Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1902-02-06

whole business as far as possible. So
Jack Overton sailed forth, after arm
ing himself and endeavored to gain
an idea as to how much progress the
revolution was making.
He found the soldiers OF Roblado,
the president. holding their own well.
After moving around from one quar-
ter to another and seeing that the
whole affair was on the guerilla order,
Overton was forced to sit down and
laugh at the ludicrous aspect of the
battle" by means of which the fate
Of a republic was to be settled.
Evidently Montejo had overrated the
strength of his backing, for the wear
ers of the green cockade were outclass-
ed, and already several of their num-
Der had been stretched hors de combat.
There was something in the clamor
and the occasional whistle OF bullet
over his head that just suited Over
tons present mood.
He was even rash on several occa
sions, and had narrow escapes, but the
little cherub that sat up aloft watch
ing over his fortunes seemed to exer-
else those wouldbe fatal bullets so
that they always just fell little short
and in matters of this sort a miss is
considered AS good as a mile
The day was near its end, and plain
ly the laurels of victory rested witt
the followers of the dynasty already
entrenched in authority-their shouts
hnan he
others, and in all probability they ha
fired two shots against one from the
revolutionists. This inspired them
with new confidence, and the red cock
ade began to grow holder, even ad-
vancing, as though determined to
chase their enemies out of town ere the
sun dropped into the western sea, over
whose bosom he hung like a globe OF
fire.
1t was about this time when Montejo
and his sympathi2ers were making
their last stand while awaiting the
friendly shades of night to cover their
hasty retreat, that Overton found him
self, somewhat Unexpectedly to be sure
drawn into the affair at issue.
1t CHANGED that in their eagerness to
chase the invaders out beyond the
town limits ere dusk set in-by mu-
tual consent this feature seemed to be
the manner of deciding which side had
won-the section of government forces
led by General Barrajo rather overdid
the matter.
At any rate the first, last and only
hand-to-hand conflict of the day &C.
Cured under Jacks own eyes, when a
detachment of the green cockades sud
denly appearing, surrounded the valor-
Gus general and demanded his sur
render.
Although Barrajo was most fierce
looking type of a Central American
general, with his mustache curled up
like two simitars, and his left breast
covered with Gorgeous medals and dec
orations. Jack had been wont to look
upon him pretty much in the light of
modern Bombastes Furioso, and could
hardly believe there was anything of
a game spirit back OF this assumed
ferocity.
To his surprise and delight the gen.
eral proved quite equal to the occasion.
He faced his enemies, waving his
sword like knight OF old, and, launch
ing forth a volley of Spanish exple-
tives that should have paralyzed their
craven hearts, but failed to do SO.
Then came the crash OF battle.
The generals lone companion was
spitted upon a sword after bringing
down a couple of the enemy, and Bar
rajo himself was sorely pressed by
those who, recognizing in him the real
head and brains of the present dynas-
ty, were grimly determined to get rid
Of him, so that the next revolution
might prove success.
1t was cut and thrust, slash and
parry, and machete against sword.
AS they stood three to one, with lit
tie hope of the generals followers
reaching the scene in time to take
hand in the tragic affair, IL began TO
look as though Barrajo had reached
the end of his rope, like all men do
sooner or later with weapons in their
hands, in Central America.
of his friendship for the general, urged
him to shy his castor into the ring.
He little dreamed how fortune was
dealing out the cards to him just then,
and what a marvellous Jack pot" he
would eventually sweep in with the re
suits of this days good work.
Having resolved to lend Barrajo a
helping hand, he dashed forward with
his revolver, aiming to wound rather
than STAY.
Thus beset in the rear, and threat
ened with the whirling blade of the
soldier in front, the three wearers o
the green cockade became utterly de
moralized, and in a panic fed, two
OF them bearing wounds to remind
them of the days doings.
When Jack rushed up to congratu-
late the general on his victor, the no
BILE Gautarican, who had counted him
self as good as a dead man, threw
both arms around his deliverer and
fell upon his breast swearing I'm pur-