From the balcony of the city hall the Broncho Rider Boys watched the victorious army, with General Sanchez at its head, march into the town. As the column passed the place where the boys stood, the general caught sight of them as he glanced from right to left, and gave them a salute with his sword, which was followed by every member of his staff. The boys returned the salute, and a few minutes later were given a chorus of “_Vivas_,” as the troop of Villa passed the balcony.
The Americans who had taken part in the rescue of the boys had returned to the American side before it was light.
“I reckon we had better return, too,” said Donald, as the boys were talking the matter over a few minutes later.
“Yes,” replied Adrian, “I suppose we should go and make our report to Lieutenant Grant.”
“I can’t see that there is much to report,” declared Donald.
“Why,” exclaimed Billie, with a hearty laugh, “that the gun-running expedition has been abandoned for want of runners.”
“Don’t you think he has heard about it before this?” asked Adrian.
“Possibly,” and Billie chuckled to himself; “but that doesn’t relieve us from making our report. Besides (decidedly), I’m hungry, and there is nothing this side of the river fit to eat!”
“I thought there was some reason for the anxiety,” laughed Donald, “but at that, I think we should go and report.”
They made their way hastily to General Sanchez’s headquarters, where they were cordially received, although General Sanchez was so busy with the work of taking over the city that he could spare them but a moment. He thanked them, however, in the presence of all the officers for what they had done, and gave them an escort to the river.
“When these troublesome times are over,” he said, as the boys were leaving, “you must all come and pay Pedro a visit in the City of Mexico. We shall be most glad to see you.”
The boys thanked him for his invitation, and rode away.
It was not until they had enjoyed a good breakfast that they put in their appearance at Lieutenant Grant’s quarters. Here again they were cordially received, although, as they had expected, a report of what had happened on the other side of the river had already been made. Here, also, Billie found a telegram from his father, telling him that he could wait no longer in El Paso, and saying that he would write him about coming back East in the near future.