"We formerly had quite a supply of arms," was the explanation offered by the senora, "but when Gen. Blanco went to join Gen. Carranza he armed all his men and it took about everything we had. However, there are a few weapons left--unless," she added as an afterthought, "the Huerta soldiers have discovered their hiding place." She led the way to the cellar and pointed to a spot at one side. "If you will brush away the dirt that covers the floor about there," she said, "you will find a large slab. This can be raised, and underneath there should still be several good rifles." Donald and Billie, who had accompanied her, while Adrian remained up stairs with the others, quickly followed her instructions. The edges of the slab were exposed to view and after some effort the opening was revealed. In it were four rifles and an old-fashioned cannon. The rifles were not of the latest make, but two were magazine rifles and were a decided improvement over revolvers in case it came to defending the house. "I suppose that old cannon might be mounted on the roof somehow and made effective," said Donald after he and Billie had inspected the other arms. Then to the senora: "Is there any ammunition?" "There was powder in that wine cask," she replied, "but I don't know whether there is any left. The balls for the cannon are on the roof." The boys examined the cask and found it contained quite a quantity of powder. Then they all returned to the library and made their report. "Not a very heavy armament to withstand a siege, is it?" was Mr. Black's comment. "Half a dozen rifles with about a hundred cartridges, an old cannon that might explode any minute, and four revolvers. It won't do." "What else can we do?" asked Billie. "Why, now that there are four of us, we'll cross the valley to my house. It is just as well located to withstand a siege as this and it is thoroughly armed and provisioned." "Suppose we have to fight?" "Then we'll fight." "But you forget your daughter and the senora and her child." "I didn't forget Josie," was the reply, "and, wounded as she is, she can take care of herself; but I don't know about the others. They would be a handicap. Have you anything better to offer?" Billie scratched his head. "Not for the moment." "Well, I have," exclaimed Adrian. "I thought it was about time Ad woke up," laughed Donald. "Let's have it." "Captain Lopez told us that there was a large body of Carranza's troops down the railroad a short distance. If he meant by a short distance six or eight miles they can not be more than a couple of miles from where we now are. I feel sure that the skirmish we passed through has proved disastrous to the Huerta forces and I am willing to go out and find Captain Lopez and bring relief." "And I'll go with you," said Billie.