esident
Madero---had not been recognized as president by the United States.
Some of Madero's friends and former followers, styling themselves
the "Constitutionalists" had taken to the field in rebellion against
the proclaimed authority of the dictator, Huerta. The two factions
had long fought fiercely, and between the two warring parties that
had rapidly reduced life in Mexico, to a state of anarchy, scores
of Americans had been executed through spite, as it was alleged,
and American women and children had also suffered at the hands of
both factions.

Lives and property of citizens of European governments had been
sacrificed, and now these European governments looked askance
at the Washington government, which was expected to safeguard
the rights of foreigners in Mexico.

To the disappointment and even the resentment of a large part
of the people of the United States, the Washington government
had moved slowly, expressing its hope that right would triumph
in Mexico without outside armed interference.

This policy of the national administration had become known as
watchful waiting. Many approved of it; other Americans demanded
a policy of active intervention in Mexico to end the uncertainty
and the misery caused by the helpless of many nations, who were
ground between the opposing factions of revolution in Mexico.

With this brief explanation we will once more turn to the fortunes
of Ensigns Dave and Dan.

At 6.45 the next morning the telephone bell began to tinkle in
Dave's room. It continued to ring until Darrin rose, took down
the receiver, and expressed, to the clerk, on duty below, his
thanks for having been called.

"Turn out, Danny Grin!" Darry shouted from the bathroom. "Come,
now, sir! Show a foot! Show a foot, sir!"

Drowsily, Dalzell thrust one bare foot out from under the sheet.

"Are you awake in sea-going order, sir?" Dave asked, jovially.

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Then remain awake, Mr. Dalzell, until I have been through the
motions of a cold bath."

With that Darrin shut the door. From the bathroom came the sounds
of a shower, followed by much splashing.

"Turn out the port watch, Mr. Dalzell," came, presently, through
the closed bathroom door. "The bathroom watch is yours. Hose
down, sir."

With that Dave stepped into his own room to dress. It was not
long before the two young naval officers left their rooms, each
carrying a suit case. To the top of each case was strapped a
sword