"Yes. He went into this house here," pointing to the building before which he had stationed himself, "and when I went in later to see how he was coming on with his wounded horse, I found the horse standing in the middle of the patio, but your chum had disappeared." "And then what?" queried Donald. "Nothing. I made up my mind he had gone after something to put on his horse and I haven't thought much about him since." "Then it's up to us to find him. Can we go inside?" "Sure," laughed the lieutenant. "Go as far as you like, only keep inside the lines." Without more words the boys entered the patio. CHAPTER XVII. BILLIE GETS A SURPRISE. When Billie found himself looking into the muzzle of a rifle in the hands of Santiago, his first impulse was to call out; but the expression on Santiago's face caused him to remain silent. While the strange man owed his life to the lad, as is related in the story of the "Broncho Rider Boys with the Texas Rangers," there was that in the man's face which told that he was under a severe mental strain, and Billie did not think it wise to presume upon his former friendship. Therefore, he remained quiet, waiting for Santiago to speak. If he recognized Billie, he gave no intimation of the fact; but in a harsh voice commanded: "Up with your hands!" Billie obeyed. "Turn to the left and march. In there," he continued a moment later as Billie approached an open door in the rear of the patio. Into the house Billie went--into a large room, but dimly lighted. Santiago followed, closing the door behind him with a kick. "Why shouldn't I shoot you down like a dog?" asked Santiago as soon as the door was closed. "I can't see any reason," was the reply, "except that it might cause you a lot of trouble when it was found out. I imagine that Admiral Fletcher is going to be pretty severe upon snipers and others who shoot Americans." "Bah!" exclaimed Santiago angrily. "I spit upon Americans! Bah!" "That's all right," Billie agreed, "if it's the way you feel about it." "Just because you Americans have driven away a few soldiers with the guns of your great fleet, you don't think you can conquer Mexico, do you?" "I hadn't thought much about it." "Then it's time you did, as you may never have another chance." "Well, then," explained Billie, "I'll tell you how it looks to me. You might a great deal better be governed by the United States than by a man like Huerta." "Huerta! Huerta!" fairly screamed Santiago. "He is not the governor of Mexico." "No," from Billie. "He calls himself the provisional president. In reality he is a dictator." "He is a murderer!" shouted the thoroughly excited man. "Then what are you worrying about? All that the Americans want is to get rid of Huerta. They don't want Mexico. Didn't you know that, Santiago?" "What? Who calls me Santiago? I am Ixtazhl, Prince of the Aztecs and guardian of the treasures of Montezuma. Who calls me Santiago?"