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 kind of an officer, an' 'twould be no great job at all to hold them fellers off till we could slip away with colors flyin'. You can't trust them fellers, sir. An' if you'll only give us the orders, sir, we'll hand out a dose of Yankee Doodle; eh, boys?"

"Yes, sir! We're ready for a dust, cap'n, sir. We'd rather trust to our muskets than to those Spanish. We're not afeared of 'em."

"That will do," Lieutenant Pike answered, but not unkindly. "You're brave lads. I know I can depend on you—and with you I'd like to test our defences at which you've worked so faithfully. But we are marching of our own free will, and shall retain our arms. My orders are to avoid a conflict with the Mexican forces, unless attacked. Since we are unfortunately in Spanish territory, it will be better if we proceed boldly to the New Mexican capital, at the invitation of the governor, rather than put ourselves in the wrong by resistance."

"Yes, sir. If you say so, sir," they replied, with glum faces.

"Corporal, you may draw the sentries in," continued the lieutenant "The Spanish soldiers are to be allowed to move freely outside of the works. Some of the men may meet them, to treat them civilly, for I wish no sign of suspicion to be shown."

The two Spanish officers had gone to their troops.