Beadle's Dime Library No. 151 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

10 me em a ee Cee The Freebooters. because the Apaches who made me prisoner are the same that attacked the Venta del Potrero.”’ “Oh, oh,”’ said Lanzi, ‘“‘in that case I know their chief, and his name; he is one of the most impla- cable enemies of the white men. It is very unlucky ' that I did not succeed in burying him under the ruins of the venta, for such was my intention.”’ “ What is the fellow’s name?” the hunter asked, py. ** Blue-fox!”’ said Lanzi. *“ Ah,”’ Tranquil said, ironically and with a dark frown, “‘ I have known Blue-fox for many years, and you, chief?’ he added, turning to Black-deer. The name of the Apache sachem had produced such an impreéssion on the Pawnee, that the hunter was startled by it. The Indians retain under all circumstances an apathetic mask, which they con- sider it an honor not to remove, whatever may hap- pe but thé mere name of Blue-fox, pronounced as by accident, was sufficient to melt that indiffer- ence, and cause Black-deer to forget Indian etiquette, ‘* Blue-fox is.a dog, the son of a coyote,” he_ said, as he spat on the ground disdainfully; “the gi- paetes would refuse to devour his unclean carcass.”’ ** These two men must have a mortal hatred for each otaer,” the Canadian muttered, as he took a side glance at the inflamed features and sparkling eyes of the Indian chief. Thy am my brother kill Blue-fox?” the Pawnee asked. **It is probable," Tranquil answered; “‘ but in the first. place, let us try to play this master rogue a trick, who fancies us stupid enough to be caught in theglumsy snares he lays in our path. Be frank, monk, have you told us the truth?’ **On my honor,” “T should prefer any other oath,”’ the Canadian said ironically, in a low voice. ‘Can you be trusted?"’ *s Yes.’’ “Is what you said to us about your return to honest courses sincere?” ‘* Put me on my trial.’ “That is what Lintend-to do; but reflect ere, an- owe as: Do you really intend to be of service to us , wey * Whatever may happen?”’ “Whatever may happen, and whatever the con- sequence may be of what you ask of me.”’ “That will do. Lwarn you that, in all probability, you will be to serious perils.” “[T have told you that my resolution is formed; k, therefore, without further hesitation.” ** Listen to me, then.” ‘‘Lam doing so. Have no fear of finding me re- coil, 80 cut it short.”’ “T will try to do so.” CHAPTER X. THE..LARCH-TREE HACIENDA, Tuougs the report made by Quoniam was in every a yer true, the negro was orant of certain de- ails of which ‘we will now inform the reader, be- cause these events are closely connected with gur story, and clearness renders it indispensable that they should be made known. We will, therefore, réturn to the Larch-tree hacienda. After the total destruction of the detachment com- manded by Captain Melendez, General Rubio hast- ened to throw a powe garrison into the Larch- tree. As an. old soldier of the Independence, accustomed to the incessant struggles of a le that desire to be free, he had divined the revolution behind the insurrection, on seeing that for ten years past these insurgents, our incessantly conquered, seemed to grow from their ashes again to return more obstinate and powerful than pose their chests to the pitiless bullets of their op- He was aware that the inhabitants only awaited the announcement of a success to rise to a man, and make common cause with the daring branded by their enemies with the name of Border Ruffians, but who in reality were only the forlorn hope of a.revolution, and. apostles acting under a holy and noble idea. Far from offering Pte Melendez reproaches, which he knew that the latter did not deserve, the general pitied and consoled him, **You have your revenge to take, colonel,” he said to bim, for this e, long deserved by the young officer, had just been given by the President of the Republic;.“‘your new epaulets have not yet smelt powder. I propose giving you a splendid opportu- nity for christening t bn * You will f my wishes, general,” the young Officer replied, “by intrusting me with a perilous enterprise, my success in whi o wipe out the shame of my defeat.”’ ; « There is no shame, colonel,” the general replied, kindly, “in being .conquered as you were. aris only a gaine like any other, in which chance often dec for the w r side; let us not despond at an insignificant check, but try, on thé contrary, to cut the comb of these cocks who, pluming them- selves on their ephemeral triumph, doubtless im- ine that we are terrified and demoralized by their victory.”’ ** Be assured, general, that I will help you to the best of my ability. Whatever be the post you con- fide to me, I will die at it before surrendering.” ‘*That will do, colonel!—I ask no more.” Don Juan merely bowed in response. ““By-the-by,” said the general, presently, .‘ have these partisans any capable men at their head?” “Very capable, general; thoroughly acquainted with guerri hting, and possessing a bravery and coolness beyond all praise.”’ Pes “All better, for in that case we shall reap , will serve more glory in conquer them. Unfortunate] e war like perfect savages, piti they are said to w Jessy gin e soldiers that fall into their bee s; indeed, what has happened to you is a proot “You are mistaken, genera). Whatever these men may be, and the cause for which they fight, it is my duty to enlighten and disabuse you, for they have been strangely calumniated; it was only after my repeated re to surrender that the action began. Their chief even offered me my life at the moment when I hurled myself with him into the yay abyss at our feet. When I became their prisoner they restored me my sword, gave me 4 before, and ex-., horse and a guide, who brought me within musket- shot = your outposts; is that the conduct of cruel men?”’ ‘“* Certainly not, and I am pleased to see you thus do justice to your enemies.’ **[ merely declare a fact.”’ ‘* Yes, and an unlucky one for us: these men must consider themselves very strong to act thus. This clemency of theirs will attracta great number of partisans to their ranks.”’ “*T fear it.” ** And I too, No matter, the moment has arrived to act with vigor; for, if we do not take care, within a week the very stones of this country, of which we are still the masters, will rise to expel us, and the Aye will grow so hot under our feet, that we shall compelled to fly before these undisciplined masses of badly armed guvasos, who harass us like swarms of musketoes.”’ **l await your orders, general.” ** Do you feel strong enough to mount again?” “* Perfectly.” “Very good, then. I have prepared three hun- dred men, cava and infantry; the latter will mount behind the horsemen, in order not to delay the mareh, which must be rapid, for my object is that you should reach the hacienda before the in- yen and fortify yourself there.”’ **T will reach it.” “T count on you. Two mountain § will follow your detachment, and will prove sufficient; for, if I am rightly informed, the hacienda has six in good condition. Still, as ammunition may run short, you will take sufficient with you to last for a fortnight. At all risks, the hacienda must hold out for that period. against all the attacks the insurgents may make.”’ . “Tt shall hold out, I swear it to you, general.” “*T trust entirely to you.*’ The general walked to the entrance of the tent and raised the curtain. “Summon the officers told off for the expedition,” he said. Five minutes later the officers appeared; nine in number—two captains of cavalry, two of infantry, two lieutenants, and two alferez or second lieuten- ants, and a captain, lieutenant, and alferez of ar- tillery. The general looked for a moment eee at these men, who stood serious and motionless fore him, ‘* Caballeros,” he at length said; *‘I have care- fully chosen you from the officers of my army, be- cause I know that you are brave and experienced; roe are about to carry out, under Colonel Don uan Melendez de Gongora, a confidential mission, which I would not have given to others whose de- votion to their country was less known to me. This mission is most perilous. I hope that you will ac- Coa it like brave men, and return here with glory. The officers bowed their thanks. “Do not forget,” the general continued, “ that you owe your soldiers an example of subordination and discipline; obey the colonel as myself in all he may order for the good of the service and the success of your enterprise.” ‘*We cannot desire a better chief than the one your excellency has selected to lead us,” one of the captains answered; ‘‘ under his orders we are certain of rforming Pp ies.”” e general smiled graciously. ‘**T count on your zeal and bravery. Now, to horse without further delay, for you must have left the camp within ten minutes.” The officers bowed and retired. Don Juan prepared to follow them. “Stay,” the general said to him; ‘*I have one final recommendation to give you.” The young man walked up to him. ; “Shut yourself up in the place,’’ the general “Tf you are invested do not at- empt any of those.sallies, which often compromise the fate of @ garrison, without positive advantage. Content yourself with vigorously ‘repulsing at sparing the blood of your soldiers; and not expend- ing your ammunition needlessly. So soon as my final arrangements are made, I will march in person to help you; but you mvweé resist till then, at ‘any cost,”’ ““T have already told you I will‘do so, general.”’ **T know that you Now, my friend, to-horse, and may you be fortunate.” : =n neral.”’ The colonel bowed, and immediately withdrew to place himself at the head of the small band, which, collected a short distance off, only awaited his ar- rival to start. The general was standing in the door- way of his tent to witness their departnre,. Don Juan mounted, drew his saber, turned toward the motionless detachment. - . ‘** Forward!’’ he commanded. ' The squadrons at once started, and began draw- ing out In the darkness like the black folds of an ill- omened serpent. The general remained in the door- way of his tent for some time, and when the last sound had died away.in the night, he pensively re- entered the tent, and let the curtain fall behind him, muttering in a low and sad voice: “| have sent them to death, for Heaven fights on the side of our advérsaries.” And, after shaking his head several times with an air of discouragement, the old soldiér fell into an equipal, hid his face in his hands and plunged into serious reflections. In the mean while the detachment rapidly con- tinued its march. Thanks to the Mexican fashion of mounting infantry en croupe, the troops carried out their movements with a rapidity that seemed almost prodigious, the more so as American horses go very quickly, and enduré great fatigue without injury. Colonel Melendez arrived at an early hour in sight of the hacienda, for his troops had made a fo march through the night. ith arapid glauce the experienced chief of the Mexicans examined the neighborhood, but the plain was d : e Larch-tree hacienda stood like an le’s nest on the top of a hillock, whose abrupt sides never been smoothéd, as the steepness of their ascent was regarded as a means of defense in the event of an attack. Thick walls turaed yellow by time, at each angle of which could be seen the threatening muz- zles of two guns peering out, gave this strongly- built house the appearance ofa real fortress. The Mexicans increased their already rapid pace, a rn ie ee ee —t— ee ee ES re in order to reach the hacienda before the gates were opened, and the ganado let out. The scene presented by this ma eent plain at sunrise, had something imposing about it. e hacienda, whose roof was still vailed in mist; the gloomy forests in the distance, which ran with almost imperceptible undulations along the spurs of the sierra; the silvery thread of a small stream, which wound through the plain, and whose waters sparkled in the hot sunbeams; the clumps of larches, sumachs, and Peru trees, which rose here and there from amid the tall grass, and agreeably broke the monotony of the as while from the thicket rose the joyous song of he birds So return of day—in a word, all seemed to breathe repose and happiness in this abode momentarily so tranquil. ) The Mexicans reached the hacienda, whose gates were not opened till the inhabitants were well assured that the new-comers were really friends. They had already heard of the general insurréction oecasioned by the surprise of the conducta de plata, and hence the major-domo, who commanded in the absence of Don Felipe de Valreal, proprietor of the hacienda, kept on his guard. S major-domo, whose name was Don Felix Paz, was a man of about five-and-forty at the most, tall, well-built, and powerful; he had, in truth, the ap- rance of a ect hombre dea cabalo, an essen- ial condition for fulfilling his onerous: duties... This major-domo came in person to receive the Mexican detachment at the gate of the hacienda. After con- gratulating the colonel, he informed him that so soon as he received the news of the general revolt of the province, he had vee all his cattle in, armed the servants, and rendered the guns on the platform serviceable. The colonel complimented him on his diligence, es- tablished his troopsin the outhouses destined for the ns and vaqueros, took military possession of all the posts, and, accompanied by the major-domo, made a strict inspection of theainterior of the fort- ress. Don Juan Melendez, be well aequainted with the carelessness and sloth of his fellow coun- trymen, expected to find the hacienda in a wretched state, but was agreeably disappointed. This large estate, situated on the limits of the desert, as it were between civilization and bar ,» Was too exposed to the unforeseen attacks of red-skins and bandits of every deseription who co te on the border, for its owner not to watch with the utmost care over its defense. This wise foresight was at this moment of a great utility for the siege which, in all probability, they would have to withstand ere fe) long. The colonel found but very little to alter in the ar- rangements made by the major-domo; he contented cutting down several clumps,of trees which, being situated too near the hacienda, might shelter sharp-shooters, who could annoy their ar- tillerymen. At each entrance of the hacienda barri- cades were erected by his orders, composed of branches interlaced, and outside the walls the arms of all the healthy men were called into requisition, to dig a deep and wide trench, the earth from which, thrown up on the side of the hacienda, formed a breastwork, behind which the best shots in the arrison were placed. The two mountain gens rought by the colonel remained horsed, so that they might be transported to the point of danger, Finally the Mexican flag was baughtily hoisted on the. top of the hacienda. ‘ Counting the servants, to whom Don Felix had distributed arms, the garrison amounted to nearly four hundred men, = foree:to aoe a up de main, so good a position as : there was plenty-of ammunition and food;. the - icans were animated by the best mah | and, the eolo- nel, therefore, felt certain.of! being able to hold out for a fortnight against troops more numerous and experienced than those the insurgents had at their The works of fortification were carried on with such great activity that they were completed within twenty four hours of the colonel’s arrival at the ha- cienda. The scouts, sent oubimall d came back without any fresh news,of the insurgents, whose movements were so cleverly vailed that, since the affair of the conducta, they seemed to have di» appeared without ee op trace, and buried them- selves in the bowels of the earth. Nj This complete want of news, far from reassuring the colo on the contrary ro» ce pn his anxiety. This factitious ee gloomy silence of the landscape; seemed to him more menacing than if he had heard the mepenean of the enemy, whose TASBeS, ly te — - a by. a an of sae secret in- tuition, were rawing st he liad been selected to defend, °° It was the second day after the arrival of the Mex- icans at the Larch-tree; the sun was»disappearing behind the ~mountains in masses of olde night would soon setin. Colonel Melendez and the major- domo, leaning on one of the battlements of the plat- form, were absently gazing out on the immense landscape unrolled at their feet, while conversing togetber. Don Juan had inafew minutes appreci- — ae ee and ee of Ceauie- omo; nce these two men, who thoro understood each other, had become friends, shou ** Another day t,”’ said the colonel, “‘ and it has eae gees or us ire to aoe the movements of he insurgents. Does no r extrao to you, Don Felix?” ry ees @ major-domo sent forth acloudof smoke from his mouth and nostril, took his husk cigarette from his mouth, and quietly tipped away the ash. Very extraordinary,” he said, without turning his head, and continuing to look fixedly at the sky, What a singular man you are! nothing disturbs you,’’ Don Juan went on, half angrily. “ Have al) our Ke returned?” *‘ And still brought no mews?” ** None,”’ “ By Heaven! your coolness would make a saint swear! What are you looking at so fixedly in the sky? > ee fancy you can find the information we require there?’’ * Perhaps so,’’ the major-domo replied, seriously, wai, eueli® his hand in a north-east direction, Look there,” | ‘+ Well?’ the colonel said, looking in the direction indicated 3 JOO MiG cS (E@) (E(0)