Beadle's Dime Library No. 151 — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

i) i} Ss — Ts = = —— ee ee - — > Sa — tae — . ~ -— = ews ee — eee ee ee te ‘rebel camp. nit tla ae oee * pean ee ee resist the rather strong current, which, without these precautions, might have carried them away. Five minutes later, the whole band was collected in the interior of the grotto, at. the end of which was the secret door. ‘“*The moment has arrived,” the Jaguar then said, **to redouble our prudence; let us avoid, if it, be possible, bloodshed. Not a word must be uttered or a shot fired, without my orders, under penalty of death.” Then, turning to the White Scalper, he said, in a firm voice—‘* Now, open the door!” There was a moment of supreme anxiety for the insurgents, who awaited with a quiver of impatience the downfall of the frail obstacle that separated them from their enemies. CHAPTER XV. A THUNDERBOLT. We will now return to the hacienda. The colonel and the major-domo went down to the patio, where they found assembled the one hundred and fifty men selected for the execution of the sur- prise, which the colonel proposed to attempt on the Tranquil, according to the orders he had received, after assuring himself that Carmela was or. a sound and refreshing sleep, hastened to tell Loyal Heart and Black-deer what the colonel e from them. The two men immediatel followed their friend into the patio, where the sol- fliers were already assembled. The colonel divided his men into three detach- ments, each of fifty men; he took the command of the first oes e Canadian with him; Don Felix having Loy. Heart for guide, had the command of the second; and the third, at the head of which was placed a captain, an old soldier of great experi- ence, was direc by Black-deer. These arrange- meuts made, the colonel gave the order for Cones ture, The detachment at once separated, and left the hacienda by three different gates. The colonel’s plan was extremely simple; descend unheard to the rebels’ camp, enter it, and fire it on three different sides; then, profiting by the disorder and tumult occasioned ¥ this surprise, rush on the rebels with shouts of “ Viva Mejico!”’ prevent them rallying or extinguishing the fire, massacre as many as ble, and afterward effect an orderly retreat on the hacienda. At the moment when the Mexicans left the haci- enda, the same t happened to them as to the in- ie who left their camp at the same moment, thatis to say, they were suddenly enveloped in thick darkness. The colonel bent down to Tranquil, and said to him good-humoredly— ‘aes Thisis a good omen for the success of our expe- tion.”’ The Jaguar was saying the same thing to White Scalper almost simultaneously. The three detachments silently descended the hill, ash, Sy Indian file, and taking the greatest care to stifle the sound of their footsteps on the ground. On coming within a certain distance of the Texan intrenchments, they halted, with one accord, to take breath, like tigers, which at the moment of leaping on the prey they covet, draw themselves up, in order to take a vigorousimpetus. The soldiers wheeled, so as to present a rather extensive line; then each lay down on the sand, and at the signal, muttered ina low voice by the guides, they a crawling like reptiles through the tall grass, cutting passages through the bushes, advancing in a straigiit line, and clearing obstacles, without think- ing of turning them. e have said that White Scalper, no doubt with the intention of causing the Larch-tree garrison to feel greater security, and persuade them that all was oe in camp, had objected to the Apache sen- tries being aroused, for he considered their vigilance uite unnecessary—not supposing for a moment that the Mexicans would dare to leave their lines of defense and take the initiative in a sally. The direc- tion the old man had given to the detachment he ded, by drawing it away from the approaches of the fortress, had also favored the co mpc” goaey which, without that, would have been, in pro- bability, foiled. Still, the Canadian hunter was too prudent and accustomed to the tricks of Indian war not to assure himself previously that there was no trap to appre- hend. Hence on arriving about fifteen yards from the breastworks, he ordered a halt. Then, gliding like a serpent through the shrubs and dead trees that covered the ground at this spot, he pushed for- ward a reconnoissance. Loyal Heart and Black- deer, to whom he had given detailed instructions how to act before leaving the hacienda, executed the same maneuver. The absence of the scouts was long, or, at least appeared so to all these men, who were so impatient to bound on the enemy and begin the attack. At leugth Tranquil returned, but he was anxious and frowning, and a gloomy restless- ness seemed to agitate him. These signs did not es- cape the colonel's notice. What is the matter with you?’ he asked him. “Are the rebels alarmed? Have you noticed any signs of agitation in their camp?” “No,” he replied, with his eyes obstinately fixed before him, as if he wished to pierce the gloom and read the mysteries it contained. “I have seen nothing, noticed nothing; the deepest calm, appar- ently, prevails in the camp.” “Apparently, do you say?”’ ‘Yes; for it is impossible that this calm can be real, for most of the Texan insurgents are old hun- ters, accustomed to the rude fatigues of a desert life. [I can just understand that, during the first part of the night, they might not notice the gross neglect of the Apache sentries; but what I cannot in any way admit is, that during the whole night not one of these partisans, to whom prudence is so im- periously recommended, should have got up to make the rounds and see that all was in order. Above all, I cannot understand this of the Jaguar—that man of iron, who never sleeps, and who, though still very young, possesses all the wisdom and experience which are usually the appanage of men who have passed middle life.” **And you conclude from this—?” **I conclude that we should, perhaps, do better by not continuing this reconnoissance further, but re- turn at full speed to the hacienda; for, unless I am greatly mistaken, this gloomy night covers some sinister mystery which we shall see accomplished ere —— long, and of which we may fall the victims, unless we take care.” “From what answer, “I see that you rather give me the expres- sion of your own personal opinions than the result of important facts you may have seen during your | reconnoissance,”’ “That is true, colonel; but, if you will permit me to speak so, I would observe that these opinions emanate from a man for whom, thanks to his ex- rience, the desert possesses no secrets, and whom is ponemneuss rarely deceive.”’ ‘Yes; all that is true; and, perhaps, I ought to follow your advice. My resolution has possibly been premature, but now, unfortunately, it is too late to recall it. Withdrawing is an impossibility, for that would prove to my soldiers that I was mistaken, which is not admissible. We must, at any cost, ac- cept the consequences of our bags UCenes an‘ push on, no matter what happens. Still, we will redouble our prudence, and try to accomplish our scheme without incurring too great a risk.” “T am at your orders, colonel, ready to follow you wherever you may please to lead me.” , hast then,’’ the young officer said, reso- utely. The order was whispered along the line, and the soldiers, whom this long conference had perplexed, and who were afraid they should be obliged to turn back, received it joyfully, and advanced with re- newed ardor. The ground that separated them from the breastwork was soon covered, and the in- trenchments were escaladed ere a single Apache sentry had given the alarm. Suddenly, from three different points of the camp an immense flame shot up, and the Mexicans rushed forward, shouting “ Viva Mejico!” as the insurgents hardly awake yet, ran hither and thither, no understanding these flames which surrounded them, and these terrible yells which sounded in their ears like a funereal knell. For nearly an hour the contest was chaos; smoke and noise covered everything else. a otccreny | to the American custom, most of the insurgents had their wives and children with them: hence, from the first moment the — assumed gigantic and ter- rible proportions, 6 country was covered with a confused medley of startled women, who called to their husbands or brothers, Apache horsemen gal- loping among the terrified foot-soldiers and over- thrown tents, from which rose the cries of children and the groans of the wounded. All around the camp an immense line of smoke bordered the flames kindled by the Mexicans, who bounded forward like wild beasts, uttering fearful yells. All these united sounds formed a chorus of inexpressible horror. Still, when the first feeling of surprise had passed the insurgents began gradually rallying, in spite of the incessant efforts of the Mexicans, and the resist- ance was organized to a certain extent. Colonel Melendez had gained his object, the success of his plan was complete, the losses of the Texans in men and ammunition were immense; he did not wish, with the few troops he had under him, to advance further into a blazing camp, where they walked un- der a vault of flames, running the risk of being struck at each moment by the ruins of the powder magazines, which exploded one after another with a terrible noise. The colonel took a poe pe os lance at the ruins se up around him, and then ordered the retreat to sounded. The Mexicans had allowed their ardor to carry them in every direction; some, in spite of the repeated warnings of their chief, were alread too far off for it to be possible for them to fall in dl. rectly. These must be waited for, therefore. The three detachments formed in a semicircle, firing on the insurgents, who profited by the mo- ment of respite chance afforded them to become constantly more numerous, They then noticed the small strength of their assailants, and rushed upon them. The Mexicans, now united, wished to effect their retreat, but at each instant their position be- came more difficult, and threatened to become even critical. The Texans, who were still the more nu- merous, with rage in their hearts at having allowed themselves to be thus surprised, and burning for vengeance, vigorously pressed the Mexicans, who, compelled to retreat inch by inch, and keep a front constantly to the enemy, Were on the point of being outflanked, in spite of the heroic resistance they op- to the assailants. , : Colonel Melendez, seeing the danger of the posi- tion, collected forty resolute men, and placing him- self at their head, rushed on the insurgents with an irresistible cap vag nan The latter, surprised in their turn by this vigorous attack, which they were far from expecting, recoiled, and at length fell back some hundred yards to re-form, closely pursued by the colonel. This lucky diversion gave the main body of the Mexicans time to gain ground, and when the Texans returned to the charge with fresh ardor, the propi- tious moment had passed, and the Mexicans were definitely protected from any assault. ** Viva Dios |’ the colonel said, as he rejoined his company; “the affair was hot, but the advantage remains with us.”’ “IT did not see the Jaguar during the whole ac- tion,” the Canadian muttered. ‘Phat is true,"’ the young man replied, ‘and is most strange.”’ ‘* His absence alarms me,” the hunter said, sadly; ‘**T should have preferred his being there.” “Where can he be?’ the colonel remarked, sud- denly turning thoughtful. “Perhaps we shall learn only too soon,’’ the Canadian replied, with ashake of the head, forebod- ing misfortune. ll at once, and as if chance had wished to justify the hunter’s sad forebodings, an immense noise was heard in the hacienda, amid which could be distin- uished cries of distress, and a well-sustained mus- etry fire. Then a sinister glare rose above the Larch-tree, which it colored with the hues of fire. “Forward! forward!” the colonel cried; ‘the enemy have got into the fort!”’ At the first glarice, the youpg officer understood what had taken place, and thé truth at once struck his mind. All rushed toward the hacienda, inside which an obstinate contest seemed to be raging. They soon reached the gates, which, fortunately for them, still remained in the hands of their comrades, and rushed into the patio, where a horrible spectacle ou say to me,” the colonel made | LS TS eee tere er — offered itself to their sight. This is what had hap- pened: At the moment when White Scalper prepared to _ break in the door with the lever, the clamor made by the Mexicans in firing the camp reached the ears of the Texans assembled in the grotto. “ Rayo de Dios '’ the Jaguar shouted; ‘‘ what is the mat Ie en sng e cans are attac our camp,” the old mann enaiet) answered. : ‘ The yo chief gave him an ugly look. ‘* We are betrayed,’’ said John Davis, as he cocked & pistol and pointed it at the old man. ‘Lam beginning to believe it,’ the Jaguar mut- tered, all his suspicions co back, ‘*By whom?” the White Scalper asked with a smile of contempt. ‘By you, you villain!” the American answered, roughly. ‘** You are mad,”’ the old man said, with a disdain- ful shrug of his shoulders; “if I had betrayed you, should I have led you here?” “ That is true,” said the Ja ; but itis me oy and the noise is unceasing. e Mexicans are doubt- less massacring our companions; we cannot abandon them thus, but must h to their assistance.”’ “Do nothing of the sort,” the Scalper sharply ex- claimed. ‘‘ Hasten, on the contrary, to invade the fortress, which, I doubt not, is abandoned by the greater part of its defenders; your companions, so soon as they have rallied, will strong enough to repulse their assailants." e Jaguar hesitated. ‘* What is to be done?”’ he muttered, with an unde- cided air, as he bent an inquiring glance on the men as they pressed round him. “Act without loss of a moment,’’ the old man SeGney saclaiened, and with a vigorously-dealt stroke he broke in the door, which fell in splinters to the ground; ‘here is the way open, will you recoil?” No! no!” they shouted, impetuously, and rushed into the gaping vault before them. This vault formed a pa e wide enough for four rsons to march abreast, and of sufficient hight for them not to be obli to stoop; it rose with a gentle incline, and resembled as es of labyrinth, owing to the constant turns it took. The darkness was complete, but. the impulse had been given, and no other noise was audible save that of the panting breathing of these men, and their hurried footsteps, which sounded hollow on the damp ground they trod. After a twenty minutes’ march, which seemed to last an age, the Scalper’s voice rose in the gloom, and uttered the single word, ‘‘ Halt!"’ All stopped. ‘* Here we shall have to make our final arrange- ments,’ the Scalper continued; ‘“‘but in the first — et me procure you a light, so that you may ow exactly where you are.” The old man, who seeme — with the precious privilege of seeing in the darkness, walked about for some minutes in various directions, doubtless col- lecting the in ients necessary for the fire he wished to kindle; then he struck a light, lit a piece of tinder, and almost immediately a brilliant flame seemed to leap forth from the ground, and illumined objects sufficiently for them to be distinguished. The Scalper had simply lighted a fire of dry »wood, probably prepared beforehand. The Texans looked curiously around them, so soon as their eyes, at first dazzled by the bright flames of the fire, had grown accustomed to the light. They found themselves in a very large, almost circular vault, somewhat resembling a crypt; the walls were lofty, and the roof was round the shape of a dome. The ground was composed of a ve ne dry sand, as yellow as gold. This room seemed cut out of the rock, for no sign of masonry was visible. In the backgro a staircase of some twenty steps, wide, and without banister, mounted to the roof, where it terminated, and it was impossible to disti whether there were a trap-door or opening. This trap doubtless existed, but time had cove its openings with the impalpable dust, which it incessantly wears off even the hardest ‘spe g After attentively examining the vault by he aid of a blazing log, the Jaguar returned to the old man, who had remained by the fire. ‘Where are we?’’ he asked him. Each curiously extended his ear to hear the Scalper’s answer. “We are,” he said, ‘exactly under the patio of the hacienda; this staircase ends in an opening I will point out to you, and which leads into a long- deserted corral, in which, if I am not mistaken, the wood stores of the haciendg are now kept.”’ “Good,” the Jaguar angered; ‘“‘but before ven- turing into what may Be an adroitly laid trap, I should like, myself, to visit the corral of which you speak, in order to see with my own eyes, and assure myself that things are really as you say.” ‘I ask nothing better than to lead you to it.” Re bdo — I 7 not see faye ig Fag we 8 man n the passage of which you epeak, witha making a noise, which will immedi- ately bring down on us the whole of the garrison, of which Iam excessively afraid, as we are not at all conveniently situated for fighting.” “That need not trouble you; ledge myself to open the trap without making the slightest noise,” The two men then proceeded to the flight of stairs. On reaching the top, the White Scalper thrust his head against the ceiling, and after several attempts a slab slowly rose, turned over, and fell noiselessly on its side, leaving a passage large enough for two men to pass together. White Scalper ssed through this o . With one bound the Shaner stood by his side, pistol in hand, ready to blow out his brains at the first suspicious movement. But he soon perceived that the old man had no intention of betraying him, and, ashamed at the suspicion he had evidenced, he hid his weapon. _ As the Scalper had stated, they found themselves in an abandoned corral—a sort of vast stall, open to the sky, in which the Americans keep their horses; but this one was quite empty. The Jaguar went up to a door behind which he heard the sound of foot- steps and the clanking of arms, and assured him- self that nothing was more easy than to burst this door open. ‘* Good,” he muttered; ‘‘ you have kept your word; thank you,” The Scalper did not seem to hear him; his eyes were fixed on the door with a strange intensity, and his limbs trembled, as if he had been attacked by ague. Without attempting to discover the cause of "*EOMIIEDOOCKS (E(0) a