go out through the kitchen if he had to," was
the ready reply.

"Yes, I suppose he could. We must do better than that."

"I'll tell you," said Adrian. "I'll go over and speak to that
soldier in English. If it is Strong, he will hear me and will
involuntarily make some move. If he wants to make himself known,
he will. If he does not do so, we will simply sit here till he
goes out and then shadow him."

"That sounds good. Go over and say 'Howdy' to the soldier."

Adrian arose from his seat and stepped over to the soldier.

"Hello, partner!" was his somewhat noisy greeting. "Won't you
come over to our table?"

"Why, sure, neighbor! I was just thinking that I was getting
mighty lonesome."

He arose from his chair and took a seat beside Donald, who had
been observing Strong closely. There could be no doubt that he
had been attracted by Adrian's voice, but he gave no intimation
that he knew the boys.

"Glad to see you," said Donald, without taking his eyes from his
man. "Won't you have another cup of coffee?"

"Bet your life, neighbor!" Then as he lighted a fresh cigarette:
"Smoke?"

"Never learned!" laughed Donald. "Seems mighty funny down here,
doesn't it?"

"Sure does; but you're just as well off without it. Live here?"

"No," replied Adrian; "we were on our way home and got stuck!"

"What's the matter?" asked the soldier, with much concern. "Out
of coin?"

"We haven't much; but Gen. Funston has promised to find us
passage home in a few days. Our friend saw him early this
morning," this latter remark expressly for Strong's ears.

"If he told you he'd do it, he will," said the soldier. "You can
bet on him every time."

It was very evident from Strong's actions that he was taking in
every word of the conversation, which was in English and in an
unusually loud voice. He pretended to eat, then leaned over and
said something to his companion, and a minute later arose from
the table and hastily quitted the place.

But the boys were not to be fooled. They sprang from the table
and hastily followed, Donald throwing a greenback to the cashier
which more than doubly paid the bill.

Their sudden action did not escape the soldier, who, attributing
it to another cause, also hastily quitted the cantina.

As the boys emerged into the street, they saw Strong hastening
away in the direction of the custom house.

"Going to lose himself in the crowd," said Donald. "Don't let him
get out of your sight."

"What'