"
"No, we are not. We have simply seized one port as a reprisal. To
send a cavalry force out into the country might bring on more
trouble."
"Well, I don't care!" exclaimed Adrian hotly. "I'll go and ask
him alone if you are afraid to go with me. I'm not going to leave
Jos--I mean Mr. Black and his daughter out there at the mercies
of these greasers. You hear me!"
"Oh, we'll go with you, all right!" said Billie. "But don't be
surprised if you don't get what you ask."
Accordingly the trio started for General Funston's headquarters.
After some delay they were admitted to his presence and Donald
showed him Mr. Black's letter.
The general perused it carefully and then remained silently
thoughtful for some moments.
"I wish I could do what our countryman asks," he finally said,
"but I do not see how I can. To send a force out nearly fifty
miles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purpose
for which I am here. I----"
"But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated and
perhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian.
The general smiled.
"Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. We
must use a little strategy."
"That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who went
out and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!"
Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at the
implied compliment.
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