The Argosy, August 1905 — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

= - “Then yet must have been close to bc peeenen ‘s lines, Did you learn any- oo ?- é hines eovering us in another second. Drop your hand and stop scowling your head off.” Bradley uttered a surly grunt, but the hand which grasped the pistol butt fell to his side. Allowing their mounts free rein, the two rode siraight toward the waiting Mexicans. It was not until scarcely a hundred feet separated them that Haddon drew rein. “Good-evening, sefiors; the night promises finely,” said he pleasantly. The Mexicans scowled from under their heavily braided sombreros. “ Whence come you, senor?” asked one sharply. “From the direction of the Rio Grande,” answered Haddon carelessly. “You will ride closer. We have orders to arrest all those who are riding alone after nightfall and cannot satisfactorily explain their business,” said the Mexican tersely. “Things were not so bad two weeks ago; at that time one might ride freely within the lines,” ventured Haddon. “But this is not two weeks ago. I demand to know who you are.” “We are of General Valencia’s com- mand, on special duty,” replied Haddon promptly. * Have you any papers? Last night a man, stopped two miles nearer Chalco, claimed to be straight from the Senor Colonel Moliero. He is now a prisoner and will die at sunrise.” During this short and sinister speech Haddon was fumbling in the breast of his loose Mexican jacket. After a few seconds he produced a folded paper and extended his hand. The Mexican advanced a few paces and took the document, holding it close to his eyes in the fading light. After a time he looked up. “This seems regular. I see you are special scouts, senor. You are going to haleo? ” He spoke in a changed tone. “for to-night only, after which we must push on to the capital, In truth, “we need some rest, having ridden for twenty hours.” THE ARGOSY. “Among other things, that the Americans are undecided. They would push forward, but are uncertaim as to which road to take.” : : Haddon began to roll idly a cigaretie. Then he added carelessly : “They are sending out scouting par- ties. We narrowly escaped capture by one of them.” So?” said the Mexican dryly. “Well, such ones will be gobbled up before they have ridden far this way. Mazatlan will see to that.” “Then Mazatlan is in the north?” Haddon asked the question with well- assumed carelessness. “ He was five miles south of Chalco this morning, but while the Americans are riding one mile he will go five and strike quickly. You ean depend oa Mazatlan, senor; those scouting par- ties will be eaten, one by one.” “Tet us trust so, for the Americans are dreadfully in earnest. Perhaps we shall even: meet Mazatlan as he rides northward ? ” The Mexican officer shrugged his shoulders. “Who can tell?” said he. “ But if you do, best stick that paper on a lance with Valencia’s name uppermost. Mazatlan kills first and examines into things afterward. Now, if he had taken the man of whom I spoke, we should not have the pleasure of seeing him die at sunrise at the edge of a half-circle.” Haddon hesitated for the briefest sec- ond, then asked: _ “The man of whom you were speak- ing—I had quite forgotten about him; is he, then, a spy? ” The Mexican was tightening his rein. “It would appear so, though he ean- not be made to open his mouth. It is sufficient he was taken riding through our army, and—a little serubbing made his face whiter. Those who stain their skin do so for a purpose, sefor.” “ We will tarry at Chaleo until after aides such a sight is worth seeing. 1e Tellow 1s confined see 2?” ven- tured Haddon. 7 SecOReD 2 etm 2 Nave no fear of that. The old stone house in the center of the town is strong enone. to make a good fortress.” _tladdon saluted gravel his horse to one ie ‘The ‘Movies