Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-24
CHAPTER vIII-continued.-

you were wise," said Challoner. brief
ly. 'And even now you've got very
hard row to hoe, Jerry. ! don't see
how But hold on. l may be able TO
give you some sound advice, after all.
really shouldn't be showing you these
little tricks of the trade. but I'll have to
compound with my conscience this time.
Listen
A faint click-click came from the rug
at his feet. He stopped and lifted that
The dot and dash of a field-telegraph' re-
ceiver became more distinctly audible.
1t ratified of message in the old Morse
code, which they both read mechanically
and by ear: Gonzalez was reporting to
the president at Alta Cruz the capture
and subsequent escape Of the chief OF
that band of flibusters which had lately
landed in San Benito the Judgement In
La Boca prison of the American. Cor
byn, and his confederate. with comments
and suggestions He was Of opinion that
| the filbusters had some connection with
Corbyn. and ventured to advise their ex-
termination forthwith.
"A clever devil that!" said Challoner.
as the instrument ceased to speak.
| "Ybarra would be i'll off without him."
Hell be Ill of. then. If / ever run
across Gonzalez Meggs answered
return for his cleverness. I'd like to hear
| what orders come back from Alta Cruz,
There's nothing passes that we cam
hear if We want to-" the correspondent
assured him: THE wire runs right over
head That's one reason why l took
this shack.
You'd better get into some other
clothes now. Jerry. You're very fetch
ing In these toys. but
Meggs got up. grinning.
m nj Y
he replied. darkly. "or l might not have
found my disguise SO effective. But you
needn't rub it in like that Quin. Ii had
been an Adonis. like COrbyn or Altar
dyce, I'd have been
you'll look a good deal handsomer
after you've washed your face" Chal-
loner interrupted. .'Of you go. I've got
to telephone the cable Office in La Boca
with my bulletin. Then We'll take turn
about sitting over the instrument here
and sleeping. J haven't been to bed for
two days. and there's daylight already.
"I'n stay with you till it's dark again
before move on said Meggs. You
needn't be afraid to keep me. The uni
! form l left here will serve to stave on
any troublesome inquirers."
Twill your men walt quietly?" asked
Challoner.
Nothing short Of a ton of dynamite
will move them before I get back to camp
They're the straight brand. Quin I'd
trust 'em from here to hades."
The storm which had been brewing all
night broke at noon. and saved the little
dwelling on the cliff face not few In
convenient visitors. Dusk had already
fallen ere a police patrol came Chamber
ing up the path which was like water
fall, and found the correspondent, In a
suit Of pink pajamas, amicab bly, chewing
coca leaves. in company with q. mud-be-
splattered captain of cavalry The police
men did not deem it prudent to intrude
on that dignitary. and went of gratefully
after partaking of rum supplied them. at
his masters order, by Miguel. who was
both willing and able to assure them
positively that he had seen no lurking
fugitive in the vicinity that day, the day
before or any other day. And, an hour
later, MeggS left on horseback. unseen.
He took to the shore. cantering over
wet sand below high-water mark till he
reached PuntA GOrda, where he. turned
inland to where his sodden camp lay on
the summit of a low rise In the forest
there.
''Get saddled up. men, he said. quietly,
and sat In his saddle waiting while the
drenched troopers gladly obeyed.
The rain had ceased. the sky was clear
again, and all the stars were shining as
they rode forth after him. but underfoot
long canal of liquid mud had taken the
place of the dusty highroad to La Boca.
1t made soft going for tile horses. They
Travelled easily and drew up at the prison
gate early in the evening. Their leader
answered the sentries challenge, and I'm
due course the governor appeared on the
parapet.
you're before your time. senior cap
itan." he grumbled. sourly. THE tele-
gram said 10 o'clock.
1T will be well to start before" the
officer replied, in a gruff growl. IF we
are to reach Alta Cruz before dawn. The
roads are barely passable after the rain. -
I'm bring the prisoners out. them the
guardian of the gaol announced. Have
your men ready; these gringos seem to
be more slippery than cells"
A wicket in the outer gate swung back
and four armed men brought forth two
others unarmed, who looked about them
hopelessly.
The cloaked troopers of the escort had
their carbines drawn, there were two
horses standing with empty saddles I'm
the forefront.
Corbyn was lifted into one before he
could protest. and Allardyce, accepting
the situation philosophically. swung him.
self into the other The escort closed up
round them, without a word.
Sign this receipt. please said the
governor I'm the gateway. Don't be in
such a hurry. senior captain. / have the
rules and regulations to comply Hey!