The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-08-14
infusion and uncertainty

| added to the confusion and uncertainty
Of the fight
Quickly grasping the situation the mo-
ment the first shot was fired, 7 Led my
men around the belligerent parties %
where the carriage had been withdrawn
In an instant ] had my revolver at the
head Of the driver. and had ordered him
10 move on toward the city
Too much frightened 20 offer any re-
sistance, he whipped up his horses. my
men ratified along behind. and we went
tearing down the road at furious rate
for mile or two. / heard exclamations
and cries Of fright from within the car
riage. but there was no time for ex-
plantations.
1t was ali so quickly done. and events
had taken such an unexpected turn,
that our success might be considered
almost the result Of an accident. What
the outcome Of the fight had been
could, OF course. only srrnise.
The firing soon ceased, and knew
that the disappearance Of the carriage
would be quickly discovered. thought
IL not improbable that il would be sup
posed that the coachman had driven
back 10 the city for the safety OF the
occupants, so that I ordered that the
horses be turned east Afterward we
took the road which leads to San An
tonic. and then slackened up and drove
at an easy pace.
The driver. as soon as he had some
what collected his scattered wits. de-
INJURED at serving as coachman for me,
but peremptOry orders led him TO con-
clude that valor would be sufficiently
shown By quietly submitting 10 circum-
stances for which he could see no help
II | had stolen horses and carriage, as
well as a lady and her maid-the latter
afterward proving TO be the old duenna,
who had before so materially assisted
me-and forced the coachman to drive
for me. I excused myself for so doing
under the plea OF necessity. My lady
certainly could not travel without a con-
veyance and there was no opportunity
TO secure another carriage.
Had dismissed the driver-I certainly
would have liked TO dispense with him.
had 1 seen any way in which / could
safely have done sol doubted not but
that he would have raised an alarm a
squad OF cavalry would be sent after
Us, and we would be overtaken before
we could reach the lines Of the Consti-
tutional forces. Yet. TO keep him with
us involved us in almost as great danger
as 10 let him go; for he might take il
upon himself when the first opportunity
offered. 10 inform against ne.
] was still debating IN my own mind
what TO do with him when Martin rode
up 70 nv side.
I'VE are likely 20 pass an outpost
soon. and VIII be challenged" he whisp-
cred In M ear.
How about your papers?'' I inquired.
They are all right"
DO you think that we will be de-
tained?"
No he replied. with a motion in
dicating the driver. but how about
h!m?'
Suppose we leave hiN behind" L
suggested.
we will probably have to do that.
II We do not he viii contrive in some
way TO have US detained. 1 was going
10 offer to take his place Jose thinks
that he knows Of a driver at the village
whom he can secure"
As we were now some distance out OF
the city l thought that If we were go
ing to drop the fellow, here was az good
a place as any 10 do so. I ordered him
TO step the carriage. and Martin. CIV
up on the seat beside him.
Evidently the fellow believed that we
meant 10 do him bodily harm: for, the
instant Martin placed his hand on the
seat he sprang down on the other side
Of the carriage and mace of through
the darkness as fast as his legs could
carry him l had not expected TO get
rid Of him, this easy, and let him go.
Evidently Martin, too, thought il an
easy radiance Of him. for he gave a
soft whistle of satisfaction as he picked
up the reins.
But before the carriage started there
was movement from within, and my
name was called.
Yes" I answered.
The curtain was drawn aside BY a
small hand. and face appeared at the
window. IL was too dark 10 catch any
expression. or even 10 distinguish who
the person was, but recognized the
senOrita's voice when she spoke
Where am l being taken? she asked.
I'VE are on the road 20 Vera Cruz, or
viii be before long" I replied
Why are you taking me. 10 Vera
CRUZ she demanded.
"Wny-we shall be safe there" I
stammered.
4 wish 10 return TO the city. Have
the carriage driven back" she replied.
What! Return 10 the city, / asked
in establishment
Yes. that is what l said
/ was dumb / knew not what reply
10 make. What reply l should have
made l do not know; but Just at that
moment Martin gave the horses a cut
with the reinS, and the carriage started
so suddenly that / was left behind it.
and the senorita was thrown back into
her seat.
i Wns somewhat indignant at Martin
for thus suddenly starting without any
notice. and spurred my horse close 10
the carriage TO ask him what he meant
! by it; but in an instant 1 saw what
was the matter. Coming down the
road, few hundred feet in front Of US.
was squad of cavalry.
CHAPTER XI.