"I wish I could do what our countryman asks," he finally said, "but I do not see how I can. To send a force out nearly fifty miles, even for such a service, would be overstepping the purpose for which I am here. I----" "But you wouldn't leave them out there to be mistreated and perhaps killed, would you?" interrupted Adrian. The general smiled. "Such is not my intention; but we must plan some other way. We must use a little strategy." "That's right!" exclaimed Billie, "and I'll bet the man who went out and rounded up Aguinaldo will know how to do it!" Again the general smiled broadly, evidently well pleased at the implied compliment. "I'll do the best I can," he said quietly, "but I am not very familiar with the lay of the land. You boys have had some experience. Perhaps you can suggest something." Adrian said nothing, and Donald scratched his head. It was Billie who spoke. "I was just wondering, General," he said, "if some of the men wouldn't like to take a little horseback ride and see something of the country." "Well, now, perhaps they might," assented the general. "We could show them some mighty fine scenery, sir." "By the moonlight, I suppose?" "Yes, sir. By the moonlight and early sunrise." "And about how many would you like to take on this picnic?" "Well," replied Billie, squinting up one eye, "I was thinking that Adrian and I might take out about ten to-night. Then about the same time to-morrow night Don could take another ten. We would probably meet somewhere in the mountains and watch the sun rise." "A very nice plan," said the general, "and one of which I approve. You may ask Lieutenant Grant to make enquiries among the men in his company and see if there are any who would like to be given two or three days' leave for such a purpose." "Thank you, sir!" and Billie touched his hat in true military style. "And you might say to the lieutenant," was General Funston's parting words, "that I should be glad to hear later how the men enjoyed their ride. I think, now that the boys are down here, they should be given a chance to see the country." "Billie, you have the making of a great general," was Donald's comment as they left the general's quarters. "How did you think of it?" "I remembered my experience when I wanted men to help me get you and Ad out of trouble in Presidio. Lieutenant Grant will know all about it." And so he did. In less than half an hour ten regulars, some of them but very little older than Billie and Adrian, were ready for the ride which Billie had proposed and which in his mind would be as far as Moreno. "You are sure ten will be enough?" asked Lieutenant Grant. "Sure! Twelve Americans are enough to lick fifty Mexicans if it comes to that; and besides we shall have Mr. Black and Josie. He's as good as four." "And don't forget the reinforcements, if they are needed," laughed Donald. "We will be right on the spot where we saw the sun rise the first morning after we left Moreno."