Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-01-15
CHAPTER x.
Gettinq Into SANTIAGO,

Tho 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 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 1t 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 II
was slight, and it might as well be pc:-
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 ac-
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 divested himself OF
his clothing and put on that of the
Span:ard
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 Spanish regular. at night lat
least. Retaining his carbine and his
web bulct-belt, he proceeded on his
way, finally turning at right angles
and making straight tow the hills
that fianked the city on L It.
He was now at the first line OF en-.
trenchments. They were well made
and filled with men. most of them. ap
parently. sleeping. He saw some sol
diers at work with spades. and walk.
ing up TO one man who did not appear
TO be maniiesting any great enthusi
asm IN his task. Holton seized the
spade and throwing 1t over his shoul
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 Holtor
began 10 see a clear way of getting
into the city. In fact. he Joined
gang returning in that direction anc
walked along with them. initiating a.
closely as possible their slouchinl
gait and their manner Of carrying theiI
implements.
One OF them finally addressed him
"WelI. brother" he said, the Amer
leans will receive tomorrow as much
as they expect"
"They have fought WELL" muttered
Holton, assuming sort Of huskiness
to 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.
And l." rejoined Holton with
trace OF pride, Am going into the city
to present letter from my colonel to
Senior La Tossa, who has. have
heard. very handsome estate. neal
Cuabitas"
"Ah, La Tossa!" said his com mpanion
Yes. do you know where he livesT'
over that way" replied the mar
with a sweep OF his arm to the left
You must take ,hs Santa Ines road
going northeast Inquire then OF 9th
ers you may meet"
Well. I shall first go 10 the city TOT
a drop of aguardiente. and then
Holton shrugged, pleasure first and
duty afterward.
The soldiers turned on INTO the out.
skirts of the town.
The rain was pattering dismally II
beat into Holton's iace and ran In
rivulets down the road. The lights
ahead showed with a watery blur: IL
was In all a night that man or beast
might wish himself indoors
CTo BE CONTISrEDb