aving his hand, "except
Colonel Mendez, my chief."

"That is the same as yourself, general," replied Young Glory, bowing to
the officer who had been named.

When Young Glory had told them what his plan was, they were lost in
amazement.

"And you mean to do it?"

"Certainly. That's what I'm here for."

"Do you want any of my men?"

"If you can send some of them on the road with me to point out the way I
shall be glad, but they must not go near Valmosa. If they were seen with
me that would spoil all."

"Success to you, Young Glory," said the general, pressing his hand as he
was riding off.

"Oh! then you believe I'm Young Glory now?"

"Caramba! my friend, your deeds show that. There's not another man would
do such things. Adios."

Once more Young Glory was in the saddle with two of the patriots riding
alongside him. Under their guidance he made rapid progress.

"We must leave you now, senor," said one of the men.

"Thank you for coming."

"Yonder, where you see the lights is Valmosa. Goodness only knows how
you will reach it."

"Leave that to me."

Once more Young Glory was alone, riding rapidly to the scene of his
desperate undertaking.

"Halt!"

It was a challenge by the sentry. Young Glory had, of course, expected
this, and he was ready.

"Dispatches from Monterey!" he cried, instantly, thinking by so doing
that the sentry would not demand the watch-word for the night.

The scheme was successful. The sentry told him to advance, keeping his
rifle on him the while, until he had satisfied himself of the truth.

One look seemed to give him confidence.

"You are from Monterey, capitan?"

"Yes. I am Captain Ruiz Calderon."

"Pass, capitan."

One obstacle was surmounted. The rest was easy. In a few minutes Young
Glory found himself in Valmosa.

There all was excitement.

Instantly Young Glory went to the commandant of the garrison.

"If he knows Ruiz Calderon, I'm lost," was Young Glory's reflection as
he entered the commandant's room.

"A dispatch from General Lopez," said Young Glory, saluting.

The commandant took the letter and tore it open, scarcely giving Young
Glory a glance.

"So you are Captain Calderon?" he said, after reading the dispatch.

"Yes, colonel."

"General Lopez says you are a brave and energetic soldier."

Young Glory bowed.

"To-night you have work before you that will prove your strength. You
are to command the expedition that starts for Monterey."

"So