FIRST TO INVADE MEXICO


"Gentlemen," began Captain Gales, seriously, though there was
a pleasant smile on his face, "I imagine I have extremely pleasant
news for two of you. Commander Bainbridge and Lieutenant Trent
have already some idea of the news, but I will go over it again for
the benefit of all here."

"I may go on breathing again," Dave thought grimly. "Then this
communication can hardly be in reference to any complaint that
Cantor may have lodged against me."

"Messrs. Cantor, Darrin and Dalzell will tonight," resumed the
captain, "lead the first expeditions by United States forces that
have been made in a great many years."

Had war been declared? Both Dave and Dan fairly jumped with
eagerness.

"A letter, coming by some mysterious, round-about route," continued
Captain Gales, "has reached the American consul at Vera Cruz.
An American party, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmody and
two small sons, and of Mrs. Sarah Deeming and two daughters nineteen
and sixteen years of age, came down by muleback from the plateau
some three weeks ago. Carmody is a planter up in that part of
the country, and the Deemings were his guests. Different bands
of bandit raiders have visited the Carmody plantation from time
to time within the last two years, stealing stock and supplies,
and levying money blackmail, until Carmody found himself practically