The Elbert County tribune., 1905-11-09
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ID ATAIE or TIE CUBAN WAR 8 |
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Copyright, 1897. by f. Tennyson NeeIy.
CHAPTER xvII.-Continued.
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Copyright. 1897. by +. Tcnnyson Nee1y.
CHAPTER xvIi.-Continued
No one Is hurt, but each man draws
a long breath. as II comprehending
that the battle is now on, and that 1t
will not cease until much destruction
has been wrought.
So Jack scrambles to his knees and
has his arm out of the window almost
Immediately. That kand holds a
weapon, and one he knows well how
to manipulate.
The guerrillas present as fair tar
get as anyone could wish, seen in the
light of the fires. Jack Travers has
had many opportunities for becoming
an expert shot.
II he were dealing with wild beasts
of the chaparral he would have no
more thought of mercy than he feels
toward these lawless outcasts whose
hands are raised against both sides
and whose daily calendar is marked
by terrible deeds.
So Travers opens right merrily
upon them, his only desire being TO
make each one of the six bullets give
a good accounting.
He Is not allowed to monopolize the
whole affair. Smithers Is just as eager
to have a hand In 1t, and his gun
sounds about as regularly as Jacks.
The senior and Spencer also manage
TO get in a shot or two, and taken
all together. the reception they spring
upon the astonished guerrillas is fully
as eficacious as it is sudden.
A temporary Generalization seizes
upon the assailants, and they melt
away Some run to the shelter of
trees, others to the opposite side of
the carriage, while a few drop to the
ground, hoping that among the
wounded they may be safe for the
present.
well DONE" cries Don Rafael; but
is anybody hurt?"
They have luckily escaped all in
jury, which fact may be laid to the
unprepared condition of the enemy.
Perhaps when a second engagement
has ended they may not be able to
present such fine showing.
"Listen!" exclaims Jack.
The report of firearms can be heard
Some of them have entered the
carriage!" exclaims Roblado, for the
shots certainly sound close to their
ears.
Jack scouts the idea.
mot quite so bad as that" he says.
"But listen. Those reports are sure
iy Just beyond this thin partition
Carramba!"-as two shots sound at
once.
THAT Is true. But they are fired
by the guard and my servant, who,
cut off from this compartment by the
advance of the enemy, have been COM
PEELED to take refuge in there"
II believe you are correct. senior
That is a piece of luck in our favor"
A sudden silence has fallen on the
scene-a silence that seems to pre-
sage the coming tempest-a silence
that is even more terrible than the
clamor that has precSied it.
The situation is certainly very
black, and even sanguine Squire John
does not dare to think of what the
immediate future may hold for them.
To successfully defend the carriage
against these daredevil guerrillas is
task well-nigh impossible. Above
ALL Jack breads lest the enemy con-
ceive the idea of utilizing fire in order
to accomplish their end. The old car
riage If once kindled would burn
like tinder. So Travers finds himself
in the position of a master at chess
who discovers a weak point in his de-
fense whereby he may be mated. and
as 1t is his opponents move. he sits
there on nettles awaiting the discov-
cry that will bring his defense to
naught.
Smithers knocks on the wall.
Hello, there!" he calls. and the
guard answers.
Hold the fort; load up again, and