Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-12

the air of people who expect that the way
will clear itself before them. Tey paused
almost in bewilderment at the distractions
In the street. With some commanders this
would have proved the opportunity for
their repulse. But the dictator was too
willy politician to precipitate crisis 1t
would be well enough if he returned their
onslaught blow for blow. He ordered them
TO disperse, They answered with a shower
OF stones and clubs. There were also a few
shots, although no one fell. 1t was enough
however, for his purpose. Immediately the
order was given for an enfilading fire and
the tumult that ensued could be heard on
the vessels in the harbor.
The revolutionists coming in from the
suburbs turned it into a real battle-a battle
the more horrible In that the women of the
place could not resist the fascination of it,
and hurled themselves into the forefront
under the mistaken idea that somehow or
other their sex would be respected. AS long
as they fought merely across the barricade
the contest was without decision. But when
the people got upon the housetops and be-
hind the shutters and poured it in over the
top OF the breastworks the soldiers began
to give way. The order was given to come
IN singly to the palace and to pass through
TO the rear to keep up communication with
the harbor Those in the rear were ordered
forward into the house. One by one they
left the barricade and passed through and
the reVolutioniSts did not discover the gen
eral character of the movement until they
had wasted many rounds of ammunition on
the dead and wounded of the barricade
when they charged with screams of ex-
uitdt4oh screams which in many cases We're
changed from triumph to agony as they
met the fire from the windows of the nal
ace The siege Of the house of steel had be-
gun at last.
The chief was kneelng beside a window.
taxing note of some revolutionists in a
nearby tree-top, who We're trying to hurl a
burning brand into the palace. BroWnson
was lying fiat on the floor beside him. The
room was dark except when occasionally
1t was iightened by the flash of a nearby
gun.
Isn't this affair rather futile, anyway"
remarked Brownson.
NO. they love 1t. 1t is as the breath Of
their nostrils. Revolution is their pastime"
'Oh, yes. But 1 mean the defence of this
mouse. They are sure to win
Perhaps not. They have not too much
ammunition. as we happen to know. Where
as the house is armored. and Is provisioned
for an extended siege. You will find. TOO
that they will not be nearly so bloodthirsty
In the morning. The sight of the cornses
In the sun will chill their ardor, see il it
don't"
But there is an end to all things. When
was In one OF the other rooms Just now
heard one soldier tell another that there
had been many assertions Now, il your
men lose heart, your enemies would get Won
at last ''N
all" No. 'i''' 10
And it would not surprise me II these
fellows suddenly resolved to give you up
as the price Of their own amnesty"
That Is much more likely"
But you would be shot,"
Without doubt but not in the manner
you suggest"
How Is that?"
We'll, they would have to take me. YOU
know sNN
But. good heavens. man, is your life NJ
no use to you? There is yet time for you
to get to the harbor, and once on that gulf
steamer you would be safe"
The steamer sailed this afternoon Re-
Side. there Is the dictator. I am respon-
sible. to some degree, for the drastic policy
he has followed. 1t would be a scuryy
trick to desert him now. Further, I have
no life but the one have lived here When
that is ended SO Will be-"
We'll. 1T seems very strange to me- And
for the life Of mo cannot remember hay-
Ing seen You at my fathers house Still
l was in college five years ago. That may
account for it,
Very likely"
They relapsed into silence, watchinx. thu
fight. The men in the treetop finally sue
ceeded in launching their brand. But their
aim was impaired by the. fire which the
preparation Of the torch drew upon them
disheveled hair ran out into the open space
in front Of the house and screamed q TRADE
In Spanish at the troops. White her Cow
OF language was strongest she suddenly
waved her hand wildly above her head and
ran. still screaming, back to her friends
1t was impossible to tell whether she was
hit or merely hystericaL After the frst
clamor Of battle died away both sides in
duiged less In huzzas, and each endeayored
only when fair mark presented itself
There was an uncerf in rniIru,ur ~ yotoa.