CHAPTER XVI.
IN THE THICK OF THE SNIPING Upon the landing of the first men, the Mexican custom house had been seized.
The seizure of the post-office and the cable station quickly followed.
Lieutenant Trent did not halt on the dock.

Forming his men even while moving forward, Trent kept his command moving fast.
Dave was near the head of the little column, on the right flank.
Dan was near the rear.
For some distance Trent marched his men, hundreds of curious Mexicans parting to make way for the advance of the little detachment.
Finally Trent halted his men not far from the gray walls of the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa.
"I wonder if our job is to take that fortress ?" murmured Dalzell, dryly.
"If that's our job," smiled Darrin, "we'll have fighting enough to suit even your hot young blood.

But I don't believe we're cut out to take the castle.

Look at the transport '_Prairie_.' Her guns are but five hundred yards away, and trained on the fort.
If anyone in San Juan opens on us the '_Prairie_' will be able to blow the old fort clean off the map." "What can we be waiting for ?" asked Dan, fidgeting.
"I've an idea that we shall find out soon enough," Dave replied.
Dalzell glanced appealingly at Lieutenant Trent, who stepped over to say: "I see you both want to know what we're to do.

My orders are only general, and rather vague.