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"Yes, of course. I recall it well now. For the moment it had slipped my mind. My

grandfather who was a great traveler was there many times. I have heard him

speak of it often."

"But I did not summon you that we might discuss European geography,"

interrupted Pesita. "I sent for you to tell you that the stranger would not consent

to serve me unless I liberated his friend, the gringo, and that sneaking spy of a

Miguel. I was forced to yield, for we can use the stranger. So I have promised, my

dear captain, that I shall send them upon their road with a safe escort in the

morning, and you shall command the guard. Upon your life respect my promise,

Rozales; but if some of Villa's cutthroats should fall upon you, and in the battle,

while you were trying to defend the gringo and Miguel, both should be slain by

the bullets of the Villistas--ah, but it would be deplorable, Rozales, but it would

not be your fault. Who, indeed, could blame you who had fought well and risked

your men and yourself in the performance of your sacred duty? Rozales, should

such a thing occur what could I do in token of my great pleasure other than make

you a colonel?"

I shall defend them with my life, my general," cried Rozales, bowing low.

Good!" cried Pesita. "That is all."

Rozales started back toward the ring of smokers.

"Ah, Captain!" cried Pesita. "Another thing. Will you make it known to the other

officers that the stranger from Granavenoo is a captain and that it is my wish

that he be well treated, but not told so much as might injure him, or his

usefulness, about our sacred work of liberating poor, bleeding unhappy Mexico."

Again Rozales bowed and departed. This time he was not recalled.

Billy found Bridge and Miguel squatting on the ground with two dirty-faced peons

standing guard over them. The latter were some little distance away. They made

no objection when Billy approached the prisoners though they had looked in mild

surprise when they saw him crossing toward them without a guard.

Billy sat down beside Bridge, and broke into a laugh.

What's the joke?" asked Bridge. "Are we going to be hanged instead of being

shot?"

We ain't goin' to be either," said Billy, "an' I'm a captain. Whaddaya know about

that?"

204

The Mucker