"I don't know what it means away out here," said Donald, "but wherever it is it means something. Come on!" and he dashed down the mountainside, followed by the others. CHAPTER XI. FRIENDS IN DISTRESS. Half an hour later the boys stopped beside a ruined wall in which was a still more ruined gate. It was the home of Gen. Luiz Blanco, whose wife and child it was that the boys had saved from the mountain lion. Above the house, on a lofty turret, waved the American flag--a fact which caused the boys to enter the gate and approach the house without hesitation. But when they reached the great front door leading into the patio, they found it shut and barred. Here they knocked loudly. For some minutes there was no reply, despite repeated knocks, but finally a voice called out in English: "Who's there?" "American boys in trouble." "What?" was the surprised reply. "Say it again, till I see if it is true." "It's true all right, all right," said Billie. "If you don't believe it we'll sing the 'Star Spangled Banner,' or 'Hail Columbia'." They could hear some one removing the bars and a moment later the gate swung open, and a huge, bewhiskered man in ragged garments and a Winchester rifle in his hand stood before them. "Come in quick," he commanded, "and let's get this gate barred. There is no knowing when that band of robbers will be back." "Robbers?" queried Billie, as he set the little girl on the ground and extended his hand to the man. "What robbers?" "They call themselves soldiers," and the man seized Billie's hand and gave it a mighty grip, which made even Broncho Billie wince, "but what do we care for them? With four Americans we can defy a hundred of them." Then, as Donald and Adrian finished barring the gate: "It's certainly good for sore eyes to see such faces," and he grasped each boy in turn. "Well, we're mighty glad to see you," replied Donald. "We expected to find the place deserted." "How did you know anything about the place?" "This lady told us it is her home." "What?" from the man. "Do you mean to tell me this is the Senora Blanco?" "Even so, Senor," replied the lady. "No one would recognize me in these rags and grief. Oh, Senor, had it not been for these brave Americans I should have been devoured by a lion." "You don't tell me. But I'd know they were the real thing. Their faces show it. But come, let's go into the house. You'll excuse me, Senora, for taking possession of your castle." "It is yours, Senor. Do with it as you will. But will you not do me the favor of your name?" "I beg your pardon, Senora. I had forgotten. I am Ebenezer Black, who owns the ranch across the valley. My daughter and I were out on a hunt for some lost cattle when we were waylaid by this so-called company of soldiers. I drove them off but my daughter was wounded and I made for this place. Finding no one at home, I took possession." "I am so glad, Senor. And where is your daughter now?"