"The gringos must be under the hotel, or in it!" At that announcement there was a swift rush toward the skylight.
Just before they reached it Darrin sprang into sight, followed by his men.

Short, sharp conflict followed.

Twelve Mexicans, three of them killed, went down, and two American sailormen had been wounded when the enemy sent up their appeal for "_piedad_," or quarter.
Saluting, a sailorman reported to Lieutenant Trent that Ensign Dalzell had found the American women in the annex of the hotel.
None had been injured, but all were much frightened.
Leaving a petty officer in charge on the roof, Trent turned to Dave to say: "Come along, Darrin.

We'll see what can be done for our countrywomen." Hastily descending, and following the messenger, the two officers were met at the door of a spacious room by Ensign Dalzell.
"Ladies," said Dan, turning, "here are Lieutenant Trent and Ensign Darrin.

The former commands this detachment." On the floor lay more than a dozen wounded Mexicans.
Two of the American women, having had nursing experience, had taken good care of the injured.
"Ladies," asked Lieutenant Trent, "have you been roughly treated by the Mexicans ?" "Far from it," said one of the women.