“What, where that brave stand against the enemy was made? Are you the two Americans whom every one is talking about? Great Heavens! come inside at once----” From the officer’s tone there was evidently something more than praise coming to them. Nobody realized better than Ned that their rash acts on the hill might result seriously. Of one thing he was glad. They had not worn the United States uniform when they played their part in the government army. As, with these mingled emotions, they turned to follow their officer, a sudden clatter resounded up the street, and two horsemen appeared. They were Midshipman Stark and Stanley. Lieutenant Timmons gave a half-humorous groan as he saw them. “Thank Heaven, you are alive!” he exclaimed, “but how on earth am I going to explain all this?” CHAPTER XXV. HOMEWARD BOUND--CONCLUSION. For an hour or more the consul and the naval officer sat spellbound as the four--for they each had a part to tell--related their adventures since they left the destroyer. “We gave you up for dead!” exclaimed the lieutenant, as they concluded. “In fact, to-day I was about to send cables home concerning you.” “But you didn’t, sir?” asked Midshipman Stark anxiously. “No, I did not, you young scamp. I don’t know, though, but that you deserve it.” But Colonel Thompson, the consul, was delighted. “Great Scott! Mr. Timmons!” he exclaimed, “it’s capital, sir, capital. These boys are of the real American stuff. They should be promoted, sir, every one of them.” “Unfortunately,” said the officer, “their services have been such as cannot be mentioned in the dispatches. At Washington they would not understand. But, at any rate, I have a pleasant surprise for those two boys.” He indicated Ned and Herc. Our boys colored with pleasure and anticipation at his tone. Eagerly they watched him as he drew from his uniform pocket two folded papers, one of which he handed to each. They were the long-awaited official confirmations of their promotions. No wonder the boys’ eyes shone as they regarded their superior officer. Their hearts were too full for words, but they looked their thanks. It was Ned who found his voice first. “Thank--you, sir,” he stammered, “I--we----” “There, don’t try to make speeches, Strong. You are too good a fighter for that,” laughed the officer. “I expect to see both of you rise far higher than this in the service.” “If it depends on us, sir, we will,” Ned assured him. “By the way,” broke in the consul, “about that document in which this young man is interested?” “Oh, yes, that will. Well, Strong, as I gather from your story, you have found the young woman to whom it belongs. I had better turn it over to you.” It was finally decided, however, to leave the document with the consul till the legal formalities, insuring Senorita de Guzman and her mother their rights, could be completed.