CHAPTER XIX.
WITH THE REGULAR ARMY.
Despite the escape of Don Rafael, the expedition had been a greatsuccess. All the other gun-runners, with the possible exception of theone whom Adrian knocked into the river, had either been captured orshot, the arms had been secured for evidence, and the boat, which hadbeen so well used, had been captured.
"It's all very well for the Rangers," said Billie to Donald as they wereclimbing into bed that night, "but it hasn't helped me a bit. I am nonearer keeping my promise to Santiago than I was yesterday morning. Infact, I am further away, for Don Rafael will be more cautious thanever."
"Well, I wouldn't worry about it," replied Donald good-naturedly. "Go tobed and sleep over it. You may dream it out. Because we've done our besttoday is no sign we cannot do better tomorrow. We profit by experience,my father says. Our very failures make us try that much harder."
"That's a fact," declared Adrian. "I've proved that myself."
"It doesn't seem as though I could try much harder," said Billie, with avigorous shake of his head; "but as Donald says, the best thing to donow is to sleep over it," and he tumbled into bed and was soon sleepingas soundly as though he had not just been through an ordeal which wouldhave been a memorable one even for one much more experienced thanBroncho Billie.
The events of the morrow proved that sleeping over the matter was thevery best thing that could have been done, because it was the last realgood night's sleep the boys had for some time. While they were eatingtheir breakfast the next morning, Capt. Peak came in and told them thata revolution against President Madero had already broken out and thatGeneral Felix Diaz was attacking Vera Cruz.
"So you see," he added, "our predictions were pretty nearly correct."
"What effect will it have upon your work?" asked Donald.
"I expect it will increase it greatly. We shall have to be more activethan ever to prevent gun-runners, smugglers--for gun-running is nothingless than smuggling--from getting arms across the border."
"You seem to have done about all you can since we have known you,"laughed Adrian. "I don't see how you can do much more."
"Well, in the first place," explained Capt. Peak, "I expect we shall beattached to some regiment of regular army cavalry, or at least we shallbe under the direct orders of some United States officer, instead ofworking as state troops as we do in times of quiet. This willundoubtedly be the first step. After that, we can only guess as to whatduty may be assigned us."
The Captain's prediction proved quite correct and before night it wasannounced that Captain Peak's company had been assigned to duty with theregulars under command of Col. Bliss.
During the day many rumors were afloat as to happenings across theriver, but it was not until that night that the revolution developed inPresidio del Norte. Then firing was heard, and from the American side itcould be seen that a skirmish of some sort was in progress.
It was while these events were shaping themselves that the Broncho RiderBoys held a council of war over their own future.
"We ought to be in El Paso now," said Donald, in reviewing thesituation. "We are already past due and Billie's father will be greatlyworried at our non-appearance; but I don't know how we can help it."
"Can't we telegraph him?" asked Billie.
"There is nothing but a military line from here to Langtry," repliedDonald.
"Well, I'm sure Capt. Peak can get a message through for us," insistedBillie. "I feel more like staying here now than ever. I am sure I shallbe able to get a line on Don Rafael, and if I can't capture him I may beable to help some one else do so."
"I feel a good deal like Billie," declared Adrian, "and I vote to notifyBillie's father, if possible, and stay right here for a few days longeranyway."
"Two is a majority," said Donald, "so let's go and see what we can do."
They found Capt. Peak in conversation with a member of Col. Bliss' staffand made known their wants.
"These are the young men of whom I have just been speaking," said Capt.Peak to the officer. "Boys, I want to introduce you to Lieut. Grant ofthe regular army!"
The boys acknowledged the introduction.
"And so you want to get a message to El Paso," said the Lieutenant.
"If we can," replied Billie. "I am afraid my father will be gettingworried."
"Of course you know the line is for purely military purposes?"
"Yes sir," was Billie's prompt reply, "and this message is a militarynecessity."
"Yes?" queried the Lieutenant. "How so?"
"Because it has to be sent to prevent Capt. Peak from losing ourservices."
Both the Lieutenant and Capt. Peak laughed heartily at Billie's wittyreply, while the Lieutenant said forcibly:
"And that he cannot afford to do right now. We have already counted uponyour assistance in a little scouting expedition."
"Then the message can be sent?"
"Undoubtedly. Also, we will undertake to get you a reply."
"That is most kind of you," said Billie, "and for my part I am ready tovolunteer for duty this minute."
"How about your companions?" asked the Lieutenant.
"We are like Dumas's three guardsmen," said Adrian. "'One for all andall for one.'"
"Then we'll consider the matter settled," said the Lieutenant. "Reporthere at seven o'clock this evening for instructions."
"Well," remarked Donald as the trio rode away, "I never expected tobecome a military scout."
"Nor I," declared Billie, "but neither did I ever expect to bechristened Broncho Billie. I'll sure have some tales to tell when I getback east."
"Yes," laughed Adrian. "First thing you know you'll become a regularBuffalo Bill, and be running a Wild West show!"
"I shouldn't be at all surprised. In these days of rapid-fire methods,why not a circus?" asked Billie.
And the other two replied: "Why not?"