">207</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +A bribe hurled into the offender's face. "I'll pitchfork +that honor of yours." Ruggles makes a +charge. What was found in Lieutenant Overton's +holster. "It's a cowardly lie!" Hal faces disgrace.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XXI—Under a Dark Cloud</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XXI">221</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Hal's face turns ghastly. "Do you believe me +guilty, sir?" Detained in camp on parole. "I'll +fight every inch of the way." Word that the Mexicans +are rising. American women in peril. Lieutenant +Overton's bitter disappointment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XXII—The Sergeant Who Remembered</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XXII">232</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +"Ye lop-sided shadow of a rookie!" Sorry he +didn't throw the scoundrel overboard. Hal Overton +is vindicated. Permission to join the rescue +party. "Sound the recall." Stirring times ahead.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XXIII—In the Thick of the Riot</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XXIII">238</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +Troops ordered to Holmesville. Up the river at +racing speed. "Sweethearts in peril." Flames in +the sky. A lightning-like landing. "Forward on +double quick!" "Charge!" shouts Lieutenant Overton.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> +<span class="smcap">Chapter XXIV—"The Soldiers Are Coming!"</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#XXIV">247</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2"> +A path hewn with swords. A sharp, ugly clash. +A woman's scream guides the three young officers. +Just in time. Enraged Texans held in check. A +double service wedding. Ready for the great war.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></td> +</tr> +</table> + + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> +Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants</h2> + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>CHAPTER I<br /><br /> +<small>THE LETTER FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">WHEW, but it's hot here!" grumbled Sergeant Noll Terry, of the United +States Army.</p> + +<p>"That's an odd complaint to hear from a young man who served so actively +for two years in the tropics," laughed Mrs. Overton, a short, plump, +middle-aged matron.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mother, it is a hot day," put in Sergeant Hal Overton quietly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," agreed Hal's mother, "though you two, who came from the +Philippines the very picture of health can't feel the weather to-day +much. New Jersey isn't in the tropics."</p> + +<p>Hal's mother said that with an air of finality. Her son and his chum had +been through the most strenuous forms of active army service in Uncle +Sam's colonial possessions, the Philippine Islands. If they could endure +the heat in that tropical belt, even that day's broiling weather at home +must seem cool by comparison.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +"I suppose you have an idea, Mother, that the nearer you go to the +equator the hotter the weather gets."</p> + +<p>"Well, isn't it so?" challenged Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p>"It may be, as far as actual degrees of heat are marked off on the +thermometer," explained Sergeant Hal. "But I'll stick to it, Mother, +that the average of weather that we struck in the Philippines was not +nearly so disagreeable as the weather is here to-day."</p> + +<p>"That's so," nodded youthful Sergeant Terry, with emphasis.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand that," replied Mrs. Overton, looking a good deal +puzzled.</p> + +<p>"I don't pretend to understand it, either, Mother," Hal continued. "But +it's a fact that there are very few spots in the actual tropics that +seem so disagreeable as are New York City and some places in New Jersey +in the heated terms of July and August."</p> + +<p>"That astonishes me," declared Mrs. Overton. "I have always supposed +that, the further south one goes in summer, the hotter one finds it. So +New York City is hotter in summer than the tropics?"</p> + +<p>"It seems hotter," Sergeant Hal affirmed.</p> + +<p>The boys were more or less inclined to joke Mrs. Overton, because, while +there are many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> pleasant days in the tropics, particularly near the +coast, the weather is for the most part undeniably hot and oppressive.</p> + +<p>"Anyhow," remarked Noll, philosophically, "the hardest thing we have to +do here is to walk a short distance down the street and buy another ice +cream."</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be working," retorted Hal quickly. "I'd rather be doing +anything than lying idly around like this!"</p> + +<p>"Henry!" cried his mother reproachfully. She was sure to be hurt or +angry when she addressed him so formally. "Don't you care anything about +being at home, after you've been away from us for more than three +years?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I care about being home, Mother," Sergeant Hal made haste to +rejoin, as he rose, went over and kissed her. "But I don't believe you +can gain a hundredth of an idea as to the suspense Noll and I are under +at present. When we get our orders from the War Department we'll +know—one way or the other."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're safe enough for your commission as second lieutenant, Hal," +Noll broke in. "I only wish I felt half as safe for myself as I do for +you."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem fair that you shouldn't both get your commissions as +second lieutenants,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> murmured Mrs. Overton. "You're both certain that +you passed your final examinations at Fort Leavenworth."</p> + +<p>"We'd both get our commissions, Mother, if there were vacancies enough. +However, this year fifty-nine young soldiers passed their final +examinations, and there are only forty-two vacancies to be filled from +the ranks. Consequently, seventeen of us——"</p> + +<p>"It isn't fair," broke in Mrs. Overton, with all a mother's logic where +her son is concerned. "All of you who passed ought to be appointed +officers in the Army."</p> + +<p>"Seventeen of us won't be," sighed Hal.</p> + +<p>Ever since their first enlistment Hal and Noll had been imbued with the +ambition to rise from the ranks, and become officers. This promotion +from the ranks is not as simple a matter as young people might gain from +reading the stories of some misinformed authors who know nothing of +actual military service. The enlisted man who would rise from the ranks +must first of all be sure that his military record is fine and clean, +and that his reputation for coolness and bravery is firmly established. +But this is only the beginning for the ambitious soldier in the ranks. +He must study almost incessantly, for, when his turn comes to be +promoted to a second lieutenancy, he must be fitted to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> take a stiff +academic examination and pass it with credit. That examination, in +Sergeant Noll's grim description, "is enough to make a college +professor's hair turn gray." There is no easy way of rising from the +ranks to become an officer.</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll, following the method provided by law, had gone up for +their preliminary examinations in the Philippines. Both had succeeded in +passing, though Noll was much nearer the bottom of the list than his +chum. Then, a good many months later, both young sergeants had been +ordered home from the Philippines, that they might undergo their final +examination for commissions. As they were "up" for commissions in the +infantry arm of the service, these two youthful soldiers were sent +before a board of Army officers at Fort Leavenworth. In the interval +between the examinations both young soldiers had studied harder than +ever. They believed that they had passed these final examinations in +July. They had then been ordered to their homes to await the action of +the War Department. It was now well along in August.</p> + +<p>"You haven't either one of you appeared on the street in your Army +uniforms since you returned home," remarked Mrs. Overton, presently. +"Noll, why don't you put on your uniform<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> to-night and bring your +mother over here? Then Hal can put on his uniform and you can both take +your mothers out this evening. Don't you suppose that, when American +women give their sons up to the Army, these same women like once in a +while to be seen in public with their sons in uniform?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, we can do that, of course, Mrs. Overton," Noll agreed +readily. "But wouldn't you rather wait a few days and see if we don't +obtain the right to wear <i>officers'</i> uniforms?"</p> + +<p>"That won't happen in ages," declared Hal's mother warmly. "Every one +over in Washington is sound asleep during these hot days. Mrs. Terry and +I will have to wait until winter if we must wait to see you both put on +lieutenants' uniforms."</p> + +<p>"I'm horribly afraid that my mother will have to wait even longer than +that," sighed Noll.</p> + +<p>Tr-r-r-r-rill! sounded a shrill whistle up the street.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he's coming here?" murmured Mrs. Overton nervously.</p> + +<p>Tr-r-r-rill! "Overton!" sounded the postman's voice. "Oh—young +Overton!"</p> + +<p>Hal fairly bounded out of the little parlor, through the short hallway, +and pulled the front door open.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +"Good afternoon, Mr. Colton," was Hal's almost shaky greeting. Hal had +known this postman ever since the young soldier had been a boy in his +first trousers.</p> + +<p>"Good afternoon, Hal," rejoined the postman. "One letter—for you. I'll +be back to ask you about it to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>Hal stood in the doorway, almost dazed. It was a long, official-looking +envelope that he held in his hand. Up in one corner he made out the +words, "War Department—Official Business."</p> + +<p>Then, still clutching the envelope, Hal walked unsteadily back into the +little parlor.</p> + +<p>"By George—he's <i>got</i> it!" almost shouted Noll. "What's—what's the +real word, Hal?"</p> + +<p>Noll was now standing on his feet, actually trembling.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Overton fairly flew to her son.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Hal? What's the answer?" she demanded, in a shaking voice +that was but little above a whisper.</p> + +<p>"It's—it's addressed, 'Lieutenant Henry Overton, U. S. A.,'" replied +Hal, turning the envelope so that his mother might read. But a sudden +rush of mist to her eyes made the letters blur.</p> + +<p>"Whoop!" let out Sergeant Noll. "Hal, you've won out!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> +"Why don't you open the envelope?" asked Mrs. Overton tremulously.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I'm almost too dizzy to think of anything," answered Hal in +a strained voice.</p> + +<p>For answer his eager mother snatched the envelope from his hands, caught +up her sewing scissors from a table, and held the envelope up to the +light.</p> + +<p>"Now, take out your letter, Hal, as quickly as you can, and let us know +what it says," commanded Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p>Hal withdrew the letter from the envelope. It was from the adjutant +general of the Army, stating that Hal had passed the examinations and +that the President had just appointed him, <i>ad interim</i>, a second +lieutenant of infantry in the United States Army.</p> + +<p>"Now, what's the meaning of that awful '<i>ad interim</i>'?" demanded Mrs. +Overton.</p> + +<p>"Why, you see, Mother, Congress isn't in session just now——"</p> + +<p>"I don't see what that has to do with——"</p> + +<p>"Why, Mother, officers are appointed by the President, and——"</p> + +<p>"And it's none of Congress's business!"</p> + +<p>"All appointments to commissions in the Army and Navy, Mother, are made +by the President, subject to the approval of the Senate——"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +"I just knew there was some string to it all," cried Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p>"As a matter of form the Senate has to approve. But the Senate rarely +ever refuses to confirm the President's full list of appointments for +the Army and Navy."</p> + +<p>"Tell me this, Hal: Is there a bootblack at the Capitol in Washington?"</p> + +<p>"I—I think it very likely that there is at least one, Mother."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll find out that the bootblack has to be consulted, too, my +boy, before we're at all sure that you're really an Army officer."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Mother," laughed Hal. "I feel just as sure, at this moment, +that I'm a second lieutenant in the Army as I shall ever feel."</p> + +<p>"I—I hope so," sighed his mother. "But I—well, I'm afraid I don't +trust any one in Washington any too thoroughly."</p> + +<p>Hal laughed heartily. He had got over the first electric shock of the +news, and was happy enough now to laugh at anything.</p> + +<p>"Noll, I hope you——" began Mrs. Overton, overflowing with generosity. +"Why—where is—what has become of that boy? He was here a moment ago!"</p> + +<p>It was certain enough now that Noll Terry was nowhere about.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +"Mother," said Hal wisely, "you needn't look for Noll. He's beating a +nine-second sprint to his own house."</p> + +<p>"He didn't need——"</p> + +<p>"Don't you understand? Noll is traveling hot-foot to his own roof to see +if the postman on that route has left a long envelope for <i>him</i>."</p> + +<p>"Poor boy! I hope he has won his commission, too," sighed Mrs. Overton, +wistfully.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think he has."</p> + +<p>"He's a nice boy."</p> + +<p>"Mother, he's one of the very best fellows in the world."</p> + +<p>"I suppose Mr. Ad Interim will have a lot to say about Noll's +commission, too," said Hal's mother.</p> + +<p>"<i>Ad interim</i> is Latin, Mother. It means 'in the time between,' or +something like that."</p> + +<p>"Oh," smiled Mrs. Overton. "I didn't know but Ad was the bootblack at +the Capitol."</p> + +<p>"I feel like running right after Noll," murmured Hal.</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare do it, my son. Don't you feel that I've any right to my +boy's company in the first moments that such good news has come to him? +Hal, I'm thinking how you'll look in your new uniforms—<i>ad interim</i>. +Will you order a uniform at once?"</p> + +<p>"No; I rather think I won't."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +"Why!" demanded Mrs. Overton, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Mother, you may think me reckless, and over-confident. But the fact is, +I've already been measured for my new uniforms."</p> + +<p>"When? And when will they be here?"</p> + +<p>"Do you remember the big mahogany chest that I brought with me from the +Philippines, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, the whole outfit of uniforms is packed in that chest."</p> + +<p>"Henry Overton—you take me right upstairs and unlock that chest—this +instant!"</p> + +<p>"Come on, Mother!" Hal called back, gayly, as he darted out of the +parlor and up the front stairs.</p> + +<p>"And they've been here all this time," panted the mother, as her +officer-son brought out his key-ring and fumbled at the lock of the +mahogany chest. "And you—you—you told me the chest held clothes of +yours."</p> + +<p>"Well, that wasn't a lie was it, Mother?" Hal threw up the lid and +lifted out a tray. "Now, wade into 'em. Look 'em over to your heart's +content. Here's the dress sword. Isn't it a beauty?"</p> + +<p>Gripping the scabbard with his left hand, Hal drew out the handsome +blade with a flourish.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +"Ugh! I don't like it, except to look at," shuddered his mother. "I hope +my son will never have any need to cut up a fellow-being with that +sword."</p> + +<p>"Hardly likely," chuckled Hal. "An officer carries only a cane or a +stick of some sort just in order that he may point out the location of +the enemy, or to indicate some tree on the other side that he thinks has +a sharp-shooter up among the foliage, and, of course, he wears his heavy +service revolver."</p> + +<p>"And an officer never leads a charge, flourishing his sword?"</p> + +<p>"Hardly. The officer would be in too much danger from the bullets of his +own men if he got in front of them."</p> + +<p>"Then an officer isn't in so very much danger, after all," guessed Mrs. +Overton, speaking in a tone of relief. "Some one in front of him will +stop the bullets."</p> + +<p>"No one man can stop a bullet that's going under full steam, Mother. At +two or three hundred yards' range, to-day, a bullet will pass through +six or eight men in succession, if there are that many men in its path."</p> + +<p>"I—I guess I don't want to hear any more of that kind of stuff," +shivered the little woman. "It all sounds—awfully dangerous!"</p> + +<p>But Hal's mother was not idle. With the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> deft fingers of a woman she was +lifting and laying out the handsome uniforms one by one.</p> + +<p>"Here's the one I want you to wear when you go out with your father and +me this evening," she said, holding up the full-dress uniform.</p> + +<p>Hal laid down the sword he had been examining, stepped over and placed +an arm around his mother's waist.</p> + +<p>"Mother, dear, I'm afraid you don't understand. An officer, when away +from troops and duty, rarely wears his uniform in public. It would be +looked upon as a foolish piece of vanity on his part."</p> + +<p>"But you wore your sergeant's uniform when you first came home."</p> + +<p>"All I can say, Mother, is that the two cases are different. One of +these days you'll understand just why an enlisted man goes off post in +uniform, and an officer, when away from his duties, ordinarily wears +citizen's dress. But here's one uniform, Mother, that I can wear at home +in hot weather."</p> + +<p>He lifted two garments from near the bottom of the box.</p> + +<p>"Why, that's only a set of tennis flannels," objected his mother.</p> + +<p>"It's part of an officer's prescribed uniform, just the same," Hal +assured her.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> +"But there's no gold lace, no braid, no shoulder-straps—nothing." Mrs. +Overton's voice quivered with disappointment.</p> + +<p>"Here's the red sash that goes with the trousers," smiled Hal, bringing +to light the article he had named. "That gives the suit quite a gay and +military appearance, as you'll soon see."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't look like much more than any clerk might wear," remarked +Mrs. Overton, doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"It isn't meant to. This flannel undress is intended for an officer to +wear when he doesn't want to look conspicuous among civilians. I'll go +to my room and put it on presently, and then I think you'll like it a +whole lot better."</p> + +<p>"Maybe," said Mrs. Overton doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"All this time," pursued Lieutenant Hal, "I'm wondering whether Noll had +found a letter waiting for him at his home, and whether his news was as +fine as mine."</p> + +<p>"You up there, Hal?" called a voice from below—Noll's.</p> + +<p>"Charge!" yelled back the young lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Up the stairs very sedately came Noll Terry. His appearance proclaimed +the story. He was wearing the tennis flannel undress, red sash and all.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +<a name="II" id="II"></a>CHAPTER II<br /><br /> +<small>BUNNY HEPBURN UP TO OLD TRICKS</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">CONGRATULATIONS, old chum!" cried Hal Overton, striding across the room +and holding out his hand.</p> + +<p>The two friends joined hands in a fervent clasp.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I got my letter, and the news was satisfactory," said Noll, in a +queer, half-choking voice.</p> + +<p>"A letter from Mr. Ad Interim?" asked Mrs. Overton, making a little +face.</p> + +<p>"Why, that's the only sort of an appointment that a fellow can get in +summer, when there's no Senate in session, Mrs. Overton," Noll replied. +"But it's all right. The Senate never heard of either of us, and so the +Senators won't have anything against us. We'll get our commissions, all +right, soon after the next Congress convenes. Our commissions are safe +enough."</p> + +<p>"Quite," agreed Hal. "That's what I've been trying to tell Mother."</p> + +<p>"A new second lieutenant is only a shave-tail, at best," smiled Noll.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +"What does that mean?" demanded Mrs. Overton quickly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," Noll replied. "It's just an Army term of derision for a +very new young officer, I guess."</p> + +<p>"And a second lieutenant soon becomes a 'goat,'" Hal added.</p> + +<p>"That isn't a nice word," retorted Mrs. Overton. "It's slang!"</p> + +<p>"It's worse than slang in the Army," laughed Hal. "The army 'goat' is +the very new officer who has a lot of extra duties thrust upon him that +the older officers don't want. Those duties of the 'goat' are generally +both very trifling and very annoying."</p> + +<p>"Then it isn't right," declared Hal's mother, with an air of conviction. +"No one ought to annoy a young man who has been smart enough to make an +officer of himself. What are a second lieutenant's duties?"</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Noll quizzically, "for one thing he must see that every +one of his colonel's eight pairs of boots are kept polished."</p> + +<p>"Oliver Terry!" remonstrated Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p>"And see to it that the grass is kept mowed on the colonel's lawn," +added Hal.</p> + +<p>"A new second lieutenant is expected to relieve the colonel's wife's +nurse-girl in taking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> care of headquarters' kids on Wednesday and +Saturday afternoons——" continued Noll.</p> + +<p>"Also groom the colonel's horses," added Hal.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe a word of that," declared Mrs. Overton, whereat both +very new young officers laughed heartily.</p> + +<p>"And you're starting in badly, too," continued Hal's mother accusingly. +"I happen to know this much—that an officer must have too much honor to +stoop to telling lies. And that he's court-martialed and driven out of +the service if he does. So be careful."</p> + +<p>Hal soon excused himself, going to his own room, leaving Noll to +entertain his mother. When Lieutenant Overton came back he was in his +flannel undress, red sash and all.</p> + +<p>"That doesn't look so very bad, after all," declared Mrs. Overton, +viewing her erect, stalwart young son with an approval which she made no +effort to hide.</p> + +<p>Then they talked on until at last Lieutenant Noll glanced at his watch.</p> + +<p>"I must be going," he said, rising. "I've overstayed my leave. Mother +allowed me to leave her only long enough to run over and tell Hal the +news. I've violated my parole already."</p> + +<p>"What time is it?" inquired Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> +"A quarter to six!"</p> + +<p>"And, good gracious!" cried the little woman, jumping up from her chair. +"Hal, in a few minutes more your father will be home, and not a blessed +move has been made toward supper. There's no time to get anything ready +now. Hal, I shall have to send you around the corner to the delicatessen +shop, although I hate such ready-made meals."</p> + +<p>"Mother," demanded Hal, with a pretense at mild astonishment, "would you +think of sending a commissioned officer in the United States Army around +on errands, with packages to bring home?"</p> + +<p>"I—I guess that wouldn't be just right, would it?" agreed Mrs. Overton. +"Never mind, my boy. I'll run right around myself. It will take me some +time to get used to all the dignity that goes with your new position."</p> + +<p>"You needn't bother to go, Mother," laughed Hal. "An officer who would +let his mother run errands to save his own dignity would be sure to come +to a bad end in the Army. I was only joking, of course. This is a day to +celebrate, so I propose to ask you and father to dine out this evening. +There are several good places in town."</p> + +<p>"Which one do you prefer?" broke in Lieutenant Noll quickly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +"Ralston's," Hal replied. "There's music there, and the food and service +are fine."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll hurry home now and bring my folks up there, too, if I can," +proposed Noll.</p> + +<p>"Good!" agreed Hal.</p> + +<p>"What hour, Mrs. Overton?" asked Noll, turning to that good woman.</p> + +<p>"Ask Hal."</p> + +<p>"In the Army it is customary to ask the ladies, Mother," Hal explained.</p> + +<p>"Seven o'clock, then," said Mrs. Overton.</p> + +<p>"Seven it shall be," nodded Noll. "That is, if I don't fail in coaxing +Father and Mother out to dine."</p> + +<p>"You won't fail," Mrs. Overton assured him. "They'll be proud enough to +go out with you to-night."</p> + +<p>Hal's father came home soon after. For years a clerk in one of the local +stores, Mr. Overton had lately been promoted to be manager of the store. +He was a quiet, thoughtful, studious man, and would probably have gone +much higher in the world had not years of ill health interfered with his +ambitions.</p> + +<p>"I don't need to tell you how glad I am, young man," said the elder +Overton quietly, when he had heard the afternoon's news. "Nor am I going +to offer you any parental advice. Your record in the Army, so far, +makes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> me feel sure that you will go on in the way you have begun, and +that your record, at any point, will have been an honorable one. And now +I must leave you and go upstairs to put on my best clothes in honor of +the distinction that has come upon my son."</p> + +<p>Just before seven the Overtons were seated at a table in Ralston's +locally famous restaurant. Noll and his parents arrived at about the +same moment. But the news had flown ahead of the young men. Just as the +party was seating itself the orchestra crashed out into the strains of +"See, the conquering hero comes!"</p> + +<p>"I suppose that's meant for a joke on us," grinned Lieutenant Noll, in +an undertone.</p> + +<p>"Then try to look unconscious," returned Hal, in an equally low voice, +and immediately engaged Noll's father and mother in conversation.</p> + +<p>There was some whispering between waiters and patrons of the place, and +presently a light sound of applause rippled out. It soon became a steady +salvo.</p> + +<p>Still the two young lieutenants went on with their chatting. But the +leader of the orchestra had a further surprise. Giving his men only a +moment for rest, he once more waved his violin bow, and the musicians +started in with "The Star-Spangled Banner."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +No soldier may ignore that splendid air; no citizen has a right to.</p> + +<p>As the strain died out the young soldiers and their party re-seated +themselves, going on with their chat again.</p> + +<p>A waiter dropped two menu cards on the table, then stood waiting for the +order.</p> + +<p>"Won't the ladies select the dinner?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"We'd prefer that our sons do that," smiled Mrs. Terry.</p> + +<p>"You do it, then, Hal," directed Noll Terry. "I left my spectacles at +home."</p> + +<p>"What about officers and their duty to tell the truth?" chided Mrs. +Terry, whose heart was full of joy and pride to-night.</p> + +<p>"I'll amend my statement," replied Noll meekly. "I didn't bring my +spectacles with me. But Hal ought to do the ordering, anyway. He always +did. He was my ranking sergeant, and now he's my ranking lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"We don't know that yet," objected Hal quickly. "We don't yet know +anything about the order in which we passed."</p> + +<p>"In the meantime," hinted Mr. Overton, "the cook's fire is running low."</p> + +<p>So Hal turned his attention to the menu card, ordering with a free +hand.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +"Gracious! How many do you think there are at this table, young man?" +demanded his mother.</p> + +<p>"There are six of us," Hal answered. "But we can take hours in which to +finish the meal, if we want to. Ralston's doesn't close until midnight."</p> + +<p>The waiter, having received the order in silence, shuffled off without a +word.</p> + +<p>"Nothing very magnetic about that waiter," thought Hal, his glance +following the waiter for an instant. "Somehow, his face looks familiar, +too, but I've been away from home during the very few years when every +boy turns into a young man. If I ever knew the chap I've forgotten him."</p> + +<p>There was a rustling of silken skirts, then a resolute and very +important-looking woman paused at the table. Just behind her waited a +short, thin, rather negative-looking man.</p> + +<p>The woman was red-faced, despite the liberal amount of powder with which +she had striven to conceal the fact. She was richly dressed, and wore a +few jewels, though not really enough of them to violate good taste. Hal +recognized her as a Mrs. Redding, who, thanks largely to her husband's +inherited wealth, had succeeded in making herself one of the leaders of +local society. Mr. Redding was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> known principally as "Mrs. Redding's +husband."</p> + +<p>"Just a moment, my dear Mrs. Overton," cried Mrs. Redding cordially. +"And you, too, my dear Mrs. Terry! I am pausing only a moment to +congratulate you on the splendid news. I can well imagine how proud you +are of your sons. And I must congratulate these two very distinguished +sons, also."</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll had risen promptly, though gravely and without haste. They +bowed their acknowledgment of the congratulations.</p> + +<p>"And how long are you going to be with us?" asked Mrs. Redding, allowing +her gaze to wander from the face of one young officer to the other's.</p> + +<p>"We don't know, madam," Hal replied courteously. "We are still in +ignorance as to our orders."</p> + +<p>"I shall hope to see much of you both, and of your families," Mrs. +Redding beamed graciously. "To-morrow afternoon Mr. Redding and I, with +some of our friends, are going to motor down the river in our new +cruising boat, dining at the club-house. We should be delighted if you +would accompany us. You won't disappoint us, will you?"</p> + +<p>Hal glanced at his mother, who offered no reply, but glanced back at her +son.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +"We are very grateful for your invitation, Mrs. Redding," Lieutenant Hal +continued. "Terry and I feel that we are not in the least certain about +being able to keep any engagements that we might make, since we are both +awaiting orders from the War Department. Besides all my engagements are +in the charge and keeping of my mother."</p> + +<p>"Then you will accept for yourself and friends, won't you, my dear Mrs. +Overton?" asked Mrs. Redding, again turning to Hal's mother.</p> + +<p>"I—I am very much afraid that we can't go to-morrow afternoon," replied +Mrs. Overton slowly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, then, we will make a later appointment," smiled Mrs. Redding +affably. "There will be plenty of time, I am sure. So glad to have seen +you this evening."</p> + +<p>Still smiling, Mrs. Redding swept on through the restaurant with Mr. +Redding in her wake. Somehow, one instinctively felt sorry for Mr. +Redding; he looked very much like a small boat towing astern of a larger +craft.</p> + +<p>"I am wondering very much," smiled Hal's mother. "Although we have gone +to the same church for the last fifteen years, Mrs. Redding has never +before seemed to know who I am. She is suddenly very cordial."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +"That is because you now have a son who is an officer in the Army," +interposed Noll's father. "An Army officer is supposed to be a man of +some social consequence."</p> + +<p>"But that doesn't give me any more social consequence. I'm just the same +woman that I always was," objected Mrs. Overton sensibly.</p> + +<p>"But at least, my dear," suggested Hal's father, "you will be visiting +your son at his post one of these days, and he may also urge you to +bring some of your women friends."</p> + +<p>"I certainly shall," Hal agreed.</p> + +<p>"And Mrs. Redding may feel that she would like to be one of the +invited," continued the elder Overton. "So, my dear, you see that you +will become of social consequence. Others than Mrs. Redding, who have +never even bowed to you before, will now be calling on you."</p> + +<p>"I don't want new friends of that sort," remarked Hal's mother quietly.</p> + +<p>"My dear, you'll have to be very agile if you expect to dodge all such +new friends," laughed Hal's father.</p> + +<p>Since Hal had given the order the orchestra had played several numbers. +All of the little dining party were now becoming rather impatient for +dinner.</p> + +<p>"I guess our waiter doesn't like us very well," half-grumbled Lieutenant +Hal.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +"Very likely," nodded his father. "Of course you recognized the waiter."</p> + +<p>"I can't say, sir, that I did."</p> + +<p>"The waiter is Bunny Hepburn, more than three years older than when you +last saw him," replied Mr. Overton.</p> + +<p>"Bunny Hepburn? The son of that anarchist who spouts about man's rights +in beer-gardens?" questioned Hal. "Hepburn the man who is always trying +to start strikes and labor riots?"</p> + +<p>"That's the man, and Bunny is a half-worthy son of the sire, I hear," +replied Mr. Overton.</p> + +<p>"Here comes Bunny now," announced Mr. Terry.</p> + +<p>Bunny appeared, setting bread and butter on the table, distributing +knives, forks and spoons at the places and filling the water glasses.</p> + +<p>"Will you bring the first course of our dinner right along now, waiter?" +Hal asked pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"When I can," came the half surly reply. "You'll have to wait your turn +with the other customers."</p> + +<p>"We expect to do that," Hal agreed, without resentment. "But we've been +waiting about forty minutes now, and many others have been served who +came in since we did."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +"You needn't think you're running this restaurant," sneered the waiter.</p> + +<p>"By no means," Hal agreed. "But we are at least paying for our food, for +attendance and civility."</p> + +<p>"You'll get all the attendance you're entitled to," grumbled the waiter. +"Don't think you own the earth. Soldiers are no good."</p> + +<p>"A lot of people entertain that opinion," Hal answered quietly, turning +his back on the impudent waiter.</p> + +<p>All might still have gone well, had Bunny been content to drop it there. +But, as readers of the first volume in this series, "<span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys in +the Ranks</span>," are aware, Bunny had been bred in contempt of the military +and of everything connected with it.</p> + +<p>"You soldiers are nothing but just a lot of cheap skates," Bunny +muttered on bitterly. "You wear a uniform that is nothing but the cheap +livery of slavery to the wealthy, and march under a flag that stands for +nothing but tyranny to the poor and down-trodden of humanity."</p> + +<p>This was almost word for word a copy from the anarchistic speeches of +Bunny's father.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hal's face went white as he wheeled once more in his chair +and rose quickly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +Mrs. Overton had a momentary notion that her son was going to knock +Bunny down, and she wouldn't have blamed him if he had. But Bunny +quailed somewhat before the blazing light in the young Army officer's +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Stand back, waiter," ordered Hal quietly. Then, looking very tall and +dignified, Lieutenant Hal stepped across the restaurant, going over to +the desk, where the proprietor stood chatting with the cashier.</p> + +<p>"Are you being properly served?" inquired Mr. Ralston, who had learned +who this young guest was.</p> + +<p>"Not especially. I have no personal complaint to make against the +waiter, but I shall feel greatly obliged if you can send us a different +man to wait on us."</p> + +<p>"With pleasure," replied Mr. Ralston promptly. "But you will be doing me +a genuine service, Mr. Overton, if you will tell me in what way the +present waiter has offended you."</p> + +<p>"He didn't offend me personally," Hal replied quietly, "but he spoke +disrespectfully of the Flag I serve, and the uniform I am proud to +wear."</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much. Will you tell me what the waiter said?"</p> + +<p>Hal repeated the words accurately.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> +"I will send you another waiter, Mr. Overton, and will see to it +personally that you are not again annoyed. I thank you for having +reported the matter to me."</p> + +<p>Hal returned to his seat. Bunny had already vanished behind the swinging +doors at the rear. Mr. Ralston followed him out into the cook's domain.</p> + +<p>"Peterson, I want you to wait on Mr. Overton's party," called Mr. +Ralston, whereat Bunny started slightly. "And, Peterson, I want you to +serve and attend to their wants in your best style."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Peterson, an older waiter.</p> + +<p>"Chef," continued the proprietor, "you will see to it that the delayed +dinner for the Overton party is served ahead of anything else, and in +your best style. Hepburn, come here!"</p> + +<p>Bunny approached, a defiant scowl on his sulky face.</p> + +<p>"Hepburn, I am told that you grossly insulted the Flag and the Army +uniform."</p> + +<p>"I didn't," retorted Bunny, "but I won't allow any of them tin-soldier +dudes to put it over me."</p> + +<p>"Your present language sufficiently justifies the charge made against +you," replied Mr. Ralston quietly. "This restaurant is intended as a +resort for ladies and gentlemen, and all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> right-minded persons respect +our Army and Navy and those who serve their country."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, right now, I hain't got any respect for them +tin-soldiers," retorted Bunny defiantly.</p> + +<p>"That will be all, Hepburn. Get out of here!"</p> + +<p>With that the proprietor turned on his heel, leaving the cook's domain. +Bunny was white with wrath. He tried to talk to some of the other +employes present, but none of them paid any attention to him.</p> + +<p>No effort did young Hepburn make to get his street clothes until the +head waiter brought him back an envelope containing his wages.</p> + +<p>"I'll remain here until I see you get out," remarked the head waiter +coldly.</p> + +<p>"You may wait a long time," sneered Bunny.</p> + +<p>"No, I won't. If you're not out of here in a hurry I'll help you through +the back door."</p> + +<p>Not until then did Bunny Hepburn realize that he was actually +discharged.</p> + +<p>"Get out now," ordered the head waiter, looking as if he would be glad +of an opportunity to help the discharged one through the back door.</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right. I'll git," snarled Bunny Hepburn, thrusting on his hat +and slouching out through the door. "But I'll get even with that cheap +Army officer in short order!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +Like some other inconsequential fellows of his class, Bunny was usually +a man of his word in matters of revenge.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="III" id="III"></a>CHAPTER III<br /><br /> +<small>ROWDY VERSUS REGULAR</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">AFTER a pleasant evening Hal and Noll escorted their parents homeward at +somewhere around half-past ten o'clock.</p> + +<p>Both young soldiers, however, were still so full of the day's news and +so wide awake that neither felt at all like turning in for sleep as yet. +So they met immediately afterward for a slow stroll through the streets +on this warm summer evening.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we go?" asked Hal, as the chums met.</p> + +<p>"I don't care," Noll answered. "One set of streets will do as well as +another."</p> + +<p>"We'll take pains, anyway, to keep on the well-lighted streets," Hal +proposed smilingly. "It wouldn't do for two poor, lonely soldiers to go +into any of the darker quarters where danger may lurk."</p> + +<p>"Tell you what we'll do then," offered Noll.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> "We'll get a policeman to +walk around with us and protect us from harm."</p> + +<p>"Now let us have done with fooling for a little while, Noll. I remember +something that Prescott was telling me once."</p> + +<p>"<i>Lieutenant</i> Prescott," Terry interrupted quietly.</p> + +<p>"Guess again, chum. You forget that we have been lieutenants +since—well, since four o'clock this afternoon. So I am within my rights +in simply calling him by his last name."</p> + +<p>"True," admitted Noll. "I've been in the ranks so long that, somehow, it +seems hard to realize that I am suddenly an officer, and the equal of +any other second lieutenant in the Army."</p> + +<p>"Prescott was telling me," went on Hal, "of a great friend he and Holmes +had at West Point. He was a young Virginian, Anstey by name. Now +Prescott and Holmes both feel as though they'd gladly give their left +hands for a chance to grip Anstey's paw; yet since leaving West Point +Prescott and Holmes have not laid eyes on Anstey—which brings me up to +the question: How are we going to feel if you and I are constantly +serving on different sides of the earth from each other?"</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Noll Terry looked almost startled.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +"By Jove, I hadn't thought of that," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"I've been thinking of it," Hal rejoined. "Now, Noll, what is the matter +with you and me drawing up a request, both signing it, asking that, if +in accordance with military interests, we be assigned to the same +regiment and battalion?"</p> + +<p>"To whom should such a request go?"</p> + +<p>"To the adjutant general of the Army, I imagine, since neither of us as +yet belongs to any regiment or department."</p> + +<p>"Won't the adjutant general put us down as the two original, very cheeky +shave-tails?" wondered Noll.</p> + +<p>"That's a chance we'll have to take. Though if we make what seems a +perfectly proper request, and in a wholly respectful manner, I don't see +how the adjutant general can find fault with two inexperienced young +officers, even if our request be a rather unusual one."</p> + +<p>"If you get up the paper I'll sign it with you," agreed Noll, without a +moment's further hesitation.</p> + +<p>"I'll prepare that paper the first thing in the morning," promised Hal. +"Whew, but I wish we had even an inkling of what our first duty is to +be."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +"Anywhere in 'God's country'" (in Army parlance, 'God's country' means +the United States), replied Noll. "I don't want to see the Philippines +again inside of a year."</p> + +<p>For longer than they realized the two chums strolled the streets, now +grown very quiet as the hour was late for a small city. Indeed, the two +new lieutenants paid little heed to their course. So, after a while, +they reached the rougher parts of the town.</p> + +<p>Bunny Hepburn, having gone away from the restaurant with his heart full +of hate, had fallen in with a group of companions of his own sort. These +young men had visited beer-gardens and other places of low repute. +Bunny's companions were the human fruits of his father's peculiar +teachings. For the most part these young fellows were "professional +labor men" of the lowest type. None of them ever worked long or steadily +at anything, except with their tongues. They were a gross libel on the +real workingmen of the country—the steady, sober, industrious toilers +who are the real backbone of the country.</p> + +<p>Bunny's companions, instead, were of a sort who hang upon the words of +such speakers and agitators as the elder Hepburn. While disliking +industrial work, and resorting to it only when there was no other choice +as against starvation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> these young fellows were always on hand in times +of strike or riot, ready for any violence and seldom hesitating at +extortion or pillage when the chance presented itself.</p> + +<p>"I tell you, fellows," Bunny proclaimed hoarsely, "I'm going to get +square with that tin-soldier dude, Overton. I hear he's been made an +officer in the Army to-day. He feels bigger than all outdoors! He made a +kick that cost me the best job I ever had."</p> + +<p>"Imagine Bunny working!" jeered one of the crowd.</p> + +<p>"That was the beauty of the job," snarled Bunny. "It wasn't real work. +It was more like belonging to a club. I had to stand around a little, +and pass things, and so forth. But I got fifteen a month, my meals, and +three or four dollars a day in tips."</p> + +<p>"I don't blame you, then, for being sore at losing the job," remarked +another young "labor" man of Bunny's own stripe. "That kind of job was a +good deal like easy graft."</p> + +<p>"That's just what it was," rejoined Bunny feelingly. "And I lost it all +on account of that—<i>Say, fellows!</i>"</p> + +<p>This last appeal Bunny whispered hoarsely. Then he pointed ahead down +the street.</p> + +<p>"Here comes that soldier-loafer, Overton, now. And his friend with +him."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +"Now's your chance to take it out, Bunny!" prodded one of the gang.</p> + +<p>"Fellows," declared Bunny earnestly, "it's the chance for all of us to +take it out of that pair! Think how often the regulars have fired into +honest, hard-working men!"</p> + +<p>By that designation Bunny referred to rioters.</p> + +<p>"There's two of them, and they hain't got no guns or bayonets this +time," Bunny Hepburn continued hoarsely. "How many are there of us?"</p> + +<p>"Twelve," replied another, "not counting Skinny Carroll."</p> + +<p>"Skinny can work at his old game of lookout," muttered Bunny. "Get busy, +Skinny."</p> + +<p>Skinny was an undersized, weazened little fellow, with a large, +badly-shaped head and an extremely bright pair of keen, fox-like eyes. +Many a time had he been lookout against the coming of the police, while +stronger, harder-handed companions carried out some piece of violence +against law and order.</p> + +<p>With a chuckle Skinny promptly turned and fled to the next corner, where +he could watch four ways at once.</p> + +<p>Bunny's companions found themselves committed to a new deed before they +quite realized it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +"My pop has often told you fellows all about the soldiers," went on +Bunny quickly. "Now, we've got a chance to settle one score for labor. +We'll sail into that pair like a ton of brick. Use 'em up! Don't be +gentle, or turn faint-hearted! Remember, there's enough of us to swear +to a good 'frame-up' if this thing gets into court. Don't be +chicken-hearted or white-livered! Line up, the bunch of you!"</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll, as they strolled along the side street, saw the little +group ahead. It was an unimportant street, devoted to business in the +day-time. Neither of the Army boys distinguished Bunny, who kept himself +well concealed behind the other idlers until Hal and Noll had reached +the gang. Then Bunny threw himself forward.</p> + +<p>"Yah! yah!" he snarled. "Get me thrown out of me job, will you, you +soldier-loafer!"</p> + +<p>"Hullo, it's Bunny!" cried Hal, recognizing the speaker.</p> + +<p>"Yep! It's me—Bunny Hepburn!" jeered the ex-waiter. "But you won't know +what your name is when I get through with you!"</p> + +<p>"Bosh!" rejoined Hal, rather impatiently. "Step aside. Don't block the +sidewalk. It's broad enough for us all!"</p> + +<p>"You don't sneak out of it that easy!" jeered Bunny.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +"Behave yourself, and let me by," requested Hal Overton sternly.</p> + +<p>He tried to push the noisy fellow out of his path. Bunny, with the +strength of the gang behind him, swung a hard blow at the Army boy's +face.</p> + +<p>In self-defense Hal Overton was obliged to fend off the blow. But Bunny +came back at him again.</p> + +<p>"Sail into the soldier-loafers!" called Bunny.</p> + +<p>Wolf-like, the gang attacked in a pack, and on all sides at once. It +didn't take Noll Terry an instant to see that this was serious business. +Without a word Noll sprang back to back with Hal, and thus they met the +onslaught.</p> + +<p>In the crowd there were some hard-hitters, and the odds were tremendous.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, Hal and Noll were no mean boxers. They had gained +their skill with their fists in many a brisk garrison bout with the +gloves. Moreover, both Army boys possessed the advantage of soldierly +courage and discipline.</p> + +<p>So, for a few moments, though they took some blows, yet they managed to +keep off the wolf-pack fairly well.</p> + +<p>Hal Overton's blood was up now, and he was dangerous. Watching his +chance he let fly a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> blow that caught Bunny forcefully on the nose.</p> + +<p>"Wow-ow-ow! O-o-oh!" wailed Bunny, trying to find shelter behind one of +his companions. "The soldier-loafer is trying to kill me. Wade into him, +fellers! Get him down and——"</p> + +<p>At that moment Hal, with Noll at his back, worked through the line and +caught Bunny over his left eye with a force that sent the noisy one down +to the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>"Get up, you cur!" ordered Hal.</p> + +<p>For a moment the members of the gang on Overton's side of the fight +seemed paralyzed.</p> + +<p>Gripping Bunny Hepburn by the collar, Hal dragged the fellow to his feet +and instantly planted a blow that closed the other eye.</p> + +<p>"Now, you'll stay put," panted Hal breathlessly. "Come on, the rest of +you hyenas, and we'll walk through the whole crowd of you!"</p> + +<p>With a yell of defiance the gang closed in. While the mix-up was at its +hottest, a low, trilling whistle sounded from Skinny Carroll's lips. +Only two of the gang heard it in the excitement; that pair took to their +heels at once.</p> + +<p>Down the street came a pair of flying feet.</p> + +<p>"Cop! cop!" yelled Skinny Carroll. "Duck and run!"</p> + +<p>Three more of the gang heard and took to their heels at once. One of the +fugitives ran<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> squarely into the policeman's arms. The blue-coat stopped +another by drawing his revolver and commanding a halt. When the +policeman came along with his two prisoners Noll had a third to add to +the collection. Hal had Bunny and another of the late fighting crew.</p> + +<p>"What's this trouble about?" demanded the policeman gruffly.</p> + +<p>"It's an outrage, and high time you got here," wailed Bunny. "Officer, +just look at me!"</p> + +<p>"You seem to look just right to me," grinned the policeman.</p> + +<p>"Officer, I demand that you arrest these two fellows!" insisted Bunny, +in a shaking voice. "They'd have killed me if you hadn't got here just +when you did."</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue," commanded the policeman. Then, turning to Hal, he +asked:</p> + +<p>"What's the rights of this affair?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you listen to what they say!" screamed Bunny. "They'll lie like a +house afire. I was going along, minding my own business, when this pair +jumped on me. You see what they did to me."</p> + +<p>"Officer, what's the meaning of this?" demanded a man who had just come +on the scene. It was Bunny's father, the agitator and anarchistic +lecturer.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +"If you'll keep quiet long enough I'll soon find out," retorted the +policeman.</p> + +<p>"Officer," demanded the elder Hepburn, "do you know who I am?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's why I want you to keep quiet," retorted the policeman, with +no great show of awe or respect.</p> + +<p>"But——"</p> + +<p>"Get back and keep quiet until I've had time to look into this thing!" +blazed the policeman ominously.</p> + +<p>"Minion of the hireling law," began the elder Hepburn, running his +fingers through his hair and striking an attitude.</p> + +<p>"Hepburn, in the name of the Commonwealth, I demand your assistance in +taking care of the prisoners," retorted the policeman grimly. "Disobey +at your peril. Here, take charge of this prisoner," indicating Bunny. +"If you let him escape you'll go to jail for it!"</p> + +<p>Thus summoned in the name of the Commonwealth the elder Hepburn, though +he loathed his task, had to play the part of a police officer or take +the consequences. Hepburn, like his son, was noisy but not brave; he had +no desire to serve his state in jail, so he served it on the street.</p> + +<p>However, the arresting party and prisoners<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> had gone only as far as the +next corner when they encountered Chief of Police Blake, an official who +was not afraid of any one or anything.</p> + +<p>"What's this?" asked the chief.</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll were asked to explain the affair, while the two Hepburns +and Bunny's companions were forced, much against their will, to keep +still.</p> + +<p>"We don't care about pressing any charge, chief," Hal added. "This crowd +got punished enough as it was."</p> + +<p>"One of them certainly did," grinned Chief Blake, taking in the extent +of damage done to Bunny's countenance.</p> + +<p>"Chief, I insist that you arrest these two soldier-loafers!" cried Bunny +hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"And I back up that demand!" added the elder Hepburn, with what he +considered impressive dignity.</p> + +<p>"Bosh!" retorted Chief Blake. "I'd take the word of these two Army +officers against a whole slumful of rowdies like these young fellows. +And so would any judge in his right mind. I refuse to arrest either of +these young Army officers, for I'm convinced that they acted only in +their own defense."</p> + +<p>"Officer," broke in the elder Hepburn dramatically, "you have no right +to take the word<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> of hireling soldiers against honest young working——"</p> + +<p>"Go on! Chase yourselves! A quick vanish or a long night behind the hard +iron bars!" cried Chief Blake, dropping into the language that Bunny and +his companions could best understand. "Another piece of jaw, and to the +green-lighted doorway you all go!"</p> + +<p>Then, nodding to Hal and Noll to stroll along with him, Chief Blake left +the discomfited trouble-makers.</p> + +<p>"Another proof that the law exists only for the benefit of the favored +few!" hissed Bunny's father. "But this latest outrage shall not go +unnoticed. There are ways of getting justice, even under such a +miserable government as ours, and we shall have recourse to those ways. +Come with me, gentlemen, and I shall show you what can be done!"</p> + +<p>There are always ways of making trouble when one is bound to do it. +Moreover, Mr. Hepburn was an expert at trouble-making, and on this night +he worked overtime.</p> + +<p>There was trouble ahead, as the two Army boys discovered on awakening in +the morning.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>CHAPTER IV<br /><br /> +<small>A COURT OF INQUIRY ORDERED</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">THERE were two morning newspapers published in the town; or, as some +people put it, "one and a quarter."</p> + +<p>The <i>Tribune</i> appealed to the more orderly element in the community. In +the <i>Tribune</i> was an account of the police version of the night before, +to the effect that Bunny Hepburn and a gang had set upon Lieutenants +Overton and Terry, of the Regular Army, and that the two young officers +had given an excellent account of themselves in the encounter, +afterwards declining to prosecute the gangsters.</p> + +<p>The <i>Sphere</i>, the other morning sheet, made its appeal to the rougher +element of the city. It was through this sheet that Orator Hepburn had +been able to acquire much of his local notoriety. Hepburn and Sayles, +the latter the proprietor of the <i>Sphere</i>, had been cronies for five +years. To Sayles the older Hepburn had gone, taking along with him his +"witnesses."</p> + +<p>As was to be expected, the <i>Sphere</i> attacked the two young officers, +giving wholly the Hepburn version of the affair.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +"But this will not be the last of the matter," the <i>Sphere</i> proclaimed +dramatically. "There are reliefs to be had from such outrages. Mr. +Hepburn has already taken the matter up with a strong hand. Through the +night two of our ablest local attorneys toiled at preparing the papers +in the case. A formal complaint has been drawn up, backed by the +testimony of the witnesses under oath, and all the papers in the case +are now on their way to Washington. The residents of this city will soon +be in a position to know whether such outrages may be safely committed +by officers of our Regular Army, a body of men organized supposedly for +the protection of the citizens of the country!"</p> + +<p>"Well, wouldn't that blow your hat off?" demanded Lieutenant Noll, as he +and his chum went over the account published by the <i>Sphere</i>.</p> + +<p>"It's evidently aimed with a view to blowing our heads off," muttered +Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>"What talented liars there are in this world!" uttered Noll Terry, in +high disgust.</p> + +<p>"They wouldn't do so much harm, though, if it weren't for the fact that +sometimes liars, under oath, manage to get themselves believed," +returned Hal.</p> + +<p>"Is anybody going to believe this rot?" insisted Noll.</p> + +<p>"Some one in the War Department might,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> not knowing the local reputation +of the Hepburns."</p> + +<p>"Well, the War Department will know, if it takes any action on these +trumped-up, lying charges," declared Lieutenant Noll hotly.</p> + +<p>"Of course we won't lie down and tamely submit to such false charges," +agreed Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>"Going out for a walk this morning?" Noll wanted to know.</p> + +<p>"I feel much more inclined to sit here and think this whole thing over," +Hal answered, pointing to the lying sheet.</p> + +<p>"Hal, if we stay indoors to-day the <i>Sphere</i> will have it to-morrow that +we are overwhelmed with shame and fear, and have kept in hiding."</p> + +<p>"And, if we go out around the town," laughed Hal, "the <i>Sphere</i> will +proclaim to-morrow that we are brazenly showing ourselves and trying to +cheek down the charges against us."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll take our choice and do as we please," remarked young Terry. +"Come along out."</p> + +<p>Hal got his hat, and the chums went forth, again in their tennis flannel +undress.</p> + +<p>The news had not been slow in spreading. They had gone hardly a block +when they were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> stopped by friends, and congratulated on having taught +Bunny such an effective lesson.</p> + +<p>Others there were, however, who whispered behind the backs of the young +officers. Hal and Noll were not slow to catch some of those whispers.</p> + +<p>"We're a whole lot more important than we were three years ago," grinned +Noll. "Now, at last, we seem to have the town divided into two camps +concerning us."</p> + +<p>"Three," corrected Hal.</p> + +<p>"How do you make that out?"</p> + +<p>"One crowd believes the charges against us, and another doesn't. The +third crowd isn't sure, or doesn't care."</p> + +<p>"One fellow I'm after, anyway," muttered Noll grimly.</p> + +<p>"Who's that?"</p> + +<p>"Sayles."</p> + +<p>"Who's he?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I can't recall a party named Sayles," Hal answered +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Why, he's the pen-hoister who gets out the <i>Sphere</i>!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, what are you going to do to him, Noll?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to make him prove all he printed in his lying sheet."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +"He can—with the aid of the kind of witnesses that he has back of him," +Hal reminded his chum.</p> + +<p>"Well, we shall have to see if the testimony of such witnesses will 'go' +in court," Noll contended grimly.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to prosecute the fellow?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to sue Sayles for libel," Noll retorted.</p> + +<p>"Is the fellow worth the trouble?" Hal inquired doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"No, but our reputations are," rejoined Noll bluntly. "Hal, we are +commissioned officers in the United States Army. If that means anything, +it means that the United States government certifies us to the world to +be gentlemen as well as officers. You know the legal phrase, 'officer +and gentleman.' If we lie down tamely, and submit to such libelous +attacks as the <i>Sphere</i> made on us this morning, then we do a wrong to +the whole body of officers and gentlemen in the Army. The officers of +our service have always had to stand a lot of abuse from a certain kind +of so-called newspapers. It's time to stop it by hitting any nail that +shows its head. We owe it to our brother officers."</p> + +<p>"Noll, I'm inclined to think you're right."</p> + +<p>"I know I am. Come along, down this street."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +"Where now?"</p> + +<p>"I'm headed for the office of Lawyer Kimball. He's the best man in town +to handle our case."</p> + +<p>To the lawyer's office, therefore, the two Army boys went. Lawyer +Kimball listened, nodded, accepted their case to do what he could with +it, and offered them some advice.</p> + +<p>Late that evening each Army boy received a telegram from the War +Department, to the effect that a complaint had been lodged against them. +They were ordered to remain in town, close to their home addresses, for +the receipt of further orders.</p> + +<p>Next morning the <i>Sphere</i> had much more to say, and said it jubilantly. +It informed its readers that the War Department had taken up the matter +and had promised to give satisfaction. There was a further bitter attack +on Lieutenants Overton and Terry.</p> + +<p>That afternoon Hal escorted his mother to one of the department stores, +as Mrs. Overton had some purchases to make. They came face to face with +Mrs. Redding. The latter woman started slightly and looked embarrassed. +She would have gone by without bowing, but it was impossible for Mrs. +Redding to pretend that she had not seen Mrs. Overton and her son.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +"Good afternoon," said Mrs. Redding, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>Hal lifted his hat gravely as the society woman hastened on.</p> + +<p>"She wasn't as cordial as she was the other evening," remarked Mrs. +Overton dryly.</p> + +<p>"No, Mother; I'm afraid that Mrs. Redding doesn't care to risk going any +further with our acquaintance until she knows whether I'm to continue in +the Army."</p> + +<p>"It won't be necessary for her to go any further," remarked Mrs. Overton +cooly. "I don't wish to know her. I am satisfied with my present circle +of friends."</p> + +<p>"Old friends are always believed to be the best," murmured Hal.</p> + +<p>The day after that meeting Hal and Noll each received word from the War +Department, containing copies of the complaint, and stating that a court +of inquiry would be ordered forthwith, and that the young officers would +be informed of the time and place of the meeting of the court.</p> + +<p>An officer, when placed formally under charges, is tried before a +court-martial, whose members are officers of higher rank than the +accused. A court of inquiry, on the other hand, may hear charges in the +first instance, and on the finding of this preliminary court the War<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> +Department decides whether a court-martial shall be convened.</p> + +<p>"You see, Noll, the Hepburns are going right through with their 'case,'" +observed Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>"So are we," retorted Noll, pursing his lips. "And the best crowd will +win."</p> + +<p>"Or else the crowd whose witnesses won't hesitate to perjure +themselves," Hal muttered.</p> + +<p>As the Army boys had just been appointed officers, the immediate present +was the best time for getting them out of the service if they were not +worthy of places in it. So the War Department acts with unusual speed in +such matters. Within a week from the time of receiving the complaint the +court of inquiry, composed of three officers sent over from Army +Headquarters in New York, was on the scene.</p> + +<p>The mayor offered the court the use of one of the council chambers at +the city hall, and the offer was accepted.</p> + +<p>"We shall soon know," remarked the <i>Sphere</i>, "what the national +government's idea of justice is. The culprits face their ordeal to-day!"</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock that morning, in fact, Major Elbert, president of the +court, rapped for order.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="V" id="V"></a>CHAPTER V<br /><br /> +<small>THE WAR DEPARTMENT SAYS ITS SAY</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">FOR witnesses Bunny had rounded up all of his gang of that notable +night, with the one exception of Skinny Carroll. It would never do to +have Carroll go on the stand and admit that he had been posted as a +lookout.</p> + +<p>Bunny and all his friends, under the coaching of a local lawyer, had +proved themselves expert perjurers.</p> + +<p>Even Major Elbert, president of the court, before that body had been in +session for an hour, looked as though he believed the case a dark one +against the young officers.</p> + +<p>The elder Hepburn was on hand. He tried hard to palm off one of his pet +orations on the court, but Major Elbert shut him off sternly.</p> + +<p>Not one of Bunny's crew told the truth. That wasn't what they were there +for.</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll attended court, as required, in dress uniform. It was the +first time that they had worn these handsome service garments +officially, and it seemed a pity that they should have to wear them +under such circumstances.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +At last Hal was sworn. He told the truth, briefly, clearly, accurately. +Then a shady lawyer engaged by the Hepburns undertook to cross-examine +the young lieutenant. Hal's testimony was not to be shaken in the +slightest detail. The lawyer resorted to abuse, but Hal kept his temper. +Major Elbert took a hand, warning the lawyer that he must keep his +speech within the limits of gentlemanly use.</p> + +<p>Noll went on the stand and told his story. It did not differ from Hal's +in any detail, nor was young Terry to be shaken by cross-examination.</p> + +<p>Still it was the testimony of two witnesses against that of a dozen +witnesses.</p> + +<p>Then the policeman who had interfered was called to the stand. He had +not witnessed the affray, and so could give no testimony as to whether +Lieutenant Overton or Bunny Hepburn had started the affair.</p> + +<p>Chief Blake followed.</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything of the affray itself?" questioned Major Elbert.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," admitted the chief.</p> + +<p>The Hepburn lawyer settled back in his chair with a dark look of +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"In what way, Chief," queried the major, "do you feel that you can aid +this court in arriving at a proper decision?"</p> + +<p>"I am here, sir, to testify, if desired, to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> characters borne by the +complainants and by the defendants."</p> + +<p>Chief Blake then went on to state that he had known Lieutenants Overton +and Terry for many years, with the exception of the time that they had +been absent serving in the Regular Army. The chief stated that the +character of each young man was above reproach.</p> + +<p>"What do you know regarding any of the complaining witnesses?" inquired +Major Elbert.</p> + +<p>"I object!" shouted the Hepburn lawyer, rising.</p> + +<p>"To what do you object?" inquired the major mildly, glancing at the +lawyer. "To having the characters of the complaining witnesses stated?"</p> + +<p>"We object, may it please the court, on the ground that the chief of +police is not qualified to express a competent opinion."</p> + +<p>"We will hear what Chief Blake has to say," decided the president of the +court, "and we will pass on the value of his evidence later on."</p> + +<p>"'Bject!" snapped the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"Be good enough, sir, to sit down!"</p> + +<p>Chief Blake began his statement by explaining that the elder Hepburn had +been for years a notorious local character——</p> + +<p>"'Bject!" shouted the lawyer.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +"Sit down, sir"—from the president of the court.</p> + +<p>Chief Blake continued his testimony, producing copies of official +records to show that the elder Hepburn had been four times arrested for +inciting disorder and on similar complaints.</p> + +<p>"'Bject!"</p> + +<p>"Orderly," called Major Elbert. A sergeant who had accompanied the +officers of the court stepped forward. "Orderly," continued the major, +mildly, "if this attorney makes any further disturbance, put him out of +the room. You should understand, Counsellor, that this is a military +court, and that you, as a civilian attorney, are admitted here as a +matter of courtesy. The chief of police will now go on with his +testimony, and if there be anything in it, Counsellor, to which you wish +to take exception, at the proper time you will be afforded an +opportunity. But we cannot have the court's time wasted by boisterous +conduct on the part of any one present."</p> + +<p>Major Elbert's manner was not that of the bully, or of one abusing brief +authority. His voice was mild and soft, but he meant business.</p> + +<p>Chief Blake continued, testifying that not one of the young fellows in +Bunny's crew was a valuable or reliable member of the community. Four of +them had been arrested on minor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> charges in the past, and all of them, +Bunny included, had given the police of the town many kinds of trouble +and annoyance in the past.</p> + +<p>"Chief," inquired the major softly, "what do you feel at liberty to say +regarding the truthfulness of any of the complaining witnesses?"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't believe one of 'em, sir, under any oath that could be +imposed on 'em," replied Chief Blake bluntly. "In the past my policemen +and I have known every one of that outfit to lie repeatedly when accused +of different kinds of disorderly conduct."</p> + +<p>"Then you believe, Chief, that the complaining witnesses are members of +a definite gang, and that they are all wholly untruthful and +undependable?"</p> + +<p>"To that question, sir, I have no hesitation whatever in saying 'yes.'"</p> + +<p>"Have you any more evidence to offer, Chief?"</p> + +<p>"I have two witnesses outside, sir, whom I think you would like to +hear."</p> + +<p>"Will you send for them?"</p> + +<p>Bunny and his crew, during the testimony of Chief Blake, which had not +been expected by them, had felt partly dazed. They sat either scowling +or grinning sheepishly while the new witnesses were being awaited. The +elder Hepburn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> sat behind the younger men, running the fingers of his +right hand through his glossy black hair.</p> + +<p>When the two witnesses entered, the gangsters started and exchanged +glances. One was a middle-aged man, the other Skinny Carroll.</p> + +<p>"This gentleman," announced Chief Blake, "is Mr. Robert Enwright. Mr. +Enwright's store is at the corner below the scene of the affray now +being investigated. Mr. Enwright sometimes sleeps over his store. He did +during the night of the fight. He was awakened by hearing this other +witness, Carroll, shout a warning that the police were coming. Mr. +Enwright looked out of the window and recognized Carroll. So Mr. +Enwright notified me, the next day, and I gathered Carroll in. Carroll +finally admitted that he had belonged to the Hepburn gang, and that he +had shouted a warning to his mates."</p> + +<p>Mr. Enwright was then sworn, and substantiated Chief Blake's remarks. +Next Skinny Carroll, nervously avoiding the black looks of Bunny and his +crew, came forward and was sworn. He told the truth, now, as glibly as +Bunny's friends had lied.</p> + +<p>"Then, on that night, and at the time of the fight, you did act as +lookout for young Hepburn and his friends?" asked Major Elbert.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +"Sure," agreed Skinny readily.</p> + +<p>"Who told you to act as lookout?"</p> + +<p>"Bun Hepburn himself!"</p> + +<p>"'Bject!" shouted the Hepburn lawyer.</p> + +<p>The sergeant moved over and laid a hand on the attorney's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"At what period in the affair," inquired the major, "were you so +instructed to run up to the corner to act as a lookout against the +coming of the police?"</p> + +<p>"Just before de gang closed in," declared Skinny.</p> + +<p>"Closed in—for what?"</p> + +<p>"T' soak Overton and Terry."</p> + +<p>"Then the gang did deliberately combine to waylay and attack Lieutenant +Overton and Terry?"</p> + +<p>"Surest pipe you ever lit," affirmed Skinny Carroll, in the only style +of speech of which he was master.</p> + +<p>The Hepburn attorney was then given an opportunity to cross-examine the +police witnesses. He did not, however, succeed in shaking any of the +testimony.</p> + +<p>Within ten minutes more the inquiry was declared closed. Army courts do +not announce their findings, which are sent, sealed, to the War +Department, there to be acted upon as the President of the United States +directs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 385px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +<img src="images/illus068.png" width="385" height="600" alt=""We Shall See!"" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"We Shall See!"</span> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +For that reason Hal and Noll knew nothing of the nature of the court's +findings. Both young lieutenants, however, looked decidedly cheerful as +they left the city hall. Skinny Carroll went away under the protection +of Chief Blake. The gang melted quickly, Bunny with them, but the elder +Hepburn was found down by the gate, ready to fix the two Army boys with +one of his dramatic glares.</p> + +<p>"Probably you two <i>gentlemen</i> think you have cleared yourselves," +sneered the orator. "You feel that you have squared the court and have +killed my son's case. But we shall see!"</p> + +<p>Hal, for answer, looked straight into Hepburn's eyes with a cold stare +of contempt. Noll did not even trouble himself to glance at the fellow.</p> + +<p>Four days later the Army boys received long official envelopes from the +War Department. The findings of the court of inquiry had vindicated and +exonerated both young officers, who would continue to enjoy the full +confidence of the President and of the War Department. Further, +Lieutenants Overton and Terry were authorized to publish this letter in +any way that they chose.</p> + +<p>The next morning the <i>Tribune</i> published the letters and congratulated +the Army boys.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, the <i>Sphere</i> printed a long<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> screed against the +government, and against the War Department in particular, and hinted +that all Army officers, young and old, stood together in cases like the +present one.</p> + +<p>Before the day was over, however, Proprietor and Editor Sayles was +having his own troubles. He had been summoned to Lawyer Kimball's +office, where he discovered that he was about to be defendant in two +suits for libel.</p> + +<p>"But you can attack public officers in the press," retorted Sayles.</p> + +<p>"Only as to their performance of their public duties," rejoined +Counsellor Kimball. "You have grossly libeled my two clients in their +private life. As they are Army officers, and therefore men of the +highest standing as to honor, they can obtain a verdict for large +damages."</p> + +<p>Sayles tried to bluster, whereupon the lawyer advised him to seek an +attorney of his own for consultation. Within a week Sayles knew more +about the libel law, and gladly settled out of court to avoid the danger +of having to pay much more after standing suit. The amount that he paid +was five thousand dollars, and to do this the editor had to put a +mortgage on his newspaper plant.</p> + +<p>"Five thousand dollars is a nice little pile," remarked Noll, when the +Army boys had been summoned to their attorney's office.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +"As you have informed me that you regard Sayles's money as soiled, and +that you will not use it for yourselves," continued the Counsellor, "I +shall stick to my original agreement, which was not to charge you +anything for my services unless the case had to go to court. Have you +thought how you will apply this money?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," came promptly from Noll. "In this town there are eighteen +churches, one synagogue and one hospital. That makes twenty +organizations in all. Mr. Kimball, will you send each of them your check +for two hundred and fifty dollars?"</p> + +<p>"Too bad you can't send the donations in Sayles's own name," laughed +Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"I can forward the sum to each recipient anonymously," replied the +lawyer, his eyes twinkling, "and can state that Mr. Sayles is +responsible for the gift."</p> + +<p>When Editor Sayles, of the <i>Sphere</i>, received the thanks of eighteen +churches, a synagogue and the hospital his face expressed helpless fury +rather than good-will toward men.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>CHAPTER VI<br /><br /> +<small>A SEND-OFF FROM THE "SPHERE"</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">HAL OVERTON came into the parlor, a few days later, to find his mother +studying a pair of visiting cards.</p> + +<p>"I was out, a little while ago, and found these cards under the door +when I returned," explained Mrs. Overton, handing the cards to her son.</p> + +<p>"Mr. and Mrs. Redding," Hal read from the pasteboards. "Shall you return +their call, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I shall. But you have something there to show me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I met the postman on the street, and he handed me a letter—from +the War Department."</p> + +<p>"Your orders?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mother."</p> + +<p>"What regiment? Where are you to be stationed?" asked Mrs. Overton +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Which question shall I answer first, Mother?" the Army boy queried, +half-teasingly.</p> + +<p>"Your station!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +"Fort Butler."</p> + +<p>"Where on earth is that?"</p> + +<p>"In Texas, on the border."</p> + +<p>"Thank goodness, it's in the United States," exclaimed Mrs. Overton +fervently. "I was afraid you'd be sent back to the Philippines, or to +Guam."</p> + +<p>"The Navy garrisons the island of Guam, Mother."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, to Alaska, or to some other outlandish place. I'm glad +you're to go to some place where I can get on the cars and go to see +you."</p> + +<p>There was to come a time in the no distant future when her splendid son +would be called upon to go where she could not follow—a time when Hal +and his associates would be over-seas fighting for the democracy of the +world, as well as for the existence of their beloved homeland.</p> + +<p>"And some of my first savings as an officer will go to pay your fare, +Mother. But you don't seem interested in the regiment, after all."</p> + +<p>"Well, which regiment is it?"</p> + +<p>"The Thirty-seventh Infantry, Colonel Wheatman."</p> + +<p>"Would you rather have gone to the Thirty-fourth?"</p> + +<p>"For many reasons, much rather. But I'm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> contented to go wherever Uncle +Sam sends me. That's the only right way for a soldier to feel."</p> + +<p>"I would have liked the Thirty-fourth better, too," remarked Mrs. +Overton thoughtfully. "The Thirty-fourth is soon due to be back from the +Philippines, while your new Thirty-seventh may just be getting ready to +start there."</p> + +<p>"And the last bit of my news, Mother, is that I am to report for duty +with my new regiment on September fifteenth."</p> + +<p>"So soon?" cried Mrs. Overton, her voice keen with disappointment. "Why, +it seems as though you had come home only yesterday. And now you must +run away again."</p> + +<p>"All in the soldier's game. But it won't be long before you'll be coming +out to visit me."</p> + +<p>"You have no house on the post, and you won't have any place to keep me +if I come, Hal."</p> + +<p>"A bachelor officer, Mother, must be very attentive to the married women +on the post. Then one of the married women will invite his mother to +visit at her quarters."</p> + +<p>"You don't have to <i>flirt</i> with married women, I hope?"</p> + +<p>"Not so you could notice it, Mother," replied Lieutenant Hal gravely. +"An officer, we are taught in the Army, is the descendant of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> the knight +of old. So the officer must be careful to be always very respectful with +all women. If he fails in that obligation his brother officers make his +stay in the Army so disagreeable that he's glad to get out of the Army +altogether."</p> + +<p>"Is the whole regiment stationed at Fort Cutler?"</p> + +<p>"Fort Butler, Mother. No; only the second battalion of the regiment. +Major Tipton will be my immediate commanding officer. And now you'll +excuse me, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"You're going around to Noll's?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. We made a request that we be assigned to the same battalion. I'm +mighty anxious to know whether it has been convenient to grant our +wish."</p> + +<p>"Does Mr. Ad Interim have anything to with <i>that</i>?" demanded Mrs. +Overton.</p> + +<p>"I believe not," laughed Hal, then vanished through the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Strange to me what complete fascination there can be about the Army," +mused Mrs. Overton. "That boy of mine, now that he's ordered to join his +regiment again, is wholly and unreasonably happy."</p> + +<p>Noll had received his orders just before Hal arrived. Lieutenant Terry +was also ordered to Fort Butler.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +"There isn't a thing left that we can ask for!" exclaimed Hal +contentedly.</p> + +<p>"I hope we'll have as good luck with each step upward," beamed young +Terry.</p> + +<p>"There may come a time in our upward progress when we can't serve in the +same regiment," warned Hal. "That will be when we become +lieutenant-colonels. The present law allows but one lieutenant-colonel +to a regiment, you know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, as far as that's concerned, cheer up, chum," grinned Lieutenant +Noll. "Before we get anywhere near as high as lieutenant-colonel we may +each be occupying a two-by-six in a soldiers' cemetery."</p> + +<p>"It would please the Hepburns and Sayles better if we did now," laughed +Hal. "But let's forget malice toward others—we've been able to get +everything on earth that we've wanted so far. Noll, to-morrow morning, +we must pay another visit to Sergeant Wright."</p> + +<p>Several times since their return home the Army boys had been to call on +Wright, a retired old Army sergeant living in this Jersey town. It was +Sergeant Wright who had first inspired the boys with a desire for the +Army life.</p> + +<p>"We've got several visits to make, and very little time in which to do +it," decided Noll.</p> + +<p>It is difficult, indeed, to keep the press from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> learning all that is +happening. The next morning the <i>Sphere</i> contained this paragraph:</p> + +<p>"Most of our citizens will be glad to learn that Lieutenants Overton and +Terry, of the Regular Army, are leaving soon to go to their new station +in far-away Texas."</p> + +<p>There was nothing libelous in that paragraph. It could be taken either +way—as a piece of congratulation or as a covert sneer. So Hal and Noll +concluded to let it pass as a joke, and each clipped out the paragraph +to show at Fort Butler.</p> + +<p>All the good home times ended at last. Divided between pangs of regret +and eager thoughts of the new service as line officers, Hal and Noll +boarded a train one morning and started west.</p> + +<p>The new life, the goal of their youthful dreams, lay before them. What +would it bring?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>CHAPTER VII<br /><br /> +<small>AN OLD FRIEND IN A NEW GUISE</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">AT eleven o'clock on the morning of September fifteenth two slim, +sun-burnt, erect and athletic-looking young men walked into headquarters +at Fort Butler.</p> + +<p>The sergeant seated at a desk in the outer room, after taking a look at +them, concluded to take a chance. He rose, saluted and stood at +attention.</p> + +<p>"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Is Major Tipton at headquarters?" queried Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Will you take our cards in to the major if he is not too busily engaged +to receive them?"</p> + +<p>The sergeant glanced at the uppermost card, on which was printed, from +engraved script, in the regular form for officers' cards:</p> + +<p class="center"> +"Henry Overton,<br /> +U. S. Army."</p> + +<p>"At once, gentlemen," replied the sergeant. "Will you be seated!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +The sergeant vanished behind the door to the next room. In an instant he +came out again, halting just beyond the doorway, and announced:</p> + +<p>"Major Tipton wishes you to step inside, gentlemen."</p> + +<p>Major Tipton was standing by his desk to receive his new young officers. +He was a large man, tall, with broad shoulders and somewhat inclined to +portliness. His hair was iron-gray, his face rather highly colored. But +he looked the picture both of courtesy and heartiness as he held out a +hand to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Welcome, gentlemen," was his greeting. "Welcome to the Thirty-seventh. +I can speak, with especial heartiness, for the second battalion."</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll presented themselves by name.</p> + +<p>"Be seated, gentlemen. And so you have come up from the ranks? We have +many splendid officers in the service who took the same path to +commissions. I had the hard-won pleasure of coming through West Point, +but many of the officers who have served with me and under me came up +from the ranks. Our battalion now has its full complement of officers. +The two second lieutenants of the other companies are men just from West +Point this year."</p> + +<p>"I think you will like the post here, especially<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> if you are fond of the +water. As you will find, when you have time to take a walk, this +reservation is right on the bank of the Rio Grande River. In fact, this +post is a frontier station. But that you have already gathered from maps +or other sources."</p> + +<p>"We have looked up everything we could find about Fort Butler, sir," +Noll answered.</p> + +<p>"You are both bachelors, I understand."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," assented Hal.</p> + +<p>"Good. We have plenty of room in the bachelor quarters, and no more +cottages, at present, for married officers. So, gentlemen"—here the +major's eyes twinkled merrily—"you will be doing me an especial favor +if you do not contemplate marriage for the present."</p> + +<p>"We are wholly free from engagements in that line, sir," Noll laughed.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it, Mr. Terry. A young officer should first find out +if he can live on his pay, before he tries to make it do for two +persons. Having been informed that you were bachelor officers I have +already given orders that your quarters be made ready. We have twelve +sets of officer's quarters here, and, including yourselves, only five +officers to put in the quarters. And now I take it that you will want to +go to your quarters after your long ride on the train!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +"We are wholly at your orders, sir," responded Hal.</p> + +<p>"Then I will take time to play host in what is really Uncle Sam's house. +I will take you over to your quarters myself. Pardon me for a few +moments, while I do some telephoning."</p> + +<p>Calling up the quarters of Captain Goodale, Major Tipton said:</p> + +<p>"Captain, this is the commanding officer. Your new second lieutenant, +Mr. Terry, is here. He will call upon you at two o'clock this afternoon, +unless you have another engagement for that time. Two is all right, is +it? Thank you, Captain."</p> + +<p>Major Tipton then called up Captain Foster, informing him that Mr. +Overton would call upon him at two o'clock that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Now, where is your baggage, gentlemen? At the station, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I will send for one of the battalion quartermaster sergeant's men to +take your checks and have your baggage up here without delay."</p> + +<p>A private soon entered, received the baggage checks of the young +officers and departed.</p> + +<p>"Now, come along, gentlemen," invited the major, reaching for his +uniform cap. "I will take you over to your quarters at once."</p> + +<p>Fort Butler looked like many another army<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> post, in that the reservation +was several hundred acres in extent; that it had well-laid, well-kept +roads, a guard house, parade ground, hospital, administrative buildings, +a barracks for enlisted men and other quarters for the officers. The +post lay in a flat country bordering the river, and the grounds about +the buildings were tastefully laid out.</p> + +<p>From the little headquarters building Major Tipton led Hal and Noll in a +somewhat southerly direction toward the officers' quarters. At the +extreme western end of "officers' town" lay a plain, barracks-like +building, with front porch upstairs and down.</p> + +<p>"That barn will be your home, gentlemen," announced the major. "And the +building just this side is the one that contains the officers' club."</p> + +<p>"Officers' club," otherwise known as "officers' mess," is a term that +might be misunderstood by a civilian. The "club" is where the bachelor +officers eat their meals; other officers on post often eat there, too, +especially in the absence of their families. There are reading and +writing rooms at the "club," and other features that make it a somewhat +pleasant lounging place for young officers in their few leisure hours. +While there is plenty of comfort at an officers' club there are few in +which anything<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> like real luxury is to be found. And, while the civilian +may remain at his club until well into the small hours the Army officer, +with his next day of arduous duty ahead of him, usually leaves his club +between nine and ten in the evening, if not much earlier.</p> + +<p>Major Tipton then led the young officers to the bachelor house, +explaining that he had assigned them quarters upstairs, as they would +find them much pleasanter than the downstairs rooms.</p> + +<p>The two sets of quarters proved to be facing each other, Hal's on the +east side, Noll's on the west side. Each set consisted of a parlor and +bedroom, with bath and dressing-room adjoining.</p> + +<p>"There's room enough here, sir, to start married life in," smiled +Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>"Have you that bee buzzing about you?" asked the major, giving him a +keen glance.</p> + +<p>"Not in the least, sir."</p> + +<p>"I have arranged for two excellent men to act as your strikers," +continued the commanding officer. "Their selection is, of course, +subject to your approval. At Fort Butler an officer pays a striker eight +dollars a month."</p> + +<p>The two lieutenants expressed their thanks. While they were still +inspecting their quarters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> two private soldiers came up with the baggage +from the railway station.</p> + +<p>"I'll take my leave, now, and give you time to dress," said the major, +rising. "I shall be at the club during the noon-time to-day, and will +introduce you to such of the officers as may be present."</p> + +<p>Both young officers saluted as their commander withdrew.</p> + +<p>"Now we've got to hustle," admonished Hal. "We'll have a lot to do."</p> + +<p>"I'm busy," affirmed Noll, rising and making for the door to go to his +own quarters.</p> + +<p>Hardly had the door closed when a knock came. Another knock could be +heard at Noll's door.</p> + +<p>"Come in," called Hal, and a young private entered, saluting.</p> + +<p>"Major Tipton arranged with me to serve as your striker, sir, until you +make some other arrangement," reported the soldier.</p> + +<p>"You've come at just the right moment, then," answered Hal. "Your name?"</p> + +<p>"Ellis, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very good, Ellis. Unpack my trunk and bags in the bedroom. I'm going +into my bath."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>Catching up clean underclothing Lieutenant Hal retired to the bathroom. +Completing his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> toilet with soldierly speed, the youthful lieutenant +opened the door into his parlor.</p> + +<p>Private Ellis arose, standing at attention.</p> + +<p>Hal tarried only long enough to note that the striker had placed his +swords in a corner, and that his revolver, belt and ammunition box lay +on the desk.</p> + +<p>"Ellis has done this sort of work before," Hal told himself. Then he +stepped out, knocking on Noll's door. The latter's striker opened it at +once.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Terry is nearly ready, sir," reported Noll's striker.</p> + +<p>An officer's striker is a species of military servant, yet it is not +considered in the Army that the striker's work is really menial, or in +any way degrading. Some of the best and brightest of the commissioned +officers now serving in the Army have been employed in the past as +strikers to officers. No private soldier is compelled to serve as +striker. He does it only of his own choice, and is always paid by the +officer, the amount of pay depending upon the extent and nature of the +services so performed. A striker's work must not interfere with his +performance of his own soldierly duties. A trained striker knows just +the hours when he is expected to be at his officer's quarters, and just +what he must do when he gets there.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +Noll soon came out, presenting a striking sight in his brand-new, finely +fitting uniform.</p> + +<p>"I can't rid myself of the notion that I'm liable to arrest by the +guard," laughed Noll as the chums made their way down the stairs.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"For daring to masquerade in an officer's uniform," grinned Noll.</p> + +<p>"You'll get used to it soon," replied Hal. "You haven't been an enlisted +man all your life, you know."</p> + +<p>"But I have been during all the years that I've been really living," +Noll retorted. "You look out, too, Hal, old bunkie, or you'll be +saluting the first second lieutenant you see."</p> + +<p>"I shall, anyway," Overton retorted. "Any other second lieutenant on the +post, except yourself, ranks me, and I'm not sure but that you do."</p> + +<p>Nor had the young lieutenants taken ten steps from their room when a +soldier, turning the corner, brought his hand up to the visor of his cap +in trim salute.</p> + +<p>Hal was ready with his acknowledgment of the salute, but Noll started +guiltily, half a second later, and hurriedly raised his own hand to +return the soldier's courtesy.</p> + +<p>"I was nearly caught that time," admitted Terry, in an undertone.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +"Watch, out, chum. It's a grave matter, as you well enough know, for an +officer to overlook a soldier's salute."</p> + +<p>Three more soldiers passed them, but Noll was looking now, and fully +alert to bring his own hand up to his cap.</p> + +<p>Then the chums turned and ascended the steps to the club. Neither had +ever before entered an officers' club, save on some errand of duty.</p> + +<p>Major Tipton was waiting for them inside. There were two other officers +present—First Lieutenants Johnson and Sears.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Johnson is first lieutenant of F company, your company, Mr. Terry," +stated the major. "Mr. Sears is first lieutenant of your company, H, Mr. +Overton. These gentlemen, after luncheon, will take you to your +respective captains and present you."</p> + +<p>Soon there were sounds of others entering the hallway. Then a voice was +heard, declaring firmly:</p> + +<p>"You may think me a grind, but I have little sympathy with either +officers or men who think too much of pleasure. The first duty of any +soldier, from general down to rookie——"</p> + +<p>Now three more officers stepped into the room.</p> + +<p>"——is duty, and it should always be spelled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> with a capital 'D,'" +finished the speaker earnestly.</p> + +<p>Noll got a glimpse of that speaker. It startled him so that he drew +back, muttering:</p> + +<p>"For the love of Mike! It's our old Algy."</p> + +<p>"Who?" queried Hal, who had not caught a glimpse, yet, of the face of +the officer in question.</p> + +<p>"It's Feathers—I mean, Ferrers," breathed Noll. "The officer who tried +to resign because the Army was no place for a gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Brisbane," sounded the major's voice, "I want you to meet a new +officer, Mr. Overton. Mr. Pratt, Mr. Overton. Mr. Ferrers, Mr. ——"</p> + +<p>"I think, Major, we have met before, sir," spoke Lieutenant Hal, turning +to grasp the hand of Lieutenant Algy Ferrers, whom readers of "<span class="smcap">Uncle +Sam's Boys as Sergeants</span>" will well remember.</p> + +<p>"Er—ah—yes," agreed Mr. Ferrers, but it was plain that his memory had +deserted him as to Hal's face.</p> + +<p>"Terry and I were sergeants at Fort Clowdry, Mr. Ferrers," Hal +continued.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I remember you now, of course," cried Algy heartily, but a slight +flush mounted his cheeks at mention of Fort Clowdry.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +Then Noll was presented to his brother officers.</p> + +<p>Major Tipton withdrew, going to his own quarters just as luncheon was +announced.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII<br /><br /> +<small>AT THE OFFICERS' CLUB</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">WELL, it seems good to see old faces once more," said Algy, turning to +the two new "youngsters," as younger officers are termed.</p> + +<p>This was during a lull following a general conversation in which Hal and +Noll had modestly refrained from taking any unnecessary part. "How did +you leave every one in the old Thirty-fourth?"</p> + +<p>"All the officers were well," Hal answered. "We lost several of our men +who went down before Moro bullets, and disease got a few also."</p> + +<p>"Then you've seen real service?" asked Algy Ferrers enviously.</p> + +<p>"Yes; as much as the Moros could give us," nodded Noll. "Truth to tell, +it was hard enough fighting to suit amateurs like us."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +"Jove, I'd give a month's pay even to be able to fire a sentry's gun," +declared Algy wistfully. "Ever since I left the Thirty-fourth I've been +plugging away at the Service School at Fort Leavenworth."</p> + +<p>"We didn't see you there in July," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"No; in June I was ordered to this regiment."</p> + +<p>"We had no notion of ever meeting you down here," replied Noll, now +noting the figures, "37," just over the crossed rifles of Algy's collar +device.</p> + +<p>"I don't belong to this battalion," Ferrers explained. "I'm here +temporarily, only, on special duty. I belong with B company, first +battalion. I'm just praying for this regiment to be ordered somewhere +where I can see some of the real fighting work."</p> + +<p>"You will see fighting enough one of these days," said Hal +prophetically.</p> + +<p>"Cut that, Ferrers!" warned Sears. "Most of us are quite content with +ordinary garrison routine in 'God's country.'"</p> + +<p>"That's all well enough for you fellows," muttered Algy. "You don't need +any of what I'm longing for. And I might have gone to the Philippines, +too, with the Thirty-fourth, if I hadn't been such a dub," added +Ferrers, glancing at Hal and Noll. "Perhaps I'm putting on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> airs, +though. Overton, when I was at Fort Clowdry, I don't believe I was quite +as high as a dub, was I?"</p> + +<p>Algy spoke so plaintively that all the officers at table laughed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right for you fellows," retorted Algy. "But you never +had a glimpse of me in those old, first days. Why, fellows, I used to go +off the post without permission. I got into an all-night party in +Clowdry, and preferred it to reporting back in season to go on for guard +duty."</p> + +<p>A somewhat incredulous laugh from trained officers greeted this +assertion.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's straight," declared Algy remorsefully. "And when Colonel +North tried to do the fatherly act with me by way of remonstrance, I +believe I assured him that my little lapse was nothing to get warm +about."</p> + +<p>A shout of genuine laughter greeted this reminiscence.</p> + +<p>"And one day," pursued Algy, "when Colonel North undertook to be really +a trifle severe with me, I flared up and offered my resignation on the +spot. I told him that, if an officer couldn't leave post for a little +fun, without the hanged formality of reporting and securing permission, +then the Army was no place for a gentleman."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +"Did Colonel North let you get away with that?" demanded Lieutenant +Johnson.</p> + +<p>"He did," confessed Algy, "for in his good old soldierly heart he knew +that I hadn't arrived at the dignity even of being a dub. Then I wired +my father and asked him to see the President and get my resignation +through at once. Instead, my father wired that he'd had me ordered to +the Service Schools at Fort Leavenworth; that I'd have to go there, work +like blazes and make good, or else that he'd disown me and make me work +for a living. I thought the Service Schools would be easier than working +for a living," added Algy reminiscently, "but from what I went through +at Leavenworth I'd advise any lazy man to go to work instead."</p> + +<p>"It's tough at Leavenworth," assented Brisbane. "I put in a year there +once."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, now, that I went to Leavenworth," Algy continued. "I was +taught there that a soldier's life is about the finest going, if only a +fellow can buckle down to work and discipline, and forget that he has +any preferences of his own for anything."</p> + +<p>"Leavenworth certainly made a good soldier of you, Ferrers," put in +Sears. "I don't know a harder-working officer than you are to-day."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," came from Algy. "But that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> seems hard for you to believe, +doesn't it, Overton?"</p> + +<p>"From the past, Ferrers, yes; but not from what I see of you now, or +from what I heard you saying as you came into the club."</p> + +<p>"Why, Ferrers is called one of the worst grinds in the service," laughed +Lieutenant Hapgood. "Overton, I know it to be a fact that Algy Ferrers, +for the last year, has been returning all the remittances that his +father sent him. Algy simply wrote back that, by the time he had his +day's work done, he was too tired to go out and spend money."</p> + +<p>"Well, why not?" challenged Algy. "A second lieutenant is paid seventeen +hundred dollars a year. To my way of thinking that's all an honest, +hard-working young fellow ought to be allowed to have."</p> + +<p>"You can't keep many automobiles on that," smiled Noll.</p> + +<p>"I don't have to," retorted Algy. "I haven't been in an auto, except +under orders, since I left Clowdry for Leavenworth."</p> + +<p>A wonderful change had come about in the case of Algy Ferrers. Hal and +Noll felt like pinching themselves to see if they would wake up.</p> + +<p>"Every younger officer, nowadays, has to put in two or three spells of +study at the Service<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> Schools," continued Algy, turning to the two +newest members of the club. "It does 'em a lot of good, too. You'll run +up against it one of these days, without a doubt. If you've any angles +the Service School will rub 'em off. They try to be kind to you at +Leavenworth, Terry. One of their plans, there, is to give you time for +eight hours' sleep, but you can't always connect. All the rest of the +time is working day. Why, I've gone to my quarters at Leavenworth so +tired out at night that I've sat down in a chair for a moment, to try to +rest a bit before undressing. Then my eyes would close, and the next +thing I'd know it would be daylight—and I'd slept all night in my chair +with my clothes on. That's no fanciful picture either." Algy finished +plaintively. "A married man is in huge luck at Leavenworth, if he has a +good wife."</p> + +<p>"Why?" Noll wanted to know.</p> + +<p>"Because the poor student officer can usually depend upon his wife to +wake him in time to shave before the next day's grind begins. You will +know all about it when your turn comes to be detailed at Leavenworth."</p> + +<p>By this time the meal was over. Some of the officers had begun to smoke, +those who did not use tobacco, lingered over their coffee.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Pratt drew a pasteboard box<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> from an inside pocket, took from +it a cigarette, lighted it and lay the box beside his plate.</p> + +<p>"You might be good," put in Hapgood, "and pass me a cigarette."</p> + +<p>"Had I known that you wanted one, Hapgood, you'd have had this one," +explained Lieutenant Pratt apologetically. "It was the last one in the +box."</p> + +<p>"I don't see that I smoke, then, as there's no waiter in the room," +sighed Hapgood, with an air of comic discontent.</p> + +<p>"Try Ferrers," advised Hal. "He never moves anywhere with less than a +hundred cigarettes about him."</p> + +<p>"I?" demanded Algy, wheeling, a flush mounting to his cheeks and +temples. "Not guilty, I'm glad to say."</p> + +<p>"Why, you used——" began Hal.</p> + +<p>"All bygones," declared Algy. "I know I used to walk around looking like +an empty house on fire, but Leavenworth changed that, too. The second +day I was there I lighted a coffin-nail before one of the older +officers. Wish you could have seen him go for me! It was all smooth as +velvet, and eloquent of courtesy, but that old officer said——"</p> + +<p>Algy halted suddenly in his speech.</p> + +<p>"<i>What?</i>" chorused half a dozen others.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to tell you," Ferrers made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> answer. "There are too many +smokers here, and I don't intend to make any enemies out of good +fellows."</p> + +<p>"Tell us, do," coaxed Pratt. "We don't hold you responsible, Ferrers. +We'll charge the jolt up to the old officer you mentioned."</p> + +<p>"Well, then," resumed Algy, "he asked me what I meant by making a foul +chimney of my nose and stewing my brain all day long in a mess of +nicotine. He further asked me why I didn't give it up."</p> + +<p>"What did you say to him?"</p> + +<p>"Why," confessed Algy honestly, "I told him that it had never occurred +to me before that a cigarette smoker is violating the nuisance act all +day long, and that an Army officer could be in better business than +breaking the minor laws."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Pratt dryly, rising and walking over to a fire place, +into which he threw his lighted cigarette. A general laugh greeted the +act.</p> + +<p>"You two used to be clean young fellows, with no cigarettes in your +pockets," continued Ferrers, turning to Hal and Noll.</p> + +<p>"We don't smoke yet," answered Terry.</p> + +<p>Brisbane, the ranking officer present, arose, and the others followed.</p> + +<p>"Now, Overton, it's ten minutes to two," explained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> Lieutenant Sears, +glancing at his watch. "If you want to go over to Captain Foster's +quarters, and be presented to him, I'm at your service."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; I'm ready."</p> + +<p>At the same time Lieutenant Johnson made the same offer to Noll. The +four officers left the club together, all returning the salutes of a +sentry who stood at present arms.</p> + +<p>"What's all that nonsense Ferrers gives us about the old days when he +was such a rookie from civil life?" inquired Lieutenant Sears.</p> + +<p>"It's all true enough," Hal answered. "Ferrers was a mighty good-hearted +fellow——"</p> + +<p>"He is now," interposed Sears.</p> + +<p>"But he was really the laughing-stock of all the enlisted men, and the +despair of all the other officers at Fort Clowdry," continued Hal. +"Nothing has pleased me so much, in a long time, as to see him such a +dead-in-earnest, dyed-in-the-wool officer as he is now."</p> + +<p>"Ferrers is one of the most capable youngsters in the service," Sears +declared warmly. "Really, you know, it seems incredible that he could +ever have been any other kind of officer."</p> + +<p>"If a man like Algy Ferrers can come back, and be what he is to-day," +Noll declared, "then there's hope for a pair of raw youngsters like +Overton and myself."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +"Oh, you two will have no trouble; you've been enlisted men," replied +Johnson. "Men who come up from the ranks, as you two did, have had all +the possible nonsense knocked out of them before they got to their first +examinations. But here's Captain Goodale's house."</p> + +<p>"And Captain Foster's is the next beyond," stated Lieutenant Sears.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>CHAPTER IX<br /><br /> +<small>ORDERED TO FRONTIER DUTY</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">YOU'VE all your equipment with you, Mr. Overton?" inquired Captain +Foster, of H company, after the presentation had been made and +Lieutenant Sears had withdrawn.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You'll want much of your time to-day for getting to rights in your +quarters, Mr. Overton. You'll be required only to turn out for parade at +the end of the afternoon. To-morrow you will enter fully upon your +duties. Mr. Sears will post you thoroughly at mess this evening."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +"That is all I have in the way of instructions. Wait, and I'll see if I +can find Mrs. Foster. I want you to meet her."</p> + +<p>A few moments later Hal found himself chatting with Mrs. Foster, a very +sweet little woman, some years younger than the captain. Hal took an +instant liking to her. Mrs. Foster asked him much about his home folks, +adding:</p> + +<p>"As soon as you feel that you're settled in your new life and duties, +Mr. Overton, I shall ask you to permit me to invite your mother here as +my guest. I know that a mother always wants to see her son's life in the +service."</p> + +<p>"When that time comes, Mrs. Foster," the young officer answered, "you +will be giving me the greatest happiness that can come to me."</p> + +<p>"Well," pursued that good lady, "it will not take you so very long to +get settled in your new duties. The time for your mother's visit need +not be so very far away."</p> + +<p>"You forget one thing, my dear," interposed the captain.</p> + +<p>"And what is that?" questioned Mrs. Foster.</p> + +<p>"You forget the Mexican rebels."</p> + +<p>"Those barefooted, half-starved ragamuffins!" cried Mrs. Foster. "<i>They</i> +can have nothing to do with our plans here at the post."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, they may be mischievous enough to upset the whole +routine of garrison<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> life. You have read something about the Mexican +rebels, Mr. Overton?"</p> + +<p>"I have seen a few paragraphs in the newspaper, sir," Hal answered. +"Enough to know that some pretender in the country across the border is +trying to upset the present government in his own interests."</p> + +<p>"What do you think, Overton, about the chances of that rebellion?"</p> + +<p>"As far, sir, as I have been able to form any opinion from the press +accounts, it seems that only a few hundred of the rebels are in the +field, and that they are spending most of their time in running away +from the troops of the Mexican government."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but the fact that 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 Mexi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>cans +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."</p> + +<p>"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?"</p> + +<p>"Not if our government can stop the operation," smiled Captain Foster. +"But, my dear, how would the government stop it?"</p> + +<p>"By the use of the troops, I suppose," replied Mrs. Foster.</p> + +<p>"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?"</p> + +<p>"No!"</p> + +<p>"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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> his mother. Mrs. Overton might +arrive here only to find her son absent on several weeks of hard +hiking."</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>Hal's eyes gleamed.</p> + +<p>"You seem to like the prospect, my boy."</p> + +<p>"I do, sir. Active service always appeals to me."</p> + +<p>"You'll find it very active service," sniffed Mrs. Foster. "Nothing but +a lot of hard, dusty marching, with insufficient food, little time to +prepare it, and always matching wits with a lot of crafty, barefooted +Mexicans!"</p> + +<p>"Overton is right," contended the captain. "Despite the discomforts and +possible hardships such work is excellent, both for soldiers and their +officers."</p> + +<p>"If anything of the sort comes," murmured Lieutenant Hal, "I certainly +hope that I shan't be left out of it."</p> + +<p>"You probably won't," replied Captain Foster dryly. "Major Tipton has +been informed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> that both Mr. Terry and yourself have already +distinguished yourselves in scouting work in the field. You will have +use for such talents here, if we are called out to watch the border."</p> + +<p>"It's stupid work," cried Mrs. Foster petulantly, "and it will spoil +several of the good times that the ladies at this post have been +planning."</p> + +<p>"Now, we won't detain Mr. Overton any longer, my dear," remarked the +captain. "Remember, Overton, parade this afternoon. No other duties for +to-day."</p> + +<p>Hal took his leave, returning, light-footed, to bachelor quarters. There +he found Noll, returned before him.</p> + +<p>"Nothing but parade for me to-day, Noll," Hal called to his chum.</p> + +<p>"Same here," rejoined young Terry, opening his door. "May I come across +into your house a little while?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to have you if you have no more to do than I appear to +have. My striker appears to have put everything in apple-pie order. Sit +down. How do you like the new station and the crowd?"</p> + +<p>"Fine," nodded Noll. "Major Tipton appears to be just the right sort of +commanding officer."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +The instant that the first call for parade sounded Lieutenants Hal and +Noll sprang from their chairs. Both were soon going down the stairs, +their swords clanking at their sides. This parade, though unimportant in +a sense, was their first actual duty as line officers. Both youngsters +walked with a new dignity and erectness as they crossed to the parade +ground.</p> + +<p>They were the first officers to appear. When the actual parade call +sounded the enlisted men of four companies came out in human streams +from the barracks buildings.</p> + +<p>Now the remaining officers of the garrison came briskly up while the +first sergeants of the companies were attending to the formation.</p> + +<p>At the proper moment the officers of the battalion went to their +stations. As he drew his sword, for the first time in Uncle Sam's +service, Lieutenant Hal felt a thrill the like of which he had never +known before.</p> + +<p>Neither youngster made a mistake during the maneuvers and ceremonies of +parade. Though it was the first time that either had stood with troops +as officers, they went through all the movements mechanically. They had +not put in three years in the ranks for nothing.</p> + +<p>Yet every moment, every movement of parade now had a new significance to +the young lieutenants. Then, when it was all over, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> the men +dismissed, the officers returned to their quarters to prepare for +dinner.</p> + +<p>Hal and Noll reached mess ten minutes ahead of the dinner hour. Most of +the officers who would dine at the club were already present.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sears," asked Hal, going over to his first lieutenant, "can you +spare me a little time after dinner?"</p> + +<p>"Easily, Overton. You want to ask me about the routine duties, I +imagine."</p> + +<p>"Yes. Captain Foster has ordered me to full duty beginning with +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll find seats in the reading room after dinner. It won't take +very long to give you the schedule and the inside ropes."</p> + +<p>In the Army punctuality is made a prime virtue for both officers and +men. Hence there were no laggards at dinner. Every officer took his seat +at the long table at the minute of 6.30. Hapgood, who was officer of the +day, came in with his sword at his side; he placed that weapon in a +handy corner.</p> + +<p>"The evening's news is that the Thirty-fourth is back in Colorado," +announced Lieutenant Brisbane, glancing down the table.</p> + +<p>"Just before we started west we read that their transport had arrived at +San Francisco," answered Noll.</p> + +<p>"And Major Silsbee's first battalion is at its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> old station, Fort +Clowdry," added Mr. Brisbane. "By way of further news I may add that +Major Tipton told me, a few minutes ago, that Major Silsbee had been +ordered by wire to hold his battalion in readiness for a call from this +department."</p> + +<p>"Mexican border troubles?" asked Lieutenant Hapgood.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then the government knows, better than we do, that the border trouble +threatens to grow acute," remarked Lieutenant Sears. "It has been +understood, I think, that troops from this post will be the first +infantry ordered out to the support of the two cavalry troops now +patroling."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll get some of that barefoot business presently," grumbled +Pratt. "A beastly job. The state of Texas ought to call out its police +to take care of the matter."</p> + +<p>"Except," remarked Sears dryly, "that it is the province of the United +States, not of a single state, to preserve neutrality at the border."</p> + +<p>"It's cases like this Mexican business that make a fellow wish that he +belonged to the Navy," insisted Pratt. "If we go out, as doughboys, +we'll have to tramp and hike until our shoes are full of sore feet, and +all for nothing, perhaps. If we belonged to the Navy, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> were ordered +to patrol, we'd do it in a gunboat, and wouldn't care where we went, as +we'd always be on our gunboat, with, good meals ready at the stroke of +the bell, with baths, clean clothing, even easy chairs right at hand. +The Navy can keep on patroling even while two-thirds of a crew are in +their berths enjoying sweet sleep until the moment for action comes."</p> + +<p>"Stop it," insisted Algy Ferrers. "Even in the Navy you'd find you'd +have to work like a horse. There are no easy ways of getting through +life, and a soldier ought not to look for 'em."</p> + +<p>Pratt, who was a husky and sufficiently energetic young officer at need, +and who had merely been exercising his right to grumble, flushed and was +silent.</p> + +<p>"I don't suppose Terry or myself will have the luck to be picked for +this sort of border patrol work, if it comes," suggested Hal.</p> + +<p>"Probably you'll be kept on post until you're more accustomed to your +men," nodded Lieutenant Hapgood.</p> + +<p>"Either way will suit me," said Noll. "I don't expect to have my pick of +anything until I've served a few years more."</p> + +<p>"You won't have it then either," laughed Sears.</p> + +<p>The meal over, Sears retired into a corner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> with Hal. Johnson joined +them with Noll. The two youngest officers in the regiment were handed +printed slips containing the routine work of the day at Fort Butler, and +also the hour for the call to each duty. Sears and Johnson added much +more information.</p> + +<p>"You'll come to us for anything else that you want to know, of course," +said Sears, in conclusion. "You are aware, of course, that your superior +officers are paid to answer questions."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," acknowledged Hal.</p> + +<p>It was soon nine o'clock, and the two Army boys, tired with their day of +travel and of new life, left the club early, going directly to quarters +and to Hal's room.</p> + +<p>"I won't stay long," declared Noll, sinking into the easy chair that his +chum pushed forward. "But I've simply got to talk a bit with you, +bunkie, my head is so full of it all."</p> + +<p>The chums chatted on until at last the notes of a bugle were borne to +their ears.</p> + +<p>"Listen!" cried Hal, holding up one hand, his eyes glowing. "The same +good old Army taps!"</p> + +<p>"We don't have to go to bed, since we added swords to our equipment," +laughed Noll.</p> + +<p>"No; but we had better turn in. We have as much work to do as any of the +enlisted men."</p> + +<p>An hour later, when all was quiet, there came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> a heavy pounding on Hal's +door. As the young lieutenant awoke and leaped from his bed he was sure +that he heard a similar commotion going on at Noll's door.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" called Hal, throwing on a bathrobe and going toward the +hall door.</p> + +<p>"Private Graham, of the guard, sir. Major Tipton's compliments to +Lieutenant Overton, and the major directs that the lieutenant report +immediately at headquarters."</p> + +<p>Then, as Hal and Noll both opened their doors, the soldier added:</p> + +<p>"Major Tipton authorized me to add, sir, that the Mexican border trouble +has broken out, and that you'll both march soon with your men."</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="X" id="X"></a>CHAPTER X<br /><br /> +<small>ON THE SCENE OF BORDER TROUBLE</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">THE speed with which a soldier can dress, and do it tidily, would +astonish the average civilian.</p> + +<p>Very soon after the call had sounded at their doors Hal and Noll, their +swords hanging at their left sides and their revolvers belted on, +stepped in at headquarters.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> +"Come right in, gentlemen," called Major Tipton, from the rear office.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Brandon, battalion adjutant, was already with his chief.</p> + +<p>"Your first call has come sooner than you expected," smiled Major +Tipton. "Captain Foster will be here presently, and then we will go over +the matter together. Ah, Foster! Come right in."</p> + +<p>Then the orders were made clear.</p> + +<p>"The department commander has directed me to send one company, or its +equivalent, up to the village of Agua Dulce," stated the major. "You +know where the village is, Captain—about twenty miles up the river. You +will start within the hour. Now, for the sake of giving our youngest +officers practice in handling their men I am going to send the second +platoons of F and H companies, and you, Foster, will command. You will +take one wall tent for the officers, Captain, and the men will each +carry their half of a shelter tent. You will take kitchen kit for one +company, and fifty rounds of ammunition for each man—though I trust you +will have no occasion to fire any shots. The quartermaster is now +ordering out three escort wagons to accompany you. If your provisions +run low you will receive more. You should be in camp, Captain, soon +after daylight."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +"Agua Dulce," continued Major Tipton, "as you know, is a village with a +large proportion of Mexican population. The War Department is advised +that the Mexican rebels are making the village an American headquarters +for the insurrection. It will be your duty, Captain, to see that no +armed parties or cargoes of munitions of war get across the river. You +will very likely find that Mexican troops are stationed on the opposite +side of the river. If you so find, you will act in harmony, as far as +you can, with the commander of the Mexican troops."</p> + +<p>"Very good, Major."</p> + +<p>"I have already sent the guard to notify the first sergeants of F and H +companies to turn out the second platoons of each company. You now have +your orders in full, Captain."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>The three officers saluted their commander and withdrew. No word was +spoken as the three crossed the parade ground, going toward barracks.</p> + +<p>Outside a lot of soldiers had already appeared, many of them looking +decidedly drowsy. But there were no complaints. "Kickers" are never +popular in the Army.</p> + +<p>"Ranking sergeants of each platoon report here," called Captain Foster +quietly, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> halted. "You will be prepared for assembly and roll call +within forty-five minutes. Immediately afterwards the command will +march. Any further orders you will take from your respective platoon +commanders."</p> + +<p>With a nod to Hal and Noll, Captain Foster strode away toward the +quartermaster stables, to see how near ready the escort wagons and their +loads might be.</p> + +<p>"Keep the two platoons apart," ordered Hal, going over to the men. "We +want to know which platoon is ready for duty first. Sergeant Raney, go +back into barracks and see what is detaining the absentees."</p> + +<p>"Sergeant Klein, you will also look up your missing ones," directed +Noll.</p> + +<p>Both non-coms and men worked faster after that. Hal and Noll had served +long enough in the ranks to know that some drowsy men might remain +behind as long as possible, dozing in some corner.</p> + +<p>As soon as it was discovered that both lieutenants were keenly alert to +their duties, greater speed was shown in assembling the men. Five +minutes later all the soldiers had turned out, ready. Some of the men in +Hal's platoon began to shoulder their blanket rolls.</p> + +<p>"Leave your blanket rolls on the ground," directed Hal, stepping over to +his men. "It is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> a warm night, and there's no need of carrying weight +until you have to."</p> + +<p>Captain Foster soon returned, having satisfied himself that work with +the escort wagons was progressing rapidly.</p> + +<p>"All the men of my platoon are out, sir, and ready to move," Hal +reported, saluting.</p> + +<p>"All my men ready, too, sir," Noll added.</p> + +<p>"Quick work," nodded Captain Foster. "The escort wagons will be here +within fifteen minutes. We shall be able to make an earlier start than +ordered."</p> + +<p>A few minutes later three escort wagons, each well laden and hauled by a +team of mules, came out on to the road.</p> + +<p>"Let your men fall in. Hold separate roll calls. Report as soon as +ready," directed Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>The two platoons, drawn up in one rank with a slight interval between, +were soon in readiness.</p> + +<p>"March your platoons," called Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"F company, fours left, march," ordered Noll.</p> + +<p>"H company, fours left, march," followed Hal.</p> + +<p>Off into the night moved a compact column of men in fours, a sergeant at +the head of each<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> platoon, and the two lieutenants on the flanks. +Captain Foster noted the start with approval. The column moved on down +the road, past the escort wagons, which then fell in at the rear.</p> + +<p>"Give the men the route step, now," murmured Captain Foster, going past +Hal up to the head of the line.</p> + +<p>"Route step, march," ordered Lieutenant Hal. In another moment the men +of the leading platoon had also fallen into the route step.</p> + +<p>"We'll march four miles to the first halt," said Captain Foster, falling +in beside Noll.</p> + +<p>The road turned to the right, heading west. When the first halt was +called the column stopped on a lonely stretch of the highway, in sight +of the Rio Grande. After ten minutes the column started again. There +were frequent halts, after that, but soon after daylight had come the +column made its last halt just outside the village of Agua Dulce.</p> + +<p>Now camp was quickly made. A soldier, no matter how fatigued, is never +too tired to eat. Several score of little fagot fires were soon blazing +briskly, and over these coffee was made and bacon fried. The next meal +would be furnished by the company cook. Within half an hour after +pitching tents breakfast had been eaten, and much progress made with +unpacking the escort wagons.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +"Mr. Terry, you will remain in command of the camp. Keep ten men awake +for duty, and relieve the men in two hours. Let the men not on duty +sleep. Mr. Overton, you will accompany me into the village."</p> + +<p>A ten minutes' walk brought Captain Foster and Hal into Agua Dulce. It +was an insignificant little village, of perhaps eight hundred +inhabitants. Five hundred of these were Mexicans. There are many such +towns on the Texas border. The Mexicans were engaged somewhat in trade, +but most of them belonged to the floating class. They were cowboys, +sheep-herders and laborers. Few of them represented a high grade of +Mexican citizenship. Many were "wanted" in Mexico for minor offenses, +for which the extradition treaty did not provide. Living only from day +to day, usually from hand to mouth, and nearly always discontented, this +sort of Mexican was excellent material out of which to make a +revolutionist.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't look like much of a place for a headquarters against the +powerful Mexican government," Captain Foster confided to his young +lieutenant. "Yet it is in just such places as this that a successful +revolution in Mexico may some day start. It might happen in this year as +well as in any other. A few thousand rifles and enough cartridges could +be shipped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> from this point, across the river, on a dark night. With +this happening at several such points enough munitions for an Army might +be ferried across. With men waiting on the other side a rebel army could +be easily started."</p> + +<p>"It seems a pity, doesn't it, sir, for us to have to interfere in such +matters?" asked Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"No; for the United States is on friendly terms with the government of +Mexico. Therefore, under the laws of nations, we are obliged to see to +it that all caution is used to prevent the shipment of arms to +revolutionists on the other side of the river. Mexico would have to do +as much for us if the case were reversed."</p> + +<p>"But the case never is reversed," smiled Hal.</p> + +<p>"It came near being, once. At the outset of the Spanish war, when there +were a good many Spaniards living in Mexico, some of them started a +foolish movement to organize and project an armed force of Spaniards +over the border into Texas. The Spaniards had a notion that they could +slip over the border, do a lot of harm and get safely back into Mexico. +But the Mexican government sent out its secret service agents to run +down the plot, and also sent two or three regiments of the Mexican army +to patrol the border."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +"What did the people of Texas think of that, sir?"</p> + +<p>Captain Foster laughed.</p> + +<p>"The Texans were really mad as hornets," he continued. "They said they +wished the Mexican government would mind its own business and not spoil +sport. The Texans were just aching to have a few thousand Spaniards come +over the border and start things going. None of the Spaniards would ever +have got back into Mexico; the Texans would have taken care of that. But +here we are in the village, and now we'll have to start making +inquiries."</p> + +<p>This consumed two or three hours. The postmaster was seen, and then some +of the other Texans. The railroad did not touch Agua Dulce, but there +were two big trucking concerns that handled freight from the nearest +railroad point. There were also several Mexican teamsters in the place; +these latter could hardly be depended upon to give accurate information. +The American teamsters all declared that they had handled no +suspicious-looking freight for Mexicans.</p> + +<p>"But you'll find a lot of long, shallow boxes stored in Pedro Guarez's +stable, if what I've heard is right," added one of the truckmen.</p> + +<p>"Look like rifle cases, do they?" inquired Captain Foster.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +"That's what I judge from what I've heard. Mexican teamsters have been +bringing in the cases for the last three nights."</p> + +<p>"Where is the barn of this fellow, Guarez?"</p> + +<p>"Come upstairs, Captain, and I can point it out to you from the roof. +But don't let any of the Greasers know that I told you about this, for I +have to be on the road many a dark night, and these Greasers are a bad +lot, especially just now. And listen, Captain! Don't get so far into +Guarez's barn that you couldn't get out handily. If you do you may never +come out. The Greasers are especially ugly these last few days, and I +don't believe it would take much to start 'em off."</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>CHAPTER XI<br /><br /> +<small>LIEUTENANT HAL'S SWORD GUARDS THE DOOR</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">HAVING learned the location of the barn, which was about a third of a +mile away, Captain Foster signed to Lieutenant Hal to accompany him.</p> + +<p>"I shall leave you outside of the barn when I go in, Mr. Overton. You +may have a crowd around you in no time, for these Mexicans are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> easily +excited. Be careful to handle them smoothly, and not to start any +unnecessary trouble. At the same time, keep your eyes and ears wide open +for any news that you may hear. Do you understand Spanish?"</p> + +<p>"I know a little of the kind that I learned in the Philippines," Hal +answered.</p> + +<p>"You may be able to understand the Mexican patter, then. But don't let +them know that you understand it."</p> + +<p>A brisk walk brought the two Army officers to one of the most +substantial houses in the Mexican quarter. It was a two-story frame +house, kept in a fairly tidy condition. Behind the house was a wooden +barn, still larger.</p> + +<p>Captain Foster did not trouble himself to approach the house, around +which there were no signs of life. Instead he walked hurriedly through +the yard. Just as the two officers neared the barn the door was seen to +slide on its roller.</p> + +<p>"Keep them from closing that door, Overton!" cried Captain Foster. Hal +bounded forward, thrusting his right foot in the crack just in time to +prevent the door closing.</p> + +<p>"I'll help you push that door open again," cried the captain. Between +them they succeeded, driving the door back, wide open, revealing two +scowling young Mexican hostlers.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +"You g'way!" snarled one of them in a surly tone.</p> + +<p>"Where's your master, Pedro Guarez?" demanded Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Dunno. He far away. G'way. I wanta close this door."</p> + +<p>"Don't you attempt to do it," warned Captain Foster stiffly. "Mr. +Overton, stand here and see that these fellows don't close the door. I'm +going to, look around inside."</p> + +<p>Just as Captain Foster stepped into the barn a rear door of the house +opened quickly. A Mexican, rather better dressed than the average, ran +hastily across the yard.</p> + +<p>"Here," he cried, in good English, though he panted as he reached the +barn, "you must leave. You have no right here!"</p> + +<p>"Only Pedro Guarez can tell me that," retorted the captain.</p> + +<p>"But I am Pedro Guarez."</p> + +<p>"Then you're the man I want to see," returned Captain Foster, fixing +Guarez with his keen eyes. "I am going to look through your barn and I +may ask you a lot of questions."</p> + +<p>"I shall not answer, if you do. Get out! You have no right here!"</p> + +<p>"Then get a policeman, and get him here to arrest me," smiled the +captain.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +A murmuring of excited voices was heard out in the road, after which, +half a dozen Mexicans came hurriedly into the yard. They quickly crowded +around the door.</p> + +<p>"You have a good many friends interested in your affairs, Mr. Guarez," +insinuated the captain. "But come on; I am going through the barn."</p> + +<p>"I cannot say that it will be safe," retorted Guarez, with an expressive +shrug of his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Safe?" echoed Captain Foster sternly. "That's a question that an +American soldier never asks."</p> + +<p>"Just as you will, then, Señor Capitain," returned Guarez. "I protest, +but I cannot fight you—alone."</p> + +<p>"And you'd better stop all that talk of fighting, too," warned the +captain. "Come, if you want to go through with me."</p> + +<p>Just then about a score more of excited Mexicans poured into the yard.</p> + +<p>"You see," cautioned Guarez. "You will stir up a lot of trouble, Señor +Capitain."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton, don't let any of the rabble come into this barn for the +present," directed Hal's company commander. "Come, Guarez, if you wish."</p> + +<p>The Mexican hesitated, for an instant. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> he saw Captain Foster walk +toward the haymow.</p> + +<p>"Come on, my friends!" cried Guarez. "You, too, shall see what this +too-officious soldier dares to do here!"</p> + +<p>He spoke in Spanish, but Captain Foster understood, and so did Hal +Overton. Instantly there was an excited rush on the part of the Mexican +loungers outside, who tried to crowd past Hal.</p> + +<p>"Back, all of you!" ordered the young lieutenant. He spoke in English, +accompanying his order with a gesture that any man might understand.</p> + +<p>But the Mexicans pressed against him, scowling and shaking their heads +as though to imply that they did not understand.</p> + +<p>"Get back, every one of you," insisted Lieutenant Hal. "You know well +enough what I am telling you."</p> + +<p>However, the Mexicans at the rear of the compact little crowd pushed +against those in front. The Army boy was in danger of being pushed off +his feet.</p> + +<p>In an instant Hal's right hand flew to the hilt of his sword. He spoke +no word, now, but his face was white, his lips set and stern. The gleam +in his eyes boded no good to the men in front of him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +Swish! The sword leaped from its scabbard, its keen blade gleaming in +the air as Lieutenant Hal made a swift cut about him. The steel struck +no one, for the rabble drew back swiftly. Some thirty pairs of eyes +flashed hatred at the Army boy.</p> + +<p>"Now, <i>keep</i> your distance," warned the Army boy, coolly returning his +sword to its scabbard.</p> + +<p>"Surely we can draw some steel of our own, friends," muttered one of the +Mexicans. "If this soldier boy resists us again, or places his hand to +his sword, let every man among us draw his own steel and rush in over +his body!"</p> + +<p>Hal heard and comprehended, perfectly, but his orders had been not to +let the Mexicans see that he understood their talk. So he stood there, +smiling coolly.</p> + +<p>"Peace, friends, for a moment," broke in another Mexican, speaking in +Spanish. "Then, if this young <i>soldado</i> does not yield, it will be time +to rush over him. If we finish him, no one can afterwards swear whose +knife did the deed. After that the same thrust for his captain."</p> + +<p>Again Hal Overton comprehended, but he glanced, in cool inquiry, at the +speaker as that fellow stepped forward.</p> + +<p>"See here, soldier," began the Mexican, speaking fluently in English, +"Don Pedro has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> invited us into this barn. You have no lawful right to +stop us."</p> + +<p>"I won't argue that with you," the young lieutenant answered steadily.</p> + +<p>"But you will have to let us pass. We are going inside. So why should +you take a lot of blows that you need not receive? And my countrymen are +excitable, some of them. I do not know that one or two of them could be +restrained from using a knife on you."</p> + +<p>"They'll know more afterward, if they try it," laughed Hal, as though +the situation amused him. "But I would advise your friends not to try +it. You and they are going to move back, now, and thereafter any man who +gets within ten feet of me I am going to run through with my sword."</p> + +<p>Hal tapped the hilt of his weapon lightly, then started to push the +rabble back. There were many mutterings. Lieutenant Overton did not know +at what instant he might feel the sharp prick of steel. If he felt any +fear of such a fate nothing in his cool smile betrayed him. The crowd +fell back, though there was no assurance that their smouldering wrath +might not flame up at any moment. Hal's life still hung on a thread. A +breath, and these sullen, excitable men would hurl themselves upon him.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Guarez, realizing that his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> friends might not come +immediately to his assistance, had scowlingly followed Captain Foster to +the haymow. That officer picked up a pitchfork and began to prod the +hay.</p> + +<p>"I forbid this!" cried Guarez, in a deep, dramatic voice. Captain Foster +paid no heed. Soon the captain drove his implement through the hay, and +against something that gave back a resistance like that of soft pine. +With a skill that he had acquired as a boy on a farm the captain began +to pitch the hay.</p> + +<p>"Stop! You have no right!" thundered the Mexican. But Captain Foster had +uncovered two packing cases and continued energetically with his work.</p> + +<p>"Will you stop?" howled the Mexican, advancing upon the man in uniform.</p> + +<p>"No," returned Foster briefly. "I'm here on business."</p> + +<p>"Come in, my friends!" howled Pedro Guarez. "Never mind the young +tailor's model at the door."</p> + +<p>The Mexicans outside heard, and the appeal frenzied them. Four or five +started toward the barn-door, the rest closing in behind them.</p> + +<p>Swish! Lieutenant Hal's sword was again in the air.</p> + +<p>"Who wants to come first?" demanded the Army boy dryly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +The rabble paused, then crowded back slowly. There was something in Hal +Overton's cold, steady, masterful eyes that awed them more than any +fears of their own.</p> + +<p>Captain Foster tossed and threw hay with a will until he had uncovered a +compact pile of small packing cases.</p> + +<p>"Sixty," he announced, after a quick estimation. "And each case, Guarez, +contains ten rifles. Six hundred in all—enough with which to equip +quite a respectable <i>insurrecto</i> regiment on the other side of the Rio +Grande."</p> + +<p>"There are no rifles there, nothing with which to make war," snarled the +fellow.</p> + +<p>"I accept your statement, with reservations," replied Foster dryly.</p> + +<p>"Even though they were rifles, the United States law does not forbid one +to buy or sell guns," insisted the Mexican.</p> + +<p>"No; but it does forbid your shipping them over the border," rejoined +the captain.</p> + +<p>"But I have not attempted to ship anything over the border."</p> + +<p>"Nor will you, Guarez. I might continue my search, and unearth other +rifles, or perhaps cartridges. But I know enough for my purpose, and I +am through here."</p> + +<p>Captain Foster turned and left the mow, followed by the owner of the +place.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +"Come, Mr. Overton," ordered the company commander, stepping to the side +of his junior officer. The assembled Mexicans followed them with +flashing eyes.</p> + +<p>Out in the street Captain Foster espied an American cowboy in the near +distance. Shouting, the captain attracted the attention of the man, who +galloped up.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where my men are encamped?" inquired Foster.</p> + +<p>"Sure," nodded the cowboy.</p> + +<p>"Will you do me the very great favor of taking a note to the officer in +command at the camp?"</p> + +<p>"Sure," nodded the cowboy, with the same brevity.</p> + +<p>Captain Foster hastily wrote the note, handing it to the man in saddle.</p> + +<p>"This talk-talk paper will be at your camp in less'n five minutes," +volunteered the horseman. "You going to remain here. Captain, for a +little while?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then look out, or some of the Greasers will play jack-knife with you. +They're just aching for trouble, Cap."</p> + +<p>The cowboy was gone in a cloud of dust. Captain Foster and his +lieutenant did not again attempt to enter Guarez's yard, but the older<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> +officer whispered something that made the younger officer smile.</p> + +<p>Some twenty minutes later Sergeant Raney, of Hal's platoon, turned the +nearest corner and marched down the street at the head of a file of +twelve soldiers.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant," announced Captain Foster, "there are at least six hundred +rifles in that barn. I have no legal right to seize the guns while they +lie there. You will camp here and mount guard."</p> + +<p>"If any attempt is made to move the cases you will send men with them to +make sure that they do not go to the river. If any attempt be made to +send the cases away in small lots, so as to split your detachment, you +will then signal the camp with the rockets that you have brought with +you."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>"Pitch camp at once, and maintain watch over that barn day and night."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>An ominous growl ascended from the Mexicans, who had overheard. But, +with a quiet smile at his lieutenant, Captain Foster walked away, +remarking:</p> + +<p>"They have guns enough there, Mr. Overton, but we've spiked 'em."</p> + +<p>"But I suppose, sir, that the Mexicans may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> have other rifles at other +points not so far from here."</p> + +<p>"That we shall learn, Mr. Overton, as soon as we can. We shall also +watch the river."</p> + +<p>Captain Foster and his lieutenant then returned to camp for a brief +period of rest. Both were well satisfied with the early forenoon's work.</p> + +<p>There was, however, as Foster guessed, other and grimmer work yet ahead +of the military.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XII" id="XII"></a>CHAPTER XII<br /><br /> +<small>THE STEP OF THE STEALTHY ONE</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">BY noon the soldiers at camp found themselves well rested. Nearly all of +them had had some hours of sleep.</p> + +<p>The midday dinner was served, the officers eating at the same time, +though sitting apart from their men. As they finished, Captain Foster +said:</p> + +<p>"Overton, I shall leave you in command of the camp this afternoon. I +shall take Terry with me on a tramp through some of this surrounding +country. I want to locate other contraband<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> guns or cartridges, if I can. +Except for necessary duties let the men rest. While we are on this duty +most of the work will be done at night. Sleep a part of the afternoon +yourself; one of the non-commissioned officers can look after the camp, +and call you at need."</p> + +<p>His sole sleep lately having been for an hour the night before, +Lieutenant Hal needed no urging to seek a cot in the wall-tent set apart +for the use of the officers.</p> + +<p>"When will you sleep, sir?" Noll ventured to ask.</p> + +<p>"When I have time," replied Captain Foster, stifling a yawn and smiling. +"This will not be the first time that I have worked for forty hours +without sleep."</p> + +<p>But the afternoon prowl revealed no more rifles. There was another +surprise. At Agua Dulce were fourteen boats belonging to private +owners—all the craft at the village water front. Five of the boats were +owned by Mexicans. Somewhat disappointed, Captain Foster and Lieutenant +Noll returned to camp.</p> + +<p>At the evening meal, just before dark, Captain Foster remarked:</p> + +<p>"I've posted a corporal and a guard to see that none of the boats leave +shore until they've been found to contain no freight that looks like +munitions of war. To my surprise none of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> the Mexicans showed the +slightest interest in my doings. It begins to look as though they have +no intention of trying to ferry arms over the frontier at present."</p> + +<p>"Are there any steam craft at this point, sir?" inquired Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"Nothing of the sort, Mr. Overton."</p> + +<p>"Then, if the Mexicans do plan to get any war supplies over the +frontier, don't you imagine that they have arranged for a launch or a +tug to drop down the river, or come up the stream, from some other +point?"</p> + +<p>"That's worth thinking of," muttered the captain, looking thoughtful.</p> + +<p>"A boat engaged in such secret work would probably also take the risk of +running without lights."</p> + +<p>"But a steamer would be bound to make noise enough to give us warning +when she attempted to come in toward the shore," pursued Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"That, sir, will depend on how far apart our guards are to-night, or on +such other night as the Mexicans may make the attempt."</p> + +<p>"Now that our troops are here they may make no attempt," hinted Noll.</p> + +<p>"They will if they dare," replied Captain Foster. "If there are six +hundred rifles in Guarez's barn, and more elsewhere, then there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> must be +a lot of Mexicans on the other side waiting impatiently for the supplies +to reach them. Your suggestion, Mr. Overton, about a steamer, is one +that must be kept in mind."</p> + +<p>After some thought Captain Foster wrote a telegram, entrusting it to a +corporal to take over to the village.</p> + +<p>Hal was then directed to take sixty men and to dispose of them in +suitable spots along the water-front. Fifty men were to be used for this +purpose. A corporal and three men would then patrol along the easterly +end of the line, Hal and the few remaining men of his command patroling +the western end of the line. Either patrol would be quick to respond to +any shot from a sentry.</p> + +<p>"This is an exceedingly responsible task, Mr. Overton," Captain Foster +informed the young officer. "If you fail at some point, then arms enough +to equip a brigade of Mexican rebels may cross the river to-night."</p> + +<p>"I shall keep every sense on the alert, sir."</p> + +<p>Noll was given command of the camp. Captain Foster, now thoroughly +fagged, turned in for a few hours' sleep, after leaving orders to be +called at eleven o'clock.</p> + +<p>"You will find me prowling about your lines from midnight on, Mr. +Overton," was the captain's last word before turning in. "It is now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +nearly dark, so I suggest that you march your men without any +unnecessary delay."</p> + +<p>Two minutes later Lieutenant Hal was marching his command from camp. He +did not take his column through the village. Instead, he marched it to +the eastward, then over to the river bank.</p> + +<p>Posting his fifty sentries about three hundred feet apart the Army boy +thus covered a stretch of water-front some three miles in length, the +village's strip of river front being nearly at the middle of this line. +Corporal Smith's patrol was at the westerly end of the line. Hal himself +headed the patrol at that end. The sentries were instructed to conceal +themselves, in order to catch, if possible, any band of rebel smugglers +in the act of loading war munitions on a craft.</p> + +<p>"Nothing will come of it to-night," muttered Hal to himself, after he +had placed his men. "The Mexicans here know that there are troops on the +spot. If they were going to ship guns to-night they'd be sure to do it +at some point ten or twenty miles from here. This is a job for a whole +brigade of infantry. A regiment of cavalry could do more than three +regiments of infantry on this work."</p> + +<p>But Hal knew that the only two troops of cavalry so far ordered to +frontier patrol were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> two troops at least a hundred miles to the +westward. As yet Uncle Sam's soldiers were posted only at particular +points known to harbor resolute Mexican rebels.</p> + +<p>"The fish can get through the net without the least trouble," thought +the young officer.</p> + +<p>It was still, dark and quiet out here on the river front. There were no +lights, and seemingly none astir except the soldiers.</p> + +<p>"Corporal, you stay with the patrol. I'm going to do a little exploring +on my own account," said Lieutenant Hal, after another hour had passed.</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," replied Corporal Dent.</p> + +<p>Hal had no very definite objective when he started off eastward by +himself. He had left his sword behind in camp, but his revolver rested +in its holster on his right hip.</p> + +<p>The more Lieutenant Hal thought about it the less he was inclined to +feel that there was any likelihood that Mexicans would attempt to-night +to cross the river anywhere in the neighborhood of United States troops.</p> + +<p>"The leaders among these fellows all know that they're being watched," +thought Hal, "and they won't take chances when success means so much to +them. Now that the troops have come Guarez and his associates will take +time to think this matter over. None the less I shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> have to be as +vigilant as though I knew that they meant business to-night. It would be +a fearful black eye on my record as an officer, right at the start, if I +allowed the Guarez crowd to get anything real over the river to-night."</p> + +<p>As he strolled along the water front the young lieutenant passed one of +his sentries every few hundred feet. Part of the Army boy's purpose in +going along by himself was to make sure that each and all of his men +were alert. Their vigil would last until daylight.</p> + +<p>In course of time the young officer passed the public pier, standing +empty and deserted at the foot of the street leading from the village +down to the water front. There were several row-boats tied up here at +one side. During the day-time they had been under other guard, but now +they lay unwatched—to the casual eye. However, within short distances +of the pier on either side the young lieutenant knew that he had +sentries hidden.</p> + +<p>Neither sentry communicated with Lieutenant Overton as he passed.</p> + +<p>"They're wise men not to hail me here," thought the young lieutenant. +"They can see who I am, and, if there are any Mexicans prowling about +here in the shadows, the sentries will not betray themselves."</p> + +<p>Hal went on past the pier a little distance.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +"The whole village seems asleep," he muttered, looking toward the town. +"Yet, if we have blocked Guarez's little game I'll wager it will be late +before he retires to-night. He'll be too mad to sleep."</p> + +<p>Hal had halted in the shadow of two trees, growing close together. As he +stood there, glancing about him, he was certain that he saw some one +moving behind a growth of bushes a little way up the road.</p> + +<p>"Halt! Who's there?" called the young Army officer, in a low voice, yet +one that would carry.</p> + +<p>There came no answer, but Hal was positive that he had seen some one +moving.</p> + +<p>"Answer, there!" he called sharply, running forward, "or stand where you +are. I'm going to look you over."</p> + +<p>Being a good sprinter young Overton was soon on the spot where he was +sure that he had seen some one. But now there was no one in sight. There +were other clumps of bushes near, and the prowler might easily have +hidden.</p> + +<p>"If you won't come out," called Lieutenant Hal, as he began to move +quickly from clump to clump, "I'll rout you out!"</p> + +<p>Then, of a sudden, just as Lieutenant Hal turned away from a growth of +bushes, he heard a stealthy step at his rear. Like a flash he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> turned. +As he did so, a rope was cast over his head, pinioning his arms to his +sides. Before he could move or resist he felt himself jerked to the +ground with considerable violence.</p> + +<p>In another instant Hal would have been on his feet, contriving to get +the noose loose or shifted in some way, and he would have been full of +fight.</p> + +<p>But the stealthy one, a man of good size and swarthy of feature, hurled +himself upon the body of the trapped young Army officer. A low whistle +followed, and Hal heard others moving.</p> + +<p>Then he felt the prick of steel at his throat as the Mexican whispered:</p> + +<p>"Quiet! Our cause is worth more than your life!"</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII<br /><br /> +<small>ENOUGH TO MAKE A MEXICAN LAUGH</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">THOUGH Hal's captor spoke English, he was unquestionably Mexican. His +eyes gleamed with an unholy fire. Young Overton had no doubt that he +recognized the type—a man who believed that he was serving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> the holy +cause of liberty in his own country, and who would think a <i>Gringo</i> life +of little value if it interfered with the cause of the rebels across the +river.</p> + +<p>The sharp point of that knife pressed so insistently against Hal's neck +that the Army boy realized he could not move before the weapon would be +driven into his throat.</p> + +<p>"This is where it's wiser to keep still," muttered the young lieutenant +to himself. "My sentries will hear, anyway. They'll soon have this +maniac subdued."</p> + +<p>Instead of the sentries four other Mexicans came hurrying up. Nor did +they seem afraid to come running down the open road. And one of these +brown-skinned men was Pedro Guarez himself.</p> + +<p>"Aha! You have the dashing young <i>Gringo</i>!" laughed Pedro harshly. +"Bueno!" (Good.)</p> + +<p>"Take him from me," begged the one who held the knife. "Bind him. We +want no more trouble to-night."</p> + +<p>Pedro and the three other new-comers threw themselves upon the young +Army officer, rolling him over on his face and wrenching his arms behind +him for tying.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 382px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +<img src="images/illus140.png" width="382" height="600" alt=""His Arms Pinioned To His Sides."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"His Arms Pinioned To His Sides."</span> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +Yet as he was flopped over Hal had the use of his mouth for an instant. +Regardless of what the consequences might be to him he yelled lustily:</p> + +<p>"Sentry! Lieutenant Overton—<i>trouble</i>!"</p> + +<p>Instead of being angry Pedro Guarez laughed harshly.</p> + +<p>"<i>Gringo</i>, if you are not more careful we shall have to gag you!"</p> + +<p>In record time the young lieutenant's arms were bound at elbow and +wrist. Hal put up a sturdy fight. Had he been on his feet, and +confronting only the fists of his assailants, he might have won. But on +the ground, face downward, with his assailants piling over him, he had +little chance to make trouble.</p> + +<p>"He's all right, now," chuckled Guarez. "If he tries to make any more +noise throw him to the ground and gag him. If he shows fight give him +the steel."</p> + +<p>Two of the Mexicans seized Lieutenant Hal by the arm on either side, +while Guarez led the way into a stretch of forest.</p> + +<p>They were soon at the end of their walk. Lieutenant Overton gave a gasp +of dismay as his gaze fell upon the recumbent forms of six of his men, +every one of them bound. Twenty feet beyond them lay a heap of six +rifles and as many ammunition belts. Hal's eyes roved from face to face, +his men grinning back sheepishly at him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +"All of our sentries for a thousand feet on either side of the pier!" +gasped the young lieutenant, in deep humiliation.</p> + +<p>Pedro Guarez, laughing harshly, said to Hal:</p> + +<p>"Bah! You <i>Gringos</i> are no men to compete with the sons of Mexico! You +are like children to us, who roam always by night, in preference to the +light of day. And there is much Indian blood in Mexican veins. Now, if +you are wise, no harm will come to you. But if you make a noise or show +fight—<i>so</i>!"</p> + +<p>Guarez made a significant gesture across his throat.</p> + +<p>"How did you men come to be taken, Simms?" asked Hal, of the nearest +soldier, after his captors had forced him to lie on the ground with his +men.</p> + +<p>"A Greaser crept up behind me, sir, and threw a noose that got tangled +around my windpipe," replied Private Simms. "He did it so swiftly and +quietly, too, that not even Bolton on the next post heard him."</p> + +<p>"I heard nothing, sir," confirmed Private Bolton, "until I heard a +roaring in my own ears just after I got the noose trick, and then a lot +of other Greasers piled on me."</p> + +<p>Again Guarez laughed, though he added with a snarl:</p> + +<p>"You will do well to stop the use of that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> word, Greaser, fellow. +Otherwise you will feel the weight of a boot in your face. So!"</p> + +<p>Guarez swung his foot back as though intending to plant a vicious kick +in Bolton's face.</p> + +<p>"Have done with cowardice, Guarez!" ordered Lieutenant Hal sternly.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" sneered the Mexican. "Me? I do as I please, and it would give me +joy to kick your head off."</p> + +<p>"I'd bide my time, and make you swallow your own foot in time, if you +did," retorted Hal undauntedly.</p> + +<p>"Be not too bold, my very young friend," warned Guarez, "or I shall deal +with you at my leisure by taking you across into Mexico with me +to-night."</p> + +<p>"Try it!" dared Hal contemptuously.</p> + +<p>For answer Guarez struck his boot lightly against Overton's lips. It was +not a hard blow, nor did it cause any pain, but the meanness of the +action brought the hot blood to Lieutenant Hal's face.</p> + +<p>"I'll wait my own time to make you apologize humbly for that, you +contemptible, cowardly Greaser!" broke impetuously from the Army boy's +insulted lips.</p> + +<p>An instant after the words were out Lieutenant Hal regretted the use of +the word Greaser. That word, as a term of contempt for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> people of +another country should not have been uttered by an officer of the Army.</p> + +<p>"Bah!" retorted Guarez. "Some other time for you, my young jaguar."</p> + +<p>As he went away Guarez signed to his companions, who followed him. There +were now left as guards over the military prisoners two Mexicans. These +were each armed with a forty-five Colt's revolver, and both appeared to +be wholly alert.</p> + +<p>"If any one among you calls for help," remarked one of the guards, "my +orders are to reward you with steel."</p> + +<p>Throwing back his coat the fellow displayed the hilt of a poniard.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of shouting?" demanded Hal indifferently, "when my other +guards are beyond reach of my voice?"</p> + +<p>The Mexican laughed quietly, adding something in Spanish in an undertone +to his companion.</p> + +<p>"I hope you don't blame us, sir?" asked Private Simms.</p> + +<p>"How can I censure any of you?" asked Hal bitterly, "when I was caught +myself by the same easy trick?"</p> + +<p>"Don't tell me, after this," muttered Private Simms, "that a Mexican is +stupid and has no brains."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +Conversation, though allowed in low tones by the two Mexican guards, +soon died out among the soldiers, every one of whom felt secretly +disgusted and ashamed of himself.</p> + +<p>Twenty minutes, or more, passed before Hal, lying with one ear to the +ground, heard the somewhat distant sound of moving horses. Soon after +the roll of wheels came to him. Then, around a corner of the road, not +far away, wagons turned and made toward the shore of the Rio Grande.</p> + +<p>"Moving day with you fellows, is it?" demanded Hal of the guard who +spoke English.</p> + +<p>The fellow chuckled quietly.</p> + +<p>"You've outwitted us, haven't you?" demanded the young lieutenant dryly. +"You're moving munitions of war toward the river. You expect to ship +them soon—but perhaps you won't succeed."</p> + +<p>"You may prevent, if you can," laughed the Mexican.</p> + +<p>"We shall see what will happen," retorted the Army boy.</p> + +<p>"Nothing—so far as you American soldiers are concerned," came the +triumphant answer.</p> + +<p>"You shall see," vaunted Hal, though inwardly he groaned. He had been +outwitted, in his first command as an officer, and he could feel the hot +shame of the whole thing.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +"But I don't see how you fellows can get anything out of Guarez's barn, +unless you have been able to noose the whole of the sergeant's guard +posted there."</p> + +<p>Another laugh, and one of undisguised, unmistakable merriment, escaped +the Mexican.</p> + +<p>"Eh?" wondered Hal, for that laugh set him to thinking. Yet he did not +pretend to himself that he could fathom what lay behind that laugh.</p> + +<p>"It is our night to laugh," explained the guard.</p> + +<p>"Your merriment is ill-timed, then," growled young Overton. "Wait until +you have all your war stuff on Mexican soil before you laugh again!"</p> + +<p>"My time to laugh is every time that I look at you seven brave +<i>soldados</i>, tied up like so many chickens for the butcher," grinned the +guard. "In the meantime, our boat must now be at the pier, and soon she +will be laden. Then—ah, well, there will be rejoicing on the other side +of the Rio Grande!"</p> + +<p>"I'll wager there'll be rejoicing," thought Lieutenant Hal. "And, as for +me, I'm an officer with a blasted reputation. I've failed with my first +chance to do my duty!"</p> + +<p>In sheer disgust with himself, though he was really little if any at +fault, Lieutenant Hal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> Overton, U. S. Army, rolled further over that he +might cool his hot face against the cool earth.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV<br /><br /> +<small>AFFAIRS TAKE A MILITARY TURN</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">AS he did so Hal's hands touched against the wrists of Private Simms, +who lay next to him.</p> + +<p>"Confound me, why didn't I think of that before?" the Army boy demanded +of himself, a sudden, brief hope surging up in his breast.</p> + +<p>Then he tried it, to see how well it would work.</p> + +<p>Though he was bound at elbows and wrists, the young lieutenant's fingers +were free. Wriggling slightly nearer, Hal fingered at the cords that +bound Simm's wrists. That soldier felt and understood. Wriggling +slightly nearer, and doing it so easily and gradually as not to attract +the attention of the Mexican guard, Simms waited to see what would come +of his officer's new move.</p> + +<p>Slowly, diligently, Hal worked at the first knot. He felt a thrill of +joy when his busy fingers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> untangled that knot. Then another one, and +another one. Simms's wrists were free! The soldier, without attracting +attention so far, moved himself slightly so as to bring his bound elbows +within easy reach of Lieutenant Hal's fingers.</p> + +<p>But there was no telling at what moment these fanatic Mexicans would +discover what was going on, and balk it all.</p> + +<p>Simms's wrists were free. Slowly, the soldier tried to repay his +officer. Then Hal's wrists were free; then his elbows.</p> + +<p>Two of the prisoners were now free, though they were careful not to move +their arms in the least.</p> + +<p>Yet how much had been gained? Two men there were who might leap up and +fight for their lives. But they were unarmed, while the alert Mexicans +had revolvers in their hands and dirks within instant reach.</p> + +<p>Had either Hal or his man been able to roll over completely, one more +comrade's knots would then be within reach. Yet, in rolling, either +lieutenant or private would surely betray to the guards the fact that +the cords were loosed from his arms. Nor could there be much doubt as to +what the two desperate Mexicans would do in the face of any attempt at +escape.</p> + +<p>Hal lay there deliberating, trying to plan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> some move that would carry +with it a reasonable prospect of victory. Simms, fearing to spoil any of +his officer's plans, kept wholly silent, though alert for any signal.</p> + +<p>"It's only the slimmest kind of a fighting chance yet!" muttered Hal. He +would have been despondent, but his soldier's training had taught him +that no situation is hopeless as long as life lasts.</p> + +<p>Then craft, slowly, but insinuatingly, entered the young lieutenant's +head.</p> + +<p>"Confound you Mexicans," he growled aloud, "this is a bigger night for +you than I had thought."</p> + +<p>"What mean you?" demanded the guard who spoke English.</p> + +<p>"I thought but one wagon train of your supplies would go to the water +front this night."</p> + +<p>"Eh?"</p> + +<p>"And now, with my ear to the ground, I hear another lot of wagons in the +distance, headed this way."</p> + +<p>The guard looked non-plussed. He stood erect, listening. Then he spoke +in Spanish to his fellow-Mexican, who, answering only with a nod, +stepped further away to listen.</p> + +<p>"I could tell you something, my friend, that it would be worth your +while to know," continued Hal, craftily.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +"What?"</p> + +<p>"Only your ear shall hear it. Bend low, if you are curious."</p> + +<p>The guard, without fear of the supposedly bound captive, stepped closer, +bending over the young Army officer.</p> + +<p>With a quick turn and a leap Hal Overton was up and at the throat of his +captor. Taken so utterly by surprise the Mexican strove to leap back. +But Hal had grappled with him and wrenched the revolver away. The +Mexican reached for his handy knife. It was no time for niceties. Hal +dealt the fellow a swift blow on top of his head with the butt of the +revolver.</p> + +<p>Mr. Mexican crumpled and lay where he had stood. But the other Mexican +was closing in now.</p> + +<p>"Get your hands up as high as you can, fellow!" ordered Hal. Just in the +nick of time he remembered Captain Foster's instructions, and spoke in +English instead of Spanish. But his gesture was eloquent enough for no +words to be needed.</p> + +<p>The second Mexican showed no cowardice, yet in this threatened battle at +close quarters he dropped his revolver for the more trusted knife.</p> + +<p>"Put your hands up and stop this nonsense!" commanded the young officer, +stepping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> forward, holding the revolver at his belt, the muzzle covering +the body of the swarthy foe.</p> + +<p>The Mexican proved to possess no mean courage. With his knife-hand +uplifted he sprang at Hal.</p> + +<p>At that very instant a form hurled itself through the air. Private Simms +fell at the feet of the Mexican. Without pause the soldier wrapped his +arms about the Mexican's knees, throwing the fellow backward with +jarring force. In another second Simms had possessed himself of the +knife.</p> + +<p>"Good!" came a devout chorus from the five bound but watching soldiers. +"Great!"</p> + +<p>"That was a fine specimen of soldierly wit and promptness, Simms," +commended Lieutenant Hal heartily.</p> + +<p>"Not half equal to what I've heard that you've done in the Philippines +and elsewhere, sir," replied Simms modestly, as he seated himself on the +fallen foe. "Will you take this knife, sir, and free the other men, or +shall I leave this fellow in your care while I set the men free?"</p> + +<p>"I'll free them," agreed Hal, taking the knife. Inside of a minute the +young officer had five more serviceable soldiers at his orders.</p> + +<p>"Now, lash these two rascals," commanded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> Lieutenant Overton. "This +fellow, first, whom I was obliged to beat with his own revolver."</p> + +<p>The tying was done by two of the soldiers. Then the wretch whom Simms +bestrode was treated to some of the same sort of consideration. The pair +of Mexicans were laid side by side, after which the soldiers sprang to +get their cartridge belts and rifles.</p> + +<p>"Check and Varnum, you two stay here with your prisoners, and give them +no license to shout or pass signals. Check, fix your bayonet, and stand +over these fellows. If either opens his mouth, shove your bayonet into +it. Varnum, make it your business to watch over Check and see to it that +he doesn't get the noose from behind, as all of us did once."</p> + +<p>While speaking Lieutenant Overton was fastening on his own recovered +revolver and cartridge box.</p> + +<p>"Now, you other four men," he concluded, "come with me. Silence and soft +steps must be our watchword. Unless we have the worst sort of evil luck +we'll find out what's going on at the water front."</p> + +<p>The distance was not great. Hal did not make the mistake of moving his +abridged command of four men down the road. Instead they kept to the +woods or behind bushes as much as they could.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +As he came within sight of the water Lieutenant Hal held up his hand—a +signal to halt. Then he peered through the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Just about as I had supposed," he whispered. "Guarez has a tug in at +the pier—a steam craft that will move out, as it came in, without +lights."</p> + +<p>"Queer, sir, that some of the other men haven't acted—they must have +seen the tug come in."</p> + +<p>"But I am supposed to be on duty in this neighborhood, and so are you +men as sentries," whispered Lieutenant Overton. "Our other men, up the +river and down, must imagine that we have taken care of the tug, if the +craft needed such attention, and so the other men are holding their own +posts according to their orders. Now, come on, men. Crouch low and make +no noise. If you see me run for the pier follow without waiting for +orders."</p> + +<p>The military party succeeded in getting within a hundred and fifty yards +of the land end of the pier. From here Hal could make out the figures of +men lifting the last two cases to the deck of the tug.</p> + +<p>At the same instant a man on the pier caught sight of the advancing +soldiers. With a shrill whistle the fellow leaped to the deck of the +tug, calling out to some one.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +Without loss of a second Lieutenant Hal sprinted forward, dashing on to +the pier.</p> + +<p>In the engine room of the tug a single bell sounded—the moving signal. +The last two cases had just been dumped on the deck, and two men leaped +ashore, rushing for the shore-ends of the hawsers.</p> + +<p>"Lift that hawser and I'll shoot you!" warned Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"Who in blazes are <i>you</i>?" roared a deep, powerful voice from the deck +of the tug.</p> + +<p>"I'll ask the same question of you, sir," shot back Hal, running up.</p> + +<p>"I'm the master of this tug, and <i>I</i> give the orders here!"</p> + +<p>"I'm an officer of the United States Army, and your boat is undoubtedly +to be seized by the government," Hal retorted.</p> + +<p>The gang-plank had been drawn in, but Lieutenant Hal, measuring the +distance with the eye of an athlete, leaped on to the deck.</p> + +<p>Two of Hal's soldiers followed him aboard, the other two remaining on +the pier.</p> + +<p>"What's your name, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Boggs," growled the master, a thick-set, powerful-looking, red-faced +man of perhaps fifty. "What's yours?"</p> + +<p>"I am Lieutenant Overton, of the United States Army," answered Hal.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +Guarez and three other Mexicans ran out from the cabin and tried to leap +ashore.</p> + +<p>"Don't let these Mexicans get away if you have to shoot them down," Hal +ordered quickly. "They're United States prisoners."</p> + +<p>"This is a high-handed proceeding, Lieutenant," stormed Captain Boggs.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it?" jeered Hal. Then, to the soldiers on the pier:</p> + +<p>"Drive those two deckhands aboard, and stand ready to cast off, my men, +when I give the order."</p> + +<p>"What on earth are you up to here?" blustered Boggs.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you about that, sir, when I have time," Lieutenant Hal +answered.</p> + +<p>The two deckhands having come aboard sulkily, the soldiers stood by the +hawsers.</p> + +<p>"Cast off!" directed Hal. "Come on board, Captain Boggs, I'll trouble +you to step into your own wheel-house."</p> + +<p>Pedro Guarez stood by the low rail, in the way of the party's progress +forward.</p> + +<p>"Guarez, I'll trouble you to step aside."</p> + +<p>The Mexican snarled, made a move as though to reach for his knife, then +sullenly obeyed and stood aside.</p> + +<p>At the door of his wheel-house Captain Boggs hesitated.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +"I don't believe I'll go into the wheel-house," he growled.</p> + +<p>"Guess again," rejoined Lieutenant Overton grimly. "Would you rather go +in of your own accord, or be jabbed in there by a soldier's bayonet?"</p> + +<p>"You've no right to take such high-handed action," snarled the master of +the tug.</p> + +<p>"You're in no position to decide that, Captain. You're a United States +prisoner, at least until I have had opportunity to communicate with my +superior officer. Go inside, sir."</p> + +<p>Boggs obeyed, and Hal stationed a soldier at the wheel-house door.</p> + +<p>"Now you Mexicans get back into the cabin," Hal continued, stepping back +amidships.</p> + +<p>"We're going ashore," snarled Pedro Guarez.</p> + +<p>"You're going to <i>obey orders</i>," Lieutenant Hal retorted, "and I've +ordered you into the cabin."</p> + +<p>Instead Guarez turned as though he would leap ashore. The tug had now +drifted some six feet from the string-piece of the pier.</p> + +<p>"Squad, load!" ordered Hal sharply.</p> + +<p>"Shoot if you dare!" challenged Guarez. "My friends and I are going +ashore." Then he addressed a few words in Spanish to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> friends. The +words were so rapidly uttered that Overton could not understand them.</p> + +<p>"Squad ready!" called Hal sternly. "Aim——"</p> + +<p>To the ears of the Mexicans it sounded as though the word "fire" +trembled on the young officer's lips. Guarez led the wild rush into the +cabin.</p> + +<p>Hal smiled. He had not had the least intention of firing upon the +Mexicans. His seeming firmness had been enough.</p> + +<p>"Close the cabin doors on both sides, and guard 'em," Lieutenant Overton +directed. "Simms!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Run back up the road and bring Check and Varnum, and their prisoners +here without delay."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>Simms measured the distance to the string-piece with accuracy, then he +made a leap and landed.</p> + +<p>The engineer and fireman stood leaning out over the closed lower half of +the engine-room door.</p> + +<p>"What do you want us to do, General?" demanded the engineer, with a +grin.</p> + +<p>"Just stay where you are," Hal answered pleasantly. "Obey the +bell-signals and keep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> steam up, and I don't believe you'll run into any +hardship."</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XV" id="XV"></a>CHAPTER XV<br /><br /> +<small>TO OBEY ORDERS, OR NOT?</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">PRIVATE Simms soon returned, bringing with him Check and Varnum and the +two Mexican prisoners. The Mexicans were forced to join their kind in +the cabin, and Hal had two more soldiers to back his authority.</p> + +<p>"Simms, hurry back to camp, looking out for the noose on the way. Report +to Captain Foster what you've seen here, and inform him, with my +compliments, that I await his further commands. This boat will wait at +some distance out in the stream."</p> + +<p>Just before Hal gave these instructions, Captain Boggs had been directed +to run his boat back against the pier. Simms, saluting, stepped ashore +and went off at brisk stride.</p> + +<p>"One bell ahead, Captain," ordered Lieutenant Hal, showing his face at +the wheel-house window.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +"I don't know whether I'll do that or not," growled Boggs, filling a +short, black pipe and lighting the tobacco.</p> + +<p>"You'll either obey orders, sir, or you'll go back into the cabin with +the Mexicans, and let your mate run the boat. If your mate refuses he'll +join in the cabin and I'll do the best I can with the boat myself. Now, +sir, are you going to obey orders?"</p> + +<p>"Where do you want to go?" growled the riverman.</p> + +<p>"One bell ahead."</p> + +<p>"But where are you bound for?"</p> + +<p>"That is none of your business, as you are no longer in command here. +One bell ahead, sir."</p> + +<p>Boggs looked as though he were going to balk flat, until he saw Hal turn +as though to summon a soldier. Then the tug's master reached for the +bell-pull. Clang! The tug's propeller began to churn slowly.</p> + +<p>"Throw the wheel over two points to port," Hal continued. "Now, hold her +steady ahead."</p> + +<p>Still at half speed the craft moved out into the river some four hundred +feet.</p> + +<p>"Stop your speed, Captain."</p> + +<p>Boggs obeyed, demanding next, "What now!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +"Nothing until I tell you," Lieutenant Hal responded.</p> + +<p>"But the drift will carry us downstream."</p> + +<p>"If we get too far down we'll steam back. Mate!"</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir," answered the man standing beside the tug's master.</p> + +<p>"Get your masthead light out. Then display your starboard and port +sidelights. Men," called Hal to his soldiers, "I call upon you to note +and remember that this craft had no lights out until I ordered them +out."</p> + +<p>"We don't need lights out at the pier," growled Boggs, comprehending the +meaning of Lieutenant Overton's remark.</p> + +<p>"I believe you do," Hal rejoined, "when you are about to leave the pier +for the stream. However, that's a point for higher authority than yours +or mine to determine."</p> + +<p>The mate soon had the running lights properly displayed and returned to +the wheel-house.</p> + +<p>Very slowly the boat drifted downstream. After fifteen minutes Hal +directed that the skipper take his boat far enough upstream to make up +for the drift.</p> + +<p>From time to time the Army boy turned his gaze toward the pier. Hal had +no need to bother himself with discipline aboard. All the crew and the +Mexicans were confined where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> they could be watched, for the two +deckhands were Mexicans, and had been driven in with the others. Five of +Uncle Sam's soldiers were enough to keep the prize safe.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Overton was beginning to grow impatient when he saw a squad +of troops, as he judged them to be in the darkness, march out on to the +pier. Then the voice of Captain Foster hailed:</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Overton!"</p> + +<p>"Here, sir."</p> + +<p>"Bring that tug in."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>Hal gave the order to Captain Boggs, who sulkily obeyed. The mate was +permitted to go aft and to bring two swarthy deckhands out where he +could use them.</p> + +<p>The boat was soon berthed, and hawsers made fast. Without waiting for +the gang-plank to be placed Captain Foster sprang aboard, grasping his +"youngster's" hand.</p> + +<p>"Fine work, Mr. Overton!" commended the captain heartily.</p> + +<p>"It came near being very bad work, sir."</p> + +<p>"So I've gained from what Simms has told me on the way down here. But +you showed the real commander, Mr. Overton, in your ability to extricate +yourself from a bad mess and turn it into victory."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +Captain Foster had brought with him a sergeant and ten men. There were +now enough soldiers to post so that there need be no fear of any of the +prisoners being able to escape.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, have two of the cases brought ashore," directed Captain +Foster. "And open them."</p> + +<p>Some of the cases were on the deck forward. Others had been dropped into +a small hold forward.</p> + +<p>The cases opened proved to contain rifles, ten to a case. Some smaller +boxes from the hold were found to hold cartridges to fit the rifles.</p> + +<p>"A very bad business for you, Boggs," remarked Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Why is it?" demanded Boggs gruffly.</p> + +<p>"You were going to smuggle these arms and supplies into Mexico, across +the river."</p> + +<p>"Where's your proof?" demanded the tug's master cunningly.</p> + +<p>"Our Mexican prisoners are proof enough," replied the Army captain, with +a shrug of his shoulders. "That and some of the other wild doings of +to-night. Captain Boggs, you will prepare to accompany us back to camp."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because you're a prisoner, charged with conspiring to break the laws of +the United States."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +"But who'll look after my boat?" demanded Boggs.</p> + +<p>"She'll be under guard of a squad of my men, and your mate, deckhands +and engine-room force will be enough to give the boat any care she +really needs. Mr. Overton, march the Mexicans out of the cabin under +guard."</p> + +<p>Hal promptly obeyed. Guarez and his companions appeared to be furious, +and contended loudly that their rights were being infringed.</p> + +<p>"That's all a matter for higher government authorities to settle," +responded Captain Foster, with a shrug of his shoulders. "I cautioned +you this morning, Guarez, against any enterprise of this sort, and you +did not see fit to give my suggestion any consideration. You must now +take the consequences. Sergeant Raney, take six men and escort the +prisoners to camp. My compliments to Lieutenant Terry, and he is +directed to take all precautions that the prisoners do not escape."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>After the escort had left with the prisoners Hal saluted his superior +officer, asking:</p> + +<p>"Sir, shall I re-post the sentries who were noosed and taken away from +their posts?"</p> + +<p>"It is hardly necessary, Mr. Overton. This boat is a government prize, +and I propose to use her, for to-night at least, for the patroling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> of +the river at this point. Mate, I see that you have a search-light."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," the mate admitted.</p> + +<p>"Is it ready for operation?"</p> + +<p>"There is plenty of current, sir, and the lamp can be switched on from +the wheel-house."</p> + +<p>"Turn the light on once for a test, then."</p> + +<p>The mate complied, sending a glare of light out over the dark waters.</p> + +<p>"Switch the light off," called Captain Foster, next turning to remark to +his young lieutenant:</p> + +<p>"I don't want to let him manipulate that light enough to send any +signals to possible Mexican watchers, Overton."</p> + +<p>"I was just thinking of something of the sort, sir," Hal smiled. "And +there's another puzzle in my mind. Have you any idea, sir, how these +Mexicans got the cases out of Guarez's barn in spite of your guard at +that point?"</p> + +<p>"The cases didn't come from Guarez's barn," replied Captain Foster, with +a laugh. "Do you begin to see light, Mr. Overton?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I do, sir," muttered Lieutenant Hal. "The cases in Guarez's +barn, it may be, are only dummies, put there with a good deal of +display, so that if troops came their commander would be sure to hear +about them. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> Mexicans probably imagined that, after an American +military commander came here, heard the gossip about boxes in Guarez's +barn, and then guarded that barn, that the commander would then feel +that all needed precautions had been taken. That was Mexican craft, but +Guarez failed to understand that he was dealing with American +thoroughness."</p> + +<p>"That was about the size of the shallow trick the Mexicans tried on us," +laughed Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to send these cases ashore, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Not until daylight. We must not forget that there may be another +expedition attempted at some other point. Mr. Overton, I begin to think +that this may be the point chosen for the shipment of arms enough for +fitting out a whole rebel army in Mexico. I think I will go back to +camp, now, and question Guarez. I may find him in a mood to talk."</p> + +<p>"And my orders, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Make this boat your headquarters. Do not leave here until I return, Mr. +Overton."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>"It was a pretty slick way that you caught us," began the mate, lounging +near Hal as he stood on deck.</p> + +<p>"Then you admit that this boat was engaged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> in an attempt at smuggling +arms over the border?" demanded the young lieutenant, wheeling quickly.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of denying it," questioned the mate, "with such cargo as +we have?"</p> + +<p>"Very little use indeed," Hal rejoined. "How much were you to get as +your share of the night's work?"</p> + +<p>"Oho! I didn't say that I had even a suspicion of what the game was," +retorted the mate coolly. "I could only suspect, at best. You can't trap +me into saying anything that would send me along to share Captain +Boggs's fate."</p> + +<p>"You're smooth enough," nodded Lieutenant Overton, "but don't try to +play any further tricks."</p> + +<p>"With United States troops aboard? What do you take me for?" grumbled +the mate.</p> + +<p>Hal didn't feel much inclined to talk with the fellow, so he stepped +forward, leaving the mate by himself.</p> + +<p>Half an hour passed. Truth to tell, the young Army officer felt the +monotony of his present position, confined to the boat and the pier. +Passing the sentry at the gang-plank, who stood at present arms in +salute, Hal Overton walked forward to the outer end of the pier. He had +stood there some ten minutes, when,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> two or three miles up the river, he +thought he saw a brief flash.</p> + +<p>"That might have come from a search-light, swiftly operated," thought +Lieutenant Hal, with a start. After a moment's reflection, he hurried on +board the boat.</p> + +<p>"Mate," he directed, "shove off and steam out just past the end of the +pier."</p> + +<p>"Why——" began the mate wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"Obey the order, sir!"</p> + +<p>As the boat moved slowly into open water Hal, standing by the +search-light, gave another order:</p> + +<p>"Switch on this light, mate."</p> + +<p>"But your captain said——"</p> + +<p>"Switch on the light, man! Be quick about it!"</p> + +<p>As the light gleamed out Lieutenant Hal turned its broad flare up the +river. Just on the edge of the beam he picked up a motor boat of +considerable size. The other craft was some three miles up the river, +headed due south across to the Mexican border.</p> + +<p>In the instant that the man in charge of the motor boat discovered the +search-light, he crowded on more speed.</p> + +<p>"My plain orders are to remain here," quivered Lieutenant Hal to +himself. "If I obey, even during a five minutes' delay, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> craft will +outfoot us to Mexico, and a cargo of arms will be on the other shore. +There's no time to communicate with Captain Foster. What on earth shall +I do—disobey and face the chance of trial for disobedience of orders?"</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI<br /><br /> +<small>AFTER SWIFT GAME</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">IT was a ticklish position, and one that called for quick decision.</p> + +<p>If Lieutenant Overton ordered the tug back to the pier and remained +where he was, he would be but obeying explicit orders. No blame could +afterward attach to him, no matter how many boats got across.</p> + +<p>At the same time the young Army officer knew that he was stationed here +for the express purpose of preventing any arms being smuggled over to +Mexico.</p> + +<p>"Even though I capture a boat with ten thousand stands of arms aboard," +flashed swiftly through the Army boy's mind, "Captain Foster can still +say that I disobeyed orders. Yet if I obey orders there's no telling +what mischief may be done."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +"Yet it seems to me that, when I am set to watch a violation of the +national law, my first duty is to try to catch any one who attempts to +violate the law," quivered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Hal turned to the mate.</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, man—full speed! Catch that boat yonder!"</p> + +<p>No reply did the mate make, but he rang one bell for half-speed ahead. +This he presently followed with the signal for full speed. The tug's +propeller churned the water astern. For a craft of this kind the tug was +now moving fast. Hal steadily held the ray of the search-light on the +stranger.</p> + +<p>"Can't you hump a little more speed out of this tub?" the young officer +demanded.</p> + +<p>"I can't signal for any more," replied the mate, his hands on the spokes +of the wheel. "Why don't you ask the engineer?"</p> + +<p>Young Overton quickly summoned a soldier and sent him to the engineer +with a message calling for more speed. After another minute the increase +in speed was easily discernible.</p> + +<p>"But that boat's getting away from us," cried Lieutenant Overton, with +irritation in his voice.</p> + +<p>"Of course she is," spoke the mate gruffly. "I could have told you that +she'd show us a clean pair of heels."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> +"What craft is she?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," the mate replied.</p> + +<p>"Then how do you know she can beat us?"</p> + +<p>"By her build. She's a costly gasoline boat, and such craft usually have +high-power engines in 'em."</p> + +<p>Hal sent another message to the engineer, who, however, sent back word +that he was doing the best he could until draft made the fires under the +boiler hotter.</p> + +<p>"Is the engineer dealing frankly with me, mate?" Hal asked.</p> + +<p>"I think he is. The engineer hasn't any object in seeing you lose this +race."</p> + +<p>"We're losing it all right, anyway," grunted the young officer, noting +the rapidly increasing distance between pursuer and pursued.</p> + +<p>"There ain't really any use in your trying to finish the race, sir?" +hinted the mate.</p> + +<p>"We'll keep it up to the end."</p> + +<p>"Right to the Mexican shore?"</p> + +<p>"If we have to," rejoined Hal. "We may at least overhaul that boat +before it has all its cargo ashore."</p> + +<p>"But you can't perform police duty on Mexican territory," urged the +mate.</p> + +<p>"True," replied Hal, biting his lip, for in his haste and eagerness he +had overlooked that point of law.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +"Besides," continued the mate, "you might butt right into a lot of +assorted trouble. There may be a big force of Mexican rebels on hand to +receive the arms. As they're already outlaws against their own +government they would not hesitate about shooting into a small force of +United States soldiers."</p> + +<p>"My men are not cowards," uttered Hal. "They can shoot back, and +straight enough, too."</p> + +<p>"But you might be wiped out just the same, and, with you, the crew, who +are not interested in such a fight."</p> + +<p>"Nothing would stop me," retorted Hal, "if I had the legal right to +pursue to the Mexican shore and make such a seizure there. But it's +pretty clear to me that I have no such right, and that I'd only get into +trouble with my own government, though really doing the government of +Mexico a big favor."</p> + +<p>"Then shall I put about, sir?" asked the mate.</p> + +<p>"Not until you get the order plainly," Lieutenant Overton returned +dryly. "I've heard of such things as gasoline boats breaking down. The +boat we're after may have that kind of luck before she gets out of +United States jurisdiction."</p> + +<p>No such fortune for the young soldier happened,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> however. The gasoline +boat, still followed by the rays of light from the tug, entered a cove +on the Mexican side. Hal turned the light full on some moving objects on +the bank of the cove. A score of figures were dancing there, and +shouting derisively at the out-distanced American tug. From where he +stood forward Hal could make out other men hurriedly lifting cases to +the shore.</p> + +<p>"You got the best of us, for once, you brown-faced men," Hal laughed. +"Head about, mate. We can do no good here. Do you recognize that motor +boat yet?"</p> + +<p>"I do not, of course, and I note that her name has been removed from +under the stern."</p> + +<p>Having turned about the mate headed back for the village of Agua Dulce.</p> + +<p>Just as the tug was making in at the village pier, Hal descried the +figure of Captain Foster just stepping on to the pier.</p> + +<p>"My captain won't keep me guessing long, if he's really displeased," +reflected Hal, with an inward quiver.</p> + +<p>"Tug ahoy, there!" hailed Captain Foster in a displeased voice.</p> + +<p>"Ahoy, sir!" Hal shouted back.</p> + +<p>"Haven't you been away out in the stream, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +Captain Foster asked no more for the moment, so Hal offered no further +information.</p> + +<p>On the instant, however, when the deckhands leaped ashore with the +hawse-lines Captain Foster called quietly, even if coldly:</p> + +<p>"Come ashore, Mr. Overton, as soon as you can."</p> + +<p>"Now I rather reckon I'm in for it," thought the young lieutenant, +ruefully, though he was really torn with the fear that he had exceeded +his own authority to a dangerous point.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII<br /><br /> +<small>THE THIRTY-FOURTH JOINS HANDS</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">CAPTAIN FOSTER, too just a man to condemn without a hearing, let his +young officer explain at length. All through this the older man +preserved an unchanged countenance.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton," spoke the captain, at last, "had I thought it likely that +you would have such an experience, I would have given you leave to +pursue in such a case. As I did not give such permission your conduct +amounted to a breach of orders. At the same time, it was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> breach very +likely to be committed by a younger officer, and the intentions back of +your conduct were unquestionably good and for the best interests of our +mission here. I shall, therefore, neither approve nor disapprove of your +conduct. I will add only the hint that, at another time, you will do +well to stick literally to the orders you receive. To that advice there +is only one exception. In spite of the orders you would have been fully +at liberty to have moved your position had the lives of your men been +needlessly and senselessly exposed by remaining. Such, however, was not +the case."</p> + +<p>"May I speak, sir?" inquired Hal.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Mr. Overton."</p> + +<p>"If my conduct amounted to a fault, sir, it was not a deliberate one. I +debated with myself as fully as I could in the few moments that were +left to me in which to come to any decision. It seemed to me, sir, that +my duty lay in chasing that motor boat. I feel, Captain, that my +greatest fault was in judgment, and I had no experience to guide me in +the matter."</p> + +<p>"Your defense is a very manly one, Mr. Overton. I like you better for +the way you have stated it."</p> + +<p>"I trust, sir, that the mistake I have made to-night will not lessen +your confidence in me, hereafter."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +"It will not," replied Captain Foster heartily, holding out his hand. +"And now, let us say no more about it. You were not able to make out the +name of the boat, but you must have had a good look at her for +descriptive purposes."</p> + +<p>"Not very, sir; the boat had canvas over its woodwork. I am afraid, sir, +that, if I saw the same boat in daylight, I couldn't positively identify +her."</p> + +<p>"We have duties to perform, now, Mr. Overton. Instruct your sergeant +that he is, under no circumstances, to allow the tug to leave the pier, +except under orders. Then come with me."</p> + +<p>A minute later Hal and his superior officer were walking briskly up the +street.</p> + +<p>"There's a telephone cable under the river to Tres Palmas," explained +Captain Foster. "You will therefore call up the operator there, and you +will explain to-night's incident of the motor boat, and ask him to +notify the Mexican federal authorities. That's all that's left to us +now. While you are doing that I will telephone both up and down the +river, calling on the state authorities to seize that fast motor boat, +if they can catch it on the American side."</p> + +<p>The telephone messages were sent, and the two officers retraced their +way to the tug. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> message that went under the river to Mexico, as +Captain Foster learned long afterward, did not reach the federal +government of that sister republic, for the telephone office, for three +hours that night, was held by a roving band of Mexican rebels who +succeeded in intercepting many government messages and in learning the +plans of the Mexican government for crushing these same rebels.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton," said Hal's superior officer, when they reached the boat, +"you will find berths in the cabin of the boat. Get into one of them and +sleep until breakfast-time unless you are called earlier. I will now +make myself responsible for the watch along the river."</p> + +<p>It was full breakfast-time, at eight in the morning, therefore, when one +of the soldiers touched Hal on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Captain Foster's compliments to Lieutenant Overton, who is directed to +report on deck to the captain."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton," announced the superior officer, as soon as his +"youngster" appeared on deck, "I am going up to the camp for the day, +unless you send me word that I am needed. I have just breakfasted, and +the cook of this craft will take your orders as to your own breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Have the men breakfasted, sir?" was Hal's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> first thought and question. +A really good officer always thinks first of his men.</p> + +<p>"They have all breakfasted, Mr. Overton. I do not imagine you will have +much to do in the day-time. You have only your boat guard of six men +under Sergeant Raney. The water-front patrol I have called in and sent +to camp."</p> + +<p>Hal ate his breakfast in leisurely fashion. He had slept well and was +refreshed, but he believed that he had a long and dull day before him. +And so it proved. The day passed on with absolutely nothing to do but +eat and lounge, save for the one sentry who watched both boat and shore +end.</p> + +<p>It was almost dark, and Hal had just seated himself in the cabin to eat +his supper when the sentry hailed:</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Overton!"</p> + +<p>Hal showed his head at the cabin door.</p> + +<p>"A detachment of troops approaching, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, they're our own men, aren't they, sentry?" Hal inquired.</p> + +<p>"I think not, sir."</p> + +<p>Hal stepped back into the cabin, picked up and donned his cap, then +stepped out on deck. The approaching troops were on the dock by the time +that the young lieutenant had returned to the open.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +"Two officers and ten men!" flashed through Hal's mind.</p> + +<p>Then, of a sudden, he felt like giving a whoop of joy. Instead, however, +he darted down the gang-plank, then caught himself and walked forward +with dignity just as one of the approaching officers called out with +military crispness:</p> + +<p>"Squad halt! Break ranks!"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Prescott! Mr. Holmes!" cried Hal, going up to the two lieutenants +who had just arrived.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Overton," responded both newly-arrived officers, extending their +hands, while Prescott added:</p> + +<p>"By Jove, I didn't count on finding you here, though I heard that you +had won your commission. Where's Terry?"</p> + +<p>"Up at our camp, Mr. Prescott."</p> + +<p>"Drop the formal 'Mr.,' Overton, do," urged Lieutenant Prescott. "We +have known each other long enough not to stand on ceremony."</p> + +<p>"We've known each other in other times," laughed Holmes, "and in much +more stirring times, I take it, than these are likely to be."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure about the present being tame times," urged Hal. "From +what we have seen here so far I believe that we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> right in the middle +of a district that is heavily engaged in sending arms over into Mexico. +We may have a fight with a lot of these desperate, fanatic Mexican +rebels at any moment."</p> + +<p>"Let it come, then," laughed Holmes indifferently. "We need a bit of +practice, now and then, to keep us in handy touch with our work."</p> + +<p>"But how does the Thirty-fourth happen to be down here?" Hal asked +curiously.</p> + +<p>"Ordered away from Fort Clowdry. That's all I know," Prescott answered. +"At least B and C companies were sent. We detrained at Spartansburg, +eighteen miles from here. The two companies are now about six miles +above, save for this little detachment, which was sent down to report to +Captain Foster for some co-operation with you on the water."</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant," spoke a sergeant of B company, approaching and saluting, +"may I ask, sir, whether the men are to eat field rations or whether +they're to be fed on the boat?"</p> + +<p>"What do you say, Overton? How much food is there on the boat?"</p> + +<p>"I'll find out from the cook," Hal answered. "Sergeant Kelly, are you +going to forget me in that fashion?"</p> + +<p>"You're an officer now, sir," replied Sergeant Kelly, saluting. "I +awaited your pleasure, sir, about speaking."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +"I can't see that you've changed any, Sergeant," smiled Hal, extending +his hand. "But for the difference in some of the stage-settings we might +seem to be in the Philippines instead of in Texas."</p> + +<p>"This is 'God's country,' sir," replied Kelly, with an air almost of +reverence. "There's nothing in the Philippines as restful to the eye as +the meanest stretch in the United States."</p> + +<p>Only a few months before while Hal and Noll were still in the +Philippines Kelly had been made a corporal. Kelly was one of the +staunchest souls in the Army. Many a time had he, with Noll and Hal, +braved death side by side when facing the treacherous Moros. Since that +time he had won the higher grade of sergeant.</p> + +<p>"I'm heartily glad to see you again, Sergeant Kelly," Hal went on.</p> + +<p>"Not more, sir, I'll be bound, than I am to see yourself," rejoined the +sergeant.</p> + +<p>Then, with a final salute, Kelly fell back, muttering to himself:</p> + +<p>"'Tis come, the time when I must be saying 'sir' to two broths of boys +that I've cooked bacon and coffee with over the same fire. But I don't +begrudge either boy his honors. The two of them, they're the best of +fine soldiers and true."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +Hal hurriedly learned from the tug's cook that the provisions on board +were equal to furnishing all the newly arrived soldiers with breakfast +within an hour.</p> + +<p>"And can I serve the two officers now with you, if you want, +Lieutenant," said the cook.</p> + +<p>"Then please do so."</p> + +<p>Hal led his two brother-officers to the cabin, where Prescott and +Holmes, after having removed their swords and belts, made hasty toilets +and seated themselves.</p> + +<p>"I imagine a good many more commands will be ordered into the field," +Prescott continued. "Every 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."</p> + +<p>"Any arms captured on this side, yet, that you know of, Overton?"</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +"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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"Getting rattled is a highly unmilitary form of conduct," retorted +Prescott, with a look of mock sternness.</p> + +<p>While the young officers were still at the table Captain Foster boarded +and entered the cabin.</p> + +<p>"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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> 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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"Who's taking my name in vain?" demanded a hearty voice from the cabin +doorway.</p> + +<p>Ensign Dave Darrin, U. S. N., as fine a looking young naval officer as +ever trod bridge or quarter-dock, stood looking in.</p> + +<p>"Come in, Darrin," cried Prescott, leaping up and moving forward. +"Captain Foster, permit me to present Mr. Darrin, of the Navy."</p> + +<p>Captain Foster made Darrin wholly welcome in a few words.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Overton. Where's Terry?" cried Ensign Dave.</p> + +<p>More greetings were in order.</p> + +<p>"Just as you announced yourself, Mr. Darrin," said Captain Foster, "Mr. +Prescott was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> asking permission to take you on the water as a passenger +to-night. I beg to assure you that you will be most heartily welcome to +go anywhere with this very small slice of the Army."</p> + +<p>Darrin expressed his thanks.</p> + +<p>Readers of the third volume of this series are sure to remember Ensigns +Darrin and Dalzell, then midshipmen, who visited Prescott and Holmes in +the Rocky Mountains and took part in a famous hunting trip. Hal and +Noll, then sergeants, then made their first acquaintance with Darrin and +Dalzell.</p> + +<p>All readers of the "<span class="smcap">High School Boys' Series</span>" know full well that Darrin +and Dalzell were famous members of the Dick & Co. of bygone school days, +while readers of the "<span class="smcap">Annapolis Series</span>" have followed Dave and Dan all +through their days at the United States Naval Academy.</p> + +<p>"As all you youngsters know each other from old times I fancy you'll +have a most agreeable time on the water to-night, if there proves to be +nothing to do but swap yarns of former days," smiled Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Don't you go with us on the water, sir!" inquired Ensign Darrin.</p> + +<p>"No; I am on shore. Mr. Overton, however, will give the best account of +my hospitality that the limited resources of this boat permit."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +"Where's Mr. Dalzell?" asked Lieutenant Hal, as he finished his coffee.</p> + +<p>"Why, he's up at Fort Clowdry—waiting—to—well, I guess I'll let +Prescott tell it," finished Ensign Dave.</p> + +<p>For some reason Prescott blushed slightly, opened his mouth as though to +speak, and then failed to do so. The reason for his confusion will +appear later.</p> + +<p>By this time darkness had come on, and the cook, who was also the only +cabin attendant, had switched on the electric lights in the snug cabin. +The young officers, however, felt that they had so many matters to +discuss that the deck would give them more room, so they adjourned.</p> + +<p>Some of the officers noted that Captain Foster frequently glanced down +the river through the darkness, but none asked him his reasons.</p> + +<p>Finally, however, Sergeant Havens and ten men from F company marched on +to the pier, followed by Corporal Shimple of H company and four men. In +the wake of the two detachments walked Lieutenant Noll, who was soon +shaking hands heartily with three of his brother officers of the United +Services.</p> + +<p>"May I ask what you see coming, gentlemen?" inquired Captain Foster, +suddenly, pointing down the river.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +"It looks like some pirate craft, sir," replied Hal, after peering hard +through the darkness. "At least, that seems like a fair guess, for she's +moving along without lights."</p> + +<p>"She's engaged in United States service of a somewhat stealthy nature," +replied Captain Foster. "That's why the craft shows no lights. Mr. +Overton, how do you like the idea that you're to command a gasoline boat +yourself to-night, and one that is reputed to be exceedingly fast?"</p> + +<p>Hal Overton felt a sudden glow of exultation as the situation dawned on +his mind.</p> + +<p>"I wired, last night, for a fast gasoline boat to be sent here to aid +us," continued Captain Foster. "This coming craft is the answer to my +prayer, and the nearest collector of customs informs me that she's the +swiftest thing he could charter for the government in these waters."</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, if the Mexicans try to put their motor boat across the river +to-night there'll be some real doings!" promised Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>"Real doings," indeed! The border excitement was about to break loose in +deadly earnest, but that was more than any of them knew at that time.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII<br /><br /> +<small>AN ACT OF PIRACY</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">MOVING slowly, with the graceful ease of a monster swan, the motor boat, +a craft under sixty feet in length, moved into the pier to shoreward of +the tug.</p> + +<p>"Motor boat 'Restless'?" hailed Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," came quietly from the youthful-looking sailor at the wheel. +Just then he quitted his post.</p> + +<p>"Captain Halstead?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; here, at your orders."</p> + +<p>Skipper Tom Halstead made the best military salute that he knew how, +while the handy boy of all things aboard the boat, Hank Butts, made the +bow-hawser fast and hurried along the pier to secure the stern hawser.</p> + +<p>"A party of five United States officers coming aboard, Captain +Halstead," continued Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"All right, sir; we'll be mighty glad to have you aboard," Skipper Tom +answered quietly, but with a manliness and heartiness that made all of +the officers instantly take a liking to him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +Captain Foster introduced himself, and then his brother officers. Many +of our readers will require no new introduction to Captain Tom Halstead, +Engineer Joe Dawson and the irrepressible trouble-seeker, Hank Butts. +These fortunate readers have already met the young men in the volumes of +the "<span class="smcap">Motor Boat Club Series</span>," and know all about them and how Tom and +Joe had secured their joint ownership in that splendid sea-going craft, +the "Restless."</p> + +<p>"Halstead, can you take five officers and twenty enlisted men aboard for +the night?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," smiled the young skipper, revealing his white, even teeth. +"They won't weigh over two tons and a half, altogether, sir."</p> + +<p>"Can you take that many with comfort?" laughed Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Now, I won't guarantee the comfort, sir, but there'll be room enough +aboard so that no one needs to be jostled over the rail. Eighteen men +can sit in the cabin at the same time. That leaves only seven, besides +our own crew who will need to be on deck."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're going to have plenty of room here," decided Captain Foster, +after a brief look over the trim little motor craft.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of that," sighed Dave Darrin, "for, as an interloper, I'd have +to go ashore the first one if the quarters were crowded."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +"Mr. Overton, direct Sergeant Havens and his men to come aboard. Mr. +Prescott, you'll look out for your squad, of course."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton, as soon as you have your men aboard, give the skipper his +word to start. You will cruise without lights, unless need for them +arises. While cruising, do not go above nine miles an hour. Reserve +greater speed for pursuit. First, you will cruise eight miles up the +river, then eight miles below this point, and so on through the night +until a half-hour before daylight. As much as you can, avoid showing +your craft to any prowlers by the shores. Keep things dark aboard the +boat, and voices low."</p> + +<p>By this time the enlisted men had come aboard, many of them going below +to the cabin.</p> + +<p>"You may start, now," continued Captain Poster, jumping to the pier. +"Catch anything you can that has arms aboard for the other frontier. +Good-bye and good luck!"</p> + +<p>Hardly had the motor boat gotten under way when the tug, with Corporal +Shimple and four men aboard, also left her berth. The tug went only a +short distance out into the stream, then cast anchor for the night. The +tug was to be held in reserve, and at the same time her mate and crew +were thus prevented from communicating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> any news about the motor boat to +possible Mexican lurkers on shore.</p> + +<p>The five young officers of the two services had seated themselves on top +of the deck-house at the rear of the bridge-deck. Hank Butts sat midway +down on the deck-house, yawning as though he would like to turn in. +After he had got his engine working smoothly Engineer Joe Dawson came up +from the engine room forward, taking his stand beside Skipper Tom +Halstead.</p> + +<p>For five minutes Joe was silent, as the boat kept on up the Rio Grande. +He half-turned, once in a while, to cast a covertly-admiring glance at +the young officers seated at their rear. At last Joe whispered +exultantly in his chum's ear:</p> + +<p>"Tom, that's a real fighting bunch."</p> + +<p>"You've hit the truth at first trial," returned Skipper Tom, in an +undertone, as he kept his glance ahead over the river.</p> + +<p>"I'm not much given to exaggeration, am I, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I never knew that you had an acquaintance with exaggeration," Halstead +answered.</p> + +<p>"Then perhaps you'll believe me, Tom, when I tell you that I'd follow +those officers over Niagara or into Vesuvius, if they happened to be +bound either way."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +"I know you would, Joe," Tom answered, without smiling, for he knew his +chum through and through.</p> + +<p>"Tom, those young officers would <i>assay up a big lot of fight to the +ton</i>!"</p> + +<p>Having thus relieved himself of that strong conviction Joe Dawson seated +himself on the roof of the forward house and did not speak again for +twenty minutes.</p> + +<p>By the time that the eight miles upstream had been covered, and Skipper +Tom Halstead had headed the boat down again for its straight +sixteen-mile run, he called down to his chum:</p> + +<p>"Joe, will you come up and hold the wheel for me for two or three +minutes?"</p> + +<p>"Coming," Dawson sang cheerily.</p> + +<p>But Dave Darrin stepped forward with:</p> + +<p>"Skipper, can't <i>I</i> hold the wheel for you?"</p> + +<p>"Have you ever handled a boat before, sir?" Tom queried, giving this +young man, who was in civilian dress, a keen though good-humored look.</p> + +<p>"At least twice," Darrin modestly assured him.</p> + +<p>"How big a boat?"</p> + +<p>"Up to sixteen thousand tons," Darrin replied, without cracking a smile.</p> + +<p>"A wise man is always cautious, Halstead," sang out Lieutenant Prescott +gleefully, "but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> the man you're talking to is Ensign Darrin of the +United States Navy."</p> + +<p>"Take the wheel, Mr. Darrin," replied the youthful skipper, with a grin, +while Joe, halfway up the engine-room steps, took in the scene. "I heard +Mr. Darrin introduced merely as 'mister,'" Halstead explained to the +other officers. "I thought he was either an Army man, or some civilian +friend who had come along."</p> + +<p>Skipper Tom Halstead then went below to his stateroom, while observant +Joe Dawson noted that Darrin handled the wheel with skill.</p> + +<p>"Shall I give you a little more speed, Mr. Darrin?" called Joe softly.</p> + +<p>"I'm only a guest," Dave replied. "Mr. Overton is in command here."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Engineer, but, as we're only cruising I believe our best +move will be to stick to Captain Foster's nine-mile order," Hal replied, +nodding to Joe.</p> + +<p>So the cruise continued. Halstead was soon on deck again, but the young +skipper found Darrin so enjoying his trick at the wheel that Skipper Tom +merely stood near to take the trick again whenever the young ensign +showed signs of being tired of his job.</p> + +<p>It was late in the night, and the "Restless" was making her third trip +up the river before anything happened. For some time the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> Army and +Navy officers had felt more or less bored with the monotony of these +hours of tiresome waiting. Tom Halstead had stretched himself out on the +deck-house for rest, though not to nap, and Hank Butts was at the wheel, +while Joe dozed lightly on a seat in the engine-room. All of the +enlisted men had crowded below, and were dozing.</p> + +<p>"Look sharp, there!" cried Lieutenant Hal, suddenly, as he sprang to +Hank's side. "There's a craft moving out from the American shore, about +a mile upstream, isn't there!"</p> + +<p>"Something moving, for sure," replied Hank, peering through the +darkness.</p> + +<p>"A motor boat?"</p> + +<p>"It must be."</p> + +<p>"Trail her. Get in closer."</p> + +<p>Skipper Tom Halstead now came forward, though he did not take the wheel +from Hank.</p> + +<p>"The search-light is ready, whenever you want it, Lieutenant," remarked +the youthful motor boat skipper.</p> + +<p>"The use of the light might save the fellows on the other craft some +guessing," smiled Lieutenant Hal. "I want to keep 'em guessing as long +as possible."</p> + +<p>"I'll kick on more speed," proposed Hank, reaching for the deck +controls.</p> + +<p>"Wait until you get orders," interposed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> Skipper Tom Halstead. "This is +government business, Hank, and we're not government officers, so we'll +act only under orders."</p> + +<p>It was evident that those aboard the craft upstream had made out the +pursuing motor boat. The unknown craft was now heading straight across +the stream, and kicking on some speed.</p> + +<p>"How fast is the stranger going?" asked Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>"Twenty miles an hour, as nearly as I can guess," replied Skipper Tom.</p> + +<p>"How fast can you go?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty-six to twenty-eight miles."</p> + +<p>"Crowd it about all on, then. I don't want to have that other craft get +too close to Mexico before we push up alongside."</p> + +<p>"All speed, Joe, and do it quick!" Skipper Tom called down into the +engine-room. Almost at once the "Restless" earned her name by fairly +leaping forward through the water.</p> + +<p>Then the chase began in earnest.</p> + +<p>"Noll, pass the word below for a sergeant and six privates," directed +Lieutenant Hal, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>The enlisted men came up, taking their places on deck.</p> + +<p>"Does the lieutenant want us to load our pieces?" called the sergeant +quietly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +"Not yet," was Hal's reply, passed back by Noll.</p> + +<p>Then, on board the pursuing craft, all settled down to absolute +quietness, save for the running of the machinery. The distance between +the two boats was rapidly closing up, for it was plain that the other +boat had started at full speed as soon as she sighted the pursuer.</p> + +<p>Glare! A strong, broad beam of light, from the stranger's search-lamp, +shone across the water, then picked up the "Restless" when the two boats +were less than a quarter of a mile apart. The uniforms of Uncle Sam's +blinking men must have stood out strongly before the vision of those on +the stranger.</p> + +<p>"You have a megaphone?" asked Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Skipper Tom, passing the implement.</p> + +<p>"Run up just as close as you can safely for a hail."</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hal waited until much more of the distance had been covered. +Then he raised the megaphone to his lips, shouting:</p> + +<p>"Lay to, stranger! We are United States officers and must come aboard!"</p> + +<p>"You can't!" bellowed a hoarse, defiant voice.</p> + +<p>"We <i>must</i> and will! Lay to!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +"Take the consequences, then!" came the same hoarse bellow.</p> + +<p>Bang! It came altogether, in one sharp, crashing volley, from the +stranger's decks, and a tempest of bullets hit the "Restless."</p> + +<p>"The pirates!" uttered Lieutenant Hal, at a white heat of indignation.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX<br /><br /> +<small>RASCALS AND MONEY TALK</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">HAL turned quickly, to see if any of his men had been hit.</p> + +<p>"Not one hit, but it's a wonder," Noll informed his brother officer. +"The bullets of those fellows made a pin-cushion of the air all about +us."</p> + +<p>"Ready, men! Load, aim!" ordered Lieutenant Overton. Then he added, in a +lower voice:</p> + +<p>"If I give the word 'fire,' be sure you sweep that stranger's deck +clean."</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare fire on us," yelled the same hoarse voice. "There are +ladies aboard!"</p> + +<p>"A likely yarn!" Hal jeered hotly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +"If you fire you'll find that there are. Now, sheer off!"</p> + +<p>"You lay to," insisted Lieutenant Hal. "We're coming aboard."</p> + +<p>"You only think you are!"</p> + +<p>"Will you lay to?"</p> + +<p>"No!"</p> + +<p>"Run up alongside. We'll have to board 'em under way," Hal said, in a +low voice. "Noll, head the men in the cabin. Order 'em to fix their +bayonets. Don't bring them on deck until you find that we're boarding. +Then be brisk about it!"</p> + +<p>As the "Restless" leaped in to lay alongside the stranger there could no +longer be any doubt as to the grim intentions of the United States +forces.</p> + +<p>From the deck of the stranger came another sheet of flame. Hal felt one +of the bullets tear through his left sleeve, though without cutting the +flesh of his arm.</p> + +<p>"Fire!" he gave the order.</p> + +<p>When they shoot, regulars are taught to do it coolly and with effect. +Two or three yells from the stranger's deck greeted the volley, +indicating that some had been hit.</p> + +<p>But above all there rose a woman's piercing shriek.</p> + +<p>"They really have a woman on board!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> gasped Hal, feeling chill and sick +for an instant.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you infernal scoundrels!" came in the same hoarse voice. "Oh, +you'll pay for this outrage!"</p> + +<p>"Fix bayonets!" Hal ordered, quietly, for now the two boats were close +together, and Helmsman Hank was running the "Restless" right in for a +boarding.</p> + +<p>Bump! The two boats came together.</p> + +<p>"Prepare to board! Board!" shouted Hal, and was first to leap to the +deck of the stranger, a craft some seventy feet in length and rather +broad of beam.</p> + +<p>His soldiers followed him. All the young officers went over the side, +and Lieutenant Noll led the reserves from the cabin of the "Restless."</p> + +<p>Right on the heels of the soldiers followed Skipper Tom and Engineer +Joe, to lash the two craft fast.</p> + +<p>"Who commands here?" demanded Lieutenant Overton.</p> + +<p>There was no answer.</p> + +<p>"Where's the gentleman with the fog-horn voice who appeared to have so +much to say?" Hal questioned sharply.</p> + +<p>None of the crew of the boarded vessel spoke. Nor was any further effort +at resistance made.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +On the deck Lieutenant Overton found one Mexican dead, and another badly +wounded. Near each lay a rifle. Another Mexican seemingly unarmed, stood +by the wheel, looking on with a sickly grin, but saying nothing. Down in +the engine-room huddled two other Mexicans.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, search the man at the wheel, and then the pair down in the +engine-room," Hal ordered. "If you find weapons on them, make the men +your prisoners."</p> + +<p>Followed by Noll and a few enlisted men, the Army boy made his way aft +to the entrance to the main cabin. Hal tried the door, but it resisted +his efforts.</p> + +<p>"Open this door," he called, "and save us the trouble of breaking it +in."</p> + +<p>"Don't dare break it in," remonstrated the hoarse voice. "If you do it +will fall across the body of the woman you've probably already killed by +your bullets."</p> + +<p>Hal felt another chill run down his spine, but he answered firmly:</p> + +<p>"If there's a wounded woman in there we'll do our best to rush her +toward surgical help. But you'll have to open that door, or we'll do it +for you!"</p> + +<p>"Then you'd better stand away, boy!" warned the hoarse voice grimly. "If +you try<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> to force your way in here you'll eat more bullets than you'll +like."</p> + +<p>"Just what we're after," retorted Lieutenant Overton grimly. "We want to +lay our hands on the men who fired on United States troops, and I know +they must be in there, for they're nowhere else on the boat. Your deck +holds only two out of all who fired. Going to open?"</p> + +<p>"<i>No</i>, you young hound!"</p> + +<p>"Put your shoulders to the door, men!" continued Hal, turning to the +nearest soldiers.</p> + +<p>"I'll shoot the first man who comes through!" defied the voice behind +the door, hoarser than ever. "And I'll shoot as many more as I can!"</p> + +<p>"Some of you men on the sides of the deck-house push your rifles through +the cabin windows and be prepared to shoot if you have to," ordered Hal +coolly.</p> + +<p>There was a crashing of glass as the rifle muzzles were thrust in +through the cabin windows.</p> + +<p>Again the woman's shriek rang out.</p> + +<p>"If you have to fire," continued Lieutenant Overton, "take all possible +care not to hit the woman."</p> + +<p>Bump! Bump! Even the sturdy cabin door was beginning to yield under the +repeated impacts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> of so many pairs of shoulders. At last the door swung +back on its hinges.</p> + +<p>"Back, men, but stand ready!" commanded the Army boy, pressing forward +through the opened doorway.</p> + +<p>The handsome young lieutenant looked cool and undaunted as he stepped +into the cabin, without a weapon in either hand.</p> + +<p>Hal found himself confronted by a big, purple-faced individual of +perhaps middle age, who stood glaring at the intruder, a revolver +clutched in his right hand.</p> + +<p>Back of him stood five Mexicans, each with a rifle, though the man at +the moment was making no visible attempt to use his weapon. Behind the +group a white-faced young woman, of perhaps twenty, stood clutching at a +buffet for support.</p> + +<p>"I think you had a wager on that you'd shoot me," smiled Lieutenant Hal. +"Instead, be good enough to hand your pistol to the sergeant."</p> + +<p>"I'll——"</p> + +<p>"You'll give your weapon up," Hal continued smilingly. "Sergeant, +relieve the gentleman of his pistol. He's too nervous to have one; he +might discharge it accidentally."</p> + +<p>The purple-faced fellow, who was evidently an American, opened his mouth +as if to pour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> out a torrent of abuse. But the sergeant quietly wrenched +the weapon from his hand.</p> + +<p>"Now, you Mexicans lay your rifles down on the floor," Hal continued, +turning to the swarthier men.</p> + +<p>Hesitatingly they obeyed, for they realized that all hope of successful +resistance was now gone.</p> + +<p>"What relation is this young lady to you, if any?" Hal asked, turning to +the man.</p> + +<p>"He's my father," spoke the girl, instead.</p> + +<p>"Then, madam, he may remain in the cabin with you, if he chooses. +Sergeant, clear all others out of the cabin."</p> + +<p>"What do you think you are going to do here, you young counter-jumper?" +snarled the girl's father.</p> + +<p>"We are going to take this craft and all it holds back to Agua Dulce as +a prize," Hal replied quietly. "Madam, you were not wounded in the +least, were you?"</p> + +<p>"No," she answered, looking rather sheepish.</p> + +<p>"Then we shall not need to make so much haste on your account. But we +have a Mexican up on the deck who may need attention in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"The fellow on the deck is only a Mexican," sneered the purple-faced +one, all of his recent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> Mexican companions having been removed from the +cabin by the soldiers.</p> + +<p>"He's a badly wounded man, whether he's an American, Mexican, Chinaman +or Hindu," Hal retorted. "All men are entitled to humane treatment by +soldiers. And I think I hardly need to remind you, sir, that you +yourself have deemed it worth while to be associated with Mexicans."</p> + +<p>"Because business made it necessary," replied the American huskily, yet +in a lower voice. "Almost every dollar I have in the world is invested +in a part of Mexico that the <i>insurrectos</i> hold and seem likely to go on +holding."</p> + +<p>"The same old dollar excuse?" demanded Lieutenant Overton. "Are you +another of the men who have grown to think that the straight and narrow +path is found only in the space between the two parallel lines of the +dollar-sign?"</p> + +<p>Then, turning, Hal went to the door of the cabin to call:</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Terry!"</p> + +<p>"Here, sir."</p> + +<p>"Be good enough to inspect the cargo that this craft may carry, as +speedily as you can. But we will begin here, and see what these piles +are that have been covered with canvas at the forward end of the cabin."</p> + +<p>"Rifle cases, beyond any doubt," nodded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> Noll, as he and Hal switched +away the canvas covers.</p> + +<p>"Cases that appear built to hold rifles and ammunition, up forward, +Overton," called Prescott, coming to the cabin door.</p> + +<p>"Yes; this boat is a gun-smuggler beyond a doubt," nodded Lieutenant +Hal. "Even if we found no guns aboard we could hold the craft for a +pirate, for the conduct of her commander in having his fellows fire on +us."</p> + +<p>"A pirate? Father, is that true?" called the young woman, in a startling +voice.</p> + +<p>"Hush, child. You don't understand such things," replied the man.</p> + +<p>"But, if this be true? Oh, I must get out of here and get air. I am +stifling."</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to assist you to the deck, madam, if you will permit +me," offered Prescott, gravely, removing his cap.</p> + +<p>At an almost imperceptible sign from her father the girl quickly moved +forward and vanished with Lieutenant Prescott.</p> + +<p>"I take it you're in command here," muttered the father.</p> + +<p>"I am," Hal nodded.</p> + +<p>"Then I want to talk with you," continued the stranger. "Lieutenant, of +course I know that you've got me in a nasty position. I want to see how +you can help me to get out of it."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +"If you really are in a bad position," Hal responded, gazing into the +other's eyes, "I do not see how I can help you, for I am only the +officer concerned with seizing this craft. I am not going to be your +judge."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you can," continued the other, sinking his voice still lower. +"We can fix it all, I know, with money!"</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XX" id="XX"></a>CHAPTER XX<br /><br /> +<small>AN OFFICER AND HIS HONOR</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">I'M afraid you're as badly off as the hunter's dog," observed +Lieutenant Hal coldly.</p> + +<p>"How is that?"</p> + +<p>"You're barking up the wrong tree."</p> + +<p>The purple-faced man looked searchingly into the clear, steady eyes of +the young Army officer. Then he answered laughingly:</p> + +<p>"Oh, come, now. Don't try to keep me guessing too long, or I may lose my +patience, and you may lose some money that you'd rather have. Up forward +there's a stateroom, and the light is turned on in there. Just step into +the stateroom, by yourself, and count—this."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +From a trousers pocket the purple-faced one had drawn a huge roll of +bank-notes. Before Hal Overton could understand what was happening the +stranger had pushed this roll of money into the young officer's hand.</p> + +<p>"That's only a starter—something down to prove good faith, you +understand," whispered the stranger.</p> + +<p>"You—you <i>dog</i>!" cried Lieutenant Hal angrily.</p> + +<p>Swat! The compact roll of bank-notes struck the stranger in the face, +then bounded to the floor at Hal's feet. The latter kicked the money +away from him.</p> + +<p>"You needn't be so huffy about it," grumbled the other. "As I told you, +that money is only a deposit paid down."</p> + +<p>"You'll go down, if you try anything more like that," uttered Lieutenant +Hal wrathfully.</p> + +<p>"Ah, now, see here, don't be a fool," urged the stranger huskily. "I +don't want to spend a lot of time behind bars or too much in the courts +either. Now, all you'll have to do will be to help me frame a yarn that +we can both——"</p> + +<p>"Stop! I think I've heard about enough from you," warned Lieutenant +Overton angrily.</p> + +<p>"But, you idiot, I can offer you more money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> than you'll make in twenty +years of soldiering!"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you can, but you needn't bother. Do you imagine, fellow, that +an Army officer's honor is of so little importance to him that he'll +sell it to a higher bidder. Now, I've had enough of you. Get out of +here."</p> + +<p>As Hal spoke he unfastened his belt and tossed it on to a seat at the +side. It was his intention to call his brother officers into the cabin +during the trip back. But at that moment Noll showed in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Overton, Mr. Halstead is inquiring whether you are ready +with further orders."</p> + +<p>That brought Hal to his feet, and also to the realization that both +motor boats would have to be manned. Indeed, he would have to give a few +moments of thought about the return to the American shore.</p> + +<p>Hastily joining his brother officers on deck, Hal also called to +Prescott, who placed a chair for the young woman and then joined the +group.</p> + +<p>"Prescott," Hal began, "I don't imagine that the capture of this craft +is warrant for our abandoning river guard for the rest of the night. The +'Restless,' I take it, must continue the patrol until other orders are +received."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +"Undoubtedly," nodded Prescott.</p> + +<p>"Therefore, it's my intention, with a few of our men, to take this prize +into Agua Dulce. The remainder of the officers and men ought to remain +aboard the 'Restless.' Now, as that boat belongs to the Thirty-seventh +for the present I shall have to leave Terry in command in my absence, +though yourself and Holmes are clearly the ranking officers here."</p> + +<p>"There isn't anything else that can be done," agreed Lieutenant +Prescott. "And believe me, my dear fellow, Holmes and I are not +disturbed over seeing the command in the hands of officers whom we just +happen to rank."</p> + +<p>Hal, therefore, ordered his own sergeant and six men to remain on the +prize, while the rest of the military party stepped over on to the +"Restless." The two craft thereupon parted.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant," ordered Overton, "you will see that this helmsman steers a +straight course for Agua Dulce. Don't stand any nonsense from him. See +that the start is made at once."</p> + +<p>Just then Lieutenant Hal recalled the fact that he had left belt and +revolver on a seat in the cabin. He went there, promptly, picked up the +belt and buckled it on.</p> + +<p>"Are you ready to talk business with me, now?" demanded the purple-faced +one, in a low voice.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +"I don't believe I care to have anything more to do with you," Hal +retorted stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, go ahead and ruin me, then," snarled the stranger.</p> + +<p>Hal, ascending to the deck, spoke to a soldier standing there.</p> + +<p>"Rainsford, see that the man in the cabin does not come up on deck," Hal +directed. "Keep your eye on him as the most important prisoner on this +prize craft."</p> + +<p>The purple-faced man stared after Hal Overton's retreating form.</p> + +<p>"So you wouldn't come to terms, eh?" demanded the fellow, under his +breath. "You'd rather ruin me. Two or three years in prison will ruin +me, just at present, for my affairs will go to smash if I have to drop +behind bars for a while. And if the government of Mexico finds that I +have been helping the <i>insurrectos</i> it will mean total loss to me, +perhaps, where my properties are situated in other parts of Mexico. And +you, young whippersnapper in shoulder straps, you talked to me of your +honor. Well, I'll pitchfork that honor of yours!"</p> + +<p>The purple-faced man laughed harshly. He was in a deadly frame of mind.</p> + +<p>Presently two soldiers came down, halting in the cabin doorway.</p> + +<p>"We are ready, sir," spoke one of them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +"Ready for what?" jeered the stranger. "Have you come to shoot me?"</p> + +<p>"We're nearing the dock at Agua Dulce, sir, and the lieutenant sent us +to get you and make sure that you don't try to escape."</p> + +<p>"I'll be bound that you won't give me any chance to get away," jeered +the fellow.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," answered the soldier gravely.</p> + +<p>The Mexican helmsman proved that he was no mean boat-handler. He ran in +alongside the dock, making nearly as fine a landing as Skipper Tom +Halstead himself could have done. Lieutenant Hal waited only long enough +for Corporal Shimple to send over two men from the tug in a row-boat to +stand guard over the motor boat prize. Then, with his own boat squad, +and leaving behind only the dead and the wounded Mexican, the Army boy +marched his prisoners by a route that led around the village instead of +through it.</p> + +<p>Captain Foster had lain down, fully dressed, prepared to be called at +any moment. He now came forth from his tent. He heard Lieutenant Hal's +brief report with few interruptions.</p> + +<p>"Your name, sir?" demanded Foster, turning to the purple-faced one.</p> + +<p>"James D. Ruggles," came the surly answer.</p> + +<p>"I hope you are giving your correct name." +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 381px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +<img src="images/illus212.png" width="381" height="600" alt=""That's the Money!"" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"That's the Money!"</span> +</div> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> +"Why shouldn't I? If I gave you a wrong name there are plenty of people +hereabouts who could soon set you straight."</p> + +<p>"Your business, Mr. Ruggles?"</p> + +<p>"Owner of mines in Mexico."</p> + +<p>"Any in the <i>insurrecto</i> district?" pursued Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Yes. That's why——"</p> + +<p>Ruggles checked himself suddenly.</p> + +<p>"You are not required to confess or incriminate yourself, unless you +want to," Captain Foster advised the prisoner. "However, I imagine that +the cargo of the boat and your actions to-night will furnish all the +evidence against you that are needed. Mr. Ruggles, I shall have to hold +you and your Mexican companions until I am advised what to do with you. +There is no charge against your daughter. She may go to the hotel in +Agua Dulce, if you wish. I will see to it that she is properly +escorted."</p> + +<p>"If you will be so good, Captain," answered Ruggles huskily. "But where +shall I sleep to-night?"</p> + +<p>"On a cot in the guard-tent, sir. I am sorry, but that is the best that +we can do."</p> + +<p>Meta Ruggles began to weep softly over her father's trouble and +disgrace. Sergeant Raney, therefore, escorted her from camp as soon as +he could persuade her to start for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> village. Raney was also directed +to send an undertaker for the body of the dead Mexican, and a local +physician to look after the wounded one.</p> + +<p>"You are going to sit here for a while, Captain?" inquired Ruggles.</p> + +<p>"I think I shall."</p> + +<p>"Then may I sit with you a few minutes before I am marched off to the +guard-tent?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>Hal had stepped into the tent shared in common by the officers. Ruggles, +who had bitten the end from a cigar and had lighted the weed, now leaned +over to whisper to Captain Foster:</p> + +<p>"Has the young man had chance to give you a word or two of explanation +yet?"</p> + +<p>"What young man?" demanded Captain Foster, turning to look at Ruggles.</p> + +<p>"Why, the officer who marched us over here."</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Overton?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. Has he told you anything? I mean about how this whole +business is to be fixed so as to keep me out of it altogether?"</p> + +<p>"What on earth are you talking about?" demanded Captain Foster, who was +now wondering whether his ears had played him a trick.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's all settled," murmured Ruggles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +"I turned the money over to your chap, Overton, and he told me it would +be all fixed. I'm not to be held or prosecuted in this matter. The +trouble is all to fall on the Mexicans."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew what you were talking about," cried Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's plain enough, Captain. I paid the money over to your +lieutenant, and he and you were to fix it so I could slide out of the +matter and keep my name out, too. I paid Overton the five thousand +dollars, which he said would be enough for you both and that it would be +all right."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Overton!" called Captain Foster gasping.</p> + +<p>But Hal did not have to be summoned. He had heard Ruggles's last +statement from the doorway of the officers' tent.</p> + +<p>"Here I am, sir," cried Lieutenant Hal, coming forward, "and I overheard +that lying hound! What this fellow, Ruggles, is telling you, Captain, is +wholly false."</p> + +<p>"I know it, Overton, I know it," cried Captain Foster, who had sprung to +his feet.</p> + +<p>"Am I to be flimflammed, after paying the money in good faith?" demanded +Ruggles. "See here, Captain, I drew twenty thousand dollars, in twenty +bills, at the bank this afternoon. That I can easily prove, of course. +Nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> can any one on earth prove that I have spent any of that money, +for, as it happens, I had the cashier at the bank take the numbers of +the thousand-dollar bills. In this envelope, sir, you will find fifteen +of the bills left. The numbers of the missing bills can be proved, and +the missing bills you will find in the possession of your lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"It's a cowardly lie!" blazed thunderstruck Hal, leaping forward. But +Captain Foster pushed him gently back.</p> + +<p>"I haven't a doubt that it's a lie, Overton, my boy," replied Foster. +"Yet don't get too excited, or try to use violence on your accuser. +Remember that I am simply bound to hear any complaint that may be +preferred against any officer in my command. Be cool, Overton, and be +sure that no harm can come to you if you are innocent, as I am certain +that you are. Here is your envelope, Mr. Ruggles. I have looked over the +contents, which are, as you state, fifteen one-thousand-dollar bills."</p> + +<p>"And the other bills you will find on this lieutenant. Though, wait a +moment. He has just been in his tent. He may have hidden the money +there."</p> + +<p>"If it's true that you handed this lieutenant money, Mr. Ruggles, what +did he do with it when he first received it?" asked Foster.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +"I don't know, Captain, except that he went forward into the stateroom +to look it over. He didn't have it in his hand when he came out of the +stateroom."</p> + +<p>"You——" quivered Hal.</p> + +<p>"Easy, Overton, lad," admonished the captain. "Nothing is proved by +calling another hard names. Take that chair, Mr. Overton, and wait until +Sergeant Raney returns."</p> + +<p>Pausing by the chair, before dropping into it, Hal faced his captain to +say:</p> + +<p>"I beg, sir, that you will order a search at once. I offer my person, my +baggage—everything to be searched."</p> + +<p>"I will have Sergeant Raney do it as soon as he returns," Captain Foster +assured the angry young officer. "Raney is a wholly discreet fellow."</p> + +<p>In time Sergeant Raney returned. He looked somewhat surprised when, +after being taken into the officers' tent with his two superiors and +Ruggles, Raney was ordered to begin a careful search of the lieutenant. +Captain Foster stood where he could instantly have detected any effort +that the Army boy might have made to throw any thing away.</p> + +<p>Hal's first act was to unfasten his belt, and drop it, revolver and all, +upon a chair. Then he straightened up, very white from the humiliation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> +yet absolutely sure, of course, that nothing damaging could be found +upon him. Sergeant Raney went systematically through the young officer's +pockets, searched for a money belt and failed to find one, explored his +young officer's socks and shoes and even searched Hal's hatband.</p> + +<p>"Now, the cartridge-box and revolver holster, Sergeant," insisted +Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"And after that whatever baggage the young man may have," breathed +Ruggles. "Also his bedding and——"</p> + +<p>"Peace, sir!" commanded Captain Foster. "Wait until——"</p> + +<p>Sergeant Raney, having opened Hal's revolver holster, now extracted a +crumpled mass of folded bills!</p> + +<p>"That's the money!" cried Ruggles, as Captain Foster unfolded the bills. +"Read out the numbers, Captain, and we'll all take notes. I'll prove by +the bank that this was my money earlier in the day!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI<br /><br /> +<small>AMERICAN WOMEN IN PERIL!</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">SLOWLY Captain Foster read off the numbers, writing them down in a +notebook that he carried. As the older officer glanced up he met the +burning gaze of Lieutenant Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>"Captain," cried the Army boy hoarsely, "I don't know by what juggling +trickery this was done, but I never have handled that money, though it +would seem that I must have been carrying it around in my holster."</p> + +<p>"Bah!" sneered Ruggles.</p> + +<p>Had it not been for Captain Foster's quick leap between the pair Hal +would have knocked the purple-faced fellow down.</p> + +<p>"Careful, Mr. Overton," warned the captain. "Violence will injure your +case, not help it. Mr. Ruggles, I will hold this money as evidence, but +I will give you a receipt for it."</p> + +<p>"On that receipt will you enter the numbers of the bills?" demanded the +purple-faced one craftily.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," and Foster made the receipt out in that form, handing it to +the promoter.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +"Sergeant of the guard!" called Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>Hal stiffened, his face turning ghastly. He felt that it would be better +to die than to live a life of disgrace. The thought that he had been +easily but cleverly tricked made his blood boil within him.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, conduct the prisoner Ruggles to the guard-tent, where the +Mexicans are. Instruct the guard that they are to make absolutely sure +that this prisoner doesn't escape."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't your young man go to the guard-tent, too?" demanded Ruggles, as +he stepped toward the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"I will be responsible for the lieutenant," rejoined the captain coldly. +"Thank you, Sergeant Raney. You may go. Of course you will be discreet."</p> + +<p>When the two officers had the tent to themselves Foster turned his grave +look on Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>"My boy," said the captain, in a voice that shook, "I can't realize, +even yet, that you have forfeited your honor as an officer."</p> + +<p>"Nor have I, sir," returned Hal. "And I am even bold enough to hope that +I can yet find some way of throwing the whole lie back in that fellow's +throat with more proof than even he will care to swallow."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +"I hope you can, Overton, with all my heart," responded the older +soldier, resting a hand on his white-faced junior's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Do you believe me guilty, sir?" asked Hal, looking straight into his +commander's eyes.</p> + +<p>"Heavens knows I don't. To me, Overton, the whole thing seems absurd and +incredible. But I am your commanding officer. A charge has been made +that apparently destroys your honor. Some seeming proof against you has +been found. There is only one course open to me. I must detain you in +camp until I have communicated through the usual military channels."</p> + +<p>"Am—am I under arrest?" asked Hal somewhat huskily.</p> + +<p>"No, no, Overton!" exclaimed the older soldier quickly. "But you must +give me your parole—not to go beyond camp limits at any time or for any +purpose without my express permission."</p> + +<p>"You have my parole, sir. It shall be rigidly observed."</p> + +<p>"And now, Mr. Overton, I suggest that, as you have nothing else to do, +you lie down and sleep through the night."</p> + +<p>"<i>Sleep</i>, sir?" echoed Lieutenant Hal bitterly.</p> + +<p>"Rest, then, at all events."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +For two or three hours the Army boy lay and tossed. Toward morning, +however, he secured some real sleep. When he opened his eyes it was to +find Noll in the tent.</p> + +<p>"I've heard the news, old bunkie," cried Terry, coming forward as soon +as he saw his comrade's eyes open. "All rot! Forget it. It'll come out +all right. When Prescott and Holmes heard the news they laughed aloud +over the absurdity of it."</p> + +<p>"I wish I was as sure of every one's faith in me," quivered the Army +boy, returning his chums' hand-grip.</p> + +<p>"Get up and dress. Captain Foster has had his meal, but the others are +all waiting for you to hurry through to the table."</p> + +<p>Three other young officers had crowded into the tent before Hal had +finished dressing.</p> + +<p>"The whole thing is absurd, Overton," declared Lieutenant Dick Prescott. +"Holmesy and I have told Captain Foster so. We had you under our eyes in +the Thirty-fourth during most of your more than three years of service. +We know you too well to believe a word of any such fool charge against +you."</p> + +<p>"Even in the face of the money found in my holster?" asked Hal smiling +wistfully.</p> + +<p>"Huh!" retorted Lieutenant Greg Holmes. "It wouldn't shake our belief in +you, old man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> if the whole United States Treasury had been found hiding +in your holster! Now, forget it all, as well as you can, Overton. Leave +it to your friends, who will be cooler-headed, to find the way out from +under this toy cloud. Why, even Foster knows it's all so absurd that he +doesn't order you under arrest."</p> + +<p>"Thank you all, fellows," replied Hal, his eyes gleaming as he shook +hands with all three of his Army comrades and with the friend from the +Navy. "I'll brace and fight every inch of the way. But," he could not +help adding, wistfully, "I wish I could see how I am going to be able to +clear myself so that not even a trace of a taint of suspicion can rest +against any name."</p> + +<p>The youngsters tried to make breakfast a merry meal, though they were +not wholly successful. During the night, following the taking of the +prize, Skipper Tom Halstead, it seemed, had been entertaining the four +young officers left aboard the "Restless" with several exciting tales of +his own wholly exciting life as a motor boat master. Most of these tales +are already familiar to the readers of the "<span class="smcap">Motor Boat Club Series</span>."</p> + +<p>"What's Halstead's home port?" asked Hal, rather absently, for, +naturally, his mind was rather full of his own troubles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +"Some little place near the mouth of the Kennebec River," Prescott +answered.</p> + +<p>"Then isn't he a long way from home?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Halstead often is a long way from home," nodded Lieutenant Holmes. "Not +so very long ago Halstead commanded a yacht on the Pacific Ocean, and +had some of his most rousing adventures at that time."</p> + +<p>"It's young fellows like Halstead, Joe Dawson and that queer genius, +Hank Butts, who are needed to build up the American merchant marine once +more," Prescott continued.</p> + +<p>Having been up all night most of the young officers were now glad to +turn in for a few hours of sleep. Lieutenant Hal passed a wretched day +of it.</p> + +<p>Toward four o'clock in the afternoon an orderly brought in the afternoon +mail from the village. With the mail came two telegrams, one for Captain +Foster and the other for Lieutenant Prescott. That latter young officer +tore open his telegram eagerly, and read:</p> + +<div class="block"><p>"Received, en route, your telegram stating you were ordered to +Holmesville. Belle and I at once changed our route and are here +at Holmesville, Eagle Hotel. Mother with us. Find you not here, +and no troops here, and that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> we will not be allowed to join +your command. What shall we do?</p> + +<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Laura Bentley.</span>"</p> +</div> + +<p>"What a queer girl's freak that was," murmured Prescott, and called +Ensign Dave Darrin over to read the despatch.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I don't like that," muttered Dave, his brow darkening. "We'd +better wire the girls begging them to get away from the border as soon +as they know how."</p> + +<p>"Who's that you're going to order away from the border, Mr. Darrin?" +inquired Captain Foster, coming up and catching only a few words.</p> + +<p>"No one that we can very well <i>order</i>, sir," replied Darrin. "I may as +well tell the captain. You see, sir, Laura Bentley and Belle Meade are +the two girl sweethearts that waited for us until we got settled in the +service. They were on their way West to Fort Clowdry, for both girls +wanted a military wedding, and there was nothing of that sort to be had +in the home town. So Prescott wired them, aboard their train, that he +was ordered to Holmesville, and that I was going along with him, and +that we'd be back at Fort Clowdry at the earliest moment. But the girls +took it into their head to change their route to Holmesville. Maybe you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> +can get away, Dick; in any case I'll hire an automobile and get up to +Holmesville as quickly as I can."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid there may be some difficulty about your getting into +Holmesville, or the young ladies getting out," replied Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?" demanded Prescott, noting how serious was the +look on the captain's face.</p> + +<p>"A few weeks ago, gentlemen, a mob burned a Mexican at the stake up at +Holmesville. The Mexican was a worthless fellow, but of course an effort +has been made to fasten the crime on the Texan residents of the town. As +a matter of fact it is generally understood that the man lynched was +burned by his own countryman as a result of some row among themselves. +But the Mexicans on this border are in an ugly frame of mind, just now, +as the most disorderly ones are all behind the revolution that's trying +to get a start across the border. This telegram is from Washington, and +informs me that the Mexicans have just turned loose at Holmesville. +There are hundreds of them; they have been drinking and are armed. They +greatly outnumber the Americans, and they are at present trying to get +the upper hand in Holmesville."</p> + +<p>"Riot and killing?" gasped Lieutenant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> Prescott, while Darrin's dark +face went suddenly white.</p> + +<p>"Yes," nodded Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Then Prescott, we must get under way at once."</p> + +<p>"You'll find it quite hopeless," remarked Captain Foster. "No man owning +an automobile will take you into or near Holmesville until the rioting +stops. The War Department advises me to have all in readiness to +despatch troops by the river in case the governor of Texas calls for the +help of United States troops."</p> + +<p>"We ought to start an expedition up the river at once," groaned +Lieutenant Dick Prescott, thinking of his and his friend's sweethearts +in awful danger there.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately we can't start troops," replied the captain, "until the +orders come. There are as yet no orders, and may not be."</p> + +<p>"Then I must get under way alone," almost moaned Darrin. "You, too, +Prescott, if you can get leave by 'phone from your commander."</p> + +<p>"You can't get an auto," replied Captain Foster. "You'll have to walk, +or go in saddle. Either course will take you nearly all of the night."</p> + +<p>"But one of your boats, sir?" cried Prescott.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +"You're an officer, Prescott, and you must realize that I can't legally +release one of my boats from the duty here without an order or +permission."</p> + +<p>"And all the time Belle and Laura may be trying to hide from a +blood-thirsty mob!" gasped Darrin in a frenzy.</p> + +<p>"You stay here, Dick," broke in Greg Holmes. "I'll run to the nearest +'phone, get Captain Cortland at the other end of the wire, explain the +situation to him and get leave to absent ourselves."</p> + +<p>"But even at the best it will take hours to reach Holmesville," muttered +Prescott, through blanched lips. "Oh, Dave, Dave, this is awful!"</p> + +<p>"We'll get there, somehow—at least I will," muttered Ensign Darrin, in +a quivering voice. "If you don't get leave within ten minutes, Dick, I'm +going to start alone and try to run all the way to Holmesville. Captain +Foster, you'll loan me a revolver and two boxes of cartridges, won't +you?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Foster, going into his tent and coming out with the +articles named.</p> + +<p>"I would like to make a suggestion, sir," broke in Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, Mr. Overton," responded the captain.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +"Why not send two men at once to the telegraph station? Order the +telegraph office manager to remain open all night for military +telegrams. If one comes, one of our men can start here at once on the +run, leaving the other soldier to wait for a second despatch that may +come in its wake."</p> + +<p>"An excellent idea, Mr. Overton," and Captain Foster immediately sent +two soldiers off on that errand.</p> + +<p>"Sir, I request permission, if it can possibly be granted, to go with +Darrin, Prescott and Holmes," broke in Lieutenant Noll.</p> + +<p>"You may have that leave, certainly, Mr. Terry," replied Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"And I, also, Captain," broke in Hal eagerly, "since this affair +involves the lives of the intended brides of two officers, and is most +certainly a service affair."</p> + +<p>"I fear you have forgotten something, Mr. Overton," replied Captain +Foster gently. "You are now confined to camp, under charges."</p> + +<p>Hal fell back, going suddenly white and staggering as though he had +received a blow. In truth he had.</p> + +<p>"I forgot," he assented wretchedly. "And, oh, this is hard, sir. I am +wholly innocent of the charge, and yet of course you have no right<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> to +take my mere word. This, in the face of a desperate expedition that I +want to join more than I ever wanted anything in my life as a soldier!"</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII<br /><br /> +<small>SERGEANT KELLY'S FIT OF REMEMBERING</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">HOLMES was back with the speed of the wind. Even before he reached the +camp he waved his cap, shouting:</p> + +<p>"It's all right."</p> + +<p>"And I'm going with you," Noll added.</p> + +<p>"You, too, Overton?" demanded Lieutenant Greg Holmes.</p> + +<p>"I can't," groaned Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I beg your pardon, old chap," gasped Holmes, overcome with the +thought of the humiliation he had needlessly caused this gallant young +brother officer.</p> + +<p>"I'm under charges, you know," remarked Hal, with a wan smile.</p> + +<p>"Confound that Ruggles!" broke impetuously from Holmes's lips. "I'd +almost like to burn him at a stake."</p> + +<p>"Yes; it's tough," cried Prescott, "to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> deprived of the help of one +of the bravest, quickest-witted men in the United States Army!"</p> + +<p>This heart-felt praise served as some balm to Hal's wounded, +grief-stricken spirits. He would have given anything he possessed to +join this long dash to save, if possible, two imperiled American girls.</p> + +<p>"And there are other American women there to-night," added Hal brokenly.</p> + +<p>None of the time was lost in talk, however, for the young officers who +were to go were now busy looking to their weapons and ammunition, their +canteens of water and other needed supplies.</p> + +<p>It was unavoidable that the news should have leaked out among the +soldiers now in camp.</p> + +<p>The four young officers started soon, each giving Hal a silent, +soul-felt grip of the hand before starting.</p> + +<p>"Now, why the dickens ain't Lieutenant Overton going?" demanded Sergeant +Kelly in wonder.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?" demanded a corporal. "Lieutenant Overton is in camp, +under charges."</p> + +<p>"What are ye talking about, man?" demanded Kelly incredulously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's the truth," insisted the corporal.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> "It's a frame-up, I am +certain, but the prisoner, Ruggles, claimed that he gave the lieutenant +five thousand dollars last night to fix it to let him, Ruggles, escape +the consequences of smuggling arms over the border."</p> + +<p>"What a silly lie!" sputtered Sergeant Kelly. "And did your captain +believe a fool's fairy-tale like that?"</p> + +<p>"He wouldn't have," replied the corporal, "only the lieutenant was +searched, and the money was found hidden in his revolver holster."</p> + +<p>"In the holster, say ye?" demanded Sergeant Kelly, with a flash of his +eyes. The next words he uttered came in a shout:</p> + +<p>"Binns, ye lop-sided shadow of a rookie!" he bellowed.</p> + +<p>"Here, Sarge," answered a soldier, across a row of tents. "And what's +got on your temper, Sarge?"</p> + +<p>"Come here and ye'll be finding out!" growled Kelly, making a grab for +the soldier. He caught that mystified fighting man, and, without a word, +dragged him before Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Salute the captain, ye deaf-mute!" ordered Kelly, letting go of the +soldier and bringing his own hand up smartly to the brim of his cap.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +"What's the meaning of these lightning tactics, Sergeant?" demanded +Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"The meaning is, sir," ran on Kelly rapidly, "that I want this man to +tell you something."</p> + +<p>"What is it, my man?" demanded the captain.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir," confessed Private Binns. "You'll have to ask +Sergeant Kelly, sir."</p> + +<p>"Binns," exploded Kelly, "you and me was standing at the stern on the +captured motor boat for a spell, last night."</p> + +<p>"We was—<i>were</i>," admitted Binns.</p> + +<p>"Tell the captain what we saw when we looked down into the cabin, out of +the darkness."</p> + +<p>"Why we saw Ruggles handling Lieutenant Overton's revolver, in its +holster," continued Private Binns.</p> + +<p>"Now, what did the fellow Ruggles, do with the holster?" continued +Sergeant Kelly severely.</p> + +<p>"We saw him open the flap."</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"Ruggles closed it again," stated Binns.</p> + +<p>"Did we see him put anything in the holster?" cried Sergeant Kelly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," admitted the soldier.</p> + +<p>"What did it look like!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> +"Paper—perhaps money," replied Binns slowly.</p> + +<p>"D'ye think ye begin to see a light, Captain?" flashed Sergeant Kelly +triumphantly. Then he turned to the soldier once more with:</p> + +<p>"What did Ruggles do next?"</p> + +<p>"He put the holster down and got up."</p> + +<p>"How did he look?" pressed Kelly.</p> + +<p>"Pleased, he looked. He grinned and muttered something quickly."</p> + +<p>"Now, all that, Captain, sir, I'll swear to myself," continued the +sergeant, turning in triumph to Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you tell me all this before?" demanded Captain Foster, while +Hal stood by, all a-quiver, yet too full of emotion to speak.</p> + +<p>"Because, sir, 'twas only a minute ago that I knew there'd be anything +in our news. Binns and myself thought that Ruggles, when he picked up +the lieutenant's revolver, had some notion of blowing out his brains. +Had he taken the gun out of the holster we'd have jumped down into the +cabin and taken it away from him. When he put the holster down, we +concluded the fellow had only picked it up in a moment's curiosity. Then +Binns and meself saw the lieutenant coming, and stepped away. I even +thought, at the time, sir, that the paper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> was something that Ruggles +had disturbed in the holster."</p> + +<p>"Come with me to the guard-tent," ordered Captain Foster. "You, too, Mr. +Overton!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, ye scoundrel, I'm sorry I didn't throw ye overboard last night!" +was Sergeant Kelly's warm greeting as his eyes fell upon Ruggles.</p> + +<p>"Stand back, Sergeant. Don't use any violence on the prisoner," +commanded Captain Foster.</p> + +<p>Under the accusation that the sergeant poured forth Mr. Ruggles quickly +wilted. Then he became sullen, refusing to admit any of the charges.</p> + +<p>"I'll take the word of a good sergeant and an honest soldier," announced +Captain Foster, turning and resting a hand on Hal's nearer shoulder. +"Mr. Overton, Ruggles can prefer his charges at his leisure, if he +wishes to, but as for me, until orders come from higher authority to the +contrary, I inform you that you are no longer confined to camp. If there +is time, Overton, you may run after the other young officers and go with +them. I'll watch the river to-night myself."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I can't overtake them now, sir," replied Hal, who, at least, +was overjoyed at the appearance of this new and saving testimony. "I +don't know just which road they've taken."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +"Bugler!" shouted Captain Foster. As the field musician came running up +he added: "Sound the recall. I think Prescott and the others will +understand that. Blow your hardest, Bugler. Give the call three times. +That will bring them back, but every man among them, Overton, will think +it worth while coming back briefly to add a fighting man like yourself +to their number!"</p> + +<p>Two or three minutes later the four young officers could be made out, +coming back on the run.</p> + +<p>At the same time one of the soldiers detailed at the telegraph office +came up on the run from another direction.</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII<br /><br /> +<small>IN THE THICK OF THE RIOT</small></h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 8px;"> +<img src="images/quote.png" width="8" height="7" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="cap">WHAT is it, sir? <i>Troops</i> ordered out?"</p> + +<p>"<i>Yes!</i>" cried Captain Foster, joyously, after a brief glance at the +yellow sheet he had drawn from the envelope. "Listen. This order is from +Washington. The War Department, acting on a request from the governor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +of Texas, has sent me the order direct to send twenty men and one or +more officers up the river on the swiftest boat at my disposal. Mr. +Overton, you will command. The other young officers will go with you. +You, Mr. Prescott, will take your own ten men from the Thirty-fourth, +and you, Mr. Overton, will take Sergeant Raney and nine men from this +regiment. All the men are here at this moment. Rush the orders!"</p> + +<p>As soon as the two sergeants had been called and had received the +orders, Captain Foster continued his instructions.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, you will use the troops only to save life and restore order +in Holmesville. At the earliest possible moment you will turn control +over to the local police again. You may have to fire into rioting +crowds, but be careful about shooting recklessly or needlessly into +groups. Remember, too, that there will doubtless be many estimable +Mexicans at Holmesville who will not be rioters nor in any way in +sympathy with them. The rioters, you will find, will be of the worst and +most lawless class of Mexicans; they will be largely composed of +refugees from Mexican justice—the very riff-raff of the population."</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of the instruction the young officers broke for the +officers' tent to get their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> swords. As this night might see rousing +hand-to-hand work with rioters the swords might have their place.</p> + +<p>The two sergeants heading the squads were now rushing the drawing of +rations and ammunition. In a very few minutes the squads had fallen in.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant Raney," called Lieutenant Hal, "move your squad to the dock in +double time."</p> + +<p>Prescott followed this with similar orders to Sergeant Kelly.</p> + +<p>The two captured craft and the "Restless" lay at the dock. As the +troops, their officers in the lead, marched out on the pier Skipper Tom +Halstead sang out:</p> + +<p>"Stand by the engine, Joe!"</p> + +<p>With that the young motor boat captain leaped to the dock and ran to the +stern hawser, while Hank Butts stood by the bow-hawser.</p> + +<p>"Squad halt! Break ranks! Get aboard lively," ordered Sergeant Raney. +Nor did Kelly let his own squad lose any time. The young officers +followed in the wake of their men.</p> + +<p>"Want to cast off?" called Skipper Halstead pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"Without loss of a second," replied Lieutenant Hal.</p> + +<p>Without waiting for other orders Hank let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> go the bow-line and carried +it aboard with him. Tom Halstead went up over the stern.</p> + +<p>"Slow speed ahead, Joe," Hank called down as he rested one hand on the +wheel. The "Restless" began to move from her pier.</p> + +<p>"Up river, or down?" called Skipper Tom, coming forward.</p> + +<p>"Up!" voiced Hal. "And at racing speed, too!"</p> + +<p>"Dutchman's gait, Joe," Hank called down unconcernedly, as soon as the +"Restless" had well cleared the dock, having swung the craft around, +heading up the river at a speed increased to twelve miles.</p> + +<p>"Can't you crowd a lot more speed on?" demanded Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>"Dog chasing that Dutchman, Joe," Hank sang down, and the "Restless" was +soon doing eighteen miles an hour.</p> + +<p>"You told me your best speed was twenty-six to twenty-eight, didn't +you?" asked Hal, wheeling around as Skipper Tom Halstead joined them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Can you hit up that speed without endangering the engine?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Tom, "but we'll burn a lot of gasoline doing that."</p> + +<p>"Gasoline?" uttered Prescott contemptuously.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> "How many pailfuls will a +thousand dollars buy?"</p> + +<p>"Is it as bad as that?" asked Skipper Tom quickly.</p> + +<p>"American women's lives are at stake up at Holmesville!" returned +Overton. "Riot going on there—Mexicans against Americans."</p> + +<p>Hank Butts didn't wait for orders.</p> + +<p>"Joe," he yelled, bending over the engine-room doorway, "sheriff and a +bill-collector after that Dutchman!"</p> + +<p>Joe Dawson didn't wait to be told more. He threw open everything to the +widest notch, then snatched up a bulky oil can with an unusually long +spout, and stood feeding oil to the bearings.</p> + +<p>"The sweethearts of Mr. Prescott and Mr. Darrin are in great danger at +Holmesville," Lieutenant Hal murmured in Skipper Tom's ear.</p> + +<p>"Jumping Jupiter!" gasped Halstead, and went down into the engine-room +in two bounds for a word with Joe.</p> + +<p>Those standing on the deck could fairly feel the quiver with which the +"Restless" leaped forward at her best speed.</p> + +<p>"It's like riding on an express train!" glowed Lieutenant Greg Holmes.</p> + +<p>"No express train was ever made that's fast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> enough for me to-night," +muttered Lieutenant Dick Prescott between set teeth.</p> + +<p>The running lights were out, for it was nearly dark when the "Restless" +had left Agua Dulce. Only the movement of a switch was needed to turn +them on.</p> + +<p>"Ever been to Holmesville?" demanded Dave Darrin, turning almost +fiercely on Tom Halstead when he showed his head on deck.</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't know the place by sight?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Nor I, either—from the water front," groaned Darrin. "But surely you +have some chart of the river?"</p> + +<p>Tom Halstead was already out of sight again. When he came on deck he +remarked:</p> + +<p>"I've been looking at the chart. Now, I'll know Holmesville to a dot +when we sight the place."</p> + +<p>"Nice sort of a town some one took the trouble to name after me, isn't +it?" grunted Lieutenant Holmes.</p> + +<p>"Say! Look there!" gasped Lieutenant Noll, pointing ahead just as the +craft rounded a bend of the river, and something was visible that the +trees had shut out before.</p> + +<p>A thrill of dismay went through all. Ahead the sky was angrily red at +one point.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +"The miscreants have fired the town!" roared Dick Prescott, in anguish. +"Captain Halstead, is there no more speed to be wrung out of this boat?"</p> + +<p>"We're going like the wind, now, Mr. Prescott," Halstead answered. "To +try for any more speed would be to endanger either the engine or the +propeller."</p> + +<p>"Let this young skipper alone, Dick," whispered Holmes soothingly, in +his chum's ear. "He knows his business, if ever a man did!"</p> + +<p>As more miles were covered the red blur against the dark sky became +larger and brighter. Prescott and Darrin watched it as though dazed. +Once in a while their hands wandered to their weapons.</p> + +<p>"We'll be there in ten minutes more," announced Halstead finally, after +a glance at his watch.</p> + +<p>"Thank Heaven!" devoutly muttered two young officers.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hope we're <i>in time</i>!" groaned Lieutenant Hal, turning to Noll +Terry.</p> + +<p>Three or four enlisted men were on deck. The others, after the cool +indifference of their kind until the moment of action comes, were below +in the cabin. But every soldier started to his feet as Raney's voice +rang out:</p> + +<p>"Ready, men, for a quick landing!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +"You'll go back out into the stream, won't you, Halstead?" Lieutenant +Overton asked, as Hank directed the "Restless" in toward a dock.</p> + +<p>"Joe Dawson will," answered Skipper Tom. "He and I have already drawn +lots to see which one of us would stay on the boat."</p> + +<p>"You're not going ashore into this hades of riot and arson, are you?"</p> + +<p>"Where American women are in danger?" retorted Skipper Tom. "Nothing +less than a file of soldiers could keep me back!"</p> + +<p>A dozen irregular shots rang out just as Halstead and Hank leaped ashore +to hold the lines.</p> + +<p>"Tumble off there, men. Don't wait for any gang-plank!" roared +Lieutenant Prescott.</p> + +<p>Tom Halstead and Hank Butts did not attempt to throw the hawsers over +posts, but tossed their lines back to the deck as soon as the last +soldier was ashore. Joe Dawson, taking his place at the wheel, and with +one foot against the deck control of the engine, bawled out:</p> + +<p>"Good luck to every one of you!"</p> + +<p>Hal Overton had swiftly formed his squad in a single rank, ordering the +soldiers to fix bayonets. Prescott formed his own squad as a second +platoon. As Tom Halstead hastened up he carried a stout cudgel, while +Hank Butts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> carried the hitching weight that had made him famous.</p> + +<p>As the little relief column moved off the dock and in at the foot of the +principal street of Holmesville, the light of burning buildings showed +them a highway on which hundreds of maddened human brutes were moving.</p> + +<p>Occasionally, from one of the houses still left untouched by flames, a +shot was fired. So enraged and occupied were the rioters that they did +not perceive the approach of uniformed men.</p> + +<p>"Forward, on the double quick!" ordered Lieutenant Hal, snatching his +sword from the scabbard. Just ahead the rioters had turned to pour a +fusillade of fifty shots into a house from which a revolver shot had +been fired.</p> + +<p>There was no sense in halting and calling on these maddened rioters to +disperse. Hal saw that quickly. Some in the mob saw the soldiers in time +to raise a shout, but few of the other rioters heard it.</p> + +<p>"Ready to charge! <i>Charge!</i>" shouted Lieutenant Hal Overton.</p> + +<p>The front rank of soldiers hit the edge of the mob with cold steel. That +rush and impact seemed to serve only to madden the rioters, and in an +instant there was wild hand-to-hand combat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="XXIV" id="XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV<br /><br /> +<small>CONCLUSION</small></h2> + + +<p class="cap">THEN a score of things happened all at once.</p> + +<p>Added to the soldiers' bayonets the swords of four young officers thrust +with an effect that opened a way up through the mob.</p> + +<p>"<i>Los soldados!</i>" sounded a score of voices at once. On top of this came +another cry in frantic Spanish: "<i>Al muerto!</i>" (to the death!)</p> + +<p>One short, broad-shouldered fellow rushed at Lieutenant Hal from the +flank, knife uplifted. Hank dropped his hitching weight on the fellow's +toes, and the knife-thrust fell short by some three feet. Tom Halstead's +cudgel floored a rascal who aimed a revolver at Hank.</p> + +<p>The first squad went through the crowd fast, though leaving a red trail +of minor sword and bayonet wounds. The second squad had a harder fight, +as the enraged mob, after spreading a bit, closed in. There was still +plenty of fight in the rioters, who now realized how small a military +force had assailed them. Dave Darrin was using the butt of the borrowed +revolver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> in clubbing every strange head that got within reach of his +arm.</p> + +<p>"Halt! About face and go back into 'em!" ordered Lieutenant Hal. The +mob, feeling itself hemmed in between two parallel lines of bayonets, +gave sufficiently to let the military party reunite.</p> + +<p>"Where's the Eagle Hotel?" Hal shouted hoarsely, as a Texan, rifle in +hand, showed himself at an open window.</p> + +<p>"Two blocks up. You can't mistake it!" came back the roaring answer.</p> + +<p>As the two ranks of soldiers tried to go on at the double quick, two or +three hundred of the mob tried to follow at their heels.</p> + +<p>"Second squad halt! About face!" yelled Lieutenant Prescott. "Load! +Aim!"</p> + +<p>Then he turned to his chum.</p> + +<p>"Fire if you have to, Holmesy. I've got to leave you and run forward!"</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Greg Holmes nodded his understanding. Then he stood there, +grim-faced and watchful, mindful, also, of his orders not to fire on +rioters unless it became absolutely necessary.</p> + +<p>But the sight of ten Army rifles staring them in the face caused the mob +to halt for a moment or two, whereupon Holmes faced his men about, +continuing the march. Twice more he found it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> necessary to halt and +menace the enraged followers.</p> + +<p>Ahead was another mob not much smaller. These men were in front of the +Eagle Hotel as the first squad ran up.</p> + +<p>"Charge!" yelled Lieutenant Hal. "Charge!" echoed Greg Holmes. There was +another sharp, ugly clash. Bayonets prodded, swords thrust, Tom Halstead +wielded his club and Hank was busy with his weight.</p> + +<p>Dave, Dick and Noll, as soon as they could reach the hotel, dashed away +from the troops toward the front entrance of the hotel, which stood +open, battered down as it had been by the mob.</p> + +<p>As these three rescuers darted into the lobby, a woman's scream sounded +from a room not far away. Into this dashed the three young officers. +Just before they vanished Tom Halstead and Hank Butts rushed in, +catching sight of their friends.</p> + +<p>In the billiard room of the hotel stood Mrs. Bentley, leaning against a +wall and looking ready to faint. Laura Bentley, far more beautiful than +when we saw her last, had caught up a chair, with which she was +threatening a dark-haired young Mexican who sought to reach her. Belle +Meade, her dark beauty unmarred by the look of anger in her face, had +snatched up a cue,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> with which she was menacing another young Mexican +dandy. Four or five other Mexicans stood in the room, interested +spectators.</p> + +<p>"A reminder for you, my friend!" muttered Dick Prescott hoarsely, as he +ran his sword-point into the thigh of the man before Laura.</p> + +<p>"May this give your mind ease!" gritted Ensign Darrin, bringing down the +butt of the revolver on the head of the Mexican facing Belle.</p> + +<p>Then the other Mexicans in the room attempted to take a hand, but they +were soon put to flight. One of them limped, or rather hopped—for he +had encountered Hank Butts. Tom and Hank helped the injured out in a +hurry.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bentley revived at sight of the uniforms, and still more at sight +of the well-known faces of two of the officers. As for Laura, she threw +her arms about Dick Prescott's neck, embracing him ecstatically, too +overjoyed at first to speak. Not so with Belle Meade. She, too, gave her +intended husband an enthusiastic embrace, but she murmured in his ear:</p> + +<p>"Sorry we couldn't give a better account of ourselves, Dave. But the +scoundrels came in here in a drove. They've killed at least two men who +tried to defend us."</p> + +<p>"If they try to start anything more, Belle, girl, they'll all get +killed."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +Lieutenant Dick Prescott, a mist swimming before his eyes, could only +murmur:</p> + +<p>"Laura, you need have no further fears. There are squads from two +regiments of regulars on the spot."</p> + +<p>Presently Dick and Dave were left behind at the hotel with five soldiers +of the Thirty-fourth. Lieutenant Hal led the remainder of the troops +through the streets. The comparatively few Texans of the village, who +had been greatly outnumbered, and driven to fighting behind cover, now +appeared in the wake of the troops. Wherever bands of rioters were found +they were herded and driven out of the town. It required all the +firmness and tact of Lieutenant Hal to keep the justly enraged Texans +from piling up a big slaughter.</p> + +<p>Before the arrival of troops some twenty Mexican rioters had been +killed, and many more wounded. Six of the Texans of the village had also +been killed, including the two—the hotel proprietor and one other—who +had gone to the defense of Mrs. Bentley and the girls. A score of +rioters who had met Hank Butts were limping now.</p> + +<p>Thirty houses of the village, some of them belonging to Mexicans, had +been fired. As they were not attached to other buildings these fires +were allowed to burn out.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +At daylight a company of Texas militia marched into town, having arrived +from a distant point.</p> + +<p>The rioters belonged to a peculiar class from the sister republic. Many +were criminals, wanted in their own country, who had found safety across +our border. Many more had been 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> 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.</p> + +<p>Guarez, Boggs and a few others were given prison sentences of two or +three years each.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 "<span class="smcap">Motor Boat Club Series</span>."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>A month after the affair at Holmesville there was as picturesque a +double service wedding as it was possible to have at Fort Clowdry.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +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.</p> + +<p>Greg Holmes was, of course, Prescott's best man; Ensign Dan Dalzell +performed that service for Ensign Dave Darrin.</p> + +<p>Nor were Lieutenants Hal and Noll absent, for they secured leave to +attend. The ushers at the wedding were four young naval officers, with +Hal, Noll, Algy Ferrers and another young lieutenant representing the +Army.</p> + +<p>Behind the double bridal party, as the post chaplain and an assistant +began the solemn, beautiful service of the church, stood the ushers, a +double wall of steel, as it struck some of the onlookers—a wall of Army +and Navy steel guaranteeing the future of the two young couples and +pledging them happiness.</p> + +<p>Lieutenants Hal Overton and Noll Terry were now firmly established in +their new careers as line officers of the United States Army. At the +next session of Congress the Senate ratified their nominations as a +matter of course, and the two young officers soon after received their +commissions as second lieutenants from the President.</p> + +<p>Though of course it was far beyond the reach of their present vision, a +deep shadow was hanging over the world—the shadow of a great war to +come, the greatest and most savage war in the history of the world. In +that coming war with the German Empire, each of these splendid young +officers was destined to play a big part, a part that was certain to +bring honors to each, as well as the appreciation of a grateful country.</p> + +<p>The story of their participation and of their thrilling experiences in +this great world war, will be told in a following volume, entitled +"<span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys With Pershing's Troops at the Front</span>; Or Dick Prescott +at Grips With the Boche."</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">The End.</span></h3> + + +<hr class="hr5" /> + +<div class="q"> + +<div class="adb3"> +<div class="adb4"> +<h2>HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S<br /> +<br /> +Best and Least Expensive<br /> +Books for Boys and Girls</h2> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Motor Boat Club Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + + +<p>The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are +wonderfully entertaining, and they are at the same time sound +and wholesome. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished +book in this series.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, +The Secret of Smugglers' Island.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The +Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A +Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, +The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying +the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; +Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.</li> + +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; +Or, The Flying Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Battleship Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</span></h2> + +<p>These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's +huge drab Dreadnaughts.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices +in Uncle Sam's Navy.</li> + +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, +Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers.</li> + +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, +Earning New Ratings in European Seas.</li> + +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding +the American Flag in a Honduras Revolution.</li> + +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE WARDROOM; Or, +Winning their Commissions as Line Officers.</li> + +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS WITH THE ADRIATIC +CHASERS; Or, Blocking the Path of the Undersea +Raiders.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' SKY PATROL; Or, Fighting +the Hun from above the Clouds.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Range and Grange Hustlers<br /> +<span class="adsm">By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</span></h2> + +<p>Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life on +great ranches in the West? Any bright boy will "devour" the +books of this series, once he has made a start with the first +volume. +</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE +RANCH; Or, The Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide.</li> + +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST +ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packers' +Combine.</li> + +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE +PLAINS; Or, Following the Steam Plows Across the +Prairie.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO; +Or, The Conspiracy of the Wheat Pit.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Submarine Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By VICTOR G. DURHAM</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo +Boat.</li> + +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as +Young Experts.</li> + +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail +at Annapolis.</li> + +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks +of the Deep.</li> + +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young +Kings of the Deep.</li> + +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives +to Uncle Sam.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up +the New Jersey Customs Frauds.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Square Dollar Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley +Franchise Steal.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists +Against the Crooked Land Deal.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The College Girls Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON +COLLEGE.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM.</li> + +<li class="adbb">GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Pony Rider Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</span></h2> + +These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls. + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the +Lost Claim.—2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The +Veiled Riddle of the Plains.—3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN +MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.—4 THE +PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby +Mountain.—5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, +Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.—6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS +IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.—7 THE PONY +RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of +Bright Angel Gulch.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + + +<h2 class="tm">The Boys of Steel Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By JAMES R. MEARS</span></h2> + +<p>Each book presents vivid picture of this great industry. Each story +is full of adventure and fascination.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of +the Shaft.—2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the +Diamond Drill Shift.—3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; +Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.—4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE +STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + + +<h2 class="tm">The Madge Morton Books<br /> +<span class="adsm">By AMY D. V. CHALMERS</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>MADGE MORTON—CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.</li> +<li>MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.</li> +<li>MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.</li> +<li class="adbb">MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">West Point Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young +Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, +Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.</li> + +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, +Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.</li> + +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, +Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.</li> + +<li class="adbb">DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, +Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Annapolis Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted +in these volumes.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two +Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, +Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders +of the Second Class Midshipmen.</li> + +<li class="adbb">DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, +Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Young Engineers Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High +School Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry +Hazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad +Building in Earnest.</li> + +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks +on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand.</li> + +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune +on the Turn of a Pick.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the +Mine Swindlers.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Boys of the Army Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States +Army of to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master +pen.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits +in the United States Army.</li> + +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning +Corporal's Chevrons.</li> + +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling +Their First Real Commands.</li> + +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following +the Flag Against the Moros.</li> + +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS; Or, Serving +Old Glory as Line Officers.</li> + +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING; Or, Dick Prescott +at Grips with the Boche.</li> + +<li class="adbb">UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE GREAT MARNE DRIVE; +Or, Putting Old Glory in the Forefront in France.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Dave Darrin Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ; Or, Fighting With the +U. S. Navy in Mexico.</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE.</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE.</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION.</li> + +<li>DAVE DARRIN AND THE GERMAN SUBMARINES.</li> + +<li class="adbb">DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS; Or, Hitting +the Enemy a Hard Naval Blow.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Meadow-Brook Girls Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By JANET ALDRIDGE</span></h2> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.</li> + +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.</li> + +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.</li> + +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.</li> + +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS +COURTS.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + + +<h2 class="tm">High School Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck.</p> + +<p>Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating +volumes.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First +Year Pranks and Sports.</li> + +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the +Gridley Diamond.</li> + +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on +the Football Gridiron.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & +Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">Grammar School Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar +school boys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick +& Co. Start Things Moving.</li> + +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick +& Co. at Winter Sports.</li> + +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, +Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; +Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">High School Boys' Vacation Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</span></h2> + +<p>"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"</p> + +<p>This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the +country over. Almost numberless letters have been received by the +publishers, making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, +Tom Reade, and the other members of Dick & Co. are the most +popular high school boys in the land. Boys will alternately thrill +and chuckle when reading these splendid narratives.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co.'s +Rivals on Lake Pleasant.</li> + +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The +Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven.</li> + +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. +in the Wilderness.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & +Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails."</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The Circus Boys Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</span></h2> + +<p>Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making +the Start in the Sawdust Life.</li> + +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning +New Laurels on the Tanbark.</li> + +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the +Plaudits of the Sunny South.</li> + +<li class="adbb">THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with +the Big Show on the Big River.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + +<h2 class="tm">The High School Girls Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.</span></h2> + +<p>These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the +reader fairly by storm.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and +Athletics.</li> + +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.</li> + +<li class="adbb">GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, The Parting of the Ways.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + + + +<h2 class="tm">The Automobile Girls Series<br /> +<span class="adsm">By LAURA DENT CRANE</span></h2> + +<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all +complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.</p> + +<div class="adb1"> +<div class="adb2"> +<ol> +<li class="adbb">THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer +Parade.—2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; +Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.—3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS +ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.—4 +THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out +Against Heavy Odds.—5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM +BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.—6 THE +AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON; Or, Checkmating the +Plots of Foreign Spies.</li> +</ol> +</div></div> + +<p class="center">Cloth, <span class="pubend3">Illustrated Price,</span> per Volume, 50c.</p> + +<p class="center">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price.</p> + +<h2><span class="pubend1">Henry Altemus Company</span><br /> +<small>1326–1336 Vine <span class="pubend2">Street Philadelphia</span></small></h2> +</div> +<div class="tn"> +<p class="center">Transcriber's Note:</p> + +<p class="center">Chapter headings in the Contents do not match the headings in the main text.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants +by H. 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