The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-04-22
AW AERIAL RUWA WAY
BY W. p and C.. p Chibman.
Copyright, 1901. Lothrop Publishing Company.
CHAPTER XXI.
An Overwhelming Defeat.

ters (for Tara and mother
panied Admaxla and Tpac to Zoctlan on the previous
day. In these they quickly took their places and in
moment more again in the park. AS the bearers
turned into Of the broad leading down to the
quay the four Americans glanced back for parting view
Of the majestic building which had to almost
home to them With its great golden dome towering
heavenward and gstening in the sunlight it seemed to
be wishing them hearty but silent godspeed.
Soon park<temple and surrounding palaces were all
left behind, and the filters came down upon the broad
wharf After the travellers had taken their seats in the
waiting barge and it had commenced it's trip the
lake, Chasca turned to the professor, saying:
~ have been thinking of Topars intended attack.
Should he really make such assault Cello reported
there is but spot he would be likely to choose It is
threefourths of mile from the lake shore, at point
where crossroad from his district joins the main high
way to follow.
1T think you will remember the place. There
dense hedges both sides Of the path and dwelling
within quarter Of mile. He can easily conceal his
behind the hedgerows and sudden attack at such
for it,
'.You think he will give up the attempt when he
finds it will not be surprise?' queried the professor
81 do the replied. But should he
give battle, believe easily defeat his forces for
have already said, troops the best trained
and bravest in the land And then you and your
companions with us?'
The aeronaut smiled at the last words, but made
reply He did not to let Chasca know his real feel
ngs for he had grave doubts to the outcome Of the
coming struggle. There but thing to do, how
and that was to 60 on and meet the enemy with
brave 'front.'
The remainder of the passage made in silence,
and ten minutes later the barge alongside the pier
Five minutes later the column was in motion They
marched slowly, and it until nearly twenty min
utes had passed that they neared the point Of the
pected attack Then Chasca halted the troops and turned
to Professor Barton
'sre' he said eve are now, in my judgment, close
upon Topaz and his believe they will be in two
bands this side Of the crossroad the other beyond it.
suggest therefore, that divide forces, and
make double attack upon them before they leave their
hiding plaees:' . ,;.,, onn.o,onzoa ~. .nr..o,.
plan and heartily Endorsed Chasca' arrangement.
(which column would it please you to lead?' the
native commander asked deferentally.
81 will take the frst,' the professor responded
promptly the chief seemed to expect and ap
peared greatly pleased with He gave few orders to the
captain in charge of the first company then he
the professor again, saying
''rhe first five companies of fifty each will fol
low you will lead the remainder and he started back
down the line
Turning to his native subordinate the aeronaut said
"Forward!'' and the march resumed Five min
utes brought them to the beginning of the hedge-rows
Still there signs of the enemy. Three minutes
passed. The junction of the crossroads reached
and passed. Just ahead Mr. Barton opening; thru
the bushes which led into the field where he believed his
opponent in waiting and about to order charge
at that point when loud shouts and the clash of arms
heard in the Chasca had begun his attack
The next instant body of armed men, headed by the
wenown form of the of Arauco rushed thru the
gap into the roadway.
t1Forward!,' cried the aeronaut. With shouts his
soldiers dashed ahead hurting their spears and drawing
their short swords. The battle was
The moment Topaz glanced down the line Of his op-
he knew two facts they had in learned
of his ambush; they had prepared to overthrow
him. For an instant the he felt many times for
the strangers upon him. AS he hesitated,
of his followers fell beneath the welamed avelns Of
the professors troops 1t confused his who
still pressing thru the gap in the hedge They on
the verge of panic. ......s
The sight maddened him. Sternly he commanded his
soldiers advance Then he himself leaped toward Pro-
fessor Barton not rod away Raising his sword to
strike, he cried out: ~zz-
s|Now prove your power, false child of the sun!''
Calmly the aeronaut awaited his onslaught. Not a
muscle moved until the furious chief almost upon
him. Then there quick movement of his sword
The sword of his assalant went flying from his grasp
The thrust went and into the breast of the
native With sharp cry he dropped to the pavement
dead.
Both troops had suspended hosties during the brief
duel But now their leader fell the Araucan soldiers
broke in wild confusion and fed With exutng cries
their opponents rushed after them staying their
tom WAS the fleeing every hand. In moment