Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-25
CHAPTER Ix-continued.

Corbyn was still further overwhelmed
by this proof of Meggs' single hearted
ness, but could not gainsay the common
sense OF Aliardyce's contention. With
two such friends at his back and a fight
ing force behind them much might be
done that would be, humanity speaking.
impossible otherwise. He had no option
but to accept all they offered. In the hope
that he might one day be able to pay
them in part the debt he must thus incur
for the sake of Beatriz.
You two must get into fancy dress
first" said Meggs, and from some crevice
produced a parcel containing two uni
forms.
Hope they'll At. I had them made in
the correct thing. Barr gave me full
directions, so that we might cut a dash
here without delay. and now they'll help
US along famously." His spirits were ris-
ing at the prospect of action. He helped
them deftly with belt and buckle. till
both stood fully dressed as officers of San
Benitan cavalry. straight and smart in
as yet unstained blue and gold. Two OF
the four stars on his own shoulder straps
he transferred to Corbyn's.
"Allardyce and take lieutenant 9
rank" said he. land you're in command
now. Phil. I'll serve you faithfully"
Corbyn could only wiring his hand again.
His own heart was too full OF gratitude
to let him speak unmoved And then
Meggs called the men together.
He told them briefly how and why the
expedition for which they had enlisted
had turned out a fiasco, and that they
were therefore free to lay down their
arms and leave the country with a
months pay and the price of the home
ward passage. Then he outlined the un-
dertaking before Corbyn. explaining its
risks clearly. warning them as to the con-
sequences failure would most assuredly
entail on the survivors. They listened
gravely.
He stepped back beside Allardyce, a
pace to rear of Corbyn.
That's all 1 have to say. boys" he
concluded. "and-this is my captain. I'm
going with him."
Corbyn returned their glances steadily.
1t was not the first time that he had
called for volunteers to share a desperate
risk.
I'm Philip Corbyn." he said. shortly.
you We heard what sort of work have
ahead of me. If any of you care to join
me- talk the thing over for five minutes
and then let me know
He was about to turn back to the fire
that they might have full liberty of
speech between themselves, when a voice
cried from among them. Put Mike Nc
Cures name down. Capt. Corbyn. sor"
He halted. and went forward holding
out his hand.
Mike he said. I'm more than glad
to meet you here. But this may turn
out harder pull than San Juan ridge,
pleased I'll be to have you with me,
but"
I'm goin', sor'' said Mike, stubbornly,
Il didn't come down here for my health.
nor none of the others didn't neither. It's
no use, Capt. Corbyn, sor. You can't
ma - fem W. >N~~s
each mothers son Of us. and where you
lead we'll follow. Isn't that right, boys?'
That's right. Mike" chorused a dozen
voices. and Allardyce smiled contentedly.
He had been half afraid that Meggs and
Corbyn were laying too much stress on
the weak points of their project.
Every man has full liberty to act as
he thinks BEST" Corbyn finished. There g
New York steamer sails from La Boce
tomorrow. I start across the mountains
be no turning back from beyond the
pass. Those who mean to go with me
will saddle up in q hurry. Three men
must take word out to the pickets and
give them the same chance"
The gathering broke up speedily and he
turned to his friends with glad face.
That's a good crowd you've recruited.
Jerry" he said; and Meggs nodded cor
dial assent: Mike McGuire's host in
himself He was with me in Cuba. -
mC8SS NOuOCu d8dW. Icm0ulOcT
him." he responded. He speaks some
Spanish, too. 1t wouldn't be bad to make
him troop sergeant"
1--WE WILL" agreed Corbyn. who had the
same idea In his mind. And now about
our plan of campaign. It's understood
that our sole object is to get Miss Ybarra
safely beyond San Benito. Don't forget
that her life isn't safe while she il within
her Cousins reach. He's desperately hard
up and she's very wealthy. That's
wherein the chief risk to her Hes.
IF any Of us fall out the others must
go on. One of the three should surely
get through. and In that respect we must
trust to Providence. II you two will pose
as prisoners till we're well over the
mountains think we can manage to pass
the garrison at the summit. and then
we'll be fairly started. Have you any
wire-cutters In your equipment. Jerry?"
Every man has pair on his saddle"
Good. Let's get mounted
Corbyn's voice had a very different ring
In 1t now. He was once more . soldier