The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1902-04-04
BOOK TWO
The Modern Argonauts.
CHAPTER XIII.


Evidences that the general had
spoken the truth multiplied quickly,
for presently they heard signals, and
even caught a glimpse of dark figures
fitting from tree to tree.
Perhaps it was the first time on
breastworks of gold, but lying behind
the heap of gold images and vases
that Barrajo had deposited upon the
ground they awaited an opportunity to
cut loose among the persistent
shadows that had followed from San
Juan.
1t was Barrajo who found the first
chance, and right well the old soldier
improved it,
At least one thing was settled-the
imprecations in Spanish that followed
the report of his gun announced be-
yond any possibility Of mistake that
these dusky, fitting shadows were not
the spirits of ancient Aztec priests,
but genuine bonafide adventures of
to-day.
If more evidence were needed they
had it when spiteful flashes of fire
punctured the dark spaces under the
trees. and the rattle of firearms fol-
lowed.
Some of the bullets whistled over
their heads, while others flattened
against the novel defense behind which
they crouched.
"Five!' muttered the old soldier
when the scattering volley had come
to an end without doing any damage.
They had quite little circus for
some time, firing back and forth, guild
ed more by the flash of each others
guns than anything else.
When the enemy began to flank their
position Jack knew the case was grow
ing desperate, and would require he
roic treatment if they hoped to come
out at the large end Of the horn.
I'VE must move on their works,
general" he declared, when a leaden
messenger had sung past his ear, COM
ing from the rear.
They crawled away, keeping almost
fiat upon the ground and without in
terruption reached the spot for which
they aimed, where at the proper time
they could pour hot and deadly fire
into the ranks of the San Jose ad
venturers as they rushed forward in
closing upon their silenced enemies.
All this happened just as Barrajo,
who knew the habits and tempera-
ments of his fellows full we'll, expect
ed, and the fusilade which they opened
on the advancing figures sent at least
a couple of them to grass before they
realized the clever nature of the STRAIT
agem played upon them.
The fight, being again open, ragged
along the whole line.
1t was evidently destined to be a
little war of extermination-one side
or the other must be wiped out.
After further desultory firing Jack
heard the awful thud which a bullet
makes when it strikes human being,
and caught the husky maledictions
that burned his comrades tongue.
"You are hit" he exclaimed in dis
may.
Yes, and badly, too, fear. Try to
stanch the blood, hombre, as best you
can. Your hand trembles-come, bear
up; it is but the luck of soldier, after
all. Many years have Knocked the
Grim Reaper and laughed in his face
perhaps he has me now. At least,
hombre, | 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 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 tremblea Tor his de-
voted comrade.
AS he turned to look for BsITajo be
discovered that his worst fears were