Silently, so as not to alarm those within the house, the
men took their way to the front of the mansion, which was at once
recognized as one of the finest in Vera Cruz.
"Do you know who lives here?" asked the officer.
"No, sir," replied Donald.
"I was told it was the residence of one of Huerta's generals,"
said a soldier. "It was pointed out to me the first day we
landed."
"Good!" from the officer. "I shall now have no compunction about
entering the place."
With Donald and a couple of soldiers, the officer approached the
door and gave a vigorous knock.
There was no response and he knocked again.
"Who is there?" finally came a voice, evidently a mozo.
"An American officer. Open the door in the name of the law."
There was a still further delay and then another voice asked:
"How do we know it is an officer?"
"Open and find out, before I force the door."
There was a still further delay.
"It's a good thing we guarded the rear," said Donald. "They are
evidently trying to gain time to spirit Lieut. Grimes away,
thinking it is Gen. Funston."
"True," said the officer. "We'll wait no longer. Corporal, force
the door!"
The corporal placed a small stick of dynamite under the door and
fixed a fuse.
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