Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1903-03-11

accidentally lrilled--the Gautarlcans,
like all people of mixed blood, being
partly Spanish and Indian halfbreeds,
love spectacular display and while
these battles always create great
racket, there was little blood actually
split, the party that was outnumbered
usually yielding up the palm and retir-
ing to recuperate, while the victors, in
stead of following up the advantage,
calmly settled down to enjoy the fruits
of their labor, amid much merriment
and feasting
There was one man in San Jose on
this particular day, who, while non
combatant, had resolved to see the
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 we'll.
After moving around from one quar-
ter to another and seeing that the
whole affair was on the guerilla order,
Oyerton was forced TO sit down and
laugh at the ludicrous aspect of the
'battle" by means of which the fate
of republic was to be settled.
Evidently Montejo had oyerrated 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 a bullet
over his head that Just suited Over
toms 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 would-be fatal bullets SO
that they always just fell little short
and in matters Of this sort miss is
considered as good as a mile
The day was near it's end, and plain
ly the laurels of victory rested with
the followers of the dynasty already
entrenched in authority shouts
had been more voclferous than the
others, and in all probability they had
fired two shots against one from the
reyolutionists. This inspired them
with new confidence, and the red cock
ade began to grow holder. even adj
vancing, as though determined to
chase their enemies out Of town ere the
sun dropped lntoathe western. sea, over
whose bosom he hung like globe OF
fire.
1t was about this time whom Montejo
and his sympathlzers 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 he
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 oc
Cured under Jacks own eyes, when q
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 Central American
general. with his mustache curled III
like two simitars, and his left breast
covered with Gorgeous medals and dec
orations, Jack had been wont to lool
upon him pretty much in the light of 9
modern Bombaates Furioso and coulC
hardly believe there was anything Of
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 hi
sword like a knight of old. and, launch
ing forth volley Of Spanish exple
tives that should have paralyzed theil
craven hearts, but failed to do SO.
Then came the crash of battle.
The generals lone companion was
spitted upon sword after bringing
down couple Of the enemy, and Bar
rajo himsslf was sorelY pressed BY
those who, recognizing in him the real
head and brains OF the present dynas
ty. were gtmly determined to got rid
Of him. 80 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 q
hand in the tragic affair Y began te