d the oldest of the three chums, was almost as tall
as the six-foot Bob, but of more slender build than that gridiron
warrior. He had the build of a thoroughbred, long legs, flat hips,
trim waist, deep chest and broad shoulders and a flat back. Both at
dashes and distance running Jack easily was supreme at Harrington Hall
Military Academy, which all three boys attended. Like Bob he was fair
and had curling chestnut hair. His eyes were blue and lively, his
features not too regular. Altogether, he was a striking figure.

Today he was dressed in khaki shirt and breeches. Instead of puttees
he wore high, laced leather boots that reached to his knees. On his
head, pushed back so that his wavy hair showed in front, was a
wide-brimmed sombrero. By his side, suspended from a cartridge belt,
swung an automatic revolver in its holster. This was the outfit so
admired by his chums from the East, trim in their light-weight summer
suits of the latest cut and wearing low tan shoes more adapted for
city streets than for the sands stretching inimitably on every hand.

"We've worried considerably while aboard the train, Jack," said Mr.
Temple, "for fear something dire might happen to you these last two or
three days. I'm glad to see you are all right. Any word from your
father?"

Jack shook his head in negation. "Not a word," said he, "since those
two rascals picked him up in your airplane and headed for Old Mexico."

"Well, don't worry, Jack," said Mr. Temple. "I don't believe his life
is in danger."

"I'm trying not to worry, sir," said Jack. "But now that you and the
fellows are here, we shall have to get busy at once. It has been
pretty hard to wait for you. I wanted to ride into Old Mexico myself
at once."

Bags in hand the group was moving to the rear of the station, and now
came in sight of a ramshackle automobile with a Mexican at the wheel,
easily distinguished by his swarthy coloring and his ragged mustaches,
as well as by his peculiar dress--a steep crowned hat like a sugar
loaf, with a very wide brim, a tight bolero jacket that did not reach
to the waist and disclosed a dark blue silken shirt beneath and
tight-fitting trousers that flared at the bottom.

"That is Remedios and his flivver," explained Jack. "He does odd jobs
all through this region. I hired him to take us out to camp. But
before we climb aboard, take a look at this view."

Obediently, they paused and gazed at the surrounding country. In the
foreground