they should with a good officer.

Darrin's course of action was as swiftly decided.

"Amigo," he replied, tranquilly. "Amigo de los prisoneros!" (Friends
of the prisoners).

By the time the second explanation had left his lips Dave had
bounded forward, struck aside the rifle, and had gripped the sentry
by the throat, bearing him to the ground.

A blow from one of the young ensign's fists, and the fellow lay
still.

Espying trouble from the rear, Coxswain Riley started his men
on a swift run toward the spot. In a few moments the sentry,
doubtless badly scared, had been gagged, and bound hand and foot
with the handy hitches of jack tars.

"Leave him there," Darrin directed in an undertone. "Coxswain,
post eight men around the house, and take command of them. I
will take the other four men with me."

Swiftly Darrin led his little squad around to the rear of the
house, since the front was closed and dark.

A doorway stood open, showing a room lighted by two candles that
stood on a table. Around the table were seven men, eating and
drinking. Plainly they had not heard the brief scuffle at the
front.