Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-02-19
CHAPTER X.
Getting Into Santiago.


The night was black. the skies had
clouded over. and it was raining. Half
way down the slope of the hill Holton
stumbled over something. He stopped
and looked down and saw Il group OF
four regulars contorted in death.
Holton bowed his head in silent sa-
lutte and passed on. The glory of war.
he felt. must come after the war is
over. He had felt none of it all through
the battle. The least offensive word
he could apply TO this days business
was that it had been sordid-a glut OF
blood
The wound in his head was hurting.
and for the first time thoughts Of blood
poisoning assailed him. He had not
had it dressed in two days. Still 1t
was slight. and it might as well be poi
soning as something else. For he had
abandoned any hope OF escaping his
present venture with his life.
All he asked, all he prayed was that
he might be spared until he had &C
complished something.
Over his arm he carried a uniform
and hat which he had taken from
dead Spanish soldier. and now sitting
on the ground he Invested himself of
his clothing and put on that OF the
Spaniard
The fit was fairly good, and Holton
decided that with his unkempt black
hair. his beard which had not seen a
razor for several days. and his sun
Drowned face he might very readily
pass for a Spanish regular, at night at
least. Retaining his carbine and his
web bullet-belt. he proceeded on his
way, finally turning at right angles
and making straight toward the hills
that tlanked the city on II eft.
He was now at the first line of en-
trenchments. They were well made
and filled with men. most of them. APP
rarently. sleeping. He saw some sol
diers at work with spades, and walk
ing up to one man who did not appear
to be manifesting any great enthusi- |
asm in his task. Hoton seized the |
spade and throwing it over his shout |
der, handed the man his carbine in ex.
change.
He had decided 1t was time to rid |
himself of his gun. He did not expect /
TO miss 1t. as he still had his revolver.
and was very expert in its use.
A number of soldiers armed with |
spade and pick-axes were moving
about and for the first time Holton
began to see clear way OF getting
into the city In fact, he Joined a
gang returning in that direction and
walked along with them. initiating as
closely as possible their slouching
gait and their manner OF carrying their
implements.
one OF them finally addressed him.
well. brother" he said, the Amer
leans will receive tomorrow as much
as they expect"
They have fought WELL" muttered
iolton, assuming a sort OF huskiness
% hide any defects in accent.
Like devils" was the reply.
Yes, like devils" added another.
Where are you going?" Holton
asked.
ITO the barracks" said some one.
n"u j, ieJOlHeu HOltOn with a
race of pride, "am going into the city I
o present letter from my colonel to
'enor La Tossa, who has. have
card. a very handsome estate. near
All, La Tossa!" said his companion
Yes. do you know where he lives? ?"
over that way" replied the man
'ith sweep Of his arm to the left r
You must take the Santa Ines road !
oing northeast Inquire then OF 9th.
RS you may meet" .
We'll. shall first go to the city for
drop of aguardiente, and then"
oiton shrugged. pleasure first and
lty afterward"
The soldiers turned off into the out.
iirts of the town.
The rain was pattering dismally. 1t
lat into Holton's face and ran in T.
vulets down the road. The lights
read showed with a watery blur: 1t +
as in all a night that man or beast 4
lght wish himself indoors. |
(TO BE CONTINUED /