The Columbus journal., 1909-12-22

eral Of the late revolutionary forces,
still in possession of . considerable
sum of money. to which no one else
possessed any better claim. the un-
healed scar of a Chilean bullet in my
shoulder. and an exceedingly flattering
chance Of being summarily shot by
drumhead court-martial II caught. All
opportunity for retreat across the Bo-
liyian frontier was already effectively
blocked, but, after several weeks Of
excessive hardship, skulking amid the
dark recesses of Indian huts In the
mountains, l succeeded in stealing un-
observed into Valparaiso. feeling con-
fident that, as sailor, l should be
able to discover in that busy seaport
some early opportunity for escape.
This confidence was doomed to bit
ter disappointment. The Chilean au-
thorities we're especially desirous Of
apprebending me. inspired doubtless
by visions of the war-chest. rumored
to be of far greater value than truth
could justify. They we're both alert
and suspicious. The American consul
was obdurate to pleading, refusing
peremptorily to become involved in
the affair, while no war vessel floating
the nag Of the United States, to which
I might fee for protection. entered
the harbor. Manifestly 1t was impos-
sible for me to depart on any foreign
vessel as a passenger without possess
ing the necessary papers properly
vised. nor could I even ship as sea-
man before the mast without running
the gantlet Of numerous suspicious
officials especially warned to appre-
hend me. In brief, though possessing
ample means. was . helpless pris-
oner. my only safety the keeping out
of sight from all in authority within
the narrow confines of the hotel.
Sitting there In solitude that even
ing l thought 1t out al! over again for
the hundredth time, bitterly cursing
myself for a stupid fool, yet utterly
unable to discover any venturesome
prospect Of ultimate escape. was
trapped a. securely as though the
hand of actual arrest was about to be
placed upon my shoulder. l might,
by thus continuing TO skulk in the
dark. delay the result. yet the final
ending was inevitable. Beyond doubt
I was cornered. and the time was ripe
for the eager acceptance Of any reck.
less opportunity. Yet, desperate -
was, l could perceive none: every
where arose the same blank wall Of
Chilean power. impossible. unassail-
able. insurmountable. Saint Andrew!
mine was = situation to chill the blood.
The stars began to gleam In the
black void Of sky overhead. those bril-.
liant, scintillating stars of the south
In their unfamiliar considerations, for.
ever reminding me that was an alien
and q stranger. The city itself.
wrapped within the deepening folds of
this early night mantle. appeared un-
usually noisy and demonstrative. 4
dimly wondered 1T It There was .
ceaseless blare Of bands. q medley Of
inarticulate cries, mingled with the
c0uei11ous disorder Of stunning feet
aloag the roughly paved streets. II
could distinguish nothing definite as
I hung curiously over the bal-
cony rail. staFiag idly down. yet
Il vas paainly evident that the entire
population vas astir with some n.
creasing excitement. Far out toward
the distant mouth Of the harbor q fort.
ress battery Was firing salvos Of ar.
tillery. the swim flames Of discharge
cleaving the black shadows in vicious
spurts Of yelloWisA red. tho sullen re-
vsfbegatioas q sound shaking the ho.
tel casements. Some Holy Saints day,
] imagiAsd. wondering idly what spe-
eial devotion Of the church could be