The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-10-18
CHAPTER XVIII.

There was little chance for the
fugitives, even had their lead been
twice as long. for the inexperienced
rider has small show against the man
who has lived from childhood in the
saddle. 1t was only a few minutes be-
fore the grim pursuers overhauled
them, swept alongside, and checked
their horses by strong hands upon the
bride. Solano drew his revolver, and
then, quickly realizing the helpless
ness Of his situation, calmly returned
it TO its resting place. Brockett drove
his right fist, viciously, into the face
of the nearest rider, but was wrapped
round with powerful arms before he
could strike second blow. Then the
caTalcade. escorting the prisoners,
turned, rode out of the little cross
road, and trotted slowly up the hill
Descending the farther slope, they
rode on in the same dead silence for
perhaps an hour. Coming to a thicket
beside the road, they wheeled into its
dark stretches, threaded their way
along a narrow track in single file,
and emerged upon clearing, in which
a campfire blazed brightly, while
some fifty men were lounging round
the flames. A sentrys challenge was
given and answered; the horsemen
dismounted, picketed their horses, and
assisted the prisoners to the ground.
A big, superbly-molded fellow,
standing some ten feet from the
flames, seemed to be in full authority,
and the boys were led towards him
when he waved his hand. Richly
dressed, heavily armed, the freight
playing over his dark, fierce counte-
nance, he looked the part of the op-
cratic villain or the musical brigand.
Receiving the boys with a smile that
showed his strong white teeth in thor
ough Roosevelt fashion, he motioned
them to seats upon two huge Mexican
saddles near by.
"I spik but YER poor Englees," he
apologiZed "You-one of you-spik |
Spanish, si?"
Solano promptly took UP the con-
versation, interpreting sentence by
sentence to Brockett, who sat calmly
by, occasionally interposing pointed
comments which the Cuban rapidly
translated to their captor.
Il am glad to meet you two young
cabaleros," ran the suaye speech Of
the big brigand, smiles ripping
through his words There are rea-
sons for my pleasure In making your
acquaintance. The fact is, cabaIleros,
that two gentlemen-not one, but two,
such Is my uncommon good fortune
have made me great offers for your
capture-or, rather, for certain docu-
ments. letters or messages which you
bear concealed upon you. These mes
sagas, If understand rightly, are adj
dressed to Gomez Esteral, who makes
his headquarters at the Rancho No
gal, and it appears to be of great in
terest to these two gentlemen that
he documents should never reach
him. DO | state the case correctly?"
ASK him." Brockett cut in, "if he
las any objections to telling us who
he gentlemen of such liberality may
le?"
mot in the least" the brigand an
'wered amicably. In fact, as you
will doubtless meet them both tomor-
ow, you might as well receive your !
Information in advance. One Of them I
S German. His name is quite diff 1
ult for a Mexican to speak. but he /
S very big man, with, apparently, /
! violent temper The other is Jap
q a. AL |
,lso among the impogsibilities." /