The Washington times., 1904-08-21
IN PERLOUSWAYS AKNOFT SPECUARF 1SSON&WAMWR 5

across the road to prevent travel, or
| meeting with any accident. the rest of
the journey was likely to be pleasantly
performed. But 1 was in no little per-
pleNity as to what 1 should do when l
reached Puebla.
We would be obliged to stay there for
the night. at least, and we might be
prevented from proceeding farther. La
Puebla. ] knew, was held by the Con-
SerVativcS. There was every reason why
we should not remain there any longer
than possible, but should push on I'M
til we crossed the lines. II we delayed
we might be prevented from reaching
Vera Cruz at all. for the second expe-
dition against the city had already start
ed from the capital.
The lines of the siege would be drawn,
batteries planted. communication cut
on. Then no one could predict what the
fortunes of war would be. At Vera
Cruz was the American consul. and the
American ships in the harbor. We would
be near our friends. and we would
have all the protection they could offer.
/ believed, too. that Mr.. Melrose, If he
had not already done so, would find a
way to reach the coast; for it had been
our understanding when we talked to-
Of safety.
Along in the afternoon we were
startled by boy coming toward US. ap-
parently greatly frightened, crying out
"Banditu, bandittiI' This was not so
much surprise to US as it would have
been had we not almost expected to
meet them. knowing that they were far
too common in the neighbOrhood.
Without counting the driver we were
four good men, and If not taken at
disadvantage could make a good fight
l directed Martin and Pedro to remain
with the carriage, while Jose and my
self rode ahead. 1 also saw TO IL that
they all had their pistols loose IN the
holsters.
The bandits, however, proved but
party Of cavalry, some eighteen or TWEEN
~ men. They were mounted on tough,
hardy ponies, and were well armed.
Their uniforms were almost new, and
under their wide sOmbreros their
swarthy faces. their black hair. stubby
mustaches and piercing eyes. gave them
almost a fierce expression. They were
fine appearing fellows. however; sat in
their saddles well, and rode with an
easy grace.
We were stopped and asked where we
were going. and was again obliged 20
show my passport.
Are you an Americana" asked the
officer.
Il am" replied.
Who is in the carriage?"'
1 hesitated. but it mattered not, for
he had turned to the vehicle.
Pardon me, sen.ra." he said. "for
this inquisitiveness. We have orders u
stay every one who passes along the
road and examine them.
Il, too, am an American" replied the
senoritl quietly, drawing her mantiIla
aside.
My heart gave a great bound. She
had said this for me. And she was an
American.
had not realized this so fully before.
1t had been in her power. too, TO have
put into execution her threat to relieve
herself Of my presence, and she had not
done so.
You have come dangerous road"
replied the officer, land are fortunate
In not having had little experience Of
what guerrilla warfare is Ike. We
hung four fellows below. To have shot
them would have been better than they
deserved
He lifted his hat to the ladies. and
then let US go on.
was a little nervous, for 1 knew
that We were not out Of danger; and
my nervousness was not relieved. when.
after passing on a few hundred yards,
l saw, looking back, that two of the
troopers were following us
A little distance ahead we beheId the
bodies o. the guerrillas the officer had
spoken about, hanging from a frame
by the roadside.
They were hideous looking objects,
their clothes ragged and dirty, their
faces black and distorted. saw the
senorita draw the curtain of the car
riage. l myself was not disposed TO
look at them; and momentary shudder
passed over me as l thought that had
II been discovered who / was, a like
fate might have befallen me.