CHAPTER XIX.

WITH THE REGULAR ARMY.

Despite the escape of Don Rafael, the expedition had been a great success. All the other gun-runners, with the possible exception of the one whom Adrian knocked into the river, had either been captured or shot, the arms had been secured for evidence, and the boat, which had been so well used, had been captured.

"It's all very well for the Rangers," said Billie to Donald as they were climbing into bed that night, "but it hasn't helped me a bit. I am no nearer keeping my promise to Santiago than I was yesterday morning. In fact, I am further away, for Don Rafael will be more cautious than ever."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about it," replied Donald good-naturedly. "Go to bed and sleep over it. You may dream it out. Because we've done our best today 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 a vigorous shake of his head; "but as Donald says, the best thing to do now is to sleep over it," and he tumbled into bed and was soon sleeping as soundly as though he had not just been through an ordeal which would have been a memorable one even for one much more experienced than Broncho Billie.

The events of the morrow proved that sleeping over the matter was the very best thing that could have been done, because it was the last real good night's sleep the boys had for some time. While they were eating their breakfast the next morning, Capt. Peak came in and told them that a revolution against President Madero had already broken out and that General 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 active than ever to prevent gun-runners, smugglers--for gun-running is nothing less 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 be attached to some regiment of regular army cavalry, or at least we shall be under the direct orders of some United States officer, instead of working as state troops as we do in times of quiet. This will undoubtedly be the first step. After that, we can only guess as to what duty may be assigned us."

The Captain's prediction proved quite correct and before night it was announced that Captain Peak's company had been assigned to duty with the regulars under command of Col. Bliss.

During the day many rumors were afloat as to happenings across the river, but it was not until that night that the revolution developed in Presidio del Norte. Then firing was heard, and from the American side it could be seen that a skirmish of some sort was in progress.

It was while these events were shaping themselves that the Broncho Rider Boys held a council of war over their own future.

"We ought to be in El Paso now," said Donald, in reviewing the situation. "We are already past due and Billie's father will be greatly worried 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," replied Donald.

"Well, I'm sure Capt. Peak can get a message through for us," insisted Billie. "I feel more like staying here now than ever. I am sure I shall be able to get a line on Don Rafael, and if I can't capture him I may be able to help some one else do so."

"I feel a good deal like Billie," declared Adrian, "and I vote to notify Billie's father, if possible, and stay right here for a few days longer anyway."

"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' staff and 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 of the 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 getting worried."

"Of course you know the line is for purely military purposes?"

"Yes sir," was Billie's prompt reply, "and this message is a military necessity."

"Yes?" queried the Lieutenant. "How so?"

"Because it has to be sent to prevent Capt. Peak from losing our services."

Both the Lieutenant and Capt. Peak laughed heartily at Billie's witty reply, while the Lieutenant said forcibly:

"And that he cannot afford to do right now. We have already counted upon your 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 to volunteer for duty this minute."

"How about your companions?" asked the Lieutenant.

"We are like Dumas's three guardsmen," said Adrian. "'One for all and all for one.'"

"Then we'll consider the matter settled," said the Lieutenant. "Report here at seven o'clock this evening for instructions."

"Well," remarked Donald as the trio rode away, "I never expected to become a military scout."

"Nor I," declared Billie, "but neither did I ever expect to be christened Broncho Billie. I'll sure have some tales to tell when I get back east."

"Yes," laughed Adrian. "First thing you know you'll become a regular Buffalo 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?"