"Well," said Adrian in an aside, "I don't see why you should object to that." "Who said I objected?" demanded Billie. "It is the young woman who objects." "But whoever supposed he had a daughter?" said Donald. "Not I," from Billie. "But this is certainly a queer mess." Then to Lucia: "How long has he been in this way, Senorita?" "Only a few days. Since this trouble with the Americanos." "But how could that affect him?" "It is a long story, senor. For years he has been trying to overthrow the government. When Madero was made president, he was happy. Then came that awful tragedy, by which Madero was killed. Since that time he has not been himself. But when it became evident that the United States would interfere he became as you have seen him to-day." "When I told him that all the United States wanted was to get rid of Huerta, he was much pleased," explained Billie. "That was when he proposed to make me his heir." Lucia's cheeks grew red, as she asked: "And did you accept his proposal?" "I neither accepted nor rejected. I just followed him in to see what would happen next." "But would you accept?" insisted Lucia. "That depends," replied Billie, with a touch of color in his own face. "But what had we better do now? You and I will discuss the other question later." "The best thing we can do," interposed Donald, "is to report to Lieutenant Blunt. Isn't there some place, Senorita, where your father can be placed for safe-keeping?" "He will be perfectly safe here with me, senors, if the servants are allowed to remain." "They certainly will be," declared Billie. "I will personally vouch for that. We have done Captain Rush a good turn to-day and I know he will be glad to do that much for us. And besides, the Americans will harm no one." Lucia gave Billie a grateful look as she replied: "Ah, senor, I shall trust it all to you. I can see that you are a friend of my father and I know you are telling the truth." "You bet you can trust me," was Billie's emphatic reply. "Come on, fellows, let's go look after my horse." In the door Billie turned: "I'll leave my robe in the cupboard, Senorita; and, if you don't mind, I'll ask Lieutenant Blunt to make himself at home in the patio." "The house is yours, senor. Do as you think best." "By George!" exclaimed Adrian as they descended the stairs to the patio, "this is getting serious." "What?" queried Donald. "Why this affair of Billie and the young lady we have just left." "Nonsense!" from Billie. "It isn't half as serious as what I saw at Moreno." "No!" laughed Donald. "I saw that myself; but Josie is an American. Hey, Ad?" "I don't think it's very nice to be making remarks about young ladies in their absence," retorted Adrian, bristling up. "Oh, come now, Adrian!" laughed Billie. "You started it. But what do you make out of Santiago?" "He's evidently a rich old chap with a bug. That's all."