re he was soon deprived of his
coat, hat, and weapons. Then he was gagged and securely tied with
his own sabretasche.

Donald, being nearest the lieutenant's size, donned his uniform,
buckled on his sword, and with the order in his hand hastily
entered the car, closely followed by Billie, with the ready
revolver in his hand.

The captain had thrown aside his hat and was smoking a cigarette
in one of the easy seats as the boys entered. He gave them only a
hasty glance as he blew a cloud of smoke into the air, and the
next minute he was covered by Billie's weapon.

"Up with your hands!" was the stern order.

The captain hesitated, but a sharp prick from Donald's sword sent
the hands into the air.

In another minute the captain was disarmed.

"Now," said Donald sternly, "we'll see what all this trouble is
about."

He opened the telegram he held in his hand and read:

"American Admiral has given an ultimatum. Hold train and
passengers until further orders.
Maas."

"Who is Maas?" asked Donald sternly.

The captain shrugged his shoulders, but said nothing.

"You'll answer in just one minute, or you'll never have a chance
to answer another question," said Donald, as he stood with drawn
sword, while Billie covered the captain with his revolver.

"Would you murder an unarmed man?" asked the captain.

"I wouldn't consider it murder. Answer."

The look in Donald's eyes was not to be mistaken.

"Gen. Maas is in command of Vera Cruz," the captain said.

"Good. I think I see it all. If it is decided not to accede to
the ultimatum, it is proposed to hold the train load as
hostages."

The captain smiled.

"Now listen!" and Donald spoke very slowly so that every word
might find lodgment. "You have one chance for your life. Can you
guess what it is?"

The captain shook his head.

"To do just exactly as I bid. Just one little attempt to do
differently, and you are a dead man."

The captain scowled, but made no reply.

"Put on your hat and come with me. Order the passengers back on
to the train and give your engineer instructions to cover just as
much of the distance between here and Vera Cruz by daylight as he
knows how!"

The captain shrugged his shoulders as he arose from his seat.

"I see you think it will be easy to escape. Just put any such
idea out of your mind. There is no possible chance."

Donald turned to Billie.

"This is what must be