ank within him for one brief moment. Had he made
a mistake in invading this house, only to find that his mission
was to be fruitless?

Then he suspected Mexican treachery.

"Pardon me," he urged in Spanish, "if I satisfy myself that you
are telling the truth. Stand where you are, all of you, and no
harm shall come to you. But don't make the mistake of moving
or of reaching for weapons."

Darrin strode swiftly past the group and stepped into a hallway,
in which were stairs leading above.

"Are there any Americans here," he shouted, "who want help? If
so, there are American sailors here ready to give aid."

From above there came a single exclamation of joy, followed by
a scurrying of feet.

From above sounded a voice demanding in Spanish:

"Shall I let the prisoners go?"

"You will have to," answered the same voice that had answered
Dave. "We are attacked by _los marineros Americanos_." (American
sailors).

For the men in the other room now knew that there were more than
these four seamen at hand. As soon as he heard voices inside Riley
had cleverly caused his men to walk about the house with heavy tread,
and the Mexicans believed themselves to be outnumbered.

"Is it true that there are American sailors below?" called a man's
husky voice.

"A detachment from the United States Navy, sir," Dave replied,
gleefully. "Are you Mr. Carmody?"

"Yes, yes!"

"Then bring down your party. We have force enough to resist any
attempt to hold you, and if any harm is offered you, we shall
avenge it. Shall I come upstairs for you, Mr. Carmody?"

"If you don't mind," answered the voice of the man above. "There
are two guards up here who seem undecided whether to shoot us
or to let us pass."

Instantly Ensign Darrin ran to the stairs, mounting them. Yet
he was careful to take no chance of being surprised in the dark,
for he well understood the treachery of the natives with whom
he had to deal.

However, Darrin reached the landing unattacked. Down the hallway
he saw an open door, through which a dim light shone. Before
the door were two Mexicans, each armed with a rifle.

"You will permit the American party to pass," Dave commanded,
bluntly, in the best Spanish that he had learned at Annapolis.

One of the sentries again called out loudly, demanding instructions
from below.

"You will have to let the prisoners pass," came from downstairs.

At that both sentries moved away from the door.

"Will you