The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-07-11

quick, but he's rather enjoyed the
cruise. and 80 he sticks"
He rose from his chair and strobe
across the room to where an elderly
man was entertaining two of the cir
Gus riders. There WAS a whispered
consultation, and presently the two
men came TO Marvins table
After whispered consultation the
three men went inside of the exhibit
ton tent and Marvin nodded approx
ingiy at the huge space.
You can stow the entire town of
La Rosario In this tent" he declared.
laughlngly. ITO get a full house.
even the barracks will have to be de-
serted"
They ought to come as a matter Of
education" declared Bloodgood.
'Bardeen's reproduction of the battle
OF Port Arthur that winds up the
show Is lesson In warfare by modern
Methods"
Advertise 1t "a war school In
these revolutionary republics and the
whole country will come" advised
Marvin.
I'm going to have an audience here
that will include the whole town." de-
elared Bloodgood ~ think I'll go
and see the Dictator. Even he will
not be able to resist free box"
Bloodgood was right. The Dictator
had the universal appreciation of the
free pass, and when Bloodgood ex-
planned his plans, he found ready ad-
wiser In the Dictator.
The following day the seats were
packed to excess when the parade,
which had halted outside, made entry
upon the hippodrome tracks.
It was a splendid performance, and
as act succeeded act, the natives eyes
grew wider and wider with amazement.
This was vastly different from any
thing ever seen before In La Rosario.
and when at last the cowboys dashed
into the arena and took possession of
the rings, the excitement was I'M
bounded. The natives appreciated
good riding. and they were seeing the
best.
Before the finale, Bloodgood took his
stand In the central ring and explained
that the entire force of the circus
would give an accurate reproduction of
the battle of Port Arthur.
At one side of the arena an inclined
platform had been built to serve as 101
Meter Hill, and on this the Russians
took their stand, while the Japs
marched In and paraded around the
hippodrome track before they gave
battle.
They marched in open order and at
a trumpet call they halted and faced
forward. Bardeen stood beside the
state box and now he leaned over
Balamos shoulder.
Those guns are loaded with ball
cartridges" he advised. THE two gat-
lings are fully manned. They can
sweep the tent and In ten minutes
wipe out the population of La Rosario.
Five mile, from town Molina Is In
camp ready to move on the city. He
does not know that the place Is un-
guarded, but one OF our riders can
make the trip in half an hour. You
owe Mr.. Marvin $4,000 gold. for some
rifles and big guns. You have advised
him to see Molina about 1t. Is that
still your advlce?"
This Is a trap" whispered Balamo.
III you WILL" assented Bardeen
1or In, is Frin Of mt
want to see him treated fairly Your
treasurer is here. Let him take some
of our men to the treasury and convey
the money to our steamer. After that
We shall take our departure. and you
shall be our hostage until We leave. If
you refuse-well. Marvin will have to
look to Molina, and Molina will be will
ing to pay-when he Is restored to the
presidency. Marvin had seen to that
There Is a collection fee of S11 900 to be
added to the other. VIII you pay?"
With trembling hand, Balamo signed
the order, and motioned the treasurer
to accompany Marvin. They rumbled
off with several eight-horse trucks and
Bardeen explained to the audience that
there had been hitch In the per.
Torrance and advised them to remain
quietly In their seats.
The advice Was not needed. The
sharpshooting had convinced them of
the futility OF matching their marks
manship against that of the cowboys,
and the few who carried revolvers did
not draw them.
The half hour that passed seemed
like days, then Marvin and the treas
urer returned. A file of men and one
of the gatlings were sent off to pro
tect the boat, and while the soldiers
we're massed under guard, the rest OF
the circus force hurriedly took down
the tents and rushed them to the
steamer. In four hours the loading WAS
accomplished and the steamer, fol.
lowed by the tug which constituted
the San Crlstobal navy, pulled out
They were some Ave miles from shore
when Bardeen approached the dicta.
tor and his cabinet.
I'VE will put you aboard the tug
now, ne dHhouhCeo Win d suile. we
have had very eventful little birth.
day party. and we arc very much
Obliged to you Tor your share In the
festivities, You may return with the
assurance that Molina has not usurped
your seat AS matter Of fact, we
could not locate him, else we should
have put him In your place as lesson
to other dictators.
Ut WAS all Hep asked Ralnmn.