The Argosy, August 1905 — page 69: what you’re looking at

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

hi it, what H he vetieved to be the tre ion sated fhrobel his brain. ip had been trying to fathom the motives of a madman. This Mexican, who one day betrayed Santa Anna and the next turned with brutal ferocity against the Americans, had been rendered insane by his sufferings, Senor Perote, or Mazatlan, as one chose, was a maniac whose acts were prompted by the workings of a diseased brain. Now thoroughly upon his guard, the Virginian parried a second stroke of the flashing saber, and even though he knew the Mexican was trying desperately to eut him down, he resolved if possible to spare him. He struck back fiercely, but each time twisted his saber so that did his adver- sary receive the blow upon the head it would be from the blunt side of the weapon. A thin froth appeared upon the lips of the Mexican. .Angered beyond measure that he could neither cut down his enemy nor pass him, he warded a blow skilfully with his right hand and at the same instant, with his left, snatched a pistol from his sash. Tad- don saw the move and jerked his horse back upon his haunches. from tlie pistol buried itself in the ani- mal’s shoulder. Mazatlan hurled his own beast forward and lunged fiercely with his sword, but the point did not reach his adversary. At the very instant when the’ steel was within an inch of Haddon’s breast and he powerless to parry, a second saber struck aside that of the guerrilla leader. Before Mazatlan could re- cover himself, this second saber darted forward and the point caught the Mex- ican squarely in the throat. The horseman who had saved Had- don from death or a serious wound turned his bead sharply. “It was a close call, sir. When you fight the devil, do not try to spare him.” Haying given utterance to this blunt speech, Sergeant Bradley turned and hurled himeelf into the thickest of the ‘Bo un equal a combat: « ould Reet last ee ra 5 , Pal a as a ee 4 m wot = The ball sadaeee? Say Americans, pressing for- ward at every side, speedily cut the andful of guerrilleros in pieces. At the end of ten mmutes half of Mazatlan’s followers were dead, a few a wounded and prisoners, while a paltry dozen fled panic-stricken across the <7 fields in the direction of Chaleo. After a little while lights were gleam- ing in the inn apres the triple boul- ders. Upon the floor of the main room lay the body of the guerrilla leader, Mazatlan. The wound he had received from the Texan’s saber had not killed him instantly, and under Haddon’s di- rections he was lifted from the spot where he had fallen and carried into the house. The surgeon of the cavalry regiment bent over him and examined the wound. In the room were gathered Haddon, Sergeant Bradley and a dozen American officers. Some of them had seen the man when, as Senor Perote, he had entered the lines; others knew of the famous guerrilla chief only by reputation. The surgeon arose and shook his head. “The man cannot live a quarter of an hour. With such a wound it is a miracle he has lasted so long,” said he - gTavely. Haddon looked upon the disfigured face, and an expression of regret came into his eyes. He could not forget that this man had freed him from his bonds in that very inn; that on three other oceasions he had rendered service to the flag he served. Mazatlan stirred feebly and his eyes opened. Haddon leaned forward, for it was possible he wished to say some- thing. The lips of the Mexican parted, but no sound passed them. He was staring straight ahead, past Haddon—at the door. The voice of Sergeant Bradley, hoarse with amazement, broke the silence. “My God, lieutenant, look there! ” = The Virginian turned quickly. Never to his dying day could he for- ae get the sensation which passed over aie him—a feeling of amazement, unbelief, and terror. In the open docsway, arpet fret ef a ae Th clad a Ve comicbooks.com