Down the hallway he saw an open door, through which a dim light shone.

Before the door were two Mexicans, each armed with a rifle.
"You will permit the American party to pass," Dave commanded, bluntly, in the best Spanish that he had learned at Annapolis.
One of the sentries again called out loudly, demanding instructions from below.
"You will have to let the prisoners pass," came from downstairs.
At that both sentries moved away from the door.
"Will you be good enough to come out ?" Darrin called, keeping his eye on the two guards, who stood glowering sullenly at him.
He had not drawn his revolver, and did not wish to do so.
The door was cautiously opened and a man's head appeared.

One look at Dave and the door was flung wide by a tall, serious-eyed man whose hair was gray at the temples.
"Come," he called to those behind him.

"I see the uniform of our own Navy.

I never paid much attention to it before, but at thus moment it's the most welcome sight in the world." Head erect, shoulders thrown back, an expression of deep gratitude in his eyes, John Carmody stepped out into the hallway.
Behind him was a middle-aged woman, followed by two pretty girls.
Then came another woman, younger than the first, who led two boys, one of four years, the other of six.
"I was sent here," Dave announced, cap in hand, "to find and rescue John Carmody, his wife and two sons, and a Mrs.Deeming and her two daughters." "We are they," Mr.Carmody declared.
"Do you know of any other prisoners, Americans or otherwise, who are held here by the bandits, sir ?" Ensign Darrin inquired.
"I do not know of any other captives here," replied Mr.Carmody, promptly.