The week following the occupation of Vera Cruz by the American
forces was a busy one for our boys. Because of their intimate
knowledge with the Spanish language, they were continually in
demand. There was never a verbal message from the American
Admiral to some Mexican official but what they were called upon,
and they very soon made friends of every Jackie and marine in the
city.
Ten days later the boys stood upon the wharf awaiting the arrival
of the first boatload of General Funston's regulars from the big
transports which had anchored in the harbor the night before.
Because of the shallowness of the water, everything in Vera Cruz
harbor has to be brought ashore in small boats, known as
lighters. As the boys watched the first of these to approach
there was something in the face and bearing of the officer in
command which attracted their attention.
"By George!" exclaimed Donald, "I seem to know that face. Don't
you, Billie?"
"Does look kind o' familiar. Where have we seen him?"
"I'll tell you!" cried Adrian. "It's the lieutenant who was in
charge of the patrol on the Rio Grande."
"Lieutenant Grant!" exclaimed Billie. "Sure as you're born. Well
this is luck!"
"Luck? What do you mean?"
"Why, maybe he'll be able to tell me whatever became of those
drafts for ten thousand pounds that I took from old Don Pablo.
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