The Elbert County tribune., 1902-05-15

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. Tho 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 sudden shout
electrified him.
As he faced about he was horriaed
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 tremhlsd for his de-
voted comrade.
AS he turned to look for Barrajo he
discovered that his worst fears were
realized-thc old hero had gone down,
struck again by merciless ball.
Then a sudden fury seemed to pos
sess Overton-such feeling as may
make a giant of stripling-it was the
desire for revenge burning in his soul
and tingiing 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 adventlrers 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 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 unconseiously 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 adventurers
had concealed themselves. a most ter
rife conclusion that actually threw
Jack from his feet, and then deathly
silence.
overton. only trife 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 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.
1T is-vietory?" 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.
II 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. II is sweet for
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
youg | have some rude knowledge OF
surgery. and Heaven knows / could
spare no effort in your behalf"
There was real agony in Jacks voice
and the dying man was deeply affected
by 1t.
Useless, Senor Jack; quite useless.
My sands of life are almost run; my
race at its end. | have been wounded
many times, but never like this In
less than ten minutes ! shall be dead;
believe me-"
Good heavens, you give me pain,
Barrajo. II 1t were my brother | could
not feel more unconsolable."