The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1906-07-12
oHAPTER xvT.-contlnusd.

CHAPTER xvI.-Continued.
In vain does the ~bull-hghter seek to
close. The American is surrounded
by what seems to be a living wall Of
fists, and every time Barcelona makes
a fierce lunge forward. something
strikes him squarely in the chest. or
administers between the eyes a blow
that makes him see stars.
He realizes that the field is lost,
since these two men must be heavily
armed. and viii not scruple to use
weapons II they are pressed.
The Mexicans engaged with Colonel
Bob have had most Of their enthusi-
assn knocked out Of them. and n by
n are shrinking away 70 nurse their
swollen faces.
True, a buil-like voice rOars oaths,
and ~endeavors to encourage the assault
ants by the declaration that victory is
sure and near at hand; but the owner
is nowhere to be seen, since the willy
senior thinks too much Of his comfort
20 Join In a melee like this,
Colonel Bob's enthusiasm seems to
increase rather than diminish, and the
last brace Of enemies who endeavor
to run amuek with him come to the
conclusion that they have struck what
seems to be a human threshing ma
chine, so quickly are they doubled up
and put to sleep.
Grasplng the situation. the Mexican
bravo gives up the battle-he shouts.
in a furious voice. I'VE will meet
again!" and then plunges into the OBJ
security Of the thicket. TO escape fur
Their punishment at the hands Of the
American.
So far as enemies are concerned,
the two comrades have won the bat
tie. but they are as yet far from safe.
OF course Dicks first thought con-
Germs those for whom they waged war.
"Pauline," he gasps, short Of
breath.
"Here-safel" comes the cheering
response. and the girl from New York
dawns upon his vision
And Dora7"
There is no need 10 ask that. since
Colonel Bob already has that unique
person in his arms. and loudly la
ments the fact that he could not have
totally annihilated the little wretch
who dared 10 lay his hand upon her
which terrible threats cause the mis-
cradle professor 10 shiver in his thick
ct hiding place near by.
How shall we get out2" demands
Dick. awake to the e~xigency Of the
moment
IN the same way I came In" Bob
replies. PROMPTLY.
How was that?"
"Waft until dislodge that below
ing senor from yonder bushes-I can't
talk while he keeps up that shouting,
just as though his men were still at
us, tooth and nail"
AS he speaks Colonel Bob throws
his arm forWard-there is a fash, a
report followed Immediately by a sec
ond one.
The believing ceases instantly.
Killed him?" says Dick. with a
sigh OF relief.
mo such good luck" returns Bob.
c~arelessly. "Hark! you hear him MAX
ing a bee line for the hacienda now.
No more bowling from the Senior Lo-
pez az present. Come this way-here
you will see where / came In"
The door in the wall I was look.
ing for"
Il heard only what must have been
our last signal, though wondering
what all the row could be about and
guessing you had a hand In H. Now
we've left the garden Of Morales be
hind. What you see here Is the la
Viga Canal"
How shall we get home?-we have
no vehicle. remarks Dick. puzzled for
once.
There Is a boat here-perhaps that
will take as part OF the way-the
aadies at least. Hai two boats
we are in luck. Il seems"
Colonel Bob soon settles with the
owners Of the craft, who live upon the
bank OF the canal and take pleasure
parties to the floating gardens. The
boat can be left at a certain point
money Is paid over, and with the
moon wheeling into view, making the
very romantic, our four friends
start along the water way Of the
Mexican capital. bound for the Hotel
lturbe.
CHAPTER XVII.
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