attempt to hold you, and if any harm is offered you, we shall
avenge it. Shall I come upstairs for you, Mr. Carmody?"

"If you don't mind," answered the voice of the man above. "There
are two guards up here who seem undecided whether to shoot us
or to let us pass."

Instantly Ensign Darrin ran to the stairs, mounting them. Yet
he was careful to take no chance of being surprised in the dark,
for he well understood the treachery of the natives with whom
he had to deal.

However, Darrin reached the landing unattacked. Down the hallway
he saw an open door, through which a dim light shone. Before
the door were two Mexicans, each armed with a rifle.

"You will permit the American party to pass," Dave commanded,
bluntly, in the best Spanish that he had learned at Annapolis.

One of the sentries again called out loudly, demanding instructions
from below.

"You will have to let the prisoners pass," came from downstairs.

At that both sentries moved away from the door.

"Will you be good enough to come out?" Darrin called, keeping
his eye on the two guards, who stood glowering sullenly at him.
He had not drawn his revolver, and did not wish to do so.