.' We are known as the Broncho Rider Boys."

"Oh, Father," exclaimed the girl, "I've read about them. I have a
book some one sent me from the United States telling about their
adventures at the Keystone ranch."

"You don't say so," from her father. "I didn't know they were
such celebrities. Such being the case, young gentlemen, allow me
to introduce my daughter, Josephine, commonly called Josie. Now
then, how did you all come here?"

As briefly as possible Adrian related their adventures since they
left the City of Mexico the previous morning; told about the
information contained in the telegram from Gen. Maas, and wound
up by saying: "We may be at war with Mexico right now for all we
know."

"Well, now what do you think of that?" exclaimed Mr. Black. "I
just knew I had a reason when I hoisted that flag. It's one Josie
always carries in her saddle bags. It makes her feel safer, she
says."

"And I hope she is safer," exclaimed Billie, "with it waving over
her to-day, than she would be without it."

"At any rate she has more protection than she had a few hours
ago," ventured the senora. "I shall never forget how I was
protected."

"I'd feel a whole lot better," said Donald, "if I had some other
weapon. A Colt does very well in a tight place; but I certainly
miss my Marlin."

"We formerly had quite a supply of arms," was the explanation
offered by the senora, "but when Gen. Blanco went to join Gen.
Carranza he armed all his men and it took about everything we
had. However, there are a few weapons left--unless," she added as
an afterthought, "the Huerta soldiers have discovered their
hiding place."

She led the way to the cellar and pointed to a spot at one side.

"If you will brush away the dirt that covers the floor about
there," she said, "you will find a large slab. This can be
raised, and underneath there should still be several good
rifles."

Donald and Billie, who had accompanied her, while Adrian remained
up stairs with the others, quickly followed her instructions. The
edges of the slab were exposed to view and after some effort the
opening was revealed. In it were four rifles and an old-fashioned
cannon. The rifles were not of the latest make, but two were
magazine rifles and were a decided improvement over revolvers in
case it came to defending the house.

"I suppose that old cannon might be mounted on the roof somehow
and made effective," said Donald after he and Billie had
inspected the othe