under headway; a second later the last
coach passed them and in another minute the tail lights were
disappearing in the darkness.

"It looks to me," remarked Adrian with a long breath, "as though
we were in the consomme."

"Perhaps," was Donald's laconic reply, "but those women and
children will be safe in Vera Cruz under the guns of Admiral
Fletcher's fleet by daylight, or I'm greatly mistaken."

"And what are we going to do with our friend the captain?"
queried Billie.

"He'll have to accept our hospitality under the stars until
morning and then we'll see."

In telling about his experiences later Billie said it was the
longest and the shortest night he ever knew. It seemed a long
time for daylight, but it seemed a short time for the train which
was bearing his countrymen to safety.

When day finally began to break, the first thing that became
visible was the snow-tipped peak of Mt. Orizaba, against which
the sun threw his brilliant rays long before he could be seen
above the horizon. It was a beautiful sight and the boys voiced
their admiration with many exclamations of delight. Then they
turned their attention to the more serious thoughts for the day.

The first thing they did was to release the lieutenant from his
unpleasant predicament and restore to him his uniform.

"We should like to return you your arms also," said Donald, "but
your government took ours from us and I think we shall have to
keep yours in their place."

Neither of the officers made any reply, but their dark looks
boded no good for the boys.

"You might just as well look pleasant," laughed Billie. "All is
fair in love and war."

"We'll make you sing a different song when we get you in Vera
Cruz," said the captain.

"And when do you think that will be, Captain?" queried Adrian.

"As soon as the next train comes along."

"Oh, that's it, is it?" said Donald. "That being the case, I
guess we will not wait for another train. By the way, how far is
it to Vera Cruz?"

"About a hundred kilometers."

"That's about eighty-four miles, isn't it, Ad?"

"Just about."

"And it's down hill pretty much all the way, isn't it?"

"I should say so by looking down the valley."

"A right nice little walk, Captain. Let's be going. We ought to
make it easily in four days."

At this cordial invitation the captain lost his temper.

"Carramba!" he exclaimed. "Am I a boy to be made sport of? I will
not go. If you wish me to go you will have to