Mr. Carmody obeyed without hesitation. One after another the
trembling women followed, Mrs. Carmody leading her two young sons.

Out in the hallway Mr. Carmody caught sight of the sailors, who
stood revealed in the light of the room, as with watchful eyes
they held the seven Mexicans at bay.

"Mr. Carmody," called Dave, just before he entered that room,
"I will ask you to lead your party out of doors. You will find
other American sailors there, sir."

Entering the room, Dave stood, cap still in hand, until the last
of the American women had passed into the open. Then, replacing
his cap, the young naval officer turned to the Mexican who had
spoken to the others and who now stood sullenly eyeing the sailors.

"I have carried out my orders," Dave declared, in Spanish. "I
regret that I have no authority to punish you as you deserve.
Instead, therefore, I will wish you good night."

Signing to his sailors to pass out before him, Dave was the last
to leave the room. All four of the young sailors, however, stood
just outside, where their rifles might sweep the room, at need,
until their officer had passed out.

"Hicks," called Dave, to one of the party of sailors who had surrounded
the house, "lead these people to the water. The rest of us will
bring up the rear."