Irving Hancock

“ They have seen no ship of any kind."
"It is well, sergeant," declared the lieutenant. "Faithfully serve the new republic of Calvoras, and you shall be rewarded. You may become a lieutenant, like myself, if you detect the coming of such a ship and report it in time. Think what it will mean to be a gentleman in the new and glorious republic."
"Never doubt my alertness, my lieutenant," begged Sergeant Penumbra, saluting and retiring when he received the signal.
"When a Mexican knows that an enemy is near, he is a marvel of watchfulness," whispered Carrick in Fleming's ear. ”

“ Two rifle bolts clicked ominously, and two rifle muzzles were pressed against the two dismayed captives.
In the camp, confused murmurs followed. Half a dozen soldiers ran up at once. Others could be heard following. With instant death as their portion in case of resistance, Carrick and Fleming wisely made no effort to draw their automatics. Had they been on their feet, they would have opened vigorous fire, then taken to their heels. ”

“ He is spending a part of his wicked plunderings in bringing in munitions of war to Calvoras. It is a clever way of gaining the hiding place and protection that he needs!"
With infinite care the Hound picked his way around the camp, under the deep shade of the trees. But on the northern side of the camp the two Americans, despite their stealth, made slight sounds that reached the ears of two Mexican sentries. This brown pair, after listening for an instant, slipped silently, on their bare feet, behind two tree trunks. Carrick and Fleming passed between the trees. ”