The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1907-07-27
BARON RUDIGER.


the dispatches and his discharge from
the army In his trunk. he set out and
soon reached the town Of Toluca-
Uncertain whether 20 advance OF TO
furn. not knowing which party,
whether Liberals or Conservatives.
now held possession OF the town. he
was debating within himself what
course 20 pursue when he was aroused
by the sound OF harsh voice saying:
"Buenos tardes, senior"
He turned and beheld a group OF LIB
eral officers, dressed In their scarlet
sack coats and pants OF snowy duck.
standing Just under the shade Of a
grove OF lofty cocoanut trees, where
they had stood silent and unobserved
witnesses 20 his perplexities.
"Buenos tardes. senores," replied
Rudlger. now fully reassured, and,
bowling 70 the speaker and his brother
officers. he put spurs 20 his Jaded steed
and gaIloped into the town.
Baron Rudiger had scarcely finished
a repast az an inn when n Liberal
officer swaggered into the room and
said:
"Senor major, arrest your
Arrest me, siri BY whose authority
and for whatY
"By the authority Of General Ne
CRETE resumed the speaker In the same
unfriendly voice. But, come. major.
this Is no time for trifllng. and the
guard are expecting you. vamosr'
Guard! Guard! What guardT' said
Rudiger, with a surprised look at the
countenance OF his annoyer.
"why, a guard OF honor, 20 be sure.
majors DO you suppose that a cabai-
lero like yourself would be allowed 20
patrol these streets unattendedf Car
rajo, no. So come along. senior major.
for time flies. and the general IL en-
pecting you"
Arrived there, the squad Of coarse
soldiery halted and the Indignant Rudi-
ger, who was now the object al which
a vulgar crowd hurled It's ribald re-
marks, was conducted by the com
handing officer into the presence OF
the general. who as soon as he saw
him cried out:
80 50, seDor major, you've been
playing deserter, chr And running
away from burned powder, ehl But.
senior, you're not out or the smell OF II
yet. tn warrant you"
Rudiger repelled the cowardly charge
with honest Indignation and then re-
spectfully said:
General Negrete. have my licenzia
absolute among my baggage Tomor-
row, general, with your permission, i
Will produce II. and l trust that will
be sufficient You will then allow me,
l hope" ssid Rudiger with an anxious
ito prosecute my jour
ney."
mos verremos," said the general
quickly, and then. turning 10 the or
derly In attendance, he cried: Take
this man and lock him up securely in
the inward calaboso. Tomorrow will
dispose OF his case"
Rudlger attempted 10 expostulate
against such outrageous treatment but
on sign from the general the guard
rushed In and hurried him 20 the
lookup.
Early In the morning he was taken
10 the projects, and there. his baggage
having been broken open by order of
Negrete. IL was carefully examined by
the general himself, who 1xed his ava
riclous eyes long and lovingly upon the
golden ounces, but carefully put them
back. and. having found the all impor-
tant licenzia absolute, he signed an or
der for the majors discharge and has
tiiy departed, leaving the astonished |
70 obtain redress as best he
could.
Rudlger now determined 10 retrace |
his steps and lay the matter before the
president In order "a possible to re
ceive some compensation for the indig-
mites he had suffered.
IL was late when the major and his |
solitary mozo left the town gate OF
late indeed that the solemn
moon already doomed above the tall
palm tops. casting her pale light over
the surrounding landscape. but as II IL
often customary In travellers through |
the republic 10 do that In order 10
avoid the fervid heat OF the sun Rudi-
ger felt no alarm. as with Ills trusty |
rife slung AZ his saddle bow he logged |
briskly along He had determined for |
his greater security 10 branch or 10 the |
right and. leaving the mountains,
emerge on the tnbleland. II was now
about IL o'clock. lie had just de
from the road when a loud |
voice sang out: -IIalta! Halta"' lie |
halted and raised his piece The la
drones, for such they proved 10 be. |
fired with their short car
bInes The moro fell dead al the FIRST |
FIRE. and Rudlger, though wounded Sc
verely, sent one OF the fellows curslng |
10 his last account
But what could one man do against ]
twentyf lie fought vallantly and well. |
but nj length a powerful blow from
the butt OF n carbine sent him reeling |
10 the ground. Here he was instantly |
by their knives. and soon |
all was over. The robbers made or. |
taking with them the mule and the
trunk. This trunk was ever afterwani |
In the possession OF General Negrete.
Rudiger was buried by some Kind |
hearted foreigners residing in n neigh |
|aaelW.w