CHAPTER XX.
THE SKIRMISH AT THE DILIGENCIA Trent saw his reinforcements approaching, and advanced to pick them up and add them to his command.
The column, now a strong one for patrol purposes, turned at right angles at the first corner, and marched on into the city, from the further side of which came the sound of firing.
Every man with the column carried a hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition.

A machine gun was trailed along at the rear, in the event that it might be wanted.
Less than half a mile from the start, Lieutenant Trent's command sighted the American advance line ahead.

Some of the seamen and marines in this advanced line occupied rooftops and kept up a variable, crackling fire.
As Trent approached the line, a lieutenant-commander approached him.
"Do you come to reinforce us, Lieutenant ?" he inquired.
"No, sir," Trent answered.

"We are to patrol, and to took out for Americans and other foreigners who may be in danger." "Then I would caution you, Lieutenant, that this is the outer line.

If you get ahead of us, take extreme care that you do nothing to lead us to mistake you for Mexicans." "I shall be extremely cautious, sir," Trent replied, saluting, then marched his command through the line and on up the street.
"Good luck to you," called several of the sailors in the line.
"Bring us back a few Mexicans!" "We'd like to, all right," replied Riley, in an undertone.
"Ensign Darrin, take a petty officer and four men and lead a point," Lieutenant Trent ordered.