"Americanos!" they cried, and, tumbling off their burros, fell on
their knees in abject terror, as though expecting that their end
had come.
CHAPTER XV.
THE INSULT AVENGED.
Perceiving that the advantage was on their side, the boys did not
hesitate to profit by it.
"Do as we bid," ordered Donald sternly, "and your lives will be
saved. Disobey and we will not answer for the consequences."
The kneeling peons uttered never a word, but raised their eyes
with a look of surprise.
"Get up," was the next command.
The peons obeyed.
"Now conduct us to the water front by a route where there are no
Mexican soldiers."
"Do you think you can trust them?" asked Billie.
"At any sign of treachery, our first shot will be for them." Then
to the peons: "Now march."
Without a word the peons, five in number, started back over the
route by which they had come but a minute before.
"Where did the other American come from?" asked Billie of the
peon nearest him as they rode along.
"Quien sabe, senor," was the hesitating response. "We saw him
riding by and we followed him."
"That's the way with loud talkers," remarked Adrian. "When the
test comes they usually weaken."
The firing, which had somewhat subsided for a few minutes,
suddenly began again with renewed vigor, especially on the part
of the ships.
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