So you believe, sir, that the people of the United States are practically a unit for taking a strong hand in Mexican affairs ?" "The people of the United States have wanted just that action for at least two years," the consul answered.
"That was the way it looked to me," Dave nodded.

"By the way, sir, did you hear anything about an armed encounter between a naval party and Cosetta's bandits last night ?" "Why, yes," cried the consul, "and now I remember that the landing party was sent from your ship.

What can you tell me about that ?" Dave Darrin gave a brief account of the doings of the night before, though he did not mention the fact that he, himself, was in command of the landing party of rescuers.
"It was a plucky bit of work," commented the consul.
"Will that fight with Cosetta inflame the Mexican mind ?" Dave asked.
"It is likely to have something of that effect upon the Mexicans," the consul replied, "though Mexico can hardly make any legal objection to the affair, for Cosetta is a notorious bandit, and bandits have no rights.

The Mexican government appears to have been unable to rescue the prisoners, so the United States forces had an undoubted right to do so.

Do you know anything about this fellow, Cosetta, Mr.Darrin ?" "I never heard of him before yesterday," Dave confessed.
"He is a troublesome fellow, and rather dangerous.