The National tribune., 1899-06-22
MAN DEAD.

kindled on the temple, Sandoval had al
ready reached this ditch, and perceived
that its bridge was also demolished. and,
as it seemed, very recently too, for there vet
remained a huge timber lying across the
chasm,-left, as he feared, rather as some
decoy and trap, than, as was more proba-
BILE, deserted suddenly by workmen, scared
from their labors by the approach of the
SpaniardS.
The three bitches divided the dixie into
four portions of as many furlongs in ex-
tent. On the second of these portions was
concentrated the whole reireating army,
its front resting upon sluice of great depth
passable by footmen, for the great beam
was soon discovered 10 lie sound, } but not
by the horse and artillery, without the
portable bridge, which yet rested over the
first breach This second obstacle Icing
overcome, it was apparent that a third
would still remain to he surmounted, and
the passage of both was to he effected in
the presence and in the midst of great
enemy.
As we have said, the beacon-light shoot
ing up from the pyramid, and continuing to
burn with intensity, brought light where
all before was darkness, and revealed such
innumerable fleets of canoes, lowering on
both fianGs, as the novice had not seen
even on that day when he first Strode upon
dixie of Mexico. But the spirit that then
Slumbered was now awake: and as the
rowers responded with their wild cries to
the roar of the sacred trumpet, they struck
the water furiously with their paddles until
the whole lake seemed to boil up with a
spray of fire; and thus they rushed madly
against the causeway
The novice cast bis eye upon the General.
The ruddy glare of the beacon could not
change the deadly pallor that covered his
cheeks, but, nevertheless, with this ghastly
countenance turned to the foe he cried out,
cheerlly, or at least firmly, TO those imme.
diately in ADVANCE
who no, cannoniersi your quoins and
handspikes, your horns and matchesl and
show me your throatS TO the Iake-rats,'
Then, raising his voice to its trumpet-tones
he continued, as if giving counsel and com
mand 10 all: BE bold and fearless, and
strike for the honour of God, brave Chris
tians, Sohoi De Leon, valiant brother
and thou, Alvarado, matchIess cavalier
raise me the bridge, and be quick; for here
we need it.
The voices OF other officers were heard
family mingled with the din, but not long
every moment the shouts of the Mexicans
continued without intermission, became
louder, and their canoes were pluDginl
nearer to the causeway.
A pdng rent the bosom of Don Amador:
Il must get me to my companions" h,
cried, to Jacinto, "and what can do TO
thee this night, young page that love?
Il will follow thee" said the page tremu
Would that / had thee but upon tn
back Of Fogoso! for methinks that even ID
Morla should not strike more truly fo
Minnapotzin than would j this night TO
thee
Where goest thou, De Leste." erie
Cor'ez, as the novice pushed by. Pause
thou art best among the cannoniers."
A dreadful yell, at that moment, browne
the Generals voice: but one still NOR
dreadful WAS heard, when, as the pagan
drew breath 10 repeat the cry, the Christian
in front heard the rear-gliard exclaimine
with loud and bitter shrieks, The bridget
the bridge.-it is fast and immoyabler-
The weight Of the horses and artillery ha
sunk it deep into the chasm, and no humaI
strength could stir il from its foundation
These words and sights were all the ot
currences of moment. There was neithe
time for observation nor lamentation. TIL
infidels on the water rushed to the attac
with the same fury which had so often dri,
sn them upon the spears of the garrison; q nc
not less by their cries than their appal
ent numbers, it was made obvious that tn
whole strength of the great city was gathel
ed together for this undertaking, for thos
who had caught little of their langIag
could distinguish the different quarters
the island encouraging each other wit
cries of "Ho, Tlatelolco, shall Majotl
strike first at the efoe?-Alzacuaico! on; fC
Tecpan is swift and mirthful.-On, lo. Il
MeXitli is speaking; on, for our gods are o
the temple, and they hunger for the Teuc
liz" The line OF the army was full half