uspecting minds, Bob Harding was a fellow-countryman
in difficulty, and they treated him accordingly.

"Phew!" remarked Harding, slipping his reins over his arm, and
following Mr. Merrill within the stockade, "I had a tough time getting
away from those insurrectos."

The remark had just the effect he intended it should have. Mr. Merrill
regarded him with astonishment. Geisler muttered gutturally.

"The insurrectos!" exclaimed Mr. Merrill. "Are they near at hand?"

"They were," rejoined Bob Harding, secretly rejoicing to see how well
his plan was working, "but they are now in retreat. The government
troops met them near San Angelo, and drove them back to the west."

"I had no idea there were any government troops closer than Rosario."

"Nor had Madero's flying column, as he called it. But he found out a
few hours ago. In the confusion I escaped and rode on here. I have a
message for you from your son."

"My son! Good Heavens! Is Jack in the hands----"

"He was a prisoner of Madero, but he has escaped, and is now lying
wounded at a spot I will guide you to."

"Himmel! Yack Merrill a prisoner, alretty!" gasped Herr Geisler.

"Not only Master Merrill, but two boy friends of his, an old gentleman,
whom I should imagine was their instructor, and a cowboy."

"Yes, it must be them!" exclaimed Mr. Merrill. "But how, in the name
of all that's wonderful, did they come across the border? I thought
they were at the Haunted Mesa, in New Mexico."

"It is too long a story to relate to you now, senors," rejoined Bob
Harding, "I may tell you, though, that they are safe at the hacienda of
a friend. But your boy is seriously wounded, and must see you at once."

"Good Heavens, Geisler! This is terrible news, Mr.--Mr.----"

"Mr. Allen, of New York," put in Harding glibly.

"Terrible news that Mr. Allen of New York brings us. You were with
them, Mr. Allen?"

"I was, sir. In my capacity as war correspondent for the _Planet_, I
was with Madero's column. But, in the moment of defeat at the hands of
the regulars, the miserable greasers turned on me as a gringo. I was
compelled to flee for my life. First, however, I cut the bonds of our
young friends and their comrades, and under cover of night we escaped."

Bob Harding was certainly warming to his subject as he went along. Mr.
Merrill regarded him with gratitude.

"I've a horse in the stables, Mr. Allen," he said. "I'll saddle up,
right away, and accompany