Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-05-17

Grim Reaper and laughed in his face
perhaps he has me now. At least,
hombre, 1 shall be avenged. See, our
three remaining enemies have come to-
gether yonder, by the gnarled oak
you can count the flashes when they
fire. 1t is a glorious opportunity to
try the virtues of these experimental
bombs, one that may never come
again. The secret must die with
them"
Jack had just turned his head mood
lily aside, ostensibly to look for enc
mics in their rear. but in reality to
hide his emotion, when a sudden shout
electrified him.
As he faced about he was Mortified
to see his sorely wounded companion
upon his feet and hurrying with uncer-
tain steps toward the spot from
whence the last volley had come
1t was too late to stay him, for al
ready the mad general was a quarter
of the way over the intervening
ground.
His cry had drawn out shots from
those in ambush-Jack could see the
fire run the gamut of three guns, and
at that distance he trembled for his de-
voted comrade.
AS he turned to look for Barrajo he
| discovered that his worst fears were
realized-the old hero had gone down,
struck again by a mereiless ball.
Then a sudden fury seemed to pos
sess Overton-such a feeling as may
make a giant of a stripling-it was the
desire for revenge burning in his soul
and tingling to the very tips of his
fingers, under the impulse of which
man may do the most astounding
feats, such as might be worthy of old
! time heroes.
In that second of time he had
sworn an oath to slay those three
| desperate adventurers or die himself
in the attempt.
He had even scrambled to his feet
with this stern resolution on his mind,
and was in the act of rushing forward
to hurl himself upon the ambushed
| foe, when he discovered that Barrajo
was once more rising.
Jack had a pretty good idea as to
what was upon Barrajo's mind, so that
he was not at all surprised to see him
draw back his arm and make ready
to cast a projectile.
Overton unconsciously came to a
halt and held his breath when he dis
covered that the general had actually
made the cast.
He had no time to speculate upon
the result.
There was a binding flash just in
the spot where the trio of adventures
had concealed themselves. a most ter
rife concussion that actually threw
Jack from his feet, and then a deathly
silence.
Overton. only a trifle bruised, man
aged to gain his feet and rush for
ward.
Where the San Jose treasure seekers
had lain hidden the utmost havoc had
been done, and Jack knew no human
being could have been within twenty
| feet of that exploding bomb and es-
capped with his life.
1t was a most terrible and over
whelming catastrophe.
He remembered poor, brave Barrajo.
hero of a score of battles, such as they
are in Central American republics.
1t was no trouble finding him.
The general had half raised himself
to a sitting position, and was eagerly
| looking toward the scene of desolation
his terrible little hand grenade had
wrought.
ut is-victory?" he gasped, as Jack
bent over him, and there was a tremor
to the old soldiers weak voice that
told of the ruling passion strong in
death.
81 have no reason to believe a single
man of their number has been left
alive" Jack returned.
The old warrior feebly waved his
arm above his head-Jack would never
as long as he lived forget the tragic
scene under the whispering gnarled
oak.
"Then | am satisfied. 1t is sweet for
a soldier to die when the field has
been won
But is it so bad as that, my poor
friend? May / not be able to save
you? | have some rude knowledge of
surgery, and Heaven knows I could
spare no effort in your behalf"
There was real agony in Jacks voice
and the dying man was deeply affected
by it.
useless, Senior Jack; quite useless.
My sands of life are almost run; my