The Argosy, August 1905 — page 30: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

an fT + wi ‘ ‘ —“. x and I am not over fond of walking, senor. “hen there is another reason. The Americans at the pass would not run from their position at the word of a Mexican. They would remain fortify themselves, and the result would be the same, for Santa Anna is de- termined, and will send two small can- non.” “Then the soldiers have not yet started?” asked Haddon quickly. “Tt-was to be to-morrow moruing, and they will travel slowly. You sce, Santa Anna understands the method of the Americans; such ones are com- manded to hold the pass; he can take a reasonable time. They will be there when his men arrive.” A grim smile crossed the general’s lips. ECT is God’s truth,” said he. “‘ Smith will not budge short of an order direct from headquarters. I fancied the guer- rilleros might trouble him considerably, but a force of three thousand men—he must vacate the pass, lieutenant.” Then, drawing the open map before him: “ Ask him how long will be required for the Mexicans to reach El Vidio, and the shortest direct route across the mountams from here thither.” “Tt will take the soldiers two days, perhaps a little more; in thirty-two hours one might peach the pass from this place—if he knew the way over the mountains,’ answered Perote. The Virginian’s eyes were dancing, but he spoke very quietly. “Might I request to be detailed to carry your order to Major Smith, and perhaps this man will act as a guide _ across the mountains ? ” General Taylor seemed to hesitate. “Under ordinary conditions I would grant your request most willingly, but —TI haye already outlined another duty, au imperative errand, for you, lieuten- ant. But if this fellow will consent to guide a courier to the pass, tell him he will he amply rewarded.” “Tt was my purpose to ask you to accompany me across the mountains to dio, sefor, but other duties will o-*5> ay r Tene here. Would fou, however, > ‘ ae 4 0 a BS to warn my coun try- > 2 fe @ x “- - Re » - oN.) or ‘x, 2 — ~ arr anc: esa THE ARGOSY. men?” asked Haddon, turning to the Mexican. Perote nodded grimly. “ise I did so, my time has been wasted, for if any one went by the longer and known way he would arrive at El Vidio behind Santa Anna’s sol- diers.”’ “The fellow is terribly in earnest to “injure Santa Anna, and we can do no less than trust him. See that he is pre- vided for, and return in half an hour, lieutenant,” said General Taylor when Haddon had translated the ex- innkeeper’s answer. The Virginian led Perote to his own quarters. ~“ Vou will eat and rest here until General Taylor demands your presence, sehor. If there is anything you want, tell me,” said he. Perote rolled a cigarette. “Nothing but a little sleep, for I have not closed my eyes for forty-eight hours; the seiior has but to touch me and I will be ready.” The man spoke quietly. Twenty minutes later, stretched upon Haddon’s cot, his scarred face hidden by his arm, he was sleeping soundly. At the end of half an hour the leu- tenant presented himself, for the sec- ond time that afternoon, at head- quarters. General Taylor greeted him gravely. “Lieutenant,” said he, “I am in- formed by Colonel Harney that you are familiar with the country to the south, and I know you converse freely in the Spanish language. It has also come under my personal observation that you are a man of tried coolness and courage in the face of danger; this has been con- firmed by your immediate superiors.” Maddon’s face reddened under its_ coating of tan, tinued quietly. “T have not, however, called you here to pass compliments, but for a more se- Tous purpose. <A vital moyement is in contemplation and—we do not eare to take a step in the dark, “Le 3a unpera tive that a man of mown coolness and braver ected to dispel this darkness, Will aR take to penetrate into the enemy’s country in the character of aspy?? — The commander con- “y! 4 - * — swt fe. ‘ l= a ae * al : pass omicbooks A * é ~ .com