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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>THE QUEST OF THE FOUR</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Quest of the Four" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Joseph A. Altsheler" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1911" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="40480" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-08-11" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Quest of the Four A Story of the Comanches and Buena Vista" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Quest of the Four A Story of the Comanches and Buena Vista" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="quest.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2012-08-11T17:11:06.317185+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40480" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Joseph \A. Altsheler" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2012-08-11" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.19b4 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-quest-of-the-four"> -<h1 class="document-title level-1 pfirst title">THE QUEST OF THE FOUR</h1> - -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en noindent pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the <a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a> -included with this eBook or online at -<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>.</p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container noindent white-space-pre-line" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst white-space-pre-line"><span class="white-space-pre-line">Title: The Quest of the Four<br /> - A Story of the Comanches and Buena Vista<br /> -<br /> -Author: Joseph A. Altsheler<br /> -<br /> -Release Date: August 11, 2012 [EBook #40480]<br /> -<br /> -Language: English<br /> -<br /> -Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line">*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>THE QUEST OF THE FOUR</span> ***</p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 48%" id="figure-26"> -<img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -Cover</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 63%" id="figure-27"> -<span id="the-man-spoke-in-a-sharp-whisper-you-are-john-bedford"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"The man spoke in a sharp whisper: 'You are John Bedford?'" Page <a class="reference internal" href="#id1">303</a></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None center container titlepage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line x-large"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">The</em><br /> -QUEST OF THE FOUR</p> -<p class="large pnext white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">A STORY OF THE COMANCHES AND<br /> -BUENA VISTA</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BY</p> -<p class="large pnext white-space-pre-line">JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst small white-space-pre-line">AUTHOR OF "THE LAST OF THE CHIEFS,"<br /> -"THE YOUNG TRAILERS," ETC.</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">ILLUSTRATED</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">D. APPLETON AND COMPANY<br /> -NEW YORK AND LONDON: MCMXX</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None center container verso white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center pfirst small white-space-pre-line">COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY<br /> -D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst small white-space-pre-line">Printed in the United States of America</p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">CONTENTS</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">CHAPTER</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">I.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-meeting-of-the-four">The Meeting of the Four</a><br /> -II.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-march-of-the-train">The March of the Train</a><br /> -III.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#at-the-ford">At the Ford</a><br /> -IV.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#on-watch">On Watch</a><br /> -V.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-comanche-village">The Comanche Village</a><br /> -VI.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-medicine-lodge">The Medicine Lodge</a><br /> -VII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-great-sleep">The Great Sleep</a><br /> -VIII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#new-enemies">New Enemies</a><br /> -IX.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-fiery-circle">The Fiery Circle</a><br /> -X.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#phil-s-letter">Phil's Letter</a><br /> -XI.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#with-the-army">With the Army</a><br /> -XII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-pass-of-angostura">The Pass of Angostura</a><br /> -XIII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-wind-of-the-desert">A Wind of the Desert</a><br /> -XIV.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#buena-vista">Buena Vista</a><br /> -XV.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-woman-at-the-well">The Woman at the Well</a><br /> -XVI.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-castle-of-montevideo">The Castle of Montevideo</a><br /> -XVII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-thread-the-key-and-the-dagger">The Thread, the Key, and the Dagger</a><br /> -XVIII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-hut-in-the-cove">The Hut in the Cove</a><br /> -XIX.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#arenberg-s-quest">Arenberg's Quest</a><br /> -XX.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-silver-cup">The Silver Cup</a><br /> -XXI.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-note-of-a-melody">The Note of a Melody</a><br /> -XXII.--<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#breakstone-s-quest">Breakstone's Quest</a></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-man-spoke-in-a-sharp-whisper-you-are-john-bedford">"The man spoke in a sharp whisper: 'You are John Bedford?'"</a> . . . <em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Frontispiece</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#putting-his-blanket-beneath-him-he-lay-before-one-of-the-fires">"Putting his blanket beneath him, he lay before one of the fires"</a></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-black-snakelike-loop-fell-over-bill-breakstone-s-head">"A black, snakelike loop fell over Bill Breakstone's head"</a></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-third-boy-from-the-rear-stopped-and-listened">"The third boy from the rear stopped and listened"</a></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst x-large" id="the-meeting-of-the-four">THE QUEST OF THE FOUR</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst">CHAPTER I</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE MEETING OF THE FOUR</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">A tall boy, dreaming dreams, was walking across -the Place d'Armes in New Orleans. It was a -brilliant day in early spring, and a dazzling -sunlight fell over the city, gilding the wood or stone of the -houses, and turning the muddy current of the Mississippi -into shimmering gold. Under such a perfect blue sky, -and bathed in such showers of shining beams, New -Orleans, a city of great and varied life, looked quaint, -picturesque, and beautiful.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the boy, at that moment, thought little of the -houses or people about him. His mind roamed into the -vast Southwest, over mountains, plains, and deserts that -his feet had never trod, and he sought, almost with the -power of evocation, to produce regions that he had never -seen, but which he had often heard described. He had -forgotten no detail of the stories, but, despite them, the -cloud of mystery and romance remained, calling to him -all the more strongly because he had come upon a -quest the most vital of his life, a quest that must lead -him into the great unknown land.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was not a native of New Orleans or Louisiana. -Any one could have told at a glance that the blue eyes, -fair hair, and extreme whiteness of skin did not belong -to the Gulf coast. His build was that of the -Anglo-Saxon. The height, the breadth of shoulder and chest, -and the whole figure, muscled very powerfully for one so -young, indicated birth in a clime farther North--Kentucky -or Virginia, perhaps. His dress, neat and clean, -showed that he was one who respected himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil Bedford passed out of the Place d'Armes, and -presently came to the levee which ran far along the great -river, and which was seething with life. New Orleans -was then approaching the zenith of its glory. Many, not -foreseeing the power of the railroad, thought that the -city, seated near the mouth of the longest river of the -world, into which scores of other navigable streams -drained, was destined to become the first city of America. -The whole valley of the Mississippi, unequalled in extent -and richness, must find its market here, and beyond lay -the vast domain, once Spain's, for which New Orleans -would be the port of entry.</p> -<p class="pnext">Romance, too, had seized the place. The Alamo and -San Jacinto lay but a few years behind. All the states -resounded with the great story of the Texan struggle for -liberty. Everybody talked of Houston and Crockett and -Bowie and the others, and from this city most of the -expeditions had gone. New Orleans was the chief fountain -from which flowed fresh streams of men who steadily -pushed the great Southwestern frontier farther and -farther into the Spanish lands.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil, looking through his own fresh, -young eyes, that it was a happy crowd along the levee. -The basis of the city was France and Spain, with an -American superstructure, but all the materials had been -bound into a solid fabric by their great and united defense -against the British in 1815. Now other people came, -too, called by the spirit of trade or adventure. Every -nation of Europe was there, and the states, also, sent -their share. They came fast on the steamers which -trailed their black smoke down the yellow river.</p> -<p class="pnext">The strong youth had been sad, when he came that -morning from the dingy little room in which he slept, and -he had been sad when he was walking across the Place -d'Armes, but the scene was too bright and animated to -leave one so young in such a state of mind. He bought -a cup of hot coffee from one of the colored women who -was selling it from immense cans, drank it, exchanged a -cheerful word or two of badinage, and, as he turned -away, he ran into a round man, short, rosy, and portly. -Phil sprang back, exclaiming:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your pardon, sir! It was an accident! All my fault!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No harm done where none iss meant," replied the -stranger, speaking excellent English, although with a -German accent. It was obvious, even without the -accent, that he was of German birth. The Fatherland -was written all over his rotund figure, but he was dressed -in the fashion of the Southwest--light suit, light shoes, -and a straw hat.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a time when chance meetings led to long -friendships. On the border, a stranger spoke to another -stranger if he felt like it. One could ask questions if he -chose. Partnerships were formed on the spur of the -moment in the vast army that was made up of the children -of adventure, formality was a commodity little in -demand. The German looked rather inquiringly at the -boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"From farther North, iss it not so?" he asked. -"Answer or be silent. Either iss your right."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill laughed. He liked the man's quaint manner -and friendly tone, and he replied promptly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I was born in Kentucky, my name is Philip -Bedford, and I am alone in New Orleans."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then," said the German, "you must be here for -some expedition. This iss where they start. It iss so. -I can see it in your face. Come, my young friend, no -harm iss done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil had taken no offense. He had merely started a -little at the shrewd guess. He replied frankly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm thinking of the West, Texas and maybe New -Mexico, or even beyond that--California."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss a long journey to take alone," said the -German, "two thousand, three thousand miles, and not one -mile of safe road. Indians, Mexicans, buffaloes, bears, -deserts, mountains, all things to keep you from getting -across."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But I mean to go," paid Phil firmly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The German looked at him searchingly. His interest -in Phil seemed to increase.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Something calls you," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was silent.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No harm iss done where none iss meant," -the German. "You have told me who you are, Mr. Philip -Bedford, and where you come from. It iss right -that I tell you as much about myself. My name iss Hans -Arenberg, and I am a Texan."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked at him, his eyes full of unbelief, and the -German laughed a little.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," he said. "You do not think I look like -a Texan, but I am one by way of Germany. I--I live -at New Braunfels."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg's voice broke suddenly, and then Phil -remembered vaguely--New Braunfels, a settlement of -German immigrants in Texas, raided by Comanches, -the men killed, and the women carried off! It was one -of those terrible incidents of the border, so numerous -that the new fast crowded the old out of place.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You come from New Braunfels! You are one of the -survivors of the massacre!" he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," said the German, his eyes growing -sober, "and I, too, wish to go far into the West. I, too, -seek something, young Mr. Philip Bedford, and my road -would lie much where yours leads."</p> -<p class="pnext">The two looked at each other with inquiry that -shaded into understanding. Arenberg was the first to -speak.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, we could go together," he said. "I trust you, -and you trust me. But two are not strong enough. The -chances are a thousand to one that neither of us would -find what he iss seeking. The Mexicans wish revenge on -the Texans, the Comanches raid to the outskirts of San -Antonio. Pouf! Our lives would not be worth that! It -must be a strong party of many men!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe you are right," said Phil, "but I wish to -go. I wish to go very much."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So do I," said Arenberg. "It iss the same with -both of us, but suppose we wait. Where do you live?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil no longer hesitated to confide in this chance -acquaintance, and he replied that he was staying in a -house near the Convent of the Ursuline Nuns, where a -little room sheltered him and his few belongings.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Suppose," said Arenberg, "that I join you there, -and we save our expenses. In union there iss strength. -If you do not like my suggestion say so. No harm iss -done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">"On the contrary, I do like it," said Phil heartily. -"It seems to me that we can help each other."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then come," said Arenberg. "We will go first to -my place, where I will pay my own bill, take away what -I have, and then we will join forces at yours, iss it -not so?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg was staying at one of the inns that abounded -in New Orleans, and it took him only a half hour to pack -and move, carrying his baggage in his hand. Phil's -room was in a large, rambling old house, built of cypress -wood, with verandas all about it. There an American -widow kept boarders, and she had plenty of them, as -New Orleans was overflowing with strangers. The room -was small and bare, but it was large enough, as Phil's -baggage, too, was limited. A cot was put in for -Arenberg, and the two were at home.</p> -<p class="pnext">The day was now drawing to a close, and the two ate -supper with a strange company in the large dining-room -of the boarding house. Phil, a close observer, noted that -six languages were spoken around that more or less -hospitable board. He understood only his own, and a little -French and Spanish, but the difference in sound and -intonation enabled him to note the others. One of the -men who sat opposite him was a big fellow with -glistening gold rings in his ears, evidently a West Indian of -somewhat doubtful color, but he was quiet, and ate -dextrously and skillfully with his knife. A sallow young -Mexican with curling black mustaches complained -incessantly about his food, and a thin New Englander spoke at -times of the great opportunities for capital in the Southwest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and Arenberg, who sat side by side, said little, -but both watched all the other guests with interested -eyes. The one who held Phil's gaze the longest was a -smoothly shaven young man on the other side of the -table. It was the difference between him and the others -that aroused Phil's curiosity. He sat very erect, with -his square shoulders thrown back, and he never spoke, -except to accept or reject the food passed by colored girls. -His eyes were blue, and his face, cut clear and strong, -betokened perception and resolve. Phil believed that he -could like him, but his attention by and by wandered -elsewhere.</p> -<p class="pnext">Philip Bedford had not felt so nearly content for many -days. The making of a new friend was a source of -strength to the boy, and he felt that he had taken a step -forward in his great search. Fresh confidence flowed like -good wine into his veins. He had friendly feelings -toward all those around the table, and the room itself -became picturesque. He ate of strange dishes, French or -Spanish, and liked them, careless what they were. A -mild breeze came through the open windows, and the -outlines of buildings were softened in the dusk. Within -the room itself six candles in tall candlesticks, placed at -regular intervals on the table, cast a sufficient light. -Two young colored women in red calico dresses, and with -red turbans on their heads, kept off the flies and -mosquitoes with gorgeous fans of peacock feathers, which -they waved gently over the heads of the guests. Phil -became deeply conscious of the South, of its glow and its -romance.</p> -<p class="pnext">The guests, having a sufficiency of food, left the table -one by one. The young man with the smooth face was -among the first to go. Phil noticed him again and -admired his figure--tall, slender, and beautifully erect. -He walked with ease and grace, and his dress of plain -brown was uncommonly neat and well fitting. "I should -like to know that man," was Phil's thought.</p> -<p class="pnext">After dinner the boy and Arenberg sat on the veranda -in the dusk, and talked in low voices of their plans. -They deemed it better to keep their intentions to -themselves. Many expeditions were fitting out in New -Orleans. Some were within the law, and some were not. -Wise men talked little of what was nearest to their hearts.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If we go into the West--and we are going," said -Phil, "we shall need weapons--rifles, pistols."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Time enough for that," said Arenberg. "If we -have the money, we can arm ourselves in a day. -Weapons are a chief article of commerce in New Orleans."</p> -<p class="pnext">An hour later they went up to their room and to bed. -Phil carried his money on his person, and most of his -other belongings were in a stout leather bag or valise, -which was fastened with a brass lock. It was necessary -for him to open the bag to obtain some clean linen, and -as Arenberg's back was turned he took out, also, a small -paper, yellow and worn. He opened it for the thousandth -time, choked a sigh, and put it back. As he relocked the -bag and turned, he noticed that Arenberg also had been -looking at something. It seemed to be a photograph, -and the German, after returning it to his own bag, gazed -absently out of the window. His face, which at other -times was obviously made for smiles and cheeriness, was -heavy with grief. A flood of sympathy rushed over -Philip Bedford. "I wonder what it is he seeks out -there," the boy thought as he looked unconsciously -toward the West. But he had too much delicacy of mind -to say anything, and presently Arenberg was himself -again, speaking hopefully of their plans as they prepared -for bed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil slept soundly, except for one interval. Then he -dreamed a dream, and it was uncommonly vivid. He -saw Hans Arenberg rise from his cot, take from his bag -the small object which was undoubtedly a photograph, go -to the window, where the moonlight fell, and look at it -long and earnestly. Presently his chest heaved, and tears -ran down either cheek. Then his head fell forward, and -he dropped the photograph to his breast. He stood in -that stricken attitude for at least five minutes, then he -put the photograph back in the bag, and returned to his -cot. In the morning Phil's recollection of the dream was -very vivid, but Arenberg was cheery and bright.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy and the man ate breakfast together in the -dining-room, a breakfast of oranges--Phil had never seen -an orange until he came to New Orleans--cakes and -butter and coffee. Only a few of the diners of the evening -before were present when they went into the room, but -among them was the young man with the shaven face and -the firm chin. Phil liked him even better in the morning -light. His seemed the kindly face of a man with a strong -and decided character. Their eyes met, and the stranger -smiled and nodded. Phil smiled and nodded back. -After breakfast Phil and Arenberg went out upon the -veranda. The man was already there, smoking a cigarette.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fine morning," he observed easily. "One could not -ask anything better than these early spring days in New -Orleans. In the North we are still in the grasp of snow -and ice."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and Arenberg also sat down, as the way was now -opened for conversation.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then you are from the North, I suppose," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," replied the stranger, "from the State of New -York, but I am traveling now, as you see. My name is -Middleton, George Middleton."</p> -<p class="pnext">He paused, meditatively blew a whiff of smoke from -the little Spanish cigarrito, and added:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not for long in New Orleans. I'm thinking of -a journey in the West."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nobody goes there unless he has a very good reason -for going. Iss it not so? No harm iss done where none -iss meant," said Arenberg, in a tone half of apology and -half of inquiry.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton laughed and took another puff at his cigarrito.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Certainly no harm has been done," he replied. -"You are right, also, in saying that no one goes into the -West unless he has an excellent reason. I have such a -reason. I want to look for something there."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and the German exchanged glances. They, too, -wished to look for something there. So! Here was a -third man seeking to embark upon the great journey. -But it was no business of theirs what he sought, however -curious they might feel about it. Phil took another look -at Middleton. Surely his was a good face, a face to -inspire trust and courage.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We wish to go across Texas and New Mexico, also," -he said, "but we've been delaying until we could form a -party."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You've two at least," said Middleton, "and you -now have the chance to make it three. Why not do so?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We will," said Arenberg. "It iss a case where -three are company, and two are not so much. Our firm -is now Middleton, Bedford, Arenberg & Co."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do not put me first," said Middleton. "We must -all be on exactly the same plane. But I hope, friends, -that you trust me as much as I trust you. I think I -know truth and honesty when I see them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We do!" said Phil and Arenberg together and emphatically.</p> -<p class="pnext">The three shook hands, and that single act bound -them into a solemn compact to stand by one another -through all things. They did not waste words. Then -the three went into the town, walking about among the -inns and on the levee to hear the gossip of New Orleans, -and to learn what chance there was of a large party going -into the West. On the way Middleton told them of some -things that he had learned. He was not sure, but a large -wagon train might start soon for Santa Fé, in the far -Mexican land of New Mexico. It was to be a trading -expedition, carrying much cloth, metal goods, and other -articles of value to this, the greatest of Mexico's outlying -posts.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be a numerous train," said Middleton, -"perhaps too numerous, as it may arouse the suspicion of -the Mexicans. The relations of the States and Mexico -are none too good. There is trouble over Texas, and who -can tell what will happen a thousand miles in the depths -of the wilderness?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nobody," said Arenberg. "Who should know better than I?"</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke with such sudden emphasis that Middleton -opened his mouth as if he would ask a question, but -changed his mind and was silent.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it is your opinion, Mr. Middleton," said Phil, -"that we should join this train?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"If nothing better offers. All such expeditions are -loosely organized. If we should wish to leave it we can -do so."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss well to keep it in mind," said Arenberg. -"No harm can be done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">They entered a large inn kept by a Frenchman. Many -men were sitting about drinking or smoking. Middleton -ordered lemonade for the three, and they sat at a small -table in the corner, observing the life of the place. Phil's -attention was presently attracted to another small table -near them, at which a single man sat. His gaze would -not have lingered there, had it not been for this man's -peculiar appearance. His age might have been thirty-five, -more or less, and his figure was powerful. His -face was burned almost black by a sun that could not -have been anything but ardent, but his features and his -blue eyes showed him to be American of a fair race. His -clothes were poor, and he looked depressed. Yet the -stranger was not without a certain distinction, an air as -of one who did not belong there in an inn. Something -in the blue eyes told of wild freedom and great spaces. -He interested Phil more than anybody else in the room. -He felt that here was another man whom he could like.</p> -<p class="pnext">The talk about them drifted quite naturally upon the -subject of the West, what Texas was going to do, what -Mexico was going to do, the great trail toward the Pacific, -and the prospect of trouble between the United States and -Mexico. The shabby man raised his head and showed -interest. His eyes began to glow. He was not more -than three feet away, and Phil, prompted by a sort of -instinct, spoke to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems that all eyes turn toward the West now," -he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," replied the stranger, "and they're right. It's -out there that the great things lie."</p> -<p class="pnext">He moved his hand with a slight but significant -gesture toward the setting sun.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've been there once," he said, "and I want to go back."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A man takes his life in his hands when he travels -that way," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know," replied the stranger, "but I'm willing to -risk it. I must go back there. I want to look for -something, something very particular."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil started. Here was a fourth who sought some -darling wish of his heart in that far mysterious West. -He felt a strange influence. It seemed to him a sign, or -rather a command that must be obeyed. He glanced at -Middleton and Arenberg, who had been listening, and, -understanding him perfectly, they nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We three are going into the West, also, on errands -of our own," said Phil. "Why not join us? Three are -good, but four are better."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss a fair proposition," added Arenberg. "No -harm iss done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We make the offer," said Middleton, "because on -such a journey one needs friends. If you do not think -you can trust us, as our acquaintance is so short, say so."</p> -<p class="pnext">The man examined them keenly, one by one. Phil, -looking with equal keenness at him, saw that, despite -shabbiness of dress and despondency of manner, he was -not a common man. In truth, as he looked, the -depression seemed to be passing away. The stranger raised -his head, threw back his shoulders, and the blue eyes -began to glow.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You look all right to me," he said. "A man has -got to make friends, and if you trust me I don't see why -I can't trust you. Besides, I'm terribly anxious to go -back out there, and my reason is mighty good."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then shall we consider it a bargain?" said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You may count me one of the band as long as you -will have me," said the stranger with hearty emphasis, -"and I suppose I oughtn't to come in as an unknown. -My name is Breakstone, William Breakstone, though I -am always called Bill Breakstone by those who know me. -Bill Breakstone seems to run off smoother."</p> -<p class="pnext">He smiled in the most ingratiating manner. The -sudden acquisition of friends seemed to have clothed him -about with sunlight. All the others felt that they had -made no mistake.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm a rover," said Bill Breakstone in round, cheerful -tones. "I've been roaming all my life, though I'm -bound to say it hasn't been to much purpose. As you -see me now, I haven't got nearly enough to buy either a -rifle or a horse for this big trip on which you're asking -me to go, and on which I'm wanting to go terrible bad."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Never mind, Mr. Breakstone--" began Middleton, -but he was interrupted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm Breakstone or Bill to those that feed with me," -said the new man, "and I'm Mr. Breakstone to those -that don't like me or suspect me."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," said Middleton with a laugh, "it's -Breakstone for the present. By and by we may call you -Bill. I was going to tell you, Breakstone, that we four -go in together. We furnish you what you need, and -later on you pay us back if you can. It's the usual thing -in the West."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're right, my lord," said Bill Breakstone, "and -I accept. It gives me pleasure to be enrolled in your -most gallant company, and, by my troth, I will serve you -right well."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton looked at him in amazement, and Bill -Breakstone broke into a mellow, infectious laugh.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't talk that way all the time," he said. "It -merely bursts out in spots. You may not believe it, -when you look at me, but I studied for the stage once, -and I've been an actor. Now and then the old scraps -come to the end of my tongue. All's well that end's -well, and may that be the fate of our expedition."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come," said Middleton, after telling his own name -and that of his friends to Breakstone, "we'll go to our -quarters and make a place for you. Phil and Arenberg -are in a room together, and you shall share mine."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Lead on!" said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">The four left the inn. Bill Breakstone was as poor as -he described himself to be. He owned only the worn suit -of clothes in which he stood, a pistol, and a pair of -saddle bags, seeming to contain some linen, of which he -took good care.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Prithee, young sir," he said to Phil, "I would fain -guard well the little that I have, because if I lose the -little that I have, then what I have shall be nothing. Do I -argue well, Sir Ivanhoe?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's conclusive," said Phil. He took greatly to this -man who had become in an hour the life of their little -band, a constant source of cheerful patter that invigorated -them all. Middleton bought him a new suit of clothes, -gave him some money, which he promised earnestly to -return a hundredfold, and then they went forth to -inquire further into the matter of the trading expedition -for Santa Fé. But their attention was diverted by the -arrival of a large steamboat that had come all the way -from Pittsburgh loaded with passengers. A particular -group among the arrivals soon became the center of their -interest.</p> -<p class="pnext">The members of the group were Mexicans, and they -were evidently people of distinction, or, at least, position. -The first among them was middle-aged, fat, and yellow, -and dressed in garments much brighter in color than -Americans wear. Indeed, as a wind somewhat chill -swept over the river, he threw around his shoulders a red -serape with a magnificent border of gold fringe. But a -young man who walked by his side made no acknowledgment -to the wind. It was he whom Phil watched most. -Some people inspire us at once with hostility, and Phil -had this feeling about the stranger, who bore himself in -a manner that had more than a tinge of sneering arrogance.</p> -<p class="pnext">The young man was obviously of the Spanish race, -although his blood might run back to Northern Spain, as -he was tall and very strongly built, and his complexion -inclined to fairness, but Phil believed him to be of -Mexican birth, as he showed the shade of change that the New -World always made in the old. He wore the uniform of -a captain in the Mexican army. Mexican uniforms were -not popular in the States, but he bore himself as if he -preferred the hostility of the crowd to its friendship. -His insolent gaze met Phil's for an instant, and the boy -gave it back with interest. For a few moments these two -who had never met before, who did not know the names -of each other, and who might never meet again, stared -with immediate hostility. Eye plumbed the depths of -eye, but it was the Mexican who looked away first, -although he let his lips curl slightly into a gesture with -which he meant to convey contempt.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton had observed this silent drama of a few -moments, and he said quietly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"You do not know, Philip, who these men are?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," replied the boy, "but I should like to know."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The stout, elderly man is Don August Xavier Hernando -Zucorra y Palite, who is at the head of a special -Mexican embassy that has been at Washington to treat -with our government about the boundary of Texas--you -know there has been trouble between the States and -Mexico over the Texan boundary--and the younger is Pedro -de Armijo, his nephew, and the nephew, also, of Armijo, -the governor of New Mexico, where we are planning -to go."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I fancied from his manner," said Bill Breakstone, -"that young Armijo was the President of Old Mexico and -New Mexico both. I have called you Sir Knight, and -My Lord Phil, but our young Mexican is both His Grace -and His Royal Highness. By my halidome, we are -indeed proud and far above that vile herd, the populace."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, he will not bother us," said Arenberg. "If -you run after trouble you will find it coming to meet -you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton watched the Mexicans with uncommon interest -until they passed out of sight. Arenberg, a shrewd -and penetrating man himself, said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are interested in them, Mr. Middleton?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am," replied Middleton frankly, "and I know, -too, that the errand of Zucorra to Washington has been a -failure. The relations of the United States and Mexico -are no better."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But that won't keep us from going across to the -Pacific, will it, Cap?" said Bill Breakstone briskly. -"You don't mind if I call you Cap, do you, Mr. Middleton? -You are, in a way, our leader, because you are -most fit, and the title seems to suit you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Call me Cap if you wish," replied Middleton, "but -we are all on equal terms. Now, as we have seen the -Mexicans, and, as there is nothing more here to attract us, -we might go on up the levee."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Prithee, we will suit the deed to the word," said Bill -Breakstone, "but do not run into that drunken Indian -there, Phil. I would not have thy garments soiled by -contact with this degraded specimen of a race once proud -and noble."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil turned a little to one side to avoid the Indian of -whom Breakstone spoke. The levee was littered with -freight, and the red man huddled against a hogshead of -tobacco from far Kentucky. His dress was partly savage -and partly civilized, and he was sodden with dirt and -drink. But, as Breakstone spoke, he raised his head and -flashed him a look from fiery, glowing eyes. Then his -head sank back, but the single glance made Breakstone -shiver.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I felt as if I had received a bullet," he said. "Now -what did the noble savage mean by giving me such a look? -He must have understood what I said. Ah, well, it -mattereth not. He looked like a Comanche. It has been -wisely said, let the cobbler stick to his last, and there is -no last in New Orleans for Mr. Cobbler Comanche."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You didn't suppose he understood you," said -Arenberg, "and no harm iss done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked back at the Comanche, but there was -nothing heroic about him. He was huddled lower than -ever against the tobacco hogshead. Certainly there was -no suggestion of the dauntless warrior, of the wild -horseman. Phil felt a curious little thrill of disappointment.</p> -<p class="pnext">He looked in the same place the next day for the -Comanche, but he did not see him, and then, in the -excitement of great preparations, he forgot the Indian. -The New Mexico expedition was about to become a fact, -and the little band of four were promptly received as -members. On all such perilous trips strong and -well-armed men were welcome.</p> -<p class="pnext">The outfit would embrace about sixty wagons and two -hundred men, and the goods they carried would be of -great value. Phil and his comrades paid for the right to -put their extra supplies in one of the wagons, and then -they equipped themselves with great care. They bought -four good horses, four fine rifles, made by the famous -Dickson, of Louisville, four double-barreled pistols of -long range, knives and hatchets, a large quantity of -ammunition, an extra suit apiece of stout deerskin, four -small pocket compasses, and many other things which seem -trifles in a town, but which are important in the wilderness.</p> -<p class="pnext">It took them but a few days to make their purchases, -but it was at least three weeks before the train started. -The Mexicans, meanwhile, had stayed about a week at the -chief hotel, and then had left on a steamer for their own -country. Phil heard that there had been much talk -about the high-handed manner of young Armijo, and -that he had been extremely disagreeable to all about him. -The older man, Zucorra, who was milder and more -diplomatic, had sought to restrain him, but with no -success. It was a relief when they were gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy, still curious about the Comanche, looked for -him once more on the levee. More hogsheads of tobacco -and sugar were there, but the Indian was not leaning -against any of them. At last he found him in one of the -inns or taverns frequented by sailors and roustabouts, a -rough place at any time, and crowded then with men -from the ships and boats. The Indian was sitting in a -corner, huddled down in a chair, in much the same -attitude of sloth and indifference that he had shown when -leaning against the hogshead. Phil saw that when he -stood up he would be a tall man, and his figure, if it -were not flabby, would be powerful.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was intensely interested. The Indian had always -appealed to his romantic imagination, and, now that he -saw one of the race close at hand, he wished to learn -more. He sat down near the man, and, not knowing -what else to say, remarked that it was a fine day. The -Comanche raised his head a little, and bent upon Phil a -look like that he had given to Breakstone. It was a -piercing glance, full of anger and hatred. Then the -glowing eyes were veiled, and his head dropped back on -his arms. He did not utter a word in reply.</p> -<p class="pnext">The innkeeper, who had noticed the brief incident, -laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't you try to get up a conversation with Black -Panther, my boy," he said. "He ain't what you would -call a pow'ful talker."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, I suppose he wouldn't talk anybody to death," -said Phil. "What is he?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's a tame Comanche, an' he's been loafing around -New Orleans for two or three months--learnin' the white -man's vices, 'specially the drinkin' of fire water, which -he keeps first on the list. You can see what it's done for -him--taken all the pith right out of him, same as you -would take it out of a length of elder to make a pop gun. -I reckon New Orleans ain't no place for an Indian. -Hello, what's the matter with Black Panther?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The Indian uttered a short, savage exclamation that -startled every one in the place, and sprang to his feet. -His long coal black hair was thrown back from his face, -and he seemed to be alive in every fiber. The eyes were -like two points of fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Black Panther was a great warrior and a chief," he -said. "He has been a dog in the white man's town, and -he has burned his brain with fire water until it is like -that of a little child. But he will be a great warrior and -a chief again. Now, I go."</p> -<p class="pnext">He gathered a tattered old blanket around his shoulders, -and, holding himself erect, stalked in savage dignity -out of the place.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, what in thunder did he mean?" exclaimed the -astonished innkeeper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think he meant just what he said," replied Phil. -"He is going away from New Orleans. He certainly -looked it."</p> -<p class="pnext">So far as he knew, the assertion was true, because, as -long as he remained in the city, he neither saw nor heard -anything further of the Comanche. But the time for his -own departure was soon at hand, and in the excitement -of it he forgot all about the Comanche.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-march-of-the-train">CHAPTER II</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE MARCH OF THE TRAIN</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The train made an imposing appearance with its -sixty wagons and its horsemen, numerous and well -armed. It was commanded by a middle-aged -trader of experience, Thomas Woodfall, who had already -made several trips to Santa Fé, and the hopes of all were -high. They carried, among other things, goods that the -señoras and señoritas of Santa Fé would be eager to buy, -and much gain might be obtained. But every one of the -four who rode so closely together thought most in his -heart of that for which he sought, and in no instance was -the object of search the same.</p> -<p class="pnext">But they were cheerful. Whatever were past griefs or -whatever might be those to come, the present was -propitious and fair. The Southern spring was not yet advanced -far enough to drive the cool tang out of the air by -daylight, while at night fires were needed. It rained but -little, and they marched steadily on through crisp sunshine.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I trust that the good Sir Roland is pleased," said -Bill Breakstone to Phil. "Fresh air in the lungs of -youth produces exhilaration."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's fine," said Phil, with emphasis.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But we may yet come to our Pass of Roncesvalles. -Bethink you of that, Sir Roland. They say that it's an -ill wind that blows nobody good, and I say that it's a -good wind that blows nobody ill. The rain will rain, the -snow will snow, the wind will blow, and what will poor -rabbit do then?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Get into his little nest, cover himself up warm and -dry, and wait until it passes," replied Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Right, Master Philip. Go up to the head of the -class," said Bill Breakstone in his usual joyous tones--Phil -always thought that Bill had the cheeriest voice -in the world--"I'm glad to see you taking thought for -the future. Now our good friend Hans, here, would not -have made such an apt reply."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps not, and I do not mind your saying so, -Herr Bill Breakstone," said Arenberg, smiling broadly. -"No harm iss done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A fit answer from a loyal representative of the -Hohenstauffens, the Hohenzollerns, and the -Katzenellenbogens," chanted Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, Herr Breakstone, it iss that you are one happy -man," said Arenberg. "I wonder that you go to find -something, when you have the joy of living anywhere."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But I do go to find something," said Breakstone, -suddenly becoming grave. Phil noticed that he puckered -up his eyes and gazed far into the West, as if he would -see already that for which he sought.</p> -<p class="pnext">They traveled for several days among plantations in a -low damp country, and then they passed suddenly beyond -the line of cultivation into a drier region of low hills and -small prairies. Phil was pleased with the change. If -they were going into the wilderness, he was anxious to -reach it as soon as possible, and this, beyond a doubt, was -the edge of the unknown. The first night that he heard -the scream of a panther in the woods he felt that they -were leaving all civilization behind, and that, save for the -train, the world of men was blotted out.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet it was very pleasant as long as the weather -remained dry, and the early spring was certainly doing its -best. It was a succession of crisp days and cool nights, -and Phil liked the steady advance by day through new -lands, and the rest in the evening, when they built fires -for the cooking and to fend off the chill. They usually -drew the wagons up in a circle in one of the little -prairies, and then went to the forest near by for wood -that belonged to whomsoever took it. Phil and Bill -Breakstone were always active in this work.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It gives me an appetite for supper," said Breakstone. -"I would have you to know, Sir Philip of the -Forest, that sitting long hours on a horse which carries -me luxuriously along, the horse doing all the work and I -doing none, tends to laziness and fat. I need this -exercise to put me in proper trim for the luscious repast that -awaits us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't need anything to whet my appetite," replied -Phil, as he laughed. "To tell you the truth, Bill, I'm -always hungry."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do not grieve or have fears for the larder, Sir Philip -of the Hungry Countenance. There is an abundance of -food in the wagons, and we also shall soon be in a good -game country. Unless my eye and hand have lost their -cunning, a fat deer shall speedily be roasting over the -coals."</p> -<p class="pnext">The four kept close together, and they usually -gathered around the fire at which Thomas Woodfall, the -leader, sat. Woodfall had shown a decided respect and -liking for Middleton, and, following the custom which -Breakstone had established, always addressed him as Cap, -short for Captain. Phil and Breakstone had been -particularly active gathering wood that evening, and it had -been Phil's task and pleasure, when it was all put in a -heap, to light it. Now he was watching the little flames -grow into big ones, and the yellow light turn to blazing -red. He listened, also, as the flames hissed a little -before the wind, and the dry boughs snapped and crackled -under the fiery torch. Middleton regarded him with -kindly approval.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A good boy," he said to Woodfall. "A lad with -fine instincts and a brave spirit."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And a mighty handy one, too," said Woodfall. -"I've noticed how he works. He's as big and strong -as a man, and I never saw anybody else who was just -prized down like a hogshead of tobacco, crowded full of -zeal."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think it likely he will need it all before our journey -is over," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's probable," repeated Woodfall, "but I'll ask -you, Cap, not to speak it. It may be that this -expedition was begun at the wrong time. I had heard, and the -owners had heard, that the troubles with Mexico were -quieting down, but it seems that, instead of doing so, -they are getting livelier."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I shall certainly say nothing about it to our people -here," replied Middleton. "Cheerful hearts are the best, -and we may have trouble with neither Mexicans nor -Indians."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil himself was not thinking at that moment of -either yellow or red foes. His fire had grown into a -mighty pyramid, and, as the dead wood burned fast, it -soon sank down into a great mass of glowing coals. -Then he, Breakstone, and Arenberg boiled coffee in big -iron pots, and cooked bread and many slices of bacon. -The night was cool and nipping, but the coals threw out -an abundance of heat. A delicious aroma arose and -spread far. Everybody came forward with tin cup and -tin plate, and helped himself. Phil took his filled plate -in one hand, his filled cup in the other, and sat down on -a fallen log with Breakstone and Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"In my time, and as an ornament to the stage," said -Bill Breakstone, "I have eaten some bountiful repasts. I -have feasted as a prince, a duke, or some other lordling. -I have been the wrestler in the Forest of Arden with -<em class="italics">Rosalind</em> and <em class="italics">Celia</em>. I have had my head deep in the -mug of sack, as <em class="italics">Sir John Falstaff</em>, but most of those -magnificent repasts depended largely upon the imagination. -Here I am neither prince nor duke, but the food is -real, and the air is so good that one might even bite a -chip with a certain pleasure. Excuse me, Sir Philip of -the Forest, while I even drain the coffee-cup."</p> -<p class="pnext">He took it all down at one draught, and a beatific -glow overspread his face. Arenberg regarded him with -admiration.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach, Mein Herr Breakstone, but you are one cheerful -man!" he said. "You never do any harm, because -none iss meant. When you drink the coffee you make -me think of the German in the old country drinking beer, -and you like it as well."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I snatch the joys of the flying day, or, rather, night, -and think not of the ills of the morrow," replied -Breakstone. "Somebody somewhere said something like that, -and, whoever he was, he was a good talker. To-morrow, -Phil, I think I may get a chance to show you how to -shoot a deer."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope so," said Phil eagerly. He, too, was luxuriating, -and he was fully as cheerful as Bill Breakstone. -The great beds of coal threw a warm, luminous glow over -all the circle enveloped by the wagons. Everybody ate -and felt good. The pleasant hum of pleasant talk arose. -Outside the wagons the tethered horses cropped the short -young grass, and they, too, were content. Not far away -the forest of magnolia, poplar, and many kinds of oak -rustled before the slight wind, and the note that came -from it was also of content.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, after he had eaten and drunk all that he wished, -and it was much, lay on the ground with his back against -the log and listened to the talk. He heard wonderful -tales of adventure in the West Indies and on the South -American coast, of fights in Mexico and Texas, when the -little bands of Texans won their independence, of -encounters with raiding Comanches, and of strange stone ruins -left by vanished races in the deserts of the Far West. -He was fascinated as he listened. The spirit of romance -was developed strongly within him. It was, indeed, a -most adventurous search upon which he was embarked, -and this spirit, strong, enduring, hardened to meet all -things, was what he needed most.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the fires died down, and the warmth decreased, he -wrapped his blanket around himself, and now and then -dozed a little. But he still felt very content. It seemed -to him that it was uncommon fortune to have joined -such an expedition, and it was a good omen. He must -succeed in his great search.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Sir Roland, what is it?" said Bill Breakstone -at last. "Do you want to sleep in the wagon or on the -ground here? The good Knight Orlando, who for the -present is myself, means to choose the ground."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No stuffy wagon for me on a night like this," rejoined -Phil sleepily. "I am going to sleep just where I lie."</p> -<p class="pnext">He settled back more comfortably, put his arm under -his head, and in a few moments was in the deep, dreamless -sleep of youth and health. Bill Breakstone quickly -followed him to that pleasant land of Nowhere. Then -Arenberg and the Captain were soon entering the same -region. The fires sank lower and lower, the sound of -breathing from many men arose, the horses outside -became quiet, and peace settled over the wilderness -camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil slept far into the night, he never knew how far, -but he believed it was about half way between midnight -and morning. When he awoke it was very dark, and -there was no noise but that of the breathing men and the -rustling wind. Just why he, a sound sleeper, had -awakened at that time he could not say. But he had eaten -largely, and he was conscious of thirst, a thirst that -could be quenched easily at a little spring in the wood.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy rose, letting his blanket drop to the ground, -and glanced over the sleeping camp. Despite the -darkness, he saw the forms of recumbent men, and some coals -that yet glimmered faintly. Around them was the dark -circling line of the wagons. No regular watch was kept -as they were yet far from dangerous country, and, passing -between two of the wagons, Phil went toward the spring, -which was about three hundred yards away.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a nice cold spring, rising at the base of a rock, -and running away in a tiny stream among the poplars. -Phil knelt and drank, and then sat upon an upthrust -root. The desire for sleep had left him, and his mind -turned upon his great search. He took the paper from the -inside pocket of his coat, unfolded it, and smoothed it -out with his fingers. It was too dark for him to read it, -but he held it there a little while, then folded it up -again, and returned it to its resting place. He was -about to rise again and return to the camp, but -something moved in the thicket. It might have been a lizard, -or it might have been the wind, but he was sure it was -neither. The sound was wholly out of harmony with the -note of the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil remained sitting on the upthrust root, but leaned -against the trunk to which the root belonged. His figure -blended darkly against the bark. Only an eye of -uncommon acuteness would note him. The slight stirring, so -much out of tune with all the wilderness noises, came -again, and, despite his strength and will, both of which -were great, Phil felt ice pass along his spine, and his -hair rose slightly. That uncanny hour at which evil -deeds happen held him in its spell. But he did not move, -except for the slipping of his hand to the pistol in his -belt, and he waited.</p> -<p class="pnext">Slowly a dark face formed itself in the bushes, and -beneath it was the faint outline of a human figure. The -face was malignant and cruel, a reddish copper in color, -with a sharp, strong chin, high cheek-bones, and black -glowing eyes. These eyes were bent in a fierce gaze upon -the circle of wagons. They did not turn in Phil's -direction at all, but the face held him fascinated.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil that he had seen that countenance -before, and as he gazed he remembered. It was surely -that of Black Panther, the Comanche, but what a -startling change. The crouching, fuddled lump of a man in -tattered clothes, whom he had seen in New Orleans, had -been transformed when the breath of the wilderness -poured into his lungs. He fitted thoroughly into this -dark and weird scene, and the hair on Phil's head rose -a little more. Then the head, and the figure with it, -suddenly melted away and were gone. There was no -strange stirring in the thicket, nothing that was not in -accord with the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">The ice left Phil's spine, the hair lay down peacefully -once more on his head, and his hand moved away from -the pistol at his belt. It was like a dream in the dark, -the sudden appearance of that Medusa head in the bushes, -and he was impressed with all the weight of conviction -that it was an omen of bad days to come. The wind -whispered it, and the quiver in his blood answered. But -the men in the train might laugh at him if he told that -he had merely seen an Indian's face in the bushes. The -thing itself would be slight enough in the telling, and he -did not wish to be ridiculed as a boy whose fears had -painted a picture of that which was not. But he walked -warily back, and he was glad enough when he repassed -between two of the wagons, and resumed his old place. -Middleton, Arenberg, and Bill Breakstone all slept -soundly, and Phil, wrapped in his blanket, sought to -imitate them. But he could not. He lay there thinking -until the low band of scarlet in the east foreshadowed the -day. He rose and looked once more over the camp. The -last coal had died, and the dark forms, wrapped in their -blankets, looked chill and cold. But the red dawn was -advancing, and warmth came with it. One by one the -men awoke. The horses stirred. Phil stood up and -stretched his arms. Middleton, Bill Breakstone, and -Arenberg awoke. They had slept soundly and pleasantly -all through the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'Tis a fine couch, this Mother Earth," said Bill -Breakstone, "finer than cloth of gold, if it be not raining -or snowing, or the winds be not nipping. Then, in such -event, I should take the cloth of gold, with a snug tent -over it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have slept well, and I awake strong and refreshed," -said Arenberg simply. "It iss all I ask of a night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have not slept well," said Phil, "at least I did -not during the latter part of the night."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a certain significance in his tone, and the -others looked at him. Only they were near, and Phil -said in a low tone:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I awoke in the night, and I was restless. I walked -down to the spring for a drink, and I saw a face in the -bushes, the face of a man who was watching us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" said Middleton, a single monosyllable, long -drawn. But his tone expressed interest, not surprise. -He looked at the boy as if he expected to hear more.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I saw the face clearly," continued Phil. "It was -changed, wonderfully changed in expression, but I knew -it. I could not be mistaken. It was that Comanche, -called Black Panther, whom we saw in New Orleans. He -was dirty and degraded there, but he did not seem so last -night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am glad that you told this, Phil," said Middleton. -"It was a lucky chance that awakened you and sent you -to the spring."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Once I thought I would not speak of it at all," said -the boy. "I was afraid they would say it was only a -dream or a creation of my fancy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm sure that you really saw it," said Middleton, -"and I will speak with Mr. Woodfall. The time has -come when we must be cautious."</p> -<p class="pnext">The camp was now wholly awake, and the men began -to light the fires anew, and take their breakfasts. -Middleton talked with Mr. Woodfall, and, as the latter kept -it no secret, the news soon spread throughout the train. -Philip Bedford, prowling about in the dark, had seen an -Indian in the woods near by, an Indian who seemed to -be watching them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The news was variously received, because there were -many kinds of men in this train. Some took it seriously; -others were disposed to laugh, and to hint, as Phil -had feared, that it was fancy or a dream; and others cared -nothing about it. What was a single wandering warrior -to them? But the leader compelled a more careful -advance. Scouts were sent ahead, and others rode on the -flanks. Phil and his comrades shared in this duty, and -that very day he and Bill Breakstone and Arenberg were -among those who rode ahead.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was not an easy duty, because they were now in -thick forest, with much swampy ground about. Dark -funereal cypresses abounded in the marshy soil, and -gloomy moss hung from the live oaks. A deer sprang -up, and Phil pulled down his rifle, but Breakstone would -not let him shoot.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not now, Phil," he said. "We must not shoot at -chance game when we are scouting. My talk may not -sound like it, but I know something of wilderness life. -One can never be too cautious, whether on the plains or -in the woods. Things may happen. Wait for them. -As the poet saith, 'One crowded hour of glorious life is -worth a world without a name.'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Say that again," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One crowded hour of glorious life is worth a world -without a name."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It sounds good. It iss good. I will remember it," -said the German.</p> -<p class="pnext">But as two or three days passed with no sign of trouble, -the face that Phil had seen in the bushes was forgotten -or ignored. It was a light-hearted crowd, used to -wild life and adventure, and these men, drawn from -different parts of the globe, occupied with to-day, took -little thought of to-morrow's dangers. The weather -remained beautiful. Days and nights were dry, and they -were again on good firm earth, which made the way of the -wagons easy. Phil, instructed by Bill Breakstone, stalked -and shot a deer, a fine, fat buck, which gave a slice for -everybody in the train, and which brought him compliments. -In fact, he was already a general favorite, and he -did not mind when they jested now and then about the -face in the bushes, and told him that he was a seer of -visions. He was rapidly becoming an adept in the forest -life, to which he took naturally, and in Bill Breakstone -he had no mean tutor. Breakstone soon showed that he -was a scout and trailer of the first quality, although he -did not explain why he had spent so many years in the -wilds.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's partly gift, and partly training, Sir Philip of -the Youthful Countenance and of the Good Blue Eye," -he said. "If you just teach yourself to see everything -and to hear everything about you, and never forget it, -you've got most of the lesson. And you, Phil, with good -eyes, good ears, a quick mind, and a willing heart, -ought to come fast toward the head of the class."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil flushed with pleasure. In the task that he had -set for himself he greatly needed forest lore, and it was a -keen satisfaction to know that he was acquiring it. He -redoubled his efforts. He always noted carefully the -country through which they passed, the configuration of -the earth, and the various kinds of trees and bushes. -At night he would often ask Bill Breakstone to question -him, and from his superior knowledge and longer -training to point out a mistake whenever he might make it. -Bill was a severe teacher, and he criticised freely -whenever Phil was wrong. But he admitted that his pupil -was making progress. Arenberg was smoking his pipe -at one of their sittings, and, taking it out of his mouth, -he remarked:</p> -<p class="pnext">"No harm iss done where none iss meant. Now what -I wish to ask you, Herr Breakstone, and you, young Herr -Philip, would you remember all your lessons if you were -on foot on the prairie, unarmed, and a wild Comanche -warrior were riding at you, ready to run his lance through -you?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know," replied Phil frankly, "but I hope -such a time will never come."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the rub," said Arenberg meditatively. "It -iss good to know all the rules, to do all you can before, -but it iss better to think fast, and act right when the -great emergency comes. It iss only then that you are of -the first class. I say so, and I say so because I know."</p> -<p class="pnext">Only Phil noticed the faint tone of sadness with which -his words ended, and he glanced quickly at the German. -But Arenberg's face expressed nothing. Once more he -was pulling calmly at his pipe. Bill Breakstone gave his -words hearty indorsement.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're right," he said. "The Grand Duke of Germany -speaks the truth. I've embodied that piece of -wisdom in a little poem, which I will quote to you:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"You may lead a horse to the water,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">But you cannot make him drink.</div> -</div> -<div class="line">You may stuff a man with knowledge,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">But you cannot make him think.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Part of that is borrowed, and part of it is original, -but, combining the two parts, I think it is a little masterpiece."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg took out his pipe again, and regarded Bill -Breakstone with admiration.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss one great man, this Herr Bill Breakstone," he -said. "He makes poetry and tells the truth at the same -time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thanks, most puissant lord," said Breakstone, "and -now, the lesson being over, Phil, I think we might all of -us go to sleep and knit up a few raveled sleeves of care."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We might take to the wagon," said Middleton. "If -I'm any judge of weather, Phil, the beautiful spell that -we've had is coming to an end."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're right, Cap," said Breakstone. "I noticed -that when the sun set to-day it looked redder than usual -through a cloud of mist, and that means rain. Therefore, -Orlando deserts his little Forest of Arden, and -betakes himself to the shelter of the curved canvas."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil deemed it wise to imitate him, and the four -found places in the large wagon among their goods, where -they had the shelter of the canvas roof, although the -cover was open at either end to allow the clean sweep of -the air. Phil, as usual, slept well. Five minutes was -about all he needed for the preparatory stage, and -to-night was no exception. But he awoke again in the -middle of the night. Now he knew full well the cause. Low -thunder was rumbling far off at the edge of the earth, and -a stroke of lightning made him wink his sleepy eyes. -Then came a rush of cold air, and after it the rain. The -big drops rattled on the curving canvas roof, but they -could not penetrate the thick cloth. Phil raised himself -a little, and looked out at the open ends, but he saw only -darkness.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile the rain increased and beat harder upon -the roof, which shed it like shingles. Phil drew his -blanket up to his chin, rested his head and shoulders a -little more easily against a bag of meal, and never had a -greater sense of luxury in his life. The beat of the rain -on the canvas was like the patter of the rain on the roof -of the old home, when he was a little boy and lay snug -under the eaves. He had the same pleasant sense of -warmth and shelter now. The storm might beat about -him, but it could not touch him. He heard the even -breathing of his comrades, who had not awakened. He -heard the low thunder still grumbling far off in the -south-west, and the lightning came again at intervals, but he -sank gently back to slumber.</p> -<p class="pnext">When he awoke the next morning the rain was still -falling, and the whole world was a sodden gray. The -air, too, was full of raw chill, despite the southern -latitude, and Phil shivered. It was his first impulse to draw -the blanket more tightly, but he resolutely put the impulse -down. He threw the blanket aside, slipped on his coat -and boots, the only apparel that he had removed for the -night's rest, and sprang out into the rain, leaving his -comrade still asleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">Not many of the men were yet up, and Phil went at -once into the forest in search of fallen wood, which was -always abundant. It was not a pleasant task. For the -first time he felt the work hard and disagreeable. Mists -and vapors were rising from the wet earth, and the sun -did not show. The rain came down steadily, and it was -cold to the touch. It soaked through the boy's clothing, -but he stuck to his task, and brought in the dead wood by -the armful. At the third load he met Bill Breakstone, -who hailed him cheerily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, you do make me ashamed of myself, Sir -Knight of the Dripping Forest," he said. "When we -awoke and found you already up and at work, we -concluded that it was time for us to imitate so good an -example. Ugh, how cold this rain is, and we five hundred -miles from an umbrella!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was compelled to laugh, and then the laugh made -him feel better. But it was a morning that might well -oppress the bravest. The wet wood was lighted with -extreme difficulty, and then it smoked greatly under the -rain. It was hard to do the cooking, and breakfast was -not satisfying. But Phil refused to make any complaint. -With the rain in his face, he spoke cheerfully of sunshine -and warm dry plains.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We ought to strike the plains of Texas to-morrow or -the next day," said Bill Breakstone. "I've been through -this region before, and I don't think I'm mistaken. -Then we'll get out of this. If it's a long lane that has no -turning, it's one just as long that has no end."</p> -<p class="pnext">They started late, and deep depression hung over the -train. The men no longer sang or made jokes at the -expense of one another, but crouched upon their horses or -the wagon seats, and maintained a sullen silence. Phil -was on horseback, but he dried himself at one of the fires, -and with the blanket wrapped around his body he was -now fairly well protected. It was hard to maintain a -pleasant face, but he did it, and Middleton, whom all -now usually called Cap, looked his approval.</p> -<p class="pnext">They advanced very slowly through thickets and across -email streams, with mists and vapors so dense that they -could see but little ahead. They did not make more than -seven or eight miles that day, and, wet and miserable, -they camped for the night. The guard was still -maintained, and Phil was on duty that night until twelve. -When midnight came he crawled into the wagon, -depressed and thoroughly exhausted. But he slept well, -and the next morning the rain was over. The mists and -vapors were gone, and a beautiful sun was shining. All -of Phil's good spirits came back as he sprang out of the -wagon and looked at the drying earth.</p> -<p class="pnext">The whole camp was transformed. The cooking fires -burned ruddily and with a merry crackle. The men sang -their little songs and made their little jokes. They told -one another joyously that they would be out of the forest -soon and upon the open prairies. They would be in -Texas--Texas, that wonderful land of mystery and -charm; Texas, already famous for the Alamo and San -Jacinto. The fact that this Texas was filled with dangers -took nothing from the glow at their hearts. Phil shared -in the general enthusiasm, and cried with the others, -"Ho for Texas!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg's face became very grave.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do not be carried away with the high feelings that -run to the head," he said. "No harm iss done where -none iss meant, but it iss a long road across Texas, and -there iss no mile of it which does not have its dangers. -Who should know better than I?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"You speak the truth," said Middleton. "I often -think of that Comanche, Black Panther, whose face Phil -saw in the thicket."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are right to speak of it," said Bill Breakstone. -"I have been in the West. I have spent years there. I -have been in places that no other white man has ever -seen, and just when you think this West, beyond the -white man's frontier, is most peaceful, then it is most -dangerous. <em class="italics">Hamlet</em>, Prince of Denmark, was a dreamy -kind of fellow, but when the time came he was a holy -terror."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was impressed, but in a little while it seemed to -him that it could scarcely be so. The threat contained -in Black Panther's face was fading fast from his mind, -and danger seemed to him very far. His exuberance of -spirit was heightened by the easy journey that they now -had through a forest without any undergrowth. The -wagons rolled easily over short, young grass, and the -thick boughs of the trees overhead protected them from -the sun.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you know the country, Bill?" asked Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think so," replied Breakstone. "Unless I'm -mightily mistaken, and I don't think I am, this forest -ends in four or five miles. Then we come right out on -the genuine Texas plain, rolling straight; away for -hundreds of miles. I think I'll take Phil here and ride -forward and see if I'm not right. Come, Phil!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The two galloped away straight toward the West, and, -as the forest offered no difficulties, they were not -compelled to check their speed. But in less than an hour -Breakstone, who was in advance, pulled his horse back -sharply, and Phil did the same.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look, Phil!" exclaimed Breakstone, making a wide -sweep with his hands, while face and eyes were glowing, -"See, it is Texas!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked. None could have been more eager than -he was. The hill seemed to drop down before them -sheer, like a cliff, but beyond lay a great gray-green -waving sea, an expanse of earth that passed under the -horizon, and that seemed to have no limit. It was treeless, -and the young grass had touched the gray of winter with -fresh green.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The great plains!" exclaimed Phil. He felt an intense -thrill. He had at last reached the edge of this vast -region of mystery, and to-morrow they would enter it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, the great plains," said Bill Breakstone. "And -down here, I think, is where our wagons will have to -pass." He turned to the left and followed a gentle slope -that led to the edge of the plains. Thus, by an easy -descent, they left the forest, but when they turned back -Phil's eye was caught by a glittering object:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look, Bill!" he exclaimed. "See the arrow! What -does it mean?"</p> -<p class="pnext">An arrow with a deeply feathered shaft had been -planted deep in an oak tree. Evidently it had been -fired from a bow by some one standing on the plain, and -it was equally evident that a powerful hand had drawn -the string. It stood out straight and stark as if it would -stay there forever. Bill Breakstone rode up to it and -examined it critically.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a Comanche arrow, Phil," he said, "and, -between you and me, I think it means something:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"An arrow I see</div> -<div class="line">Stuck in a tree,</div> -<div class="line">But what it does mean</div> -<div class="line">Has not yet been seen--</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Especially when it's coupled with the fact that you -saw Black Panther's face in the thicket. I may have an -imaginative mind, Sir Philip of the Forest, soon to be -Sir Philip of the Plain, but this arrow I take to be our -first warning. It tells us to turn back, and it may have -been fired by Black Panther himself, late Knight of the -Levee and of Strong Drink."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Will we turn back?" asked Phil somewhat anxiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone laughed scornfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you think a crowd like ours would turn back for -a sign?" he asked. "Why, Phil, that arrow, if it is -meant as a threat, is the very thing to draw them on. It -would make them anxious to go ahead and meet those -who say they must stop. If they were not that kind of -men, they wouldn't be here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose so," said Phil. "I, for one, would not -want to turn back."</p> -<p class="pnext">He rode up to the tree, took the arrow by the shaft, -and pulled with all his might. He was a strong youth, -but he could not loosen it. Unless broken off, it was to -stay there, a sign that a Comanche warning had been -given.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I knew you couldn't move it," said Bill Breakstone. -"The Indians have short bows, and you wouldn't think -they could get so much power with them, but they do. -It's no uncommon thing for a buck at close range to send -an arrow clear through a big bull buffalo, and it takes -powerful speed to do that."</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode back, met the advancing line of wagons, -and told what they had seen, to which the men themselves, -as they came to the edge of the prairie, were able -to bear witness. Yet they were not greatly impressed. -Those who believed that it meant a challenge gayly -accepted it as Breakstone had predicted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let the Comanches attack, if they will," they said, -shaking their rifles. Even the face of the quiet -Middleton kindled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a good spirit our men show," he said to the -three who were his chosen comrades, "but I knew that -they would never turn back because of an Indian threat."</p> -<p class="pnext">The train advanced slowly down into the plain, and -then began its march across the vast, grayish-green -expanse. The traveling was very easy here, and they made -seven or eight miles over the rolling earth before they -stopped at sunset. Phil, looking back, could still see -the dark line of the hilly country and the forest, but -before him the prairie rolled away, more than ever, as the -twilight came, like an unknown sea.</p> -<p class="pnext">The camp was beside a shallow stream running -between low banks. They built their fires of cottonwood -and stunted oaks that grew on either side, and then Phil -saw the darkness suddenly fall like the fall of a great -blanket over the plains. With the night came a low, -moaning sound which Bill Breakstone told him was -merely the wind blowing a thousand miles without a -break.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil took his turn at guard duty the latter half of that -night, walking about at some distance from the camp, -now and then meeting his comrades on the same duty, -and exchanging a word or two. It was very dark, and -the other sentinels were not in the best of humor, -thinking there was little need for such a watch, and Phil by -and by confined himself strictly to his own territory.</p> -<p class="pnext">Although his eyes grew used to the darkness, it was -so heavy that they could not penetrate it far, and he -extended his beat a little farther from the camp. He -thought once that he heard a light sound, as of footsteps, -perhaps those of a horse, and in order to be certain, -remembering an old method, he lay down and put his ear -to the ground. Then he was quite sure that he heard a -sound very much like the tread of hoofs, but in a -moment or two it ceased. He rose, shaking his head -doubtfully, and advanced a little farther. He neither saw nor -heard anything more, and he became convinced that the -footsteps had been those of some wild animal. Perhaps -a lone buffalo, an outlaw from the herd, had been -wandering about, and had turned away when the human odor -met his nostrils.</p> -<p class="pnext">He returned toward the camp, and something cold -passed his face. There was a slight whistling sound -directly in his ear, and he sprang to one side, as if he -had narrowly missed the fangs of a rattlesnake. He -heard almost in the same instant a slight, thudding -sound directly in front of him, and he knew instinctively -what had made it. He ran forward, and there was an -arrow sticking half its length in the ground. The -impulse of caution succeeded that of curiosity. Remembering -Bill Breakstone's teachings, he threw himself flat -upon the ground, letting his figure blend with the -darkness, and lay there, perfectly still. But no other arrow -came. Nothing stirred. He could not make out among -the shadows anything that resembled a human figure, -although his eyes were good and were now trained to the -work of a sentinel. Once when he put his ear to the -earth he thought he heard the faint beat of retreating -hoofs, but the sound was so brief and so far away that he -was not sure.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt shivers, more after he lay down than when -the arrow passed his cheek. It was the first time that a -deadly weapon or missile had passed so close to him, -fired perhaps with the intent of slaying him, and no boy -could pass through such an experience without quivers -and an icy feeling along the spine.</p> -<p class="pnext">But when he lay still awhile and could not detect the -presence of any enemy, he rose and examined the arrow -again. There was enough light for him to see that the -feathered shaft was exactly like that of the arrow they -had found in the tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">He pulled the weapon out of the ground and examined -it with care. It had a triangular head of iron, with -extremely sharp edges, and he shuddered again. If it -had struck him, it would have gone through him as Bill -Breakstone said the Comanche arrows sometimes went -entirely through the body of a buffalo.</p> -<p class="pnext">He took the arrow at once to the camp, and showed it -to the men who were on guard there, telling how this -feathered messenger--and he could not doubt that it was -a messenger--had come. Woodfall and Middleton were -awakened, and both looked serious. It could not be any -play of fancy on the part of an imaginative boy. Here -was the arrow to speak for itself.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It must have been the deed of a daring Comanche," -said Middleton with conviction. "Perhaps he did not -intend to kill Phil, and I am sure that this arrow, like -the first, was intended as a threat."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it's wasted, just as others will be," said -Woodfall. "My men do not fear Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know that," said Middleton. "It is a strong -train, but we must realize, Mr. Woodfall, that the -Comanches are numerous and powerful. We must make -every preparation, all must stay close by the train, and -there must be a strict night watch."</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke in a tone of authority, but it fitted so well -upon him, and seemed so natural that Woodfall did not -resent it. On the contrary, he nodded, and then added -his emphatic acquiescence in words.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are surely right," he said. "We must tighten -up everything."</p> -<p class="pnext">This little conference was held beside some coals of a -cooking fire that had not yet died, and Phil was -permitted to stand by and listen, as it was he who had -brought in the significant arrow. The coals did not give -much light, and the men were half in shadow, but the -boy was impressed anew by the decision and firmness -shown by Middleton. He seemed to have an absolutely -clear mind, and to know exactly what he wanted. Phil -wondered once more what a man of that type might be -seeking in the vast and vague West.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll double the guard," said Woodfall, "and no man -shall go out of sight of the train. Now, Bedford, my -boy, you might go to sleep, as you have done your part -of a night's work."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil lay down, and, despite the arrow so vivid in -memory, he slept until day.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="at-the-ford">CHAPTER III</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">AT THE FORD</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">As Phil had foreseen, his latest story of warning found -universal credence in the camp, as the arrow was -here, visible to all, and it was passed from hand -to hand. He was compelled to tell many times how it -had whizzed by his face, and how he had found it -afterward sticking in the earth. All the fighting qualities of -the train rose. Many hoped that the Comanches would -make good the threat, because threat it must be, and -attack. The Indians would get all they wanted and -plenty more.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The Comanche arrow has been shot,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">For us it has no terror;</div> -</div> -<div class="line">He can attack our train or not,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">If he does, it's his error,"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">chanted Bill Breakstone in a mellow voice, and a dozen -men took up the refrain: "He can attack our train or not, -if he does, it's his error."</p> -<p class="pnext">The drivers cracked their whips, the wagons, in a -double line, moved slowly on over the gray-green plains. -A strong band of scouts preceded it, and another, equally -as strong, formed the rear-guard. Horsemen armed with -rifle and pistol rode on either flank. The sun shone, and -a crisp wind blew. Mellow snatches of song floated away -over the swells. All was courage and confidence. Deeper -and deeper they went into the great plains, and the line -of hills and forest behind them became dimmer and -dimmer. They saw both buffalo and antelope grazing, a mile -or two away, and there was much grumbling because -Woodfall would not let any of the marksmen go in -pursuit. Here was game and fresh meat to be had for the -taking, they said, but Woodfall, at the urgent insistence -of Middleton, was inflexible. Men who wandered from -the main body even a short distance might never come -back again. It had happened too often on former -expeditions.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Our leader's right.</div> -<div class="line">A luckless wight</div> -<div class="line">Trusting his might</div> -<div class="line">Might find a fight,</div> -<div class="line">And then good night,"</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">chanted Bill Breakstone, and he added triumphantly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's surely good poetry, Phil! Five lines all -rhyming together, when most poets have trouble to make -two rhyme. But, as I have said before, these plains that -look so quiet and lonely have their dangers. We must -pass by the buffalo, the deer, and the antelope, unless we -go after them in strong parties. Ah, look there! What -is that?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The head of the train was just topping a swell, and -beyond the dip that followed was another swell, rather -higher than usual, and upon the utmost crest of the -second swell sat an Indian on his horse, Indian and horse -alike motionless, but facing the train with a fixed gaze. -The Indian was large, with powerful shoulders and chest, -and with an erect head and an eagle beak. He was of a -bright copper color. His lips were thin, his eyes black, -and he had no beard. His long back hair fell down on -his back and was ornamented with silver coins and -beads. He wore deerskin leggins and moccasins, sewed -with beads, and a blue cloth around his loins. The rest of -his body was naked and the great muscles could be seen.</p> -<p class="pnext">The warrior carried in his right hand a bow about one -half the length of the old English long bow, made of the -tough bois d'arc or osage orange, strengthened and -reinforced with sinews of deer wrapped firmly about it. The -cord of the bow was also of deer sinews. Over his shoulder -was a quiver filled with arrows about twenty inches in -length, feathered and with barbs of triangular iron. On -his left arm he carried a circular shield made of two -thicknesses of hard, undressed buffalo hide, separated by -an inch of space tightly packed with hair. His shield -was fastened by two bands in such a manner that it -would not interfere with the use of the arm, and it was -so hard that it would often turn a rifle shot. Hanging at -his horse's mane was a war club which had been made by -bending a withe around a hard stone, weighing about two -pounds, and with a groove in it. Its handle of wood, -about fourteen inches in length, was bound with buffalo -hide.</p> -<p class="pnext">Apparently the warrior carried no firearms, using -only the ancient weapons of his tribe. His horse was a -magnificent coal black, far larger than the ordinary -Indian pony, and he stood with his neck arched as if he -were proud of his owner. The Indian's gaze and manner -were haughty and defiant. It was obvious to every one, -and a low murmur ran among the men of the train. Phil -recognized the warrior instantly. It was Black Panther, -no longer the sodden haunter of the levee in the white -man's town, but a great chief on his native plains. Phil -looked at Middleton, who nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," he said, "I know him. He has, of course, -been watching us, and knows every mile of our march. -Unless I am greatly mistaken, Phil, this is the third -warning."</p> -<p class="pnext">Woodfall had ridden up by the side of Middleton, and -the latter said that Black Panther would probably speak -with them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then," said Woodfall, "you and I, Mr. Middleton, -will ride forward and see what he has to say."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil begged to be allowed to go, too, and they consented. -Woodfall hoisted a piece of white cloth on the -end of his rifle, and the Indian raised his shield in a -gesture of understanding. Then the three rode forward. -The whole of the wagon train was massed on the swell -behind them, and scores of eyes were watching intently -for every detail that might happen.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Indian, after the affirmative gesture with the -shield, did not move, but he sat erect and motionless like -a great bronze equestrian statue. The blazing sunlight -beat down upon horse and man. Every line of the -warrior's face was revealed--the high cheek-bone, the massive -jaw, the pointed chin, and, as Phil drew nearer, the -expression of hate and defiance that was the dominant note -of his countenance. Truly, this Black Panther of the -slums had undergone a prairie change, a wonderful change -that was complete.</p> -<p class="pnext">Woodfall, Middleton, and Phil rode slowly up the -second swell, and approached the chief, for such they -could not doubt now that he was. Still he did not move, -but sat upon his horse, gravely regarding them. Phil -was quite sure that Black Panther remembered him, but -he was not sure that he would admit it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You wish to speak with us," said Middleton, who in -such a moment naturally assumed the position of leader.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To give you a message," replied Black Panther in -good English. "I have given you two messages already, -and this is the third."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The arrows," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, the Comanche arrows," continued the chief. -"I thought that the white men would read the signs, and -perhaps they did."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you wish of us?" said Middleton. "What -is this message which you say you now deliver for the -third time?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The chief drew himself up with a magnificent gesture, -and, turning a little, moved his shield arm with a wide -sweeping gesture toward the West.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I say, and I say it in behalf of the great Comanche -nation, 'Go back.' The country upon which you come -belongs to the Comanches. It is ours, and the buffalo -and the deer and the antelope are ours. I say to you -turn back with your wagons and your men."</p> -<p class="pnext">The words were arrogant and menacing to the last -degree. A spark leaped up in Middleton's eye, but he -restrained himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are but peaceful traders going to Santa Fé," he -said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Peaceful traders to-day, seizers of the land to-morrow," -said the Comanche chief. "Go back. The way -over the Comanche country is closed."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The plains are vast," said Middleton mildly. "One -can ride hundreds of miles, and yet not come to the end. -Many parts of them have never felt the hoof of a Comanche -pony. The plains do not belong to the Comanches or to -anybody else."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are ours," repeated the chief. "We tell you -to go back. The third warning is the last."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If we still come on, what would you do?" said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is war," replied Black Panther. "You will not -reach Santa Fé, and you will not go back to New Orleans. -The Comanches will welcome you to their plains with the -arrows from their bows and the bullets from their rifles."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Be it so," said Middleton, continuing his calm, even -tone. "We have not come so far merely to turn back. -The Comanche welcome of bullets and arrows may greet -us, but we are strong men, and for any welcome that may -be given to us we shall always repay. Is it not so, -Mr. Woodfall?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Woodfall nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Give that answer to your tribe," said Middleton, -speaking in firm tones, and looking the chief squarely in -the eyes. "We have started to Santa Fé, and there we go. -The Comanche nation has not enough warriors to turn us -back."</p> -<p class="pnext">A spark of fire seemed to leap from the chief's eye, -but he made no other demonstration.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have given you the third and last warning," he -said. "Now I go."</p> -<p class="pnext">He raised the shield in a sort of salute, and, without -a word, turned and rode away. The three sat on their -horses, looking at him. When he had gone about two -hundred yards he paused a moment, fitted an arrow to -his bow, shot it almost straight up into the air, and then, -uttering a long fierce whoop, galloped away over the -plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Indian's cry was sinister, ominous of great dangers, -and its meaning sank deeply on Phil's heart. A -peculiar shiver ran down his backbone, and the little -pulses in his temples began to beat. He did not doubt -for a moment that the warning of the Comanche was black -with storm. He watched the sinister figure becoming -smaller and smaller, until it turned into a dark blur, then -a dot, and then was seen no more in the vast, gray-green -expanse.</p> -<p class="pnext">The incident seemed to have sunk deep into the minds -of the other two, also, and they rode gravely and in -silence back to the train, which was now drawn up in one -great group on the crest of the swell. The men, keen -borderers most of them, had divined the significance of -what they saw, but they crowded around the three for -more definite information. Woodfall told them briefly. -He knew their temper, but he thought it best to put the -question and to put it fairly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Men," he said, "we are undoubtedly threatened -with an attack. The Comanches are numerous, brave, -and cunning. I will not conceal from you those facts. -A fight with them will mean loss to us, and, even if we -win that fight, as I am sure we will, they will attack -again. Now, if any want to turn back, let them do so. -All who wish to go back, say 'I'."</p> -<p class="pnext">He paused. There was a dead silence throughout the -train. The corners of Woodfall's lips curved a little into -a slow smile.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Those who wish to go on, Comanche or no Comanche, -say 'Yes,'" he cried.</p> -<p class="pnext">A single "Yes" was thundered out from scores of -throats, and many of the more enthusiastic raised their -rifles and shook them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I thought so," said Woodfall quietly, and then he -added in a louder voice: "Forward!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Fifty whips cracked like so many rifle shots. The -wagons creaked and moved forward again, and by their -side rode the armed horsemen. They descended the slope, -rose to the crest of the next swell, where the Comanche -horseman had stood, and then passed on, over wave after -wave into the unbroken gray-green expanse of the West. -There was nothing before them but the plains, with a -bunch of buffalo grazing far off to the right, and a herd -of antelope grazing far off to the left. The ominous spell -that the Indian had cast seemed to have vanished with -him so far as the great majority of the men were -concerned. But Phil and his immediate comrades did not -forget.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The words of that Indian, as you have delivered -them to me, linger in my mind, young Sir Philip of the -Plains," said Bill Breakstone, "but I am glad he took -the trouble to give us a warning. A stitch in time may -save the lives of nine good men.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Give me the word</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">That harm you mean,</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Then my good sword</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">I take, I ween.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"At least that poem is short and to the point, Sir -Philip. And now I think me that to-morrow about the -noon hour, if we should maintain our present pace, we -cross a river known variously to the different Indian -tribes, but muddy, deep, and flowing between high -banks. The crossing will be difficult, and I ought to tell -Woodfall about it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"By all means," said Middleton, "and I can tell -you, Breakstone, that I already wish we were safely on -the other side of that river."</p> -<p class="pnext">They camped that night in the open plain. There -was a good moonlight, but the watch was doubled, the -most experienced frontiersmen being posted as sentinels. -Yet the watchers saw nothing. They continuously made -wide circles about the camp, but the footprint of neither -man nor horse was to be seen. The day dawned, cold -and gray with lowering skies, and, before the obscure sun -was an hour above the plain, the train resumed its -march, Woodfall, Middleton, Breakstone, Phil, and -Arenberg riding in a little group at the head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How far on do you say is this river?" asked Woodfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We should strike it about noon," replied Breakstone, -repeating his statement of the day before. "It is narrow -and deep, and everywhere that I have seen it the banks -are high, but we ought to find somewhere a slope for a -crossing."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is it wooded?" asked Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, there are cottonwoods, scrub oaks, bushes, and -tall grass along either bank."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm sorry for that," said Woodfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil knew perfectly well what they meant, but he kept, -silent, although his heart began to throb. The other -three also fell silent, and under the gray, lowering sky -the spirits of the train seemed to sink. The men ceased -to joke with one another, and no songs were sung. Phil -heard only the tread of the horses and the creak of the -wagons.</p> -<p class="pnext">An hour or two later they saw a dim black line -cutting across the plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The trees along the banks of the river," said Bill -Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And they are still two or three miles away," said -Woodfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">The leader rode among his men and spoke with them. -The train moved forward at the same speed, drawing -itself like a great serpent over the plain, but there was a -closing up of the ranks. The wagons moved more closely -together, and every driver had a rifle under his feet. -The horsemen rode toward the head of the train, held -their rifles across the pommels of their saddles, and -loosened the pistols in their holsters. Phil was conscious of -a deep, suppressed excitement, an intensity of expectation, -attached to the dark line of trees that now rose -steadily higher and higher out of the plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">An old buffalo hunter in the train now recalled the -river, also, and, after studying the lay of the land -carefully, said that they would find a ford about two miles -north of the point toward which the head of the train -was directed. The course was changed at once, and they -advanced toward the northwest.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you think anything is going to happen, Bill?" -asked Phil, speaking for the first time.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you feel kind of tingly in your blood?" asked -Breakstone, not replying directly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I tingle all over," said Phil frankly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm tingling a bit myself," said Breakstone, "and -I've spent a good many years in the wilderness. Yes, -Phil, I think something is going to happen, and I think -you and me and the Cap and Arenberg ought to stick -together."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is well spoken," said Middleton. "We are -chosen comrades, and we must stand by one another. -See how the trees are drawing nearer."</p> -<p class="pnext">The black line now stood up level with the earth, and -the trees became detached from one another. They could -also see the thick undergrowth hiding the river, which -seemed to flow in a deep gash across the plain. Middleton -took from his saddlebags a pair of strong glasses, -and, as they rode on, examined the double line of trees -with the minutest scrutiny. Then he lowered the glasses, -shaking his head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can't make out anything," he said. "Nothing -moves that I can see. There is no sign of human life."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Comanche iss cunning," said Arenberg. "Harm -iss done where harm iss meant, but I for one am willing -to meet him."</p> -<p class="pnext">The mild German spoke in such a tone of passion -that Phil was startled and looked at him. Arenberg's -blue eyes shone with a sort of blue fire, and he was -unconsciously pressing his horse ahead of the others. It -was evident, even to one as young as Phil, that he was -stirred to his utmost depths. The boy leaned over and -whispered to Breakstone:</p> -<p class="pnext">"He must have some special cause to hate the -Comanches. You know he was in that massacre at New -Braunfels."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so," said Breakstone,</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"When you feel the savage knife,</div> -<div class="line">You remember it all your life."</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"These mild men like Arenberg are terrible when they -are stirred up, Phil. 'Still waters run deep,' which -sounds to me rather Irish, because if they are still they -don't run at all. But it's good all the same, and, -between you and me, Phil, I'd give a lot if we were on the -other side of this river, which has no name in the -geographies, which rises I don't know where, which empties -into I don't know what, and which belongs to I don't -know whom. But, be that as it may, lay on, Macduff, -and I won't be the first to cry 'Hold, enough!'"</p> -<p class="pnext">The train took another curve to the northward, -approaching the ford, of which the old scouts told. The -swells dipped down, indicating a point at which the banks -of the river were low, but they could still see the double -line of trees lining either shore, and the masses of bushes -and weeds that extended along the stream. But nothing -stirred them. No wind blew. The boughs of the cottonwoods, -live oaks, and willows hung lifeless under the -somber sky. There was still no sign of human presence -or of anything that lived.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the men of the train did not relax their caution. -They were approaching now up a sort of shallow trough -containing a dry sandy bed, down which water evidently -flowed during the wet season into the river. It, also, for -the last half mile before it reached the main stream, had -trees and bushes on either shore. Middleton suggested -that they beat up this narrow strip of forest, lest they -walk straight into an ambush. Woodfall thought the -idea good, and twenty men scouted the thickets. They -found nothing, and many in the train began to feel -incredulous. That Comanche had been a mere boaster. -He was probably still galloping away over the prairie, -putting as much distance as he could between himself and -the Santa Fé train. But Middleton yet distrusted. He -seemed now to be in every sense the leader of the train, -and he did it so quietly and with such indirection that -Woodfall took him to be an assistant, and felt no offense. -At his prompting, strong bodies of skirmishers were -thrown forward on either bank of the dry creek bed, and -now, increasing their pace somewhat, they rapidly drew -near the river.</p> -<p class="pnext">It still seemed to Phil that nothing could happen. It -was true that the skies were gray and somber, but there -was no suggestion of an active and hostile presence, and -now the river was only a hundred yards away. From his -horse's back he could see the surface of the stream--narrow, -muddy, and apparently deep. But on the hither shore -there was a gradual slope to its waters, and another of the -same kind on the farther bank seemed to lead up among -the trees.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It ain't so deep as it looks," said an old -frontiersman. "'Bout four feet, I should say. It'll just 'bout -hit the bottoms o' our wagon beds."</p> -<p class="pnext">The stream itself was not more than twenty yards -wide. One could pass it in a few minutes, if nothing -was thrown across the way, and Phil now began to feel -that the unspoken alarm was false. But just when the -feeling became a conviction and the wagons were not more -than twenty yards from the river, he saw something -gleaming in the brush on the far shore. It was the dyed -feather of an eagle, and it made a blood red spot against -the green bushes. Looking closely Phil saw beneath the -feather the light copper face of an Indian, and then he -knew that the Comanches were there.</p> -<p class="pnext">Scarcely a second after he saw the coppery face, a -hurricane of arrows whistled from the covert on the far -shore. The short shafts of the Comanches filled the air. -Mingled with them was the sharp crashing of rifles, and -bullets and arrows whistled together. Then came the -long yell of the Comanches, from scores of throats, high -pitched, fierce, defiant, like the scream of a savage beast -about to leap upon its prey. In spite of all his resolution, -Phil felt that strong shiver in every nerve from head -to heel. Some of the shafts were buried to the feather in -the bodies of the horses and mules, and a terrible tumult -arose as the animals uttered their screaming neigh and -fought and kicked in pain and terror. Nor did the men -escape. One, pierced through the throat by a deadly -barb, fell lifeless from his horse. Another was stricken -in the breast, and a dozen were wounded by either arrows -or bullets.</p> -<p class="pnext">The train was thrown into confusion, and the drivers -pulled back on their lines. Sure death seemed to hover -in front of them. The greatest danger arose from the -wounded and frightened horses, which plunged and -struggled and tried to break from their harness, but the hands -on the lines were strong, and gradually they were reduced -to order. The wagons, also, were driven back a little, -and then the triumphant Comanches sent forth their war -whoop again and again. The short shafts once more flew in -showers, mingled as before with the whistling of the -bullets, but most of the missiles, both arrows and bullets, -fell short. Now the Comanches appeared thickly among -the bushes, chiefly on foot, their horses left at the edge of -the timber, and began to make derisive gestures.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil that the crossing of the river was -impossible in the face of such a fierce and numerous foe, -but Middleton and Woodfall had been conferring, and -suddenly the Cap, to use his more familiar name among -the men, whirled off to the south at the head of a hundred -horsemen. He waved his hand to his three partners, -and they galloped with the band.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There must be another crossing, not as good as this, -but still a crossing," said Bill Breakstone. "If at first -you don't succeed, then try, try again."</p> -<p class="pnext">This flanking movement was hidden from the -Comanches on the other shore by the belt of timber on the -side of the train, and the horsemen galloped along rapidly -in search of a declivity. Phil's heart was thumping, and -specks floated before his eyes, but he was well among the -foremost, and he rode with them, stride for stride. -Behind him he heard the crackle of rifle shots, the shouts of -the Comanches, and the defiant replies of the white men.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Keep a good hold on your rifle, Phil!" shouted Bill -Breakstone in his ear. "If the gods whisper truly to me, -we will be in the water soon, and, by my faith, you'll -need it."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Captain uttered a shout of joy. They had come -to a place where the bank sloped down to the river and -the opposite shore was capable of ascent by horses.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Into the river, men, into the river!" he shouted. -"The horses may have to swim, but we can cross it! We -must cross it before the main Indian force comes up!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The whole troop galloped into the water. Middleton -shouted to them to keep their rifles dry, and every man -held his above his head or on his shoulder. The muddy -water splashed in Phil's face, but he kept by the side of -Breakstone, and in a few moments both their horses were -swimming.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let the horse have his head, Phil," said Breakstone. -"He'll make for the nearest land, and you can -use both your hands for the work that we now have -to do."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil dropped the rein, and the horse swam steadily. -They were now about the middle of the stream, which was -wider here than at the ford. Two or three brown faces -suddenly appeared in the brash on the bank in front of -them, and the savage cry arose. Comanche skirmishers -had discovered the flank movement, but the white troop -was already more than half way across. Bullets were -fired at the swimming men and horses. Some struck in -flesh, but others dashed up jets of yellow foam.</p> -<p class="pnext">"On! On!" cried Middleton. "We must gain the bank!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"On! On!" cried Phil, borne on by excitement. -"We must gain the bank!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He was carried away so much by the fire and movement -of the moment that he did not feel fear. His blood -was tingling in every vein. Myriads of red specks -danced before him. The yellow water splashed all about -him, but he did not notice it. An arrow whizzed by his -cheek, and two bullets struck near, but he continued to -urge his horse, which, gallant animal, was already doing -his best. Some of the white men, even from the unsteady -position of a swimming horse's back, had begun to fire at -the Indians in the brush. Phil heard Bill Breakstone -utter a deep sigh of satisfaction as he lowered the muzzle -of his rifle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Got one," said Bill. "It's good to be zealous, but -that Comanche ought to have known more than to run -square against a rifle bullet."</p> -<p class="pnext">The feet of Phil's horse touched earth, and he began -to wade. Everything now depended upon an instant or -two. If they could gallop up the declivity before the -Comanches could arrive in force they would secure a great -advantage. But the Comanches were coming rapidly, and -the fire from their bows and rifles increased. The white -men, now that their position was steadier, also fired more -rapidly. Phil sent a bullet at a bronze figure that he saw -darting about in the undergrowth, but he could not tell -whether or not he had hit.</p> -<p class="pnext">"On!" shouted Middleton. "Give them no chance! -Rush the slope!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They were out of the river now, and in among the -bushes and weeds. But they did not stop there. Dripping -with the yellow water, streaked sometimes with red, -they rode straight at the Comanches, shouting and firing -with both rifles and pistols. The Indian skirmishers -gave way, and, jumping upon their ponies, galloped -down the stream to the main ford. The white men -uttered a cry of exultation. They were now on the -western bank, and the flank movement was a complete success.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Follow them!" shouted Middleton. "We must press -home the attack upon the main body!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Ahead of them the Comanches, bent low on their -mustangs, were galloping over the plain. Behind came the -white men, hot with the fire of battle and urging on their -horses. Phil, Bill Breakstone, and Arenberg rode knee -to knee, the boy between. He was wet from head to foot -with splashed water, but he did not know it. A bullet -had touched the tip of one ear, covering it with blood, -but he did not know that, either. There was no cruelty -in his nature, but just now it thrilled with battle. He -sought a shot at the flying Comanches, but they were too -far away.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hold your fire,"' said Bill Breakstone. "The battle -is not over yet by any means. A job that's half finished -isn't finished at all."</p> -<p class="pnext">They heard now the shots at the ford above them and -a tremendous shouting. Evidently the two forces were -firing at each other across the stream, and the wagons did -not yet dare the passage. A few moments later they saw -the smoke of the rifles and brown figures darting about -the thickets.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, boys!" shouted Middleton. "All together! -A great cheer!"</p> -<p class="pnext">A mighty shout was poured forth from three score -throats, and Middleton waved his felt hat about his head. -From the eastern bank came an answering cry, and the -signal was complete. Woodfall and the others with the -train knew that their comrades were across, and now was -the time for them to force the passage. Phil saw the -white tops of the wagons shake. Then the wagons themselves -rolled slowly forward into the water, with horsemen -in front of them and on the flanks, firing at the Indians -on the bank. The Comanches sent a shower of bullets -and arrows upon the advancing line, but in another -instant they were compelled to turn and defend themselves. -Middleton and his victorious troop were thundering down -upon them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attack upon their flank came so swiftly that the -Comanches were taken by surprise. As their own skirmishers -fled, the white force galloped in upon their heels. -Yet these bold warriors, kings of the plains, victors in -many a battle over other tribes and Mexicans, fought with -a courage and tenacity worthy of their race and -traditions. They were marshaled, too, by a chief who had -returned to his own, the great Black Panther, and by able -assistants.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton's daring men met a storm of arrows am -bullets, but they charged on, although some saddles were -emptied. They were at the edge of the timber now, -the mounted white men poured in a deadly fire. The -sound of the shots became a steady, incessant crackle -Puffs of smoke arose, and, uniting, formed a canopy of -vapor. The odor of gunpowder spread and filled the -nostrils of the combatants. Shots, the trampling of hoofs, -the cries of the wounded and dying rung upon the drums -of their ears.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a terrific medley, seemingly all confusion, but -really fought with order by skilled leaders. Black -Panther had one half of his warriors to face the wagons and -horsemen in the river and the other half faced south to -beat off Middleton's troop, if it could. He himself -passed from one to another, encouraging them by every -art that he knew, and they were many.</p> -<p class="pnext">But it was Middleton's men who gave the deathblow. -They struck so hard and so often that it was continually -necessary for Black Panther to send more of his warriors -to the defense of his flank. The firing upon the wagons -and horsemen in the river slackened, and they rushed -forward. The horsemen gained the bank, and, at the -same time, Middleton's men charged with greater fire -than ever. Then the horsemen from the ford rushed up -the ascent and joined in the attack. Compressed between -the two arms of a vise, the Comanches, despite every -effort of Black Panther and his chiefs, gave way. Yet -they did not break into any panic. Springing on their -horses, they retired slowly, sending back flights of arrows -and bullets, and now and then uttering the defiant war -whoop.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, the last of the wagons emerged from the -river, and was dragged up the ascent. Although the -Comanches might yet shout in the distance, the crossing -was won, and everybody in the train felt a mighty sense -of relief.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="on-watch">CHAPTER IV</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">ON WATCH</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The wagons drew up in a great square on the open -plain, but just at the edge of the timber, and the -men, breathless, perspiring, but victorious, dropped -from their horses. The Comanches still galloped to and -fro and shouted in the distance, but they kept well out of -rifle shot, and Phil, although it was his first battle, knew -that they would not attack again, at least not for the -present. They had been driven out of an extremely strong -position, ground of their own choosing, and nothing -remained to them but to retire.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy stood by the side of his horse, holding the -bridle in one hand and the rifle in the other. He was -still trembling from the excitement of forcing the ford -and the battle among the trees, but the reddish mist -before his eyes was gradually clearing away. He let the -bridle rein drop, and put his hand to his face. It came -away damp and sticky. He looked at it in an incurious -way to see if he were wounded, but it was only dust and -the smoke of burned gunpowder, kneaded together by -perspiration. Then he felt cautiously of his body. No -bullet or arrow had entered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Unhurt, Phil?" boomed out the voice of Bill Breakstone -beside him. "So am I, and so is Middleton. -Arenberg got a scratch, but he's forgotten it already. -But, I trow, Sir Philip of the River, that was indeed a -combat while it lasted!</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The Comanches shot</div> -<div class="line">With spirit hot,</div> -<div class="line">But now, they're not.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"You can't say anything against that poem, Phil; it's -short and to the point. It's true that the Comanches are -not entirely gone, but they might as well be. Let 'em -shout out there in the plain as much as they choose, -they're going to keep out of rifle range. And I -congratulate you, Phil, on the way you bore yourself through -your first 'baptism of fire.'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I thank you, Bill," said Phil, "but the fact is, I -don't know just how I bore myself. It's been more like a -dream than anything else."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's likely to happen to a man the first time under -fire, and the second time, too, but here we are on the -right side of the river and ready for a breathing spell."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil threw the reins over his horse's neck, knowing -that the latter would not leave the camp, and set to work, -helping to put everything in order, ready for fight or rest, -whichever the Comanches chose to make it. The wagons -were already in a hollow square, and the wounded, at least -twenty in number, laid comfortably in the wagons, were -receiving the rude but effective treatment of the border. -Seven or eight had been killed, and three or four bodies -had been lost in the current of the stream. They were -now digging graves for the others. Little was known of -the slain. They were wandering, restless spirits, and -they may or may not have been buried under their own -names. They had fallen in an unknown land beside an -unknown river, but their comrades gave all due honor as -they put them beneath the earth. Middleton said a few -words over the body of each, while others stood by with -their hats off. Then they smoothed out the soil above -them as completely as possible, in order that their graves -might be lost. They took this precaution lest the -Comanches come after they had gone, take up the bodies, -and mutilate them.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the solemn task was done, the men turned away -to other duties. They were not discouraged; on the -contrary, their spirits were sanguine. The gloom of the -burial was quickly dispelled, and these wild spirits, their -fighting blood fully up, were more than half willing for -the Comanches to give them a new battle. It was such -as these, really loving adventure and danger more than -profit, who steadily pushed forward the southwestern -frontier in the face of obstacles seemingly insuperable.</p> -<p class="pnext">Their position at the edge of the wood, with the strong -fortification of the wagons, was excellent, and Middleton -and Woodfall, after a short consultation, decided to -remain there until morning, for the sake of the wounded -men and for rest for all. Phil worked in the timber, -gathering up fallen fuel for fires, which were built in the -center of the hollow square, and he found the work a -relief. Such a familiar task steadied his nerves. Gradually -the little pulses ceased to beat so hard, and his head -grew cool. When enough dead wood had been brought -in, he took another look at the western horizon. -Comanches could still be seen there, but they no longer -galloped about and shouted. A half dozen sat motionless on -their ponies, apparently looking at the white camp, their -figures, horse and rider, outlined in black tracery against -the blood-red western sun. Phil had a feeling that, -although beaten at the ford, they were not beaten for good -and all, and that the spirit of Black Panther, far from -being crushed, would be influenced to new passions and -new attack. But, as he looked, the Comanche horsemen -seemed to ride directly into the low sun and disappear. -The hard work that had kept him up now over, he felt -limp, and sank down near one of the fires.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here, Phil, drink this," said Bill Breakstone, handing -him a cup of hot coffee. "It has been a pretty hard -day on the nerves, and you need a stimulant."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil swallowed it all, almost at a draught--never had -coffee tasted better--and his strength came back rapidly. -Breakstone, also, drank a cup and sat down beside the -boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here comes Arenberg," he said in a low tone to Phil. -"That German was a very demon to-day. He got right -into the front of the charge, and after his rifle was empty -he clubbed it and brought down one of the Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked up. Arenberg's face was still set in a -stern, pitiless mask, but when his eyes caught the boy's -he relaxed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss a good day well spent," he said, throwing -himself down by the side of the two. "We never could -have forced the ford if we had not made that flank -movement. Harm wass meant by both sides and harm wass -done. But it iss over now. How does the young Herr -Philip feel?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pretty good now," replied Phil, "but I've had my -ups and downs, I can tell you. A little while ago I felt -as if there were no backbone in me at all."</p> -<p class="pnext">Food was now cooked, and, after eating, the three -relapsed into silence. Presently Middleton, also, joined -them, and told them that very thorough preparations had -been made to guard against a surprise. Sentinels on -horseback were already far out on the plain, riding a -watchful round which would be continued all through the -night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is easy to guard against surprise on that side," -said Middleton, "but snipers may creep down the river -bank in the timber. We must keep our best watch -there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll go on duty," said Philip promptly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not yet," replied Middleton. "You may be -needed late in the night, in which case we'll call on you, -but our most experienced borderers don't think the -Comanches will come back."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You can never trust them," said Arenberg earnestly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We don't mean to," said Middleton. "Now, Phil, -I'd advise you to wrap yourself in your blanket and go to -sleep. On a campaign it's always advisable to sleep -when you're off duty, because you never know when you -will get the chance again."</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil that it was impossible to sleep, after -so much excitement and danger, but he knew that -Middleton was speaking wise words, and he resolved to try. -There were yet hours of daylight, but, putting his blanket -beneath him, he lay before one of the fires with his arm -under his head and closed his eyes. He would open -them now and then to see the yellow flames, the figures of -the men moving back and forth, and the circle of wagons -beyond. He could not make himself feel sleepy, but he -knew that his nerves were relaxing. Physically he felt a -soothing languor, and with it came a mental satisfaction. -He had helped to win his first battle, and, like the older -and seasoned men around him, the victory encouraged -him to bid further defiance to the Comanches or anything -else that threatened.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 63%" id="figure-28"> -<span id="putting-his-blanket-beneath-him-he-lay-before-one-of-the-fires"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-062.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"Putting his blanket beneath him, he lay before one of the fires"</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">These reflections were so grateful that he found -himself able to keep his eyes shut longer. It was not -so much of an effort to pull the eyelids down, and when, -at intervals steadily growing more distant, he opened his -eyes, it was to find the fires and figures of the men -becoming dim, while the circling line of the wagons -beyond was quite lost. At last the eyelids stayed down -of their own accord, and he floated away into a sleep that -was deep, sweet, and refreshing.</p> -<p class="pnext">Others in the camp slept, also, some in the wagons and -some on the ground, with saddles for pillows. Those -whose duty it was to watch paid no attention to them, -but beat up the brush incessantly, and kept up their -endless circles on the plains. The somber clouds that had -obscured the morning floated away, driven back by a late -afternoon sun of uncommon splendor. The gray-green -plains turned to a brilliant red and gold; the willows, -cottonwoods, and oaks seemed sheathed in gold, every -bough and twig; the muddy river took on rich -gleaming tints, and then suddenly the sun was gone, -leaving all in darkness, save for the smoldering fires.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil slept soundly hour after hour. He was so -exhausted physically and mentally that the relaxation was -complete. No dream good or bad came to trouble him, -and Breakstone, who observed his peaceful face, said to -Middleton:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Talk about knitting up the raveled sleeve of care. -That boy is knitting up both sleeves at the same time, -and he is knitting them fast."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He is a good lad," said Middleton, "and a brave -one, too. It was his first battle, but he certainly bore -himself well. Now I wonder what search is bringing him -out here into the wilderness."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And I guess he, too, often wonders the same about us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just as I have wondered it about you, and as you -have wondered it about me."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But we find it best--every one of us--to keep our -search to ourselves for the present."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is surely best."</p> -<p class="pnext">The two men looked at each other rather significantly, -and then talked of other things.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was awakened at midnight to take his turn at the -watch. The night, as it is so often on the plains of -Texas, even in summer, was cold, and he shivered a little -when he drew himself out of his warm blankets. The -fires were nearly out, leaving only a few coals that did -not warm, and few figures were moving except outside the -circle. His body told Phil that he would much rather -sleep on, but his mind told him with greater force that -he must go ahead and do his duty with a willing heart, a -steady hand, and a quick eye. So he shook himself -thoroughly, and was ready for action. His orders were -to go in the timber a little to the northward and watch -for snipers. Three others were going with him, but they -were to separate and take regular beats.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil shouldered his rifle and marched with his comrades. -They passed outside the circles of wagons, and -stood for a few moments on the bare plain. Afar off they -saw their own mounted sentinels who watched to the -westward, riding back and forth. The moon was cold, -and a chill wind swept over the swells, moaning -dismally. Phil shivered and was glad that he had a watch -on foot in the timber. His comrades were willing to -hasten with him to that shelter, and there they arranged -their beats. The belt of timber was about a hundred -yards wide, with a considerable undergrowth of bushes -and tall weeds. They cut the hundred yards into about -four equal spaces, and Phil took the quarter next to the -river. He walked steadily back and forth over the twenty-five -yards, and at the western end of his beat he regularly -met the next sentinel, a young Mississippian named -Welby, whom Phil liked. They exchanged a few words -now and then, but, save their low tones, the monotonous -moaning of the wind among the trees, and an occasional -sigh made by the current of the river, which here flowed -rather swiftly, there was no sound. On the opposite bank -the trees and bushes reared themselves, a wall of dark -green.</p> -<p class="pnext">The chill of the night grew, but the steady -walking back and forth had increased the circulation and -warmed the blood in Phil's veins, and he did not feel it. -His long sleep, too, had brought back all his strength, -and he was full of courage and zeal. He had suffered a -reaction after the battle, but now the second reaction -came. The young victor, refreshed in mind and body, -feared nothing. Neither was he lonely nor awed by the -vast darkness of night in the wilderness. The words that -he spoke with Welby every few minutes were enough to -keep him in touch with the human race, and he really -felt content with himself and the world. He had done -his duty under fire, and now he was doing his duty -again.</p> -<p class="pnext">He paused a little longer every time he came to the -river, and forcing his mind now to note every detail, he -was impressed by the change that the stream had -undergone. There was a fine full moon, and the muddy -torrent of the day was turned into silver, sparkling more -brightly where the bubbles formed and broke. The -stream, swollen doubtless by rains about its source, flowed -rapidly with a slight swishing noise. Phil looked up -and down it, having a straight sweep of several hundred -yards either way. Now and then the silver of its surface -was broken by pieces of floating debris, brought doubtless -from some far point. He watched these fragments -as they passed, a bough, a weed, or a stump, or the entire -trunk of a tree, wrenched by a swollen current from some -caving bank. He was glad that he had the watch next to -the river, because it was more interesting. The river was -a live thing, changing in color, and moving swiftly. Its -surface, with the objects that at times swept by on it, -was a panorama of varied interest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Besides Welby he saw no living creature. The camp -was hidden from him completely by the trees and bushes, -and they were so quiet within the circle of the wagons -that no sound came from them. An hour passed. It -became two, then three. Vaporous clouds floated by the -moon. The silver light on the river waned. The current -became dark yellow again, but flowing as ever with that -soft, swishing sound. The change affected Phil. The -weird quality of the wilderness, clothed in dark, made -itself felt. He was glad when he met Welby, and they -lingered a few seconds longer, talking a little. He came -back once more to the river, now flowing in a torrent -almost black between its high banks.</p> -<p class="pnext">He took his usual long survey of the river, both up -and down stream. Phil was resolved to do his full duty, -and already he had some experience, allied with faculties -naturally keen. He examined the opposite bank with -questioning eyes. At first it had seemed a solid wall of -dark green, but attention and the habit of the darkness -now enabled him to separate it into individual trees and -bushes. Comanches ambushed there could easily shoot -across the narrow stream and pick off a white sentinel, -but he had always kept himself well back in his own -bushes, where he could see and yet be hidden.</p> -<p class="pnext">His gaze turned to the river. Darker substances, drift -from far banks, still floated on its surface. The wind -had died. The branches of the trees did not move at all, -and, in the absence of all other sound, the slight swishing -made by the flowing of the river grew louder. His -wandering eyes fastened on a small stump that was coming -from the curve above, and that floated easily on the -surface. Its motion was so regular that his glance stayed, -and he watched it with interested eyes. It was an -independent sort of stump, less at the mercy of the current -than the others had been. It came on, bearing in toward -the western bank, and Phil judged that if it kept its -present course it would strike the shore beneath him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The black stump was certainly interesting. He looked -farther. Four feet behind it was floating another stump -of about the same size, and preserving the same direction, -which was a diagonal line with the current. That was a -coincidence. Yet farther was a third stump, showing all -the characteristics of the other two. That was remarkable. -And lo! when a fourth, and then a fifth, and then -a sixth came, a floating line, black and silent, it was a -prodigy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first black stump struck lightly against the bank. -Then a Comanche warrior, immersed hitherto to the chin, -rose from the stream. The water ran in black bubbles -from his naked body. In his right hand he held a long -knife. The face was sinister, savage, and terrible beyond -expression. Another of the stumps was just rising from -the stream, but Phil fired instantly at the first face, and -then sprang back, shouting, "The Comanches." He did -not run. He merely sheltered himself behind a tree, and -began to reload rapidly. Welby came running through -the bushes, and then the others, drawn by the shout. In -a minute the timber was filled with armed men.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it? What is it? What did you shoot at?" -they cried, although the same thought was in the minds of -every one of them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Comanches!" replied Phil. "They came swimming -in a line down the river. Their heads looked like -black stumps on the water! I fired at the first the -moment he rose from the stream! I think it was their plan -to ambush and kill the sentinels!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone was among those who had come, and -he cried:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then we must beat them off at once! We must not -give them a chance to get a footing on the bank!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They rushed forward, Phil with them, his rifle now -reloaded, and gazed down at the river. They heard no -noise, but that slight swishing sound made by the -current, and the surface of the stream was bare. The river -flowed as if no foreign body had ever vexed its current. -Fifty pairs of eyes used to the wilderness studied -the stream and the thickets. They saw nothing. Fifty -pairs of ears trained to hear the approach of danger -listened. They heard nothing but the faint swishing -sound that never ceased. A murmur not pleasant to -Phil, arose.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've no doubt it was a stump, a real stump," one of -the older men said.</p> -<p class="pnext">A deep flush overspread Phil's face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I saw a Comanche with long black hair rise from the -water," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">The man who had spoken grinned a little, but the -expression of his face showed that doubt had solidified into -certainty.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A case of nerves," he said, "but I don't blame you -so much, bein' only a boy."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt his blood grow hot, but he tried to restrain -his temper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I certainly saw a Comanche," he said, "and there -were others behind him!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then what's become of all this terrible attack?"! -asked the man ironically.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come! Come!" said Woodfall. "We can't have -such talk. The boy may have made a mistake, but the -incident showed that he was watching well, just what we -want our sentinels to do."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil flushed again. Woodfall's tone was kindly, but -he was hurt by the implication of possible doubt and -mistake. Yet Woodfall and the others had ample excuse -for such doubts. There was not the remotest sign of an -enemy. Could he really have been mistaken? Could it -have been something like a waking dream? Could his -nerves have been so upset that they made his eyes see -that which was not? He stared for a full minute at the -empty face of the river, and then a voice called:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh, you men, come down here! I've something to -show you!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Bill Breakstone, who had slipped away from -them and gone down the bank. His voice came from a -point at least a hundred yards down the stream, and the -men in a group followed the sound of it, descending the -slope with the aid of weeds and bushes. Bill was -standing at the edge of a little cove which the water had -hollowed out of the soft soil, and something dark lay at his -feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I dragged this out of the water," he said. "It was -floating along, when an eddy brought it into this cove."</p> -<p class="pnext">They looked down, and Phil shut off a cry with his -closed teeth. The body, a Comanche warrior, entirely -naked, lay upon its back. There was a bullet hole in the -center of the forehead. The features, even in death, were -exactly those that the boy had seen rising from the water, -sinister, savage, terrible beyond expression. Phil felt a -cold horror creeping through all his bones, but it was the -look of this dead face more than the fact that he had -killed a man. He shuddered to think what so much -malignant cruelty could have done had it gained the chance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, men," said Bill Breakstone quietly, "was the -story our young friend here told such stuff as dreams are -made on, or did it really happen?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The boy told the truth, and he was watching well," -said a half dozen together.</p> -<p class="pnext">The old frontiersman who had so plainly expressed -his disbelief in Phil--Gard was his name--extended his -hand and said to the lad:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I take it all back. You've saved us from an ambush -that would have cost us a lot of men. I was a fool. -Shake hands."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, with a great leap of pride, took the proffered -hand and shook it heartily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't blame you, Mr. Gard," he said. "Things -certainly looked against me."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Comanches naturally took to flight when their -leader was killed," said Woodfall. "They could not -carry through such an attempt without surprise, but good -eyes stopped them."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's heart leaped again with pride, but he said -nothing. They climbed back up the slope, and the guard -in the timber was tripled for the short time until day. -Phil was told that, as he had already done so much, he -might go off duty now.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was glad enough to seek rest, and so rapidly was -he becoming used to danger that he lay down calmly -before one of the fires and went to sleep again. He awoke -two or three hours later to a crisp fresh morning, and to -the news that the train would promptly resume its -advance, whether or not Comanches tried to bar the way. -With the intoxicating odor of victory still in their -nostrils, the hardy frontiersmen were as willing as ever for -another combat. But the enemy had disappeared -completely. A brilliant sun rose over the gray-green swells, -disclosing nothing but a herd of antelope that grazed far -to the right.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The antelope mean that no Comanches are near," -said Arenberg. "The warriors will now wait patiently -and a long time for a good opportunity. Sometimes -much harm iss done where much iss intended."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is so," chanted Bill Breakstone.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Over the plains we go,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Our rifles clear the way.</div> -</div> -<div class="line">The Indians would say no.</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Our band they cannot stay.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"As I have often remarked before, Phil, my poetry -may be defective in meter and some other small technicalities, -but it comes to the point. That, I believe, was -the characteristic of Shakespeare, also. I agree, too, -with Arenberg, that the Comanches will not trouble us -again for some time. So, I pray thee, be of good cheer, -Sir Philip of the Merry Countenance, Knight of the -Battle beside the Unknown River, Slayer of Comanches in -the Dark, Guardian of the Public Weal, et cetera, et -cetera."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am cheerful," said Phil, to whom Breakstone was -always a tonic, "and I believe that we can beat off the -Comanches any time and every time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Jump on your horse," said Breakstone, a little later; -"we're all ready."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil leaped into the saddle with one bound. The -train moved forward, and he and Breakstone joined -Middleton and Arenberg at its head. Middleton had powerful -glasses, and he swept the plain far ahead, and to right -and left. His gaze finally settled on a point to the -south-west. The others followed his look with great interest, -but the naked eye could see nothing but the rolling -gray-green plains and the dim blue horizon beyond. Middleton -looked so long that at last Bill Breakstone asked:</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you see?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not see anything that I can really call living," -replied Middleton, "but I do see a knoll or slight -elevation on the plain--what would be called farther north a -butte--and on that knoll is a black blur, shapeless and -unnamable at this distance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Does the black blur move?" asked Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot tell. It is too far even for that, but from -it comes a beam of brilliant light that shifts here and -there over the plain. Take a look, Bill."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone eagerly put the glasses to his eyes, and -turned them upon the knoll.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, I see it!" he exclaimed. "It's like a ball of -light! There it goes to the right! There it goes to the -left! Now it falls in our direction! What in the name -of Shakespeare's thirty-five or forty plays is it, Cap?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let me have the glasses, I want another look," -replied Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">His second look was a long one taken in silence. At -last he replied:</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a signal, lads. I've seen the Comanches talk to -one another in this way before. A Comanche chief is -sitting on his horse on top of that knoll. He holds a -rounded piece of looking-glass in the hollow of his hand, -and he turns it in such a way that he catches the very -concentrated essence of the sun's rays, throwing a beam -a tremendous distance. The beam, like molten gold, now -strikes the grass on top of a swell off toward the north. -It's a secret just how they do it, for not yet has any -white man learned the system of signals which they make -with such a glass. Ah!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The "Ah!" came forth, so deep, so long drawn, and -so full of meaning that Phil, Arenberg, and Bill -Breakstone exclaimed together:</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I would not have known that the black blur on top -of the knoll was a chief on horseback if I had not been -on the Texas plains before," replied Middleton, "but -now I can make out the figures of horse and man, as he -is riding around and around in a circle and riding very -rapidly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What does that mean?" asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It means danger, not to us, but to the Comanches. -The warrior is probably signaling to a band of his tribe -who are meditating attack upon us that we are too -strong."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it must be some fresh band," said Bill Breakstone, -"because the one that had the little encounter with -us yesterday knew that already."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I take it that you're right," said Middleton, -smiling and closing the glasses. "The second band won't -molest us--not to-day."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That seems to be a very effective way of signaling," -remarked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"On the plains, yes," said Middleton. "It is astonishing -how far such a vivid beam of light will carry, as -the crest of the knoll was too high for it to be intercepted -by the swells."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton told Woodfall what they had seen. The -leader's chin stiffened a little more, and the wagons went -on at the same pace, trailing their brown length across -the prairie.</p> -<p class="pnext">About ten o'clock the march became difficult, as they -entered a town, but such a town! Its inhabitants were -prairie dogs, queer little animals, which darted down into -their burrows at the approach of the horsemen and -wagons, often sharing the home with a rattlesnake. But -the horsemen were now compelled to proceed with exceeding -care, as the horses' feet often sank deep down in the -dens. Stumbles were frequent and there were several -falls. Wagon wheels, also, sank, and the advance -became so difficult that Woodfall halted the train and sent -Phil and some others to find a way around the town.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode five or six miles to the south, and still the -singular town stretched away, apparently endless. Then -they came back and rode five or six miles to the north -with the same result. Acting upon the advice of -Middleton, Woodfall, after hearing these reports, decided to -go straight on through the town. It was known that such -towns had been found twenty-five miles long, and this -might be as large. So they went directly ahead. The -riders dismounted and led their horses. Three times -Phil killed coiling rattlesnakes with the butt of his rifle, -but he did not seek to molest any of the prairie dogs.</p> -<p class="pnext">They moved very slowly, and it was three hours before -they crossed the prairie dog town, leaving behind them -some destruction, but not more than they could help.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Sir Philip of the Prairie Dogs, what name are -you going to give to the populous community through -which we have just passed?" asked Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose Canine Center will do as well as any -other," replied Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A wise selection, my gay youth," replied Bill Breakstone. -"But these animals, properly speaking, are not -dogs, they are more like rats. I'm glad we've passed -'em. It isn't pleasant to have your horse put his foot in -one of their dens and shoot you over his head. The good -hard plain for me."</p> -<p class="pnext">He cantered forward, and Phil cantered with him, -raising his head and breathing the pure air that blew over -such vast reaches of clean earth. He felt the blood -leaping in his veins again from mere physical happiness. -He began to whistle gayly, and then to sing "Open thy -lattice, love," a song just coming into favor, written by -the man who became yet more famous with "Old -Kentucky Home" and "Suwanee River." Phil had a fine, -fresh, youthful voice, and Breakstone listened to him as -he sang through two verses. Then he held up his hand, -and Phil stopped.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What's the trouble?" asked the boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't object to your song, Phil, and I don't object -to your singing, but it won't be a good time for love to -open the lattice; it will be better to close it tight. Don't -you feel a change in the air, Phil? Just turn your face -to the northwest, and you'll notice it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil obeyed, and it seemed to him now that the air -striking upon his cheek was colder, but he imagined that -it was due to the increasing strength of the wind.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not care if the wind is a little cold," he said. -"I like it."</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The wind is cold,</div> -<div class="line">And you are bold;</div> -<div class="line">The sky turns gray</div> -<div class="line">You're not so gay;</div> -<div class="line">And by and by</div> -<div class="line">For sun you'll sigh,"</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">chanted Bill Breakstone, and then he added:</p> -<p class="pnext">"See that gray mist forming in a circle about the sun, -and look at that vapor off there in the northwest. By -George, how fast it spreads! The whole sky is becoming -overcast! Unroll your blanket, Phil, and have it ready -to wrap around you I The whole train must stop and -prepare!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone turned to give his warning, but others, -too, had noticed the signals of danger. The command -stop was given. The wagons were drawn rapidly into -circle, and just as when the danger was Indians, instead -of that which now threatened, all the horses and mules -were put inside the circle. But now all the men, also, -took their station inside, none remaining outside as guard. -The wind meanwhile rose fast, and the temperature -fell with startling rapidity. The edge of the blast seemed -to be ice itself. Phil, who was helping with the corral of -wagons, felt as if it cut him to the bone. He fully -appreciated Bill Breakstone's advice about the blanket. -The day also was swiftly turning dark. The sun was -quite gone out. Heavy clouds and masses of vapor -formed an impenetrable veil over all the sky. Now, -besides the cold, Phil felt his face struck by fine particles -that stung. It was the sand picked up by the wind, -perhaps hundreds of miles away, and hurled upon them in -an enveloping storm.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil pulled down his cap-brim and also sheltered his -eyes as much as he could with his left arm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's the Norther," cried Breakstone. "Listen to it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The wind was now shrieking and howling over the -plains with a voice that was truly human, only it was like -the shout of ten thousand human beings combined. But -it was a voice full of malice and cruelty, and Phil was -glad of the companionship of his kind.</p> -<p class="pnext">The cold was now becoming intense, and he rapidly -drew the blanket about his body. Then he suddenly bent -his head lower and completely covered his eyes with his -arm. It was hailing fiercely. Showers of white pellets, -large enough to be dangerous, pounded him, and, as the -darkness had now increased to that of night, he groped -for shelter. Bill Breakstone seized him by the arm and -cried:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Jump into the wagon there, Phil! And I'll jump -after you!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil obeyed with the quickness of necessity, and -Breakstone came in on top of him. Middleton and -Arenberg were already there.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Welcome to our wagon," said Arenberg, as Phil and -Breakstone disentangled themselves. "You landed on -one of my feet, Phil, and you landed on the other, Bill, -but no harm iss done where none iss meant."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil cowered down and drew his blanket more closely -around him, while the hail beat fiercely on the arched -canvas cover, and the cold wind shrieked and moaned -more wildly than ever. He peeped out at the front of the -wagon and beheld a scene indescribable in its wild and -chilling grandeur. The darkness endured. The hail was -driven in an almost horizontal line like a sheet of sleet. -The wagons showed but dimly in all this dusk. The -animals, fortunately, had been tethered close to the -wagons, where they were, in a measure, protected, but -many of them reared and neighed in terror and suffering. -One look satisfied Phil, and he drew back well under cover.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How often does this sort of thing happen in Texas?" -he asked Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not so often," replied the German, "and this -Norther, I think, is the worst I ever saw. The cold wind -certainly blows like der Teufel. These storms must start -on the great mountains far, far to the north, and I think -they get stronger as they come. Iss it not so, Herr -Breakstone?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your words sound true to me, Sir Hans of the Beer -Barrel," replied Breakstone. "I've seen a few Northers -in my time, and I've felt 'em, but this seems to me to be -about the most grown-up, all-around, healthy and frisky -specimen of the kind that I ever met."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil thought that the Norther would blow itself out in -an hour or two, but he was mistaken. Several hours -passed and the wind was as strong and as cold as ever. -The four ate some cold food that was in the wagon, and -then settled back into their places. No attempt would be -made to cook that day. But Phil grew so warm and snug -in his blanket among the baggage, and the beating of -the rain on the stout canvas cover was so soothing, that -he fell asleep after awhile. He did not know how long -he slept, because when he awoke it was still dark, the -wind was still shrieking, and the other three, as he could -tell by their regular breathing, were asleep, also. He felt -so good that he stretched himself a little, turned on the -other side, and went to sleep again.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-comanche-village">CHAPTER V</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE COMANCHE VILLAGE</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The Norther did not blow itself out until noon of the -next day. Then it ceased almost as abruptly as it -had begun. The wind stopped its shrieking and -howling so suddenly that the silence, after so long a -period of noise, was for awhile impressive. The clouds -fell apart as if cut down the middle by a saber, and the -sun poured through the rift.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was like a fairy transformation scene. The rift -widened so fast that soon all the clouds were gone beyond -the horizon. The sky was a solid blue, shot through with -the gold of the warm sun. The hail melted, and the -ground dried. It was spring again, and the world was -beautiful. Phil saw, felt, and admired. Bill Breakstone -burst into song:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The Norther came,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">The Norther went.</div> -</div> -<div class="line">It suits its name,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Its rage is spent.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"From the looks of things now," he continued, "you -wouldn't think it had been whistling and groaning -around us for about twenty-four hours, trying to shoot us -to death with showers of hail, but I'd have you to know, -Sir Philip of the Untimely Cold and the Hateful Storm, -that I have recorded it upon the tablets of my memory. -I wouldn't like to meet such a Norther when I was alone -on the plains, on foot, and clad in sandals, a linen suit, -and a straw hat."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nor I," said Phil with emphasis.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now they lighted fires of buffalo chips which were -abundant everywhere, and ate the first warm food that -they had had since the day before at noon. Then they -advanced four or five miles and encamped on the banks -of a creek, a small stream of water flowing in a broad, -sandy bed. Phil and some of the others scouted in a -wide circle for Comanches, but saw no signs, and, as he -had slept so late that day, the boy remained awake most -of the night. There was a good moonlight, and he saw -dusky slinking forms on the plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Coyotes," said Bill Breakstone. "At least, most of -them are, though I think from their size that two or three -of those figures out there must be timber wolves. If I'm -right about 'em, it means that we're not far from a belt -of forest country."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope you're right," said Phil. "I'm getting -tired of plains now, and I'd like to see trees and hills -again, and also water that runs faster and that's less -muddy than these sluggish and sandy creeks."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone threw back his head and laughed with -unction.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the way with fellows who were born in the -hills," he said. "Wherever you go, sooner or later you'll -pine for 'em again. I'm one of that lot, too."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, it's so," admitted Phil. "I like the great -plains, the vastness, the mystery, and the wonderful air -which must be the purest in the world, that's always -blowing over them, but for a real snug, homey feeling -give me a little valley in the hills, with a brook of -green-white water about six inches deep running down it, and -plenty of fine trees--oak, beech, hickory, elm, walnut, -and chestnut--growing on the slopes and tops of the hills."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A pretty picture, Sir Philip of the Brook, the Hill, -the Valley, and the Tree," said Bill Breakstone, "and -maybe we will see it soon. As I told you, timber wolves -indicate trees not far off."</p> -<p class="pnext">But the chief event that day was buffaloes and not -timber. They ran into a vast herd, traveling north with -the spring, and killed with ease all they wanted. The -bodies were cut up, and the wagons were filled with fresh -meat. There was a momentary quandary about the -hides, which they wished to save, a process that required -immediate curing, but they were unwilling to stop for -that purpose on the plain. Two of the scouts came in at -sundown with news that the timber was only three or four -miles ahead, and the whole train pushed forward, reaching -it shortly after nightfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">The wagons stopped just within the edge of the timber, -but Phil, Breakstone, Arenberg, and Middleton rode -on, the night being so clear and bright that they could -see almost as well as by day. The first range of hills was -low, but beyond lay others, rising perhaps two hundred -feet above the level of the plain. The timber on all the -hills and the valleys between was dense and heavy, -embracing many varieties of hard wood, elm, hackberry, -overcup, ash, pecan, and wild china. There were also -the bushes and vines of the blackberry, gooseberry, -raspberry, currant, and of a small fox grape, plentiful -throughout the mountains of Texas. The fox grape grew on a -little bush like that of the currant, and growing in -abundance was another bush, from two to six feet in height, -that would produce wild plums in the autumn.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a good country, a fine country," said Bill -Breakstone. "A man could live all the year around on the -food that he would find in this region, buffalo and -antelope on the plains, deer and maybe beaver in here, and all -sorts of wild fruits."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil nodded. He was reveling in the hills and timber. -The moonlight fell in a vast sheet of silver, but the -foliage remained a solid mass of dark green beneath it. -A tremulous little wind blew, and the soft sound of fresh -young leaves rubbing together came pleasantly. A faint -noise like a sigh told of a tiny stream somewhere trickling -over the pebbles. Phil opened his eyes as wide as he -could and drew in great gulps of the scented air. Big -bronze birds, roused by the tread of the horsemen, rose -from a bough, and flew away among the trees. They -were wild turkeys, but the lad and his comrades were not -seeking game just then. Bill Breakstone, who was in -advance, stopped suddenly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come here, Sir Philip of the Hilly Forest," he cried, -"and see what uncle has found for his little boy."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil rode up by his side and uttered a little gasp of -admiration. As he sat on his horse, he looked into a -ravine about two hundred feet deep. Down the center of -the ravine dashed a little mountain river of absolutely -clear water. It was not more than twenty feet wide, but -very deep. As Breakstone said, "it ran on its side," but -it ran along with much murmur and splash and laughter -of waters. Often as the swift current struck the stony -sides of the ravine it threw up little cascades of foam like -snow. The banks themselves, although of stone, were -covered most of the way with clustering vines and short -green bushes. The crest of the farther bank was wooded -so heavily with great trees that they were like a wall. -Farther down, the stream descended with increased -swiftness, and a steady murmuring noise that came to them -indicated a waterfall. The brilliant moonlight bathed -the river, the hills, and the forest, and the great silence -brooded over them all. Middleton and Arenberg also -came, and the four side by side on their horses sat for -awhile, saying nothing, but rejoicing in a scene so vivid -and splendid to them, after coming from the monotony of -the great plains.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd like to drop off my horse after a hot day's ride," -said Bill Breakstone, "and have some of that river run -over me. Wouldn't that be a shower-bath for a tired and -dusty man!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's likely to be ice-cold," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why so?" asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Because it rises somewhere high up. There must be -mountains to the northward, and probably it is fed most -of the year by melting snows. I think Bill would have -enough of his bath very quickly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If I get a chance, and there is any way to get down -to that stream, I may try it to-morrow," said Bill -threateningly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Meanwhile, we'll ride back and tell what we've -seen," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Isn't there any danger of Indian ambush in the -timber?" asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't think so," replied Middleton. "The -Comanches are horse Indians, and keep entirely to the -plains. The other tribes are too much afraid of the -Comanches to remain near them, and in consequence -the edge of a hilly stretch such as this is likely to be -deserted."</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode back to the wagons and found that the -cooking fires were already lighted, and their cheerful blaze -was gleaming among the trees. Everybody else, also, -was delighted at being in the timber, where clear water -flowed past, and most of the wounded were able to get out -of the wagons and sit on the grass with their comrades. -Woodfall decided that it was a good place in which to -spend a few days for rest, repairs, and the hunting of -game, as they wanted other fresh meat besides that of the -buffalo.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next morning they began to cure the buffalo hides -that they had already obtained. A smooth piece of -ground, exposed all day to the rays of the sun, was -chosen. Upon this the skin was stretched and pegged -down. Then every particle of the flesh was scraped off. -After that, it was left about three days under the rays of -the sun, and then it was cured. Twenty-five skins were -saved in this manner, and, also, by the same method of -drying in the sun, they jerked great quantities of the -buffalo meat.</p> -<p class="pnext">But Middleton, Arenberg, Breakstone, and Phil -turned hunters for the time. They found that the hill -region was very extensive, timbered heavily, and -abundant in game. They hunted wholly on foot, and found -several places where the ravine opened out, at which they -could cross the little river by walking, although the water -rose to their waists.</p> -<p class="pnext">They had great luck with the game, shooting a half -dozen splendid black-tailed deer, a score of wild turkeys, -and many partridges, quail, and grouse. Bill Breakstone, -according to his promise, bathed in the river, and -he did it more than once. He was also joined by his -comrades, and, as Middleton had predicted, they found -the water ice-cold. No one could stand it more than five -minutes, but the effect was invigorating.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great deal of work was done at the camp. The -axles of wagons were greased, canvas ripped by wind or -hail was sewed up again, clothing was patched, and the -wounded basked in sun or shade. Two of these had -died, but the rest were now nearly well. All except two -or three would be fit to resume their duties when they -started again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Woodfall, knowing the benefit of a complete rest, still -lingered, and Phil and his friends had much time for -exploration. They combined this duty with that of the -scouting, and penetrated deep into the hills, watching -for any Comanches who might stray in there, or for the -mountain tribes. Once they came upon several -abandoned lodges, made partly of skins and partly of brush, -but they were falling in ruins, and Bill Breakstone -reckoned they were at least two years old.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wichitas, Wacos, Kechies, and Quapaws live around -in the hills and mountains," he said, "and this, I take -it, was a little camp of Kechies, from the looks of the -lodges. Two or three groups of them may be lingering -yet in this region, but we haven't much to fear from -them."</p> -<p class="pnext">Woodfall, intending at first to make the stay only -four or five days, decided now to protract it to ten or -twelve. The journey to Santa Fé was one of tremendous -length and hardship. Moreover, a buffalo hunter, -straying in, told them that the Comanches were very active -all over the Texas plains. Hence the Santa Fé train -would need all its strength, and Woodfall was anxious -that every one of the wounded should be in fighting -condition when they left the timber. Therefore the -delay.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was glad of the added stay in the hills. He was -developing great skill as a hunter and a trailer, and he -and his comrades wandered farther and farther every day -into the broken forest region toward the north. Oftenest -he and Bill Breakstone were together. Despite the difference -in years, they had become brothers of the wilderness. -In their scoutings they found available pathways for -horses over the hills and among the great trees, and, -starting, one morning, they rode far to the north, covering -thirty or forty miles. Phil was interested in some high -mountains which showed a dim blue ahead, and Breakstone -was carefully examining the rock formations. But -as night came on they found that the hills were dropping -down, and the mountains seemed to be about as blue and -as far ahead as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I should judge from these signs," said Breakstone, -"that there is a valley or narrow plain ahead, between us -and the mountains. But we'll look into that to-morrow. -It isn't good to be riding around in the dark over hills -and through thickets."</p> -<p class="pnext">They found a little grassy open space, where they -tethered their horses, leaving them to graze as long as -they wished, and, lighting no fire, they ate jerked buffalo -meat. Then they crept into snug coverts under the -bushes, wrapped their blankets about them, and fell -asleep. Phil opened his eyes at daylight to find -Breakstone already awake. The horses were grazing -contentedly. The trees and bushes were already tipped with fire -by the gorgeous Texas sun.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Sir Philip of the Bushes," said Bill Breakstone, -"you just lie here and chew up a buffalo or two, while I -go ahead and take a look. As I said last night, these -hills certainly drop down into a plain, and I want to see -that plain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," said Phil, "I'll stay where I am. It's -so snug in this blanket on a cool morning that I don't -care to move anyhow, and I can eat my breakfast lying -down."</p> -<p class="pnext">He drew out a freshly jerked strip of buffalo meat, -and another very tender portion of a black-tailed deer that -he himself had shot, and fell to it. Bill Breakstone, his -rifle held conveniently at his side, slid away among the -bushes. Phil ate contentedly. The sun rose higher. -The morning was absolutely still. The horses seemed to -have had enough grass, and lay down placidly on their -sides. It occurred to Phil that he, too, had eaten enough, -and he put the remainder of the food back in his hunter's -knapsack. Then he began to get drowsy again. It was -so very still. He thought once of rising and walking -about, but he remembered Breakstone's advice to lie still, -and, against his will, he kept it. Then his drowsiness -increased, and, before he was aware of it he was asleep -again.</p> -<p class="pnext">When Phil awoke the second time, he threw off his -blanket and sprang to his feet in surprise. The sun was -high up in the blue arch. It must be at least ten o'clock -in the morning, and Bill Breakstone had not come back. -The horses were on their feet and were grazing again. -They were proof that nothing had disturbed the glade. -But Bill Breakstone was not there. Nor had he come -back and gone away again. If he had done so, he would -have awakened the boy. He had been absent three or -four hours, and Phil was alarmed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy stood up, holding his hand on the hammer of -his rifle. This beautiful day, with its blue skies above -and its green forest below, oppressed him. It was so -still, so silent, and Bill Breakstone had vanished so -utterly, just as if he had been turned into thin air by the -wave of a magician's wand! The boy was alone in the -wilderness for the first time. Moreover, he felt the -presence of danger, and the queer little shiver which often -comes at such moments ran through his blood. But the -shiver passed, and his courage rose. He had no thought -of going back to the camp to report that Bill Breakstone -was missing. No, he would find him himself. That was -his duty to his comrade.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy waited a little longer, standing there in the -shade with his rifle ready, and eyes and ears intent. He -stood thus for a quarter of an hour, scarcely moving. The -brilliant sunshine poured down upon him, bringing out -every line of the strong young figure, illuminating the -face which was thrown a little forward, as the blue eyes, -gazing intently through the undergrowth, sought some -evidence of a hostile presence. Finally the eyes turned to -the horses which were grazing calmly in the full circle of -their long lariats. Phil decided that such calm on their -part signified the absence of any enemy. If either man -or beast came near they would raise their heads.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then Phil moved forward through the bushes, putting -into use all his new skill and caution. The bushes closed -softly behind him, and he entered a slope covered with -great trees without undergrowth. His eyes could range -forward several hundred yards, but he saw nothing. He -advanced for a few minutes, steadily descending, and he -was tempted to shout his loudest or fire off his rifle as a -signal to the derelict Bill Breakstone that it was time for -him to come back. But he resisted both temptations, -and soon he was glad that he had done so. The slope -was very gradual, and he traveled a full two miles before -he came to the edge of the woods and saw before him the -plain that Bill Breakstone had predicted. He took one -look, and then, springing back, sank down in the covert -of the bushes.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before Phil lay a fairly level plain about a mile in -width and of unknown length, as in either direction it -parsed out of sight among the hills. In the center of it -was a shallow but wide creek which perhaps flowed into the -nameless river. The valley was very fertile, as the grass -was already rich and high, despite the earliness of spring.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the widest point of the valley stood a large Indian -village, two hundred lodges at least, and Phil could not -doubt that it was a village of the Comanches. Hundreds -of ponies, grazing in the meadows to the north, and -guarded by boys, proved that they were horse Indians, -and no other tribe dared to ride where the Comanches -roamed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil could see far in the dazzling sunlight, and all the -normal activities of human life, that is, of wild life, -seemed to prevail in the Comanche village. Evidently -the warriors had been on a great buffalo hunt. Perhaps -they had struck at another point the same herd into -which the train had run. Over a wide space buffalo -hides were pegged down. Old squaws were scraping the -flesh from some with little knives, while others, already -cleaned, were drying in the sun. Vast quantities of -buffalo meat were being jerked on temporary platforms. -Little Indian boys and girls carried in their hand bones -of buffalo or deer, from which they ate whenever they felt -hungry. Everywhere it was a scene of savage plenty and -enjoyment, although signs of industry were not wholly -lacking, even among the warriors. Many of these, -sitting on the grass, were cleaning their rifles or making -new bows and arrows. Now and then one would make a -test, sending into the air an arrow which some little boy -was glad to run after and bring back. At another point -a number of boys were practicing at a target with small -bows and blunt-headed arrows. Two warriors on their -ponies came up the valley, each carrying before him the -body of a black-tailed deer. They were received with -shouts, but soon disappeared with their spoils among the -lodges, which were made universally of the skin of the -buffalo. Down at the end of the village some warriors, -naked to the breech cloth, danced monotonously back and -forth, while an old man blew an equally monotonous -tune on a whistle made of the bone of an eagle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, lying close in his covert, watched with absorbed -eyes, and with mind and vision alike quick and keen, -he took in every detail. The warriors were tall men, -with intelligent faces, aquiline noses, thin lips, black -eyes and hair, and but little beard. The hair grew very -long, as they never cut it, and in many cases it was -ornamented with bright beads and little pieces of silver. -They wore deerskin leggins or moccasins, and a cloth of -some bright color, bought from American Mexican -traders, wrapped around the loins. The body from the -loin cloth upward was naked, but in winter was covered -with a buffalo robe. The women were physically very -much inferior to the men. They were short and with -crooked legs. Moreover, they wore their hair cut close, -being compelled to do so by tribal law, the long-haired -Comanche men and the short-haired Comanche women -thus reversing the custom of civilization. Both men and -women wore amulets. The Comanches, like most Indian -tribes, were great believers in dreams, and the amulets -were supposed to protect them from such as were bad.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's roving eye lighted upon a small frame structure -built of slight poles, the only one in the village not of -hides. Such a building was always to be found in every -Comanche village, but he did not know until later that it -was a combined medicine lodge and vapor bath house. -It was spherical in shape, and securely covered with -buffalo hides. When a warrior fell seriously ill, he was -seated in this lodge, beside several heated stone ovens, on -which water was thrown in profusion. Then, while a -dense, hot vapor arose, the shaman, or medicine man, -practiced incantations, while men outside made music on -whistles or the Indian drums. The hot bath was often -effective, but the Comanche ascribed at least a part of -the cure to the medicine man's incantations. Young -Comanche men, also, often took a vapor bath before going -on the war path, thinking that it had power to protect -them from wounds.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then Philip saw to the right a far larger building -than that of the vapor bath, although it was made of -dressed skins with just enough poles to support it. This -was the medicine lodge of the Comanche village, a building -used for important purposes, some of which Phil was -to learn soon.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy did not doubt that his comrade had been -taken, and, unless killed, was even now a captive in the -Comanche village. He might be held in that huge -medicine lodge, and the boy's resolution strengthened to the -temper of steel. He could not go back to the train -without Bill Breakstone; so he would rescue him. He did -not yet have any idea how, but he would find a way. -There were depths of courage in his nature of which he -himself did not know, and springing from this courage -was the belief that he would succeed.</p> -<p class="pnext">While he yet lay in the covert he saw a band of -Indians, about a dozen in number, riding up the valley. -They were apparently visitors, but they were welcomed -with loud cries. The leader of the band, a large man -with brilliant feathers in his hair, replied with a shout. I -Then a horseman rode forth to meet him. Even at the -distance Phil recognized the horseman as Black Panther. -He, too, was arrayed in his finest, and, as a great crowd -gathered, the two chiefs slowly approached each other. -When their horses were side by side, Black Panther -leaned over in his saddle, put his head on the other's -shoulder, clasped his arms around his chest, and gave -him a tremendous squeeze. The stranger returned the -salute in kind, and then the two, amid great shouts of -approval, rode among the lodges, disappearing from -Phil's sight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil watched awhile longer, but he saw nothing -except the ordinary life of the village. Then he went back -to the glen in which the horses were tethered. They were -still grazing, and Bill Breakstone had not returned. Phil -led them down to a little brook, let them drink, and then, -after some thought, took off the lariats, coiled them -around the saddles, and turned the animals loose. He -believed they would stay in the glen or near it, as the -pasturage was good, and the water plentiful, and that -they could be found when needed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having attended to the horses, he returned to the -edge of the forest and sat himself down to think out the -plan of his great adventure.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was his intention to enter the Comanche village -without detection, and, hard as such a task seemed to -him, it was even harder in reality. No race more wary -than the Comanches ever lived. Besides the boys who -habitually watched the ponies, they had regular details of -warriors as herdsmen. Other details served as sentries -about the village, and the adjacent heights were always -occupied by scouts. All these guards were maintained -night and day. Phil could see some of them now -patrolling, and, knowing that any attempt of his would be -impossible in the daylight, he waited patiently for night. -He had with him enough food to last for a day or two, -and, choosing a place in the dense covert, he lay down. -He called up now all the wilderness lore of Breakstone, -Arenberg, Middleton, and the others in the train. He -knew that he must restrain all impulsiveness until the -appointed time, and that he must lie without motion lest -the keen eyes of wandering warriors should see the bushes -above him moving in a direction other than that of the -wind. He also laid his rifle parallel with his body, in -the position in which it could be used most quickly, and -loaded the pistol. It was hardest of all to lie perfectly -still. He wished to turn over, to crawl to a new place, -and his bones fairly ached, but he restrained himself. -Naturally a youth of strength and determination, his -mind took the mastery over his body, and held it fast -and motionless among the bushes.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was well that he controlled himself so completely. -Indians came near the edge of the woods, and once some -boys passed, driving a herd of ponies. But he crouched -a little closer, and they went on. The day was fearfully -long. The high sun poured down a shower of vertical -beams that reached him even in the shelter of the bushes. -The perspiration stood out on his brow, and his collar -clung to his neck. He envied the freedom of the -Comanches in the villages and the easy way in which -they went about the pleasure of savage life. More -warriors, evidently hunters, came in. Some bore portions of -the buffalo, and others were loaded with wild turkeys.</p> -<p class="pnext">In these hard hours the boy learned much. He had -passed safely through battle. But there one was borne -up by the thrill and excitement of the charge, the firing -and shouting and the comradeship of his fellows. Here -he was alone, silent and waiting. Enduring such as that, -his will achieved new powers. A single day saw the -mental growth of a year or two.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sun passed the zenith and crept slowly down the -western heavens. Welcome shadows appeared in the -east, and the far lodges of the Comanches grew misty. -Phil thought now that the village would sink into quiet, -but he noticed instead a great bustle, and many people -going about. Squaws bore torches which made a bright -core of flame in the increasing dusk, and Phil was quite -sure now that something unusual was going to occur. It -seemed to him that the whole population of the village -was gathering about the great medicine lodge. It must -be the beginning of some important ceremony, and the -time to enter the Comanche village was propitious. He -inferred that on such an occasion the guard would be -relaxed, at least in part, and as he heard the sound of -hundreds of voices chanting monotonously he prepared -for his great adventure.</p> -<p class="pnext">The twilight faded, and the night came in its place, -thick and dark. The sound of many voices, some singing, -some talking, came clearly through the crisp, dry -air. The core of light before the medicine lodge -increased, and, by its radiance, he saw dusky figures -hastening toward it to join the great group gathered there.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil took off his cap and hid it in the bushes. He -would be bareheaded like the Comanches, wishing to look -as much like them as possible. Fortunately his hair had -grown somewhat long, and his face was deeply tanned. -Once he thought of stripping to the waist in Comanche -fashion, but his body, protected from the sun, was white, -and he would be detected instantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">He spent a little time flexing and stretching his -muscles, because, when he first rose to his feet, he could -scarcely stand, and the blood, choked up in the arteries -and veins, tingled for lack of circulation. But the -stiffness and pain soon departed, and he felt stronger than -ever before in his life. Then he started.</p> -<p class="pnext">He advanced boldly into the plain, bent very low, -stopping at times to look and listen, and, also, to rest -himself. More than once he lay flat upon the ground -and allowed his muscles to relax. Once he saw upon his -right two Indian warriors standing upon a knoll. They -were a part of the night guard, and their figures were -outlined duskily against the dusky sky. Their faces were -not disclosed. But Phil knew that they were watching--watching -with all the effectiveness of eye and ear for -which the Indian is famous. At this point he crawled, -and, in his crawling, he was so nearly flat upon his -stomach that his advance was more like a serpent's than that -of anything else.</p> -<p class="pnext">He left the patrol behind, and then he saw another on -his left, and much nearer to him, two more warriors, who -did not occupy any knoll, but who merely walked back -and forth on the flat plain. They were between him and -the great fire, and he saw them very distinctly, tall men -of light copper color, with high cheek-bones and long -black hair. Both were armed with rifles, of which the -Comanches were beginning to obtain a supply, and their -faces in the glow of the firelight seemed very savage and -very cruel to Phil. Now he flattened himself out -entirely, and moved forward in a slow series of writhings, -until he had passed them. There was an icy rim around -his heart until he left these two behind, but when they -were gone in the darkness his courage leaped up anew.</p> -<p class="pnext">He now reached the eastern end of the village and -crept among the lodges. They were all deserted. Their -occupants had gone to witness the ceremony that was now -at hand, whatever it might be. Not a woman, not a -child was left. Phil stood up straight, and it was an -immense relief to him to do so. It was a relief to the spirit -as well as the body. He felt like a human being again, -and not some creeping animal, a human being who stands -upon his two feet, a human being who has a brain with -which he thinks before he acts. It was strange, but this -mere physical change gave him a further supply of -courage and hope, as if he had already achieved his victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">He passed between two lodges and saw a gleam beyond. -It was the surface of the wide but shallow creek, -showing through the dusk. The banks were five or six -feet high, and there was a broad bed of sand extending -on either side of the water.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil glanced up the stream, and saw that it flowed -very close to the medicine lodge. An idea sprang up at -once in his alert brain. Here was his line of approach. -He dropped softly down the bank, taking his chance of -quicksand, but finding instead that it was fairly firm to -the feet. Then, hugging the bank, he advanced with -noiseless tread toward the medicine lodge. Chance and -his own quick mind served him well. His feet did not -sink more than a few inches in the sand, and the bank -continued at its uniform height of about six feet. He -continued slowly, pausing on occasion to listen, because -he could see nothing in the village. But occasional stray -beams from the fires, passing over his head, fell upon the -creek, lingering there for a moment or two in a red glow. -Above him on the bank, but some distance back, the fires -seemed to grow, and the monotonous beat of the singing -grew louder. Phil knew that he was now very near the -medicine lodge, and he paused a little longer than usual, -leaning hard against the sandy bank with a sort of -involuntary impulse, as if he would press his body into it to -escape observation.</p> -<p class="pnext">He looked up and saw two or three boughs projecting -over the bank. Then the medicine lodge was some -distance away, perhaps fifteen or twenty yards, and, -therefore, the adventure would increase in peril! Another -glance at the boughs reassured him. Perhaps there was -a little grove between the creek and the medicine lodge, -and it would afford him hiding! The largest of the -boughs, amply able to support his weight, was not more -than three or four feet above the bank, and, climbing -cautiously the sandy slope, he grasped it and drew -himself up. Then he slid along it until he came to the crotch -of the tree, where he crouched, holding his rifle in one -hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was right in his surmise about the grove, although -it was narrower than he had supposed, not more than -seven or eight yards across at the utmost. But the trees -were oak, heavy-limbed and heavy-trunked, and they -grew close together. Nevertheless, the light from some -of the fires showed through them, and at one side loomed -the dark mass of the medicine lodge. As nearly as he -could see, it was built directly against some of the trees. -He crawled from his tree to the one next to it, and then -to a third. There he stopped, and a violent fit of -shuddering seized him. The trees were occupied already.</p> -<p class="pnext">On boughs so near that he could touch them rested a -platform of poles about eight feet long and four feet -wide. The poles were tied tightly together with -rawhide thongs, and over them were spread leaves, grass, -and small boughs. Upon these couches rested two long -figures wrapped tightly in buffalo hide. They were the -bodies of the dead. Farther on were other platforms and -other bodies. Phil knew what the dark objects were. He -had read and heard too much about Indian life to be -mistaken, and, despite his power of will over self, he -shuddered again and again. He surmised that these might be -temporary burial platforms, as they were usually put in -isolated places away from the village, but here they were, -and now it occurred to him that their presence would be -to his advantage. Superstition is strong among the -Comanches, and they would not walk under the trees that -supported the burial platforms on their boughs.</p> -<p class="pnext">He advanced from bough to bough until he came -directly against the skin walls of the great medicine -lodge. There he lay along a strong and horizontal bough -with his body pressed close to the wall, and a human eye -ten feet away would not have seen him. Just above -Phil's head was a place where two of the buffalo hides -had not been sewn closely together, and the light from -within shone out. He raised his head, widened the place -with his knife, and looked down into the medicine lodge.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy beheld an extraordinary scene. From the -roof of the lodge hung a joss or image, with the profile of -a man, rudely carved from a split log. One side of the -face was painted white, and the other black. Beneath it -was a circular space about twenty feet in diameter, roped -off and surrounded by a great crowd of people. Old -squaws held aloft torches of pine or other wood that cast -a ruddy light over eager and intense faces.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great medicine dance was about to be held; and -now the shaman, or chief medicine man, an old, dark -Indian named Okapa, who for the present took precedence -over both Black Panther and his visitor, who was the -great chief Santana, was preparing to begin. Phil could -see Okapa clearly as he stood alone in the center of the -cleared circular space, carrying in his hands a short, -carved stick, like a baton. It is hard to judge an -Indian's age, but Phil Bedford believed that this man -must be at least seventy. Nevertheless, despite his deeply -lined and seamed face, he was erect and strong. But it -was, a cruel face, with thin, compressed lips, a large -hooked nose, and jet black eyes that smoldered with -dark fire. It was a face to inspire fear, and it was all -the more ominous when the light of many torches fell -upon it, tinting it a deeper and darker red.</p> -<p class="pnext">Okapa raised his hand. Save for the tense breathing -of the multitude there was silence in the lodge. Phil, -forgetful of all danger, pressed more closely against the -buffalo skin to see.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-medicine-lodge">CHAPTER VI</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE MEDICINE LODGE</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Okapa uttered a name. A young warrior, bare to -the waist, stepped forward, entering the circular -space within the ropes. He called a second -name, and a second warrior responded in like manner, -then a third and fourth, and so on until his list was -complete with twelve. These were to be the dancers. -One was chosen for every one hundred persons--men, -women, and children--in the band. Therefore, this -village had a population of twelve hundred.</p> -<p class="pnext">The dancers, all young men, stood close together, -awaiting the signal. They had been taking strange -compounds, like drugs, that the Indians make from plants, -and their eyes were shining with wild light. Their bodies -already moved in short, convulsive jerks. Any dancer -who did not respond to his name would have been -disgraced for life.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a few moments Okapa called six more names, -with a short delay after every one. Six powerful -warriors, fully armed with rifle, tomahawk, and knife, -responded, and took their position beside the ropes, but -outside the ring. They were the guard, and the guard -was always half the number of the dancers.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now the breathing of the multitude became more -intense and heavy, like a great murmur, and Okapa handed -to every one of the dancers a small whistle made of wood -or bone, in the lower end of which was fastened a single -tail feather of the chaparral cock or road runner, known -to the Indians as the medicine bird. The dancers put -the little whistles in their mouths, then the shaman -arranged them in a circle facing the center. The crowd -in the medicine lodge now pressed forward, uttering short -gasps of excitement, but the guards kept them back from -the ropes.</p> -<p class="pnext">To the boy at the slit between the buffalo skins it was -wild, unreal, and fantastic beyond degree, some strange, -mysterious ceremony out of an old world that had passed. -He saw the bare chests of the warriors rising and falling, -the women as eager as the men, a great mass of light -coppery faces, all intense and bent forward to see better. -He knew that the air in the medicine lodge was heavy, -and that its fumes were exciting, like those of gunpowder. -Parallel with the dancers, and exactly in the center -of their circle, hung the hideously carved and painted -joss or wooden image. The twelve looked fixedly at it.</p> -<p class="pnext">The shaman, standing on one side but within the circle, -uttered a short, sharp cry. Instantly the twelve dancers -began to blow shrilly and continuously upon their -whistles, and they moved slowly in a circle around and around -toward the right, their eyes always fixed upon the joss. -The multitude broke into a wild chant, keeping time to -the whistles, and around and around the dancers went. -The shaman, stark naked, his whole body painted in -symbols and hieroglyphics, never ceased to watch them. To -Philip's eyes he became at once the figure of Mephistopheles.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was difficult for Phil afterward to account for the -influence this scene had over him. He was not within -the medicine lodge. Where he lay outside the fresh cool -air of the night blew over him. But he was unconscious -of it. He saw only the savage phantasmagoria within, -and by and by he began to have some touch of the -feeling that animated the dancers and the crowd. An hour, -two hours went by. Not one of the men had ceased for -an instant to blow upon his whistle, nor to move slowly -around and around the wooden image, always to the -right. The dance, like the music, was monotonous, -merely a sort of leaping motion, but no warrior -staggered. He kept his even place in the living circle, and -on and on they went. Perspiration appeared on their -faces and gleamed on their naked bodies. Their eyes, -wild and fanatical, showed souls steeped in superstition -and the intoxication of the dance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many of those in the crowd shared in the fierce -paroxysm of the hour, and pressed forward upon the ropes, -as if to join the dancers, but the armed guard thrust -them back. The dancers, their eyes fixed on the joss, -continued, apparently intending to go around the circle -forever. The air in the lodge, heavy with dust and the -odors of oil and paint and human beings, would have -been intolerable to one just coming from the outside, but -it only excited those within all the more.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's muscles stiffened as he lay on the bough, but -his position against one of the wooden scantlings that -held the buffalo skins in place was easy, and he did not -stir. His eyes were always at the slit and he became -oppressed with a strange curiosity. How long could the -men maintain the dancing and singing? He was -conscious that quite a long time had passed, three or four -hours, but there was yet no faltering. Nor did the chant -of the crowd cease. Their song, as Phil learned later, -ran something like this:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The Comanche goes forth to war,</div> -<div class="line">His arrow and bow he takes,</div> -<div class="line">The shaman's blessing is on his head.</div> -<div class="line">His eye is keen and his arm is strong;</div> -<div class="line">He rides the plain like the wind;</div> -<div class="line">His spirit is hot as the touch of fire.</div> -<div class="line">The foeman fights but his strength fails;</div> -<div class="line">His scalp hangs at the Comanche's belt."</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">There were four or five verses of this, but as soon as -they were all sung, the singers went back to the -beginning and sang them again and again in endless -repetition, while the twelve little whistles shrilled out their -piercing accompaniment. The wind began to blow outside, -but Phil did not feel it. Heavy clouds and vapors -were drifting past, but he did not notice them, either. -Would this incantation, for now it was nothing else, go -on forever? Certainly the shaman, naked and hideously -painted, presided with undiminished zest at this dance -of the imps. He moved now and then about the circle of -dancers, noting them sharply, his eye ready for any sign -of wavering, whether of the spirit or the body.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil observed presently some shifting in the crowd of -spectators, and then a new face appeared in the -copper-colored mass. It was the face of a white man, and with -a little start the boy recognized it as that of Bill -Breakstone. It may seem singular, but he felt a certain joy at -seeing him there. He had felt sure all the while that -Breakstone was a prisoner, and now he had found him. -Certainly he was in the midst of enemies. Nevertheless, -the boy had gone a step forward in his search.</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone was not bound--there was no need of it, a -single white man in such a crowd--and Phil thought he -could see pallor showing through his tan, but the captive -bore himself bravely. Evidently he was brought forward -as a trophy, as the chant was broken for a moment or -two, and a great shout went up when he approached, -except from the dancers, who circled on and on, blowing -their whistles, without ceasing. Okapa walked over to -Breakstone and brandished a tomahawk before his face, -making the sharp blade whistle in front of his nose and -then beside either cheek. Phil held his breath, but Bill -Breakstone folded his arms and stood immovable, looking -the ferocious shaman squarely in the face. It was at -once the best thing and the hardest thing to do, never to -flinch while a razor edge of steel flashed so close to one's -face that it felt cold as it passed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two or three minutes of such amusement satisfied the -shaman, and, going back inside the ropes, he turned his -attention again to the dancers. It was now much past -midnight, and the slenderest and youngest of the warriors -was beginning to show some signs of weakness. The -shaman watched him keenly. He would last a long time -yet, and if he gave up it would not occur until he fell -unconscious. Then he would be dragged out, water would -be thrown over him, and, when he recovered, he would -be compelled to resume dancing if the shaman ordered it. -Sometimes the dancers died of exhaustion. It was well -to be in the good graces of the shaman.</p> -<p class="pnext">But Phil was now watching Bill Breakstone, who was -pressing back in the crowd, getting as far as possible -from the ropes that enclosed the dancers. Once or twice -he saw Breakstone's face, and it seemed to him that he -read there an intention, a summoning of his faculties and -resolution for some great attempt. The mind of a man -at such a time could hold only one purpose, and that -would be the desire to escape. Yet he could not escape -single-handed, despite the absorption of the Comanches -in the medicine dance. There was only one door to the -great lodge, and it was guarded. But Phil was there. -He felt that the hand of Providence itself had sent him -at this critical moment, and that Bill Breakstone, with -his help, might escape.</p> -<p class="pnext">He watched for a long time. It must have been three -or four o'clock in the morning. The whistling, shrill, -penetrating, now and then getting horribly upon his -nerves, still went on. The wavering warrior seemed to -have got his second wind, and around and around the -warriors went, their eyes fixed steadily upon the hideous -wooden face of the joss. Phil believed that it must be -alive to them now. It was alive to him even with its -ghastly cheek of black and its ghastly cheek of white, and -its thick, red lips, grinning down at the fearful strain -that was put upon men for its sake.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's eyes again sought Breakstone. The captive -had now pushed himself back against the buffalo skin -wall and stood there, as if he had reached the end of his -effort. He, too, was now watching the dancers. Phil -noted his position, with his shoulder against one of the -wooden pieces that supported the buffalo hide, and the -lad now saw the way. Courage, resolution, and endurance -had brought him to the second step on the stairway of -success.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil sat on the bough and stretched his limbs again -and again to bring back the circulation. Then he became -conscious of something that he had not noticed before in -his absorption. It was raining lightly. Drops fell -from the boughs and leaves, but his rifle, sheltered -against his coat, was dry, and the rain might serve the -useful purpose of hiding the traces of footsteps from -trailers so skilled as the Comanches.</p> -<p class="pnext">He dropped to the ground and moved softly by the -side of the lodge, which was circular in shape, until he -came to the point at which he believed Bill Breakstone -rested. There was the wooden scantling, and, unless he -had made a great mistake, the shoulder of the captive -was pressed against the buffalo hide on the left of it. He -deliberated a moment or two, but he knew that he must -take a risk, a big risk. No success was possible without -it, and he drew forth his hunting-knife. Phil was proud -of this hunting-knife. It was long, and large of blade, -and keen of edge. He carried it in a leather scabbard, -and he had used it but little. He put the sharp point -against the buffalo hide at a place about the height of a -man, and next to the scantling on the left. Then he -pressed upon the blade, and endeavored to cut through -the skin. It was no easy task. Buffalo hide is heavy -and tough, but he gradually made a small slit, without -noise, and then, resting his hand and arm, looked -through it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw little definite, only a confused mass of heads -and bodies, the light of torches gleaming beyond them, -and close by, almost against his eyes, a thatch of hair. -That hair was brown and curling slightly, such hair as -never grew on the head of an Indian. It could clothe the -head of Bill Breakstone and none other. Phil's heart -throbbed once more. Courage and decision had won -again. He put his mouth to the slit and whispered softly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill! Bill! Don't move! It is I, Phil Bedford!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The thatch of brown hair, curling slightly at the ends, -turned gently, and back came the whisper, so soft that it -could not have been heard more than a foot away:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil, good old Phil! You've come for me! I -might have known it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Are they still looking at the dance?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, they can't keep their eyes off it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then now is your only chance. You must get out of -this medicine lodge, and I will help you. I'm going to -cut through the buffalo hide low down, then you must -stoop and push your way out at the slash, when they're -not looking."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," said Bill Breakstone, and Phil detected -the thrill of joy in his tone. Phil stooped and bearing -hard upon the knife, cut a slash through the hide from -the height of his waist to the ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, Bill," he whispered, "when you think the -time has come, press through."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," again came the answer with that leaping -tone in it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil put the knife back in its scabbard, and, pressing -closely against the hide beside the slash, waited. Bill -did not come. A minute, another, and a third passed. -He heard the monotonous whistling, the steady chant, -and the ceaseless beat of the dancer's feet, but Breakstone -made no sound. Once more he pressed his lips to the -slit, and said in the softest of tones:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Are you coming, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">No answer, and again he waited interminable minutes. -Then the lips of the buffalo skin parted, and a shoulder -appeared at the opening. It was thrust farther, and a -head and face, the head and face of Bill Breakstone, -followed. Then he slipped entirely out, and the tough -buffalo hide closed up behind him. Phil seized his -hand, and the two palms closed in a strong grasp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I had to wait until nobody was looking my way," -whispered Breakstone, "and then it was necessary to -make it a kind of sleight-of-hand performance. I slipped -through so quick that any one looking could only see the -place where I had been."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he added in tones of irrepressible admiration:</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was well done, it was nobly done, it was grandly -done, Sir Philip of the Night and the Knife."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hark to that!" said Phil, "they miss you already!"</p> -<p class="pnext">A shout, sharp, shrill, wholly different from all the -other sounds, came from within the great medicine lodge. -It was the signal of alarm. It was not repeated, and the -whistling and wailing went on, but Phil and Breakstone -knew that warriors would be out in an instant, seeking -the lost captive.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We must run for it," whispered Breakstone, as they -stood among the trees.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's too late," said Phil. Warriors with torches -had already appeared at either end of the grove, but the -light did not yet reach where the two stood in the thick -darkness, with the gentle rain sifting through the leaves -upon them. Phil saw no chance to escape, because the -light of the torches reached into the river bed, and then, -like lightning, the idea came to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look over your head, Bill," he said. "You stand -under an Indian platform for the dead, and I under -another! Jump up on yours and lie down between the -mummies, and I'll do the same here. Take this pistol -for the last crisis, if it should come!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He thrust his pistol into his companion's hand, seized -a bough, and drew himself up. Bill Breakstone was -quick of comprehension, and in an instant he did -likewise. Two bodies tightly wrapped in deerskin were -about three feet apart, and Phil, not without a shudder, -lay down between them. Bill Breakstone on his -platform did the same. They were completely hidden, but -the soft rain seeped through the trees and fell upon their -faces. Phil stretched his rifle by his side and scarcely -breathed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The medicine dance continued unbroken inside. -Okapa, greatest shaman of the Comanches, still stood in -the ring watching the circling twelve. The symbols and -hieroglyphics painted on his naked body gleamed ruddily -in the light of the torches, but the war chief, Black -Panther, and the other great war chief, Santana, had gone -forth with many good warriors. The single cry had -warned them. Sharp eyes had quickly detected the slit -in the wall of buffalo skin, and even the littlest Indian -boy knew that this was the door by which the captive -had passed. He knew, too, that he must have had a -confederate who had helped from the outside, but the warriors -were sure that they could yet retake the captive and his -friend also.</p> -<p class="pnext">Black Panther, Santana, and a dozen warriors, some -carrying torches, rushed into the grove. They ran by the -side of the medicine lodge until they came to the slit. -There they stopped and examined it, pulling it open -widely. They noticed the powerful slash of the knife -that had cut through the tough buffalo hide four feet to -the ground. Then they knelt down and examined the -ground for traces of footsteps. But the rain, the -beneficent, intervening rain, had done its work. It had pushed -down the grass with gentle insistence and flooded the -ground until nothing was left from which the keenest -Comanche could derive a clue. They ran about like dogs -in the brake, seeking the scent, but they found nothing. -Warriors from the river had reported, also, that they saw -nobody.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was marvelous, incomprehensible, this sudden -vanishing of the captive and his friend, and the two chiefs -were troubled. They glanced up at the dark platforms of -the dead and shivered a little. Perhaps the spirits of -those who had passed were not favorable to them. It was -well that Okapa made medicine within to avert disaster -from the tribe. But Black Panther and Santana were -brave men, else they would not have been great chiefs, -and they still searched in this grove, which was more or -less sacred, examining behind every tree, prowling among -the bushes, and searching the grass again and again for -footsteps.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil lay flat upon his back, and those moments were -as vivid in his memory years afterward as if they were -passing again. Either elbow almost touched the shrouded -form of some warrior who had lived intensely in his -time. They did not inspire any terror in him now. His -enemies alive, they had become, through no will of their -own, his protectors dead. He did not dare even to turn -on his side for fear of making a noise that might be -heard by the keen watchers below. He merely looked up -at the heavens, which were somber, full of drifting -clouds, and without stars or moon. The rain was -gradually soaking through his clothing, and now and then -drops struck him in the eyes, but he did not notice them.</p> -<p class="pnext">He heard the Comanches walking about beneath him, -and the guttural notes of their words that he did not -understand, but he knew that neither he nor Bill -Breakstone could expect much mercy if they were found. -After one escape they would be lucky if they met quick -death and not torture at the hands of the Comanches. -He saw now and then the reflection of the torch-lights -high up on the walls of the medicine lodge, but generally -he saw only the clouds and vapors above him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Despite the voices and footsteps, Phil felt that they -would not be seen. No one would ever think of looking -in such places for him and Breakstone. But the wait -was terribly long, and the suspense was an acute physical -strain. He felt his breath growing shorter, and the -strength seemed to depart from his arms and legs. He -was glad that he was lying down, as it would have been -hard to stand upon one's feet and wait, helpless and in -silence, while one's fate was being decided. There was -even a fear lest his breathing should turn to a gasp, and -be heard by those ruthless searchers, the Comanches. -Then he fell to calculating how long it would be until -dawn. The night could not last more than two or three -hours longer, and if they were compelled to remain there -until day, the chance of being seen by the Comanches -would become tenfold greater.</p> -<p class="pnext">He longed, also, to see or hear his comrade who lay -not ten feet away, but he dared not try the lowest of -whispers. If he turned a little on his side to see, the -mummy of some famous Comanche would shut out the -view; so he remained perfectly still, which was the wisest -thing to do, and waited through interminable time. The -rain still dripped through the foliage, and by and by the -wind rose, the rain increasing with it. The wet leaves -matted together, but above wind and rain came the sound -from the medicine lodge, that ceaseless whistling and -beating of the dancers' feet. He wondered when it would -stop. He did not know that Comanche warriors had been -known to go around and around in their dance three days -and three nights, without stopping for a moment, and -without food or water.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a long silence without, he heard the Comanches -moving again through the grove, and the reflection from -the flare of a torch struck high on the wall of the -medicine lodge. They had come back for a second search! -He felt for a few moments a great apprehension lest they -invade the platforms themselves, but this thought was -quickly succeeded by confidence in the invisibility of -Breakstone and himself, and the superstition of the -Indians.</p> -<p class="pnext">The tread of the Comanches and their occasional talk -died away, the lights disappeared from the creek bed, -and the regions, outside the medicine lodge and the other -lodges, were left to the darkness and the rain. Phil felt -deep satisfaction, but he yet remained motionless and -silent. He longed to call to Breakstone, but he dreaded lest -he might do something rash. Bill Breakstone was older -than he, and had spent many years in the wilderness. -It was for him to act first. Phil, despite an overwhelming -desire to move and to speak, held himself rigid and -voiceless. In a half hour came the soft, whispering -question:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil, are you there?"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Breakstone from the next tree, and never was -sound more welcome. He raised himself a little, and -drops of rain fell from his face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, I'm here, Bill, but I'm mighty anxious to -move," he replied in the same low tone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm tired of having my home in a graveyard, too," -said Bill Breakstone, "though I'll own that for the time -and circumstances it was about the best home that could -be found this wide world over. It won't be more than -an hour till day, Phil, and if we make the break at all -we must make it now."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm with you," said Phil. "The sooner we start, -the better it will please me."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Better stretch yourself first about twenty times," said -Bill Breakstone. "Lying so long in one position with -the rain coming down on top of you may stiffen you up -quite a lot."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil obeyed, flexing himself thoroughly. He sat up -and gently touched the mummy on either side of him. -He had no awe, no fear of these dead warriors. They -had served him well. Then, swinging from a bough, he -dropped lightly to the ground, and he heard the soft noise -of some one alighting near him. The form of Bill -Breakstone showed duskily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Back from the tombs," came the cheerful whisper. -"Phil, you're the greatest boy that ever was, and you've -done a job that the oldest and boldest scout might envy.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"I was a captive,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">The Indians had me;</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Phil was adaptive,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Now they've lost me.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"I composed that rhyme while I was lying on the -death platform up there. I certainly had plenty of -time--and now which way did you come, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Under the shelter of the creek bank. The woods -run down to it, and it is high enough to hide a man."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then that is the way we will go, and we will not -linger in the going. Let the Comanches sing and dance -if they will. They can enjoy themselves that way, but -we can enjoy ourselves more by running down the dark -bed of a creek."</p> -<p class="pnext">They slipped among the wet trees and bushes, and -silently lowered themselves down the bank into the sand -of the creek bottom. There they took a parting look at -the medicine lodge. It showed through a rift in the -trees, huge and dark, and on either side of it the two saw -faint lights in the village. Above the soft swishing of -the rain rose the steady whistling sound from the lodge, -which had never been broken for a moment, not even by -the escape of the prisoner and the search.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I was never before so glad to tell a place good-by," -whispered Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's time to go," said Phil. "I'll lead the way, as -I've been over it once."</p> -<p class="pnext">He walked swiftly along the sand, keeping well under -cover of the bank, and Bill Breakstone was close behind -him. They heard the rain pattering on the surface of the -water, and both were wet through and through, but joy -thrilled in every vein of the two. Bill Breakstone had -escaped death and torture; Phil Bedford, a boy, had -rescued him in face of the impossible, and they certainly -had full cause for rejoicing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How far down the creek bed do you think we ought -to go?" asked Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A quarter of a mile anyway," replied Phil, "and -then we can cut across the plain and enter the forest."</p> -<p class="pnext">Everything had been so distinct and vivid that he -remembered the very place at which he had dropped down -into the creek bed, when he approached the medicine -lodge, and when he came to it again, he said: "Here we -are," springing up at one bound. Breakstone promptly -followed him. Then a figure appeared in the dusk -immediately in front of Phil, the figure of a tall man, naked -save the breech cloth, a great crown of brightly colored -feathers upon his head. It was a Comanche warrior, -probably the last of those returning from the fruitless -search for the captive.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Comanche uttered the whoop of alarm, and Phil, -acting solely on impulse, struck madly with the butt of -his rifle. But he struck true. The fierce cry was -suddenly cut short. The boy, with a shuddering effect, felt -something crush beneath his rifle stock. Then he and -Bill Breakstone leaped over the fallen body and ran with -all their might across the plain toward the woods.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was well that you hit so quick and hard," breathed -Breakstone, "but his single yell has alarmed the warriors. -Look back, they are getting ready to pursue."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil cast one hurried glance over his shoulder. He -saw lights twinkling among the Comanche lodges, and -then he heard a long, deep, full-throated cry, uttered by -perhaps a hundred throats.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hark to them!" exclaimed Breakstone. "They -know the direction from which that cry came, and you and -I, Phil, will have to make tracks faster than we ever did -before in our lives."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At any rate, we've got a good start," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">They ran with all speed toward the woods, but behind -them and in other directions they heard presently the beat -of hoofs, and both felt a thrill of alarm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are on their ponies, and they are galloping all -over the plain," said Bill Breakstone. "Some of them -are bound to find us, but you've the rifle, and I've the -pistol!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They ran with all their might, but from two or three -points the ominous beat of hoofs came closer. They were -devoutly glad now of the rain and the shadowed moon -that hid them from all eyes except those very near. Both -Phil and Breakstone stumbled at intervals, but they -would recover quickly, and continue at undiminished, -speed for the woods, which were now showing in a blacker -line against the black sky.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a sudden swift beat of hoofs, and two -warriors galloped almost upon them. Both the warriors -uttered shouts at sight of the fugitives, and fired. But -in the darkness and hurry they missed. Breakstone fired -in return, and one of the Indians fell from his pony. -Phil was about to fire at the other, but the Comanche -made his pony circle so rapidly that in the faint light he -could not get any kind of aim. Then he saw something -dark shoot out from the warrior's hand and uncoil in the -air. A black, snakelike loop fell over Bill Breakstone's -head, settled down on his shoulders, and was suddenly -drawn taut, as the mustang settled back on his haunches. -Bill Breakstone, caught in the lasso, was thrown to the -ground by the violent jerk, but with the stopping of the -horse came Phil's chance. He fired promptly, and the -Comanche fell from the saddle. The frightened mustang -ran away, just as Breakstone staggered dizzily to his feet. -Phil seized him by the arm.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 62%" id="figure-29"> -<span id="a-black-snakelike-loop-fell-over-bill-breakstone-s-head"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-110.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"A black, snakelike loop fell over Bill Breakstone's head"</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"Come, Bill, come!" he cried. "The woods are not -thirty yards away!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Once more unto the breach, or rather the woods!" -exclaimed the half-unconscious man. "Lead on, Prince -Hal, and I follow! That's mixed, but I mean well!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They ran for the protecting woods, Breakstone half -supported by Phil, and behind them they now heard many -cries and the tread of many hoofs. A long, black, -snake-like object followed Bill Breakstone, trailing through the -grass and weeds. They had gone half way before Phil -noticed it. Then he snatched out his knife and severed -the lasso. It fell quivering, as if it were a live thing, -and lay in a wavy line across the grass. But the -fugitives were now at the edge of the woods, and Bill -Breakstone's senses came back to him in full.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well done again, Sir Philip of the Knife and the -Ready Mind," he whispered. "I now owe two lives to -you. I suppose that if I were a cat I would in the end -owe you nine. But suppose we turn off here at an -angle to the right, and then farther on we'll take -another angle. I think we're saved. They can't follow -us on horses in these dense woods, and in all this -darkness."</p> -<p class="pnext">They stepped lightly now, but drew their breaths in -deep gasps, their hearts throbbing painfully, and the -blood pounding in their ears. But they thanked God -again for the clouds and the moonless, starless sky. It -could not be long until day, but it would be long enough -to save them.</p> -<p class="pnext">They went nearly a quarter of a mile to the right, and -then they took another angle, all the while bearing deeper -into the hills. From time to time they heard the war -cries of the Comanches coming from different points, -evidently signals to one another, but there was no sound -of footsteps near them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let's stop and rest a little," said Bill Breakstone. -"These woods are so thick and there is so much -undergrowth that they cannot penetrate here with horses, and, -as they know that at least one of us is armed, they will -be a little wary about coming here on foot. They know -we'd fight like tigers to save ourselves. 'Thrice armed -is he who hath his quarrel just,' and if a man who is -trying to save his life hasn't got a just quarrel, I don't -know who has. Here's a good place."</p> -<p class="pnext">They had come to a great oak which grew by the side -of a rock projecting from a hill. The rain had been -gentle, and the little alcove, formed by the rock above and -the great trunk of the tree on one side, was sheltered and -dry. Moreover, it contained many dead leaves of the -preceding autumn, which had been caught there when -whirled before the winds. It was large enough for two, -and they crept into it, not uttering but feeling deep -thanks.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-great-sleep">CHAPTER VII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE GREAT SLEEP</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">When Phil drew the warm leaves about him he -felt a mighty sensation of relief, accompanied -by a complete mental and physical relaxation. -The supreme tension of the spirit that had borne him up -so long was gone now, when it was needed no longer, and -he uttered a deep sigh of content. Bill Breakstone put a -hand upon his shoulder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil," he said simply, "I owe you so much that I -can't ever repay it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your chance will come," replied the boy. "You'll -probably do more for me than I've ever done for you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll see," said Bill Breakstone. "I'm thinking, -Phil, that this is about the best hiding place we could -have found, so we'll just lie quiet, as we'll see the edge -of the day inside of half an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">The two remained perfectly still. Yet they could -hear for awhile their own strained breathing, and Phil -felt his heart constrict painfully after his long flight. -But the breathing of both grew easier. In a short while -it was normal again. Then they saw a touch of gray in -the east, the rain ceased like a dissolving mist, a silver -light fell over the forest, turning presently to gold, and it -was day in the east.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the sunbeams entered the thick jungle of -forest where they lay, touching the leaves and grass here -and there with gold, but in most places the shadows still -hovered. Phil and Breakstone looked at their surroundings. -They had left no trail in coming there, and the -bushes about them were so dense that even Indian eyes -ten feet away could not have seen them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sunlight was deepening. Birds in the trees began -to sing. All the beings of the wilderness, little and big, -awoke to life. Trees and grass dried swiftly under the -strong fresh wind. Bill Breakstone glanced at his -youthful comrade.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil," he said, "I'll take the rifle, and you go to -sleep. You've had a harder time than I have, and, when -you wake up, I'll tell you how I was captured."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think I'll do it, Bill," said the boy, putting his. -arm under his head and closing his eyes. The strain was -gone from his nerves now, and sleep came readily. In -three minutes he was oblivious of Comanches and all else -that the world contained. Bill Breakstone could have -slept if he had tried, but he did not try. Under a -manner nearly always light and apparently superficial he -concealed a strong nature and much depth of feeling. It -seemed to him that at the last moment a hand had been -stretched out to save him from the worst of fates. It -seemed to him, also, that it must have been a sort of -inspiration, the direction of a supreme will, for Phil to -have come to him at such a time. It was a brave deed, -a wonderful deed, and it had been brilliantly successful.</p> -<p class="pnext">The light was strong, and Bill Breakstone looked -down at the boy who was a younger brother to him now. -He saw that the strain upon Phil had been great. Even -while he slept his face was very white, except where -fatigue and suspense had painted it black beneath the -eyes. Phil Bedford had done more than his share, and -it was now for him, Bill Breakstone, to do the rest. He -slipped the muzzle of the rifle forward in order that it -might command the mouth of the hollow, and waited. -He would have pulled more leaves and brush before the -entrance, but he knew that any disturbance of nature -would attract the eye of a passing Comanche, and he -allowed everything to remain exactly as it had been.</p> -<p class="pnext">He lay comfortably among the leaves, and for a long -time he did not stir. Phil breathed regularly and easily, -and Bill saw that he would be fully restored when he -awoke. Bill himself thought neither of hunger nor thirst, -the tension was too great for that, but he never ceased to -watch the sweep of trees and brush. It was half way -toward noon when he saw some bushes about ten yards -in front of him trembling slightly. He became at once -alert and suspicious. He drew himself up in the attitude -of one who is ready for instant action, slipping the muzzle -of the rifle a little farther forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bushes moved again, and something came into -view. Bill Breakstone sank back, and his apprehension -departed. It was a timber wolf, gray and long. A -dangerous enough beast, if a man alone and unarmed met a -group of them, but Bill, with the rifle, had no fear. -The wolf sniffed the odor of flesh, sniffed again, knew -that it was the odor of human flesh, and his blood became -afraid within him. Bill Breakstone laughed quietly, but -the boy slept placidly on. The incident amused Bill, -and, therefore, it was welcome. It broke the monotony -of the long quiet, and, just when he was laughing -noiselessly for the fourth time over the wolf's discomfiture, -the bushes moved again. Bill, as before, slipped the -muzzle of his rifle farther forward and waited. A slight -pungent odor came to his nostrils. The bushes moved -more than before, although without noise, and a great -yellow body came into view. The eyes were green, the -claws sharp and long, and the body lithe and powerful. -It was a splendid specimen of the southwestern puma, a -great cat that could pull down a deer. But Bill Breakstone -was still unafraid. He raised the rifle and aimed -it at the puma, although he did not press the trigger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can kill you, my friend, with a single bullet," he -murmured, "but the report of that rifle would probably -bring the Comanches upon us. Therefore, I will look -you down."</p> -<p class="pnext">The puma paused in doubt and indecision, restlessly -moving his tail, and staring with his great green eyes until -they met the gray eyes of the human creature, looking -down the sights of the rifle barrel. That steady, -steel-like gaze troubled the puma. He was large and -powerful. He could have struck down the man at a single -blow, but the heart within that mass of bone and muscle -became afraid. The green eyes looked fearfully into the -gray ones, and at last turned aside. The great beast -turned stealthily, and slid into the thicket, at first slowly, -and then in a run, as the terror that he could not see -crowded upon his heels.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone had laughed several times that morning, -but now he laughed with a deep unction.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm proud of myself," he murmured. "It's something -to outlook a panther, but I don't know that I'd -have looked so straight and hard if I hadn't had the rifle -ready, in case the eyes failed. Now I wonder who or -what will be the next invader of our premises."</p> -<p class="pnext">His wonder lasted only until noon, when the sun was -poised directly overhead, and the open spaces were full of -its rays. Then, as light as the beasts themselves had -been, two Comanches walked into full view. Bill -Breakstone was as still as ever, but his hand lay upon the -trigger of the rifle.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Comanches were not a pleasant sight to eyes that -did not wish to see them. They were powerful men, -naked save for the waist cloth, their bodies painted with -many strange symbols and figures. Although most of -their tribe were yet armed with bows and arrows, each -carried a fine rifle. Their faces were wary, cunning, -and cruel. They were far more to be dreaded than wolf -or panther. Yet Bill Breakstone at that moment felt but -little fear of either. He was upheld by a great stimulus. -The boy who slept so peacefully by his side had saved -him in the face of everything, and, if the time had come, -he would do as much for Phil. He felt himself, with the -rifle and pistol, a match for both warriors, and his -breathing was steady and regular.</p> -<p class="pnext">The warriors stopped and stood in the bush, talking -and pointing toward the east. Bill Breakstone surmised -that they were talking about him and Phil, and it was -likely from their pointing fingers that they believed the -fugitives had gone toward the east. As Bill watched -them, his suspense was mingled with a sort of curiosity. -Would some instinct warn them that Phil and he lay not -ten yards away? The woods were vast, and they and all -their comrades could not search every spot. Would this -be one of the spots over which they must pass?</p> -<p class="pnext">It took two minutes to decide the question, and then -the warriors walked on toward the east, their brown -bodies disappearing in the foliage. Bill drew a mighty -breath that came from every crevice and cranny of his -lungs. He did not know until then how great his -suspense had been. He sank back a little and let the rifle -rest softly on the leaves beside him. He glanced at -Phil. His face was less drawn now, and much of the -color had come back. While Bill awaited the crisis, his -finger on the trigger, the sleeping boy had grown stronger. -Bill decided that he would let him sleep on.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone had been through much. He, too, -began to feel sleepy. The dangers of animal and man -had come and passed, leaving his comrade and him -untouched. His nerves were now subdued and relaxed, -and he felt a great physical and mental peace. The day, -too, was one calculated to soothe. The air was filled with; -the mildness of early spring. A gentle wind blew, and the -boughs and bushes rustled together, forming a sound that -was strangely like a song of peace.</p> -<p class="pnext">But Bill Breakstone was a man watchful, alert, a -sentinel full of strength and resolution. He would not -sleep, no, not he, not while so much depended upon him, -yet the song among the leaves was growing sweeter and -gentler all the time. He had never felt such a soothing -quiet in all his life. The complete relaxation after so -much danger and tension was at hand, and it was hard -for one to watch the forest and be troubled about foes -who would no longer come. Yet he would remain awake -and keep faithful guard, and, as he murmured his -resolution for the fifth time, his drooping eyelids shut down -entirely, and he slept as soundly as the boy who lay by -his side, his chest rising and falling as he breathed long -and regularly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil Bedford and Bill Breakstone slept all that afternoon. -It was a mighty sleep, the great sleep following -complete mental and physical exhaustion, the sleep that -comes at such times to strong, healthy beings, in whom -the co-ordination of brain, muscle, and nerve is complete. -By some unconscious method of keeping time they -breathed in perfect unison, and the gentle wind, which -all the while was blowing through the leaves, kept time -with them, too. Thus the evening shortened. Hour by -hour dropped into the sandglass of time. The two, -rivals of the ancient seven of famous memory, slept on. -Both the wolf and the puma, driven by curiosity, came -back. They crept a little nearer than before, but not too -near. They felt instinctively that the mighty sleepers, -mightily as they slept, could yet be awakened, and the -smell of man contained a quality that was terrifying. So -they went away, and, an hour after they were gone, the -same two Comanches, naked to the waist, painted -hideously in many symbols and decorations, and savage and -cruel of countenance, came back in their places. But -Bill Breakstone and Phil lay safe in the leaves under the -bank, sleeping peacefully without dreams. So far as the -Comanches were concerned, they were a thousand miles -away, and presently the two warriors disappeared again -in the depths of the forest, this time not to return.</p> -<p class="pnext">Time went on. The two slept the great sleep so -quietly that all the normal life of the woods about them -was resumed. Woodpeckers drummed upon the sides of -the hollow trees, a red bird in a flash of flame shot among -the boughs, quail scuttled in the grass, and a rabbit -hopped near. Midafternoon of a cloudless day came. -The sun shot down its most brilliant beams, the whole -forest was luminous with light. The Comanches ceased -their search, confident that the fugitives were gone now -beyond their overtaking, and returned to their villages -and other enterprises, but Breakstone and Phil slept their -great sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">Twilight came, and they were still sleeping. Neither -had stirred an inch from his place. The little animals -that hopped about in the thickets believed them dead, -they were so quiet, and came nearer. Night came on, -thick and dark. An owl in a tree hooted mournfully, -and an owl in another tree a half mile away hooted a -mournful answer. Phil and his comrade did not hear, -because they still lay in their great sleep, and the doings -of the world, great or small, did not concern them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil awoke first. It was then about midnight, and so -dark in the alcove that he could not see. His eyes still -heavy with sleep and his senses confused, he sat up. He -shook his head once or twice, and recollection began to -come back. Surely the daylight had come when he went -to sleep! And where was Bill Breakstone? He heard a -regular breathing, and, reaching out his hands, touched -the figure of his comrade. Both had slept, and no harm -had come to them. That was evident because he also -touched the rifle and pistol, and they would have been -the first objects taken by a creeping enemy. But surely -it could not have been a dream about his going to sleep in -the daylight! He remembered very well that the sun was -rising and that there were golden beams on the bushes. -Now it was so dark that he could see only a few faint -stars in the sky, and the bashful rim of a moon. He sat -up and gave Bill Breakstone a vigorous shake.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill," he said, "wake up! It's night, but what -night I don't know!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone yawned tremendously, stretched -himself as much as the narrow space would allow, and then -slowly and with dignity sat up. He, too, was somewhat -confused, but he pretended wisdom while he was trying -to collect his senses. The two could barely see each -other, and each felt rather than saw the wonder in the -other's eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said Bill Breakstone at last, "I'd have you -to know, Sir Philip of the Dream and the Snore, though -I can't prove that you've done either any more than I can -prove that I haven't done both, that we're the genuine -and true Babes in the Wood, only we've waked up. Here -we've been asleep, maybe a week, maybe a month, and -the pitying little birds have come and covered us up with -leaves, and we've been warm and snug, and the wild -animals haven't eaten us up, and the bad men, that is to -say the Comanches, haven't found us. How do you feel, -Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fine, never better in my life."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That describes me, also, with beautiful accuracy. -We'll never know, maybe, how long we've slept, whether -one day, two days, or three days, but a good spirit has -been watching over us; of that I'm sure.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Phil and Bill,</div> -<div class="line">To sleep they went;</div> -<div class="line">Phil and Bill</div> -<div class="line">From sleep they came.</div> -<div class="line">Phil and Bill,</div> -<div class="line">They had no tent;</div> -<div class="line">But Phil and Bill,</div> -<div class="line">They are true game.</div> -<div class="line">Phil and Bill,</div> -<div class="line">The leaves, a bed,</div> -<div class="line">Phil and Bill,</div> -<div class="line">They took no ill.</div> -<div class="line">That's Phil and Bill.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"I don't think that's a bad poem, Phil, considering -the short time I've had for its composition, and you'll -observe that, with a modesty not common among poets, -I've put you first."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's all right for the time," said Phil, "but don't do -it too often. But, Bill, I'd trade a whole slab of poetry -for an equal weight in beef or venison. I'm beginning -to feel terribly hungry."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd make the trade, too," said Bill Breakstone, "and -that's not holding poetry so cheap, either. It's pleasant -for the Babes in the Wood to wake up again, but there's -a disadvantage; you've got to eat, and to eat you've got -to find something that can be eaten. I'm like King -Richard, 'A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!' But -I wouldn't ride that horse; I'd eat him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What time o' night would you say it is, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone attentively studied the few stars to be -seen in the extremely dusky heavens.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd say it was somewhere between six o'clock in the -evening and six o'clock in the morning, with the -emphasis on the 'somewhere.' I wonder what's happened -around in these woods since we went to sleep last week, -Phil; but I suppose we'll never know."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill stood up, and with his fingers combed the leaves -out of his hair.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil," he said, "I'll tell you the story of my life -for the last day or two. It doesn't make a long -narrative, but while it was happening it was tremendously -moving to me. When I left you I skipped along through -the edge of the woods and came to the plain. Then I -saw the Indian village and the Indian horses grazing on -the meadows. I looked them over pretty thoroughly, -concluded I didn't like 'em, and started back to tell you -about 'em. I thought I was mighty smart, but I wasn't -smart enough by half."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What happened?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just as I turned around to start upon my worthy -mission, three large, unclothed Comanches laid rude -hands upon me. I didn't have much chance, one against -three, and surprise on their side, too. They soon had me -by the neck and heels, and carried me off to their village, -where they gave me the welcome due to a distinguished -stranger. Black Panther was especially effusive. He -wanted to know all about me and my friends, if any, -perchance, were near by. It was the same band that had -attacked our wagon train and that was beaten off. Their -scouts had warned them that we were on the other side -of the big forest, but they were afraid to attack again. -I gathered from what Black Panther said--he understands -English, and I understand some Comanche--that they -believed me to be lost, strayed, or stolen--that is, I had -wandered away in some manner, or had been left behind. -The chief tried to get all sorts of information out of me, -but I didn't have any to tell. Finding that I was born -dumb, he began to talk about punishments."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What were they going to do to you, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"There was a lot of lurid talk. I say 'lurid' because -I seem to remember something about flames. Anyway, -it was to be unpleasant, and I suppose if you hadn't -come, Phil, at the right time, I shouldn't ever have had -the great sleep that I've enjoyed so much, at least not -that particular kind of sleep. Phil, it looks to me as if -you came when I called, and I'm not joking, either."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll put that aside," said Phil, "and hunt something -to eat."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, it's our first duty to provision this army of -two," said Bill Breakstone, "and I think we can do it. -The woods are full of game, but we'll have to wait till -morning for a shot. As for the Indians hearing the -reports of our rifles, we must take the chance of that, but -I don't think they'll roam very far from the village, and -we'll spend the rest of the night going toward the point -where we left the wagon train, which is directly away -from the Comanches. Toward morning we'll sit down by -the bank of a stream if we can find one, and wait for the -game to come to drink."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That seems to me to be our best plan," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">Both had a good idea of direction, and, despite the -darkness, they advanced in a fairly straight line toward -the point they sought. But they found it rough traveling -through the thick undergrowth, among briers and across -ravines and gulleys. Meanwhile, old King Hunger, -bristling and fearsome, seized them and rent them with -his fangs. There was no resisting. They must even -suffer and stand it as best they could.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think it's at least a thousand hours until day," -said Bill Breakstone at last. "Do you know, Phil, I've -got to the point where I'd enjoy one of those stage -banquets that I've often had. You don't really eat -anything. The plates are empty, the glasses are empty, and, -empty as they all are, they're generally whisked away -before you can get a good long look at them. But there's -something soothing and filling about them anyway. -Maybe it's an illusion, but if an illusion is of the right -kind, it's just the right kind of thing that you ought to -have."</p> -<p class="pnext">"An illusion may be all right for you, Bill," returned -Phil, "but what about some of those dinners you can get -in New Orleans. Oyster soup, Bill; fish fresh from the -gulf, Bill; nice old Virginia ham, Bill; stuffed Louisiana: -turkey, Bill; a haunch of venison, Bill; fried chicken, -Bill; lamb chops, Bill; and a lot of other things that -money can buy in New Orleans, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"If you weren't my best friend, Phil, and if you -hadn't just saved my life, I might make an attack upon -you with the intent of bodily harm. You surely make -me sour with your talk about the whole provision train -that can be bought in New Orleans with money. Hear -that old owl hooting! He's just laughing at us. I'd -stop and shoot him if we had light enough for a shot."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Never mind the owl, Bill," said Phil. "Perhaps -when we get that good juicy deer we're looking for we can -hoot back at him, if we feel like it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so," said Bill, although he said it gloomily.</p> -<p class="pnext">They advanced in silence another hour, and then Phil, -who was a little in advance, stopped suddenly. He had -seen the gleam of water, and he pointed it out to his -comrade.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A spring," said Bill Breakstone, "and it's been -trampled around the edges by many hoofs and paws."</p> -<p class="pnext">He stooped and tasted the water. Then he uttered a -mighty sigh of satisfaction.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A salt spring, too," he said. "We're in luck, Phil. -I see our breakfast coming straight toward us at this -spring, walking briskly on four legs. The wild animals -always haunt such places, and if we don't have savory -steaks before the sun is an hour high, then I'm willing to -starve to death. We must find an ambush. Here it is! -Luck's a funny thing, Phil. It goes right against you -for awhile, and nothing seems able to break it. Then it -turns right around and favors you, and no fool thing that -you do seems to change it. But I guess it evens up in -the long run."</p> -<p class="pnext">They found a dense clump of bushes about twenty -yards from the salt spring, and sat down among them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's no wind at all," whispered Bill Breakstone, -"so I don't think that any animal eager for his salt drink -will notice us. I've got my heart set on deer, Phil, and -deer we must have. Now which of us shall take the rifle -and make the shot? The rifle is yours, you know, and -you have first choice."</p> -<p class="pnext">But Phil insisted upon the older and more experienced -man taking the weapon, and Breakstone consented. -Then they lay quiet, eagerly watching every side of the -spring. The darkness soon thinned away, and the bushes -and trees became luminous in the early morning light.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Something will come soon," said Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">They waited a little longer, and then they heard a -rustling among the bushes on the far side of the spring. -The bushes moved, and a black-tailed deer, a splendid -buck, stepped into the opening. He paused to sniff the -air, but nothing strange or hostile came to his nostrils. -The deadly figure, crouching in the bushes with the -loaded rifle at his cheek, might have been a thousand -miles away, for all the deer knew.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and Bill Breakstone might have admired the deer -at another time, but now other emotions urged them on. -The deer stepped down to the water. Breakstone looked -down the sights, and Phil trembled lest he should miss. -He tried to look along the barrel himself and see what -spot Bill had picked out on the animal's body. Then he -watched the marksman's finger curl around the trigger -and at last press hard upon it. The flash of flame leaped -forth, the report sounded startlingly loud in the clear -morning, and the deer jumped high in the air.</p> -<p class="pnext">But when the big buck came down he ran into the -forest as if he had not been touched. Phil uttered a gasp -of despair, but Bill Breakstone only laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't you fret, Phil," he said. "My heart was in -my mouth, but my bullet didn't miss. He's hit hard, -and we've got nothing to do but follow him by the plain -trail he'll leave. We'll come to our breakfast in less than -ten minutes."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil soon saw that Breakstone was right. The trail -on the other side of the salt spring was plain and red, and -presently they found the great stag in a thicket, lying -upon his side, stone dead, Bill Breakstone was an adept -at cleaning and dressing, and soon the ugly work was -over. They always carried matches, and Phil quickly -lighted a fire of dry sticks that burned up rapidly and -that soon made a fine heap of glowing coals.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said Breakstone, "we'll cook and eat, then we'll -cook and eat again, then we'll cook and eat once more."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And I don't care very much whether Comanches -heard the rifle shot or not," said Phil. "It seems to me -that when I eat as much as I want I can whip the whole -Comanche nation."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I feel that way, too," said Bill Breakstone, "but the -Comanches didn't hear. I know it in my bones. Didn't -I tell you about that streak of luck? Luck's coming our -way now, and the streak will last for awhile."</p> -<p class="pnext">They cut long twigs, sharpened them at the ends, and -fried over the coals strips of the deer, which gave out -such a rich aroma as they sputtered that the two could -scarcely restrain themselves. Yet they did it, they -remained white men and gentlemen, and did not guzzle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil," said Bill, before he took a single bite, "I -remember about that dinner in New Orleans you were -talking of so long ago. I remember about those beautiful -oysters, those splendid fish from the gulf, the gorgeous -Virginia ham, the magnificent Louisiana turkey; yes, I -remember all those magnificent fripperies and -frummeries, but it seems to me if they were all set down -before us, spread on a service of golden plate, they -wouldn't be finer than what is now awaiting us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill," said Phil with deep emphasis and unction, -"you never spoke truer words in your life."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then lay on, Macduff, and the first who cries 'hold, -enough'--well, he won't be much of a trencherman."</p> -<p class="pnext">They fell to. They did not eat greedily, but they ate -long and perseveringly. Strip after strip was fried over -the coals, gave out its savory odor, and disappeared. -Phil occasionally replenished the fire, adding to the bed -of coals, but keeping down the smoke. Bill, stretching -his long body on the ground and then propping himself -up on his elbow, concluded that it was a beautiful world.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Didn't I tell you our luck would hold for awhile?" -he repeated. "Since we got into the woods, things have -come easy. A good bed put itself right in our way, then -a deer walked up and asked to be eaten.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"The deer</div> -<div class="line">It was here.</div> -<div class="line">One shot--</div> -<div class="line">In our pot.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"We haven't any pot, but you can use things in a -metaphorical sense in order to get your rhyme. That's -what poetry is for."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm beginning to feel satiated," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'Satiated' is a good word," said Bill Breakstone, -"but it isn't used much on the plains. Still, I'm -beginning to feel that way myself, too, and I think we'd -better begin to consider the future, which is always so much -bigger than the present."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We must find our horses."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course, and after that we must find the train, -which will be our chief problem. It may be where we -left it or it may have gone on, thinking that we had been -killed by some outlying party of Comanches. But I don't -believe Middleton and Arenberg would move without us. -They may now be somewhere in these woods looking -for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Can you figure out the direction of the valley in -which we left our horses?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone studied the sun attentively.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's southeast from here," he replied, "and I fancy -it's not more than three or four miles. Two likely lads like -you and me ought to find it pretty soon, and, nine chances -out of ten, the horses will be there. We'll take some of -the best portions of the deer with us, and start at once."</p> -<p class="pnext">They chose the choicest pieces of the meat and started, -now strong of body and light of heart. Phil's own -judgment about the direction agreed with Breakstone's, and -in less than an hour they saw familiar ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm a good prophet to-day," said Breakstone. "I've -got the gift for a few hours at least. I predicted truly -about the deer, and now I am going to predict truly -about the horses. We'll have them by the bridle inside -of half an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">In fifteen minutes they were in the little valley, in -three minutes they found the horses grazing peacefully, -and in two more minutes they caught them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We've done the work and with ten minutes to -spare," said Bill Breakstone, triumphantly, "and now, -Phil, another wonderful change in our fortunes has come. -If a camel is the ship of the desert, then a horse is the -boat of the plains, the long boat, the jolly boat, the row -boat, and all the rest of them. Now for the wagon -train!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now for the wagon train!" repeated Phil.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="new-enemies">CHAPTER VIII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">NEW ENEMIES</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The two were in splendid spirits. They had escaped -great dangers, and they were on horseback once -more. It is true, they were somewhat short on -armament, but Breakstone took Phil's pistol, while the -latter kept the rifle, and they were confident that they -could find game enough on the plains until they overtook -the wagon train. The horses themselves seemed glad of -the companionship of their old masters, and went -forward readily and at an easy pace through the woods. -They soon found the path by which they had come, and -followed it until they crossed the river and reached the -site of the camp. But the trail toward the plain lay -before them broad and easy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They can't have gone long," said Breakstone. -"They may have thought that we were merely loitering -behind for some purpose of our own and would soon -overtake them. A whole train isn't going to linger about for -two fellows well mounted and well armed who are -supposed to know how to take care of themselves. But, Sir -Philip of the Youthful Countenance, I don't think that -Middleton and Arenberg would go ahead without us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Neither do I," said Phil with emphasis. "I as good -as know that they're looking for us in these woods, and -we've got to stay behind and find them, taking the risk -of Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wherein I do heartily agree with you, and I'm going -to take a chance right now. It is likely that the two, -after fruitless searches for us, would return here at -intervals, and, in a region like this, the sound of a shot will -travel far. Fire the rifle, Phil, and it may bring them. -It's often used as a signal. If it brings the Comanches -instead, we're on our horses, and they're strong and -swift."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil fired a shot, but there was no response. He -waited half an hour and fired a second time, with the -same result. After another half hour, the third shot was -fired, and, four or five minutes later, Breakstone -announced that he heard the tread of hoofs. It was a faint, -distant sound, but Phil, too, heard it, and he was -confident that it was made by hoofs. The two looked at each -other, and each read the question in the other's eye. -Who were coming in reply to the call of that third rifle -shot, red men or white?</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll just draw back a little behind this clump of -bushes," said Breakstone. "We can see a long way -through their tops, and not be seen until the riders come -very close. Then, if the visitors to this Forest of Arden -of ours, Sir Philip, are not those whom we wish to see, -it's up and away with us."</p> -<p class="pnext">They waited in strained eagerness. The sounds grew -louder. It was certain, moreover, that the riders were -coming straight toward the point at which the rifle had -been fired.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Judging from the hoof beats, how many would you -say they are?" asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not many. Maybe three or four, certainly not more. -But I'm hoping that it's two, neither more nor less."</p> -<p class="pnext">On came the horsemen, the hoofbeats steadily growing -louder. Phil rose in his stirrups and gained a further -view. He saw the top of a soft hat and then the top of -another. In a half minute the faces beneath came into -view. He knew them both, and he uttered a cry of joy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Middleton and Arenberg!" he exclaimed. "Here -they come!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Our luck still holds good," said Bill Breakstone. -He and Phil galloped from behind the bushes and -shouted as warm a welcome as men ever had. They -received one equally warm in return, as Middleton and the -German urged their horses forward. Then there was a -mighty shaking of hands and mutual congratulations.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The train left yesterday morning," said Middleton, -"but we couldn't give you up. We scouted all the way -across the forest and saw the Comanches on the other -side. There was nothing to indicate anything unusual -among them, such as a sacrifice of prisoners, and we -hoped that if you had been taken by them you had -escaped, and we came back here to see, knowing that if you -were able you would return to this place. We were right -in one part of our guess, because here you are."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And mighty glad we are to be here," said Bill -Breakstone, "and I want to say to you that I, Bill -Breakstone, who may not be of so much importance to the -world, but who is of vast importance to himself, would -not be here at all, or anywhere else, for that matter, if it -were not for this valiant and skillful youth, Sir Philip -Bedford, Knight of the Texas plains."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stop, Bill," exclaimed Phil blushing. "Don't -talk that way."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Talk that way! Of course I will! And I'll pile it -up, too! And after I pile it up and keep on piling it up, -it won't be the whole truth. Cap, and you, Hans, old -fellow, Phil and I were not taken together, because Phil -was never taken at all. It was I alone who sat still, shut -my eyes, and closed my ears while I let three of the -ugliest Comanche warriors that were ever born walk up, lay -violent hands on me, harness me up in all sorts of thongs -and withes, and carry me off to their village, where they -would have had some red sport with me if Phil hadn't -come, when they were all mad with a great dance, and -taken me away."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he told the story in detail, and Phil, shy and -blushing, was compelled to receive their compliments, -which were many and sincere. But he insisted that he -merely succeeded through good luck, which Bill -Breakstone warmly denied.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, between the two of you, you have certainly -got out of it well," said Middleton, "and, as we are -reunited, we must plan for the next step. We can easily -overtake the train by to-morrow, but I'm of the opinion -that we'll have to be very careful, and that we must do -some scouting, also. Arenberg and I have discovered -that the Comanche warriors are on the move again. Their -whole force of warriors seemed to be getting ready to leave -the village, and they may be planning, after all, a second -attack upon the train, a night surprise, or something of -that kind. We, too, will have to be careful lest we run -into them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it maybe for the good of the train that we -were left back here," said Phil, "because we will return -with a warning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It may be the hand of Providence," said Arenberg, -"since the Comanches did no harm where much was -intended."</p> -<p class="pnext">As both Middleton and Arenberg were firmly convinced -that the plain would be thick with Comanche scouts, -making their passage by daylight impossible, or at least -extremely hazardous, they decided to remain in the woods -until nightfall. They rode a couple of miles from the -camp, tethered their horses in thick bushes, and, sitting -near them, waited placidly. Phil Breakstone, and -Arenberg talked in low tones, but Middleton sat silent. Phil -noticed presently that "The Cap" was preoccupied. Little -lines of thought ran down from his eyes to the corners -of his nose.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil began to wonder again about the nature of -Middleton's mission. Every one of the four was engaged -upon some great quest, and none of them knew the secret -of any of the others. Nor, in the rush of events, had -they been left much time to think about such matters.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now Phil again studied Middleton more closely. -There was something in the unaccustomed lines of his -face and his thoughtful eye indicating a belief that for -him, at least, the object of the quest might be drawing -nigh. At least, it seemed so to the boy. He studied, -too, Middleton's clean cut face, and the sharp line of his -strong chin. Phil had noticed before that this man was -uncommonly neat in his personal appearance. It was a -neatness altogether beyond what one usually saw on the -plains. His clothing was always clean and in order, he -carried a razor, and he shaved every day. Nor did he -ever walk with a slovenly, lounging gait.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil decided that something very uncommon must -have sent him with the Santa Fé train, but he would not -ask; he had far too much delicacy to pry into the secret -of another, who did not pry into his own.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton and Arenberg had ample food in their -saddlebags and Phil and Breakstone combined with it their -stock of deer meat. Nothing disturbed them in the -thicket, and at nightfall they mounted and rode out into -the plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know something about this country before us," -said Breakstone. "It runs on in rolling swells for a -march of many days, without any streams except shallow -creeks, and without any timber except the fringes of -cottonwoods along these creeks."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And I know which way to go in order to overtake -the train," said Middleton. "Woodfall said that they -would head straight west, and we are certainly good -enough plainsmen to keep our noses pointed that way."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are, we surely are," said Bill Breakstone, "but -we must keep a good watch for those Comanche scouts. -They hide behind the swells on their ponies, and they -blend so well with the dusky earth that you'd never -notice 'em until they had passed the signal on to others -that you were coming and that it was a good time to -form an ambush."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a fair sky, with a moon and some clear -stars, and they could see several hundred yards, but -beyond that the whole horizon fused into a dusky wall. -They rode at a long, swinging pace, and the hoofs of their -horses made little noise on the new spring turf. The -wind of the plains, which seldom ceases, blew gently in -their faces and brought with it a soft crooning sound. -Its note was very pleasant in the ears of Philip Bedford. -In the saddle and with his best friends again, he felt that -he could defy anything. He felt, too, and perhaps the -feeling was due to his physical well-being and recovered -safety, that he, also, was coming nearer to the object of -his quest. Involuntarily he put his left hand on his -coat, where the paper which he had read so often lay -securely in a little inside pocket. He knew every word of -it by heart, but when the time came, and he was alone, -he would take it out and read it again. It was this paper -that was always calling to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode on, crossing swell after swell, and, after the -first hour, the four did not talk. It was likely that every -one was thinking of his own secret.</p> -<p class="pnext">They came about midnight to a prairie creek, a stream -of water two or three yards wide and a few inches deep, -flowing in a bed of sand perhaps fifteen yards across. A -thin fringe of low cottonwoods and some willows grew on -either shore. They approached warily, knowing that such -a place offered a good ambush, and realizing that four -would not have much chance against a large Comanche -war band.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But I don't think there is much danger," said Bill -Breakstone. "If the Comanches are up to mischief again, -they're not looking for stray parties; their mind is on the -train, and, by the way, the train has passed along here. -Look down, and in this moonlight you can see plainly -enough the tracks of a hundred wheels."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The horses are confident," said Middleton, "and I -think we can be so, too."</p> -<p class="pnext">The horses were advancing without hesitation, and it -soon became evident that nothing was concealed among -the scanty lines of trees and bushes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look out for quicksands," said Arenberg. "It iss -not pleasant to be swallowed up in one of them and feel -that you have died such a useless death."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There is no danger," said Phil, whose quick eye was -following the trail of the wagons. "Here is where the -train crossed, and if the wagons didn't sink we won't."</p> -<p class="pnext">The water being cold and entirely free from alkali, the -horses drank eagerly, and their riders, also, took the -chance to refill their canteens, which they always carried -strapped to their saddle bows. They also rested awhile, -but, when they remounted and rode on, Middleton noticed -a light to the northward. On the plains then, no man -would pass a light without giving it particular attention, -and the four sat on their horses for some minutes -studying it closely. They thought at first that it might be a -signal light of the Comanches, but, as it did not waver, -they concluded that it must be a camp fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now I'm thinking," said Bill Breakstone, "that we -oughtn't to leave a camp fire burning away here on the -plains, and we not knowing anything about it. It won't -take us long to ride up and inspect it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is a truth," said Middleton. "It is not a -difficult matter for four horsemen to overtake a wagon train, -but we'll first see what that fire means."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss our duty to do so," said the phlegmatic German.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode straight toward the light, and their belief -that it was a camp fire was soon confirmed. They saw -the red blaze rising and quivering, and then dusky figures -passing and repassing before it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We're yet too far away to tell exactly what those -figures are," said Bill Breakstone, "but I don't see any sign -of long hair or war bonnets, and so I take it that they are -not Comanches, nor any other kind of Indians, for that -matter. No warriors would build so careless a fire or -wander so carelessly about it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are white men," said Middleton with conviction, -as he increased his horse's pace. "Ah, I see now! -Mexicans! Look at the shadows of their great conical -hats as they pass before the fire."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now I wonder what they're doing here on Texas -soil," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton did not answer, but Phil noticed that the -look in his eyes was singularly tense and eager. As they -drew near the fire, which was a large one, and the -hoof-beats of their horses were heard, two men in Mexican. -dress, tall conical broad-brimmed hats, embroidered coats -and trousers and riding boots, bearing great spurs, came -forward to meet them. Phil saw another figure, which -had been lying on a blanket by the fire, rise and stand at -attention. He instantly perceived, even then, something -familiar in the figure.</p> -<p class="pnext">The four rode boldly forward, and Middleton called -out:</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are friends!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The two Mexicans who were in advance, rifle in hand, -stood irresolutely, and glanced at the man behind them, -who had just risen from his blanket.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are welcome," said this man in good English -but with a strong Mexican accent. "We are glad for -anybody to share with us our camp fire in this wilderness. -Dismount, Señores."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then Phil knew him well. It was Pedro de Armijo, -the young Mexican whom he had seen with the Mexican -envoy, Zucorra, in New Orleans, one whom he had -instinctively disliked, one whom he was exceedingly -astonished to see at such a time and place. Middleton also -recognized him, because he raised his cap and said -politely:</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is a pleasant meeting. You are Captain Pedro -de Armijo, who came to our capital with His Excellency -Don Augustin Xavier Hernando Zucorra on a mission, -intended to be of benefit to both our countries. My -name is Middleton, George Middleton, and these are my -friends, Mr. Breakstone, Mr. Arenberg, and Mr. Bedford."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo gave every one in turn a quick scrutinizing -look, and, with flowing compliment, bade them welcome -to his fireside. It seemed that he did not remember -Middleton, but that he took for granted their former -meeting in Washington. Phil liked him none the more -because of the polite words he used. He was not one to -hold prejudice because of race, but this Mexican had a -manner supercilious and conceited that inspired resentment.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems strange, Señor Middleton," said de Armijo, -"that we should meet again in such a place on these vast -plains, so far from a house or any other human beings, -plains that were once Mexican, but which you now call -yours."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo glided over the last words smoothly, but -the blood leaped in Phil's temples. Middleton apparently -took no notice, but said that he and his comrades were -riding across the plains mainly on an exploring -expedition. As there was some danger from Comanches, they -were traveling partly by night, and, having seen the camp -fire, they had come to investigate it, after the custom of -the wilderness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And, now that you have found us," said de Armijo -with elaborate courtesy, "I have reason to believe that -you would run into Comanche horsemen a little farther -on. They would not harm us Mexicans, with whom they -are at peace, but for you Americans they would have -little mercy. Stay with us for the remainder of the -night."</p> -<p class="pnext">He smiled, showing his white teeth, and Middleton -smiled back as he replied:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your courtesy is appreciated, Captain de Armijo. -We shall stay. It is pleasant, too, to welcome a gallant -Mexican officer like yourself to American soil."</p> -<p class="pnext">The eyes of de Armijo snapped in the firelight, and -the white teeth were bared again. Phil knew that he -resented the expression "American soil." Mexico still -maintained a claim to Texas--which it could not make -good--and he felt equally confident that Middleton had -used it purposely. It seemed to him that some sort of -duel was in progress between the two, and he watched it -with overwhelming curiosity. But de Armijo quickly -returned to his polite manner.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You speak the truth," he said. "It is I who am -your guest, not you who are mine. It was Mexican soil -once, and before that Spanish--three centuries under our -race--but now gone, I suppose, forever."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton did not reply, but approached the fire and -warmed his hands over the blaze. The night was cold -and the flames looked cheerful. The others tethered their -horses, and all except the two who had met the Americans -took their places by the fire. The Mexicans were six -in number. Only de Armijo seemed to be a man of any -distinction. The others, although stalwart and well -armed, were evidently of the peon class. Phil wondered -what this little party was doing here, and the conviction -grew upon him that the meeting had something to do -with Middleton's mission.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am sorry," said de Armijo, "that we do not even -have a tent to offer you, but doubtless you are accustomed -to sleeping under the open sky, and the air of these -plains is dry and healthy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A blanket and a few coals to warm one's feet are -sufficient," said Middleton. "We will avail ourselves of -your courtesy and not keep you awake any longer."</p> -<p class="pnext">Both Breakstone and Arenberg glanced at Middleton, -but they said nothing, wrapping themselves in their -blankets, and lying down, with their feet to the fire. -Phil did the same, but he thought it a strange proceeding, -this apparently unguarded camping with Mexicans, -who at the best were not friends, with the possibility of -Comanches who were, at all times, the bitterest and most -dangerous of enemies. Yet Middleton must have some -good reason, he was not a man to do anything rash or -foolish, and Phil awaited the issue with confidence.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil could not sleep. The meeting had stirred him -too much, and his nerves would not relax. He lay -before the fire, his feet within a yard of the coals, and his -head in the crook of his arm. Now and then he heard a -horse move or stamp his hoofs, but all the men were -silent. De Armijo, lying on a blanket and with a fine -blue cavalry cloak spread over him, seemed to be asleep, -but as he was on the other side of the fire Phil could not -see his eyes. Middleton was nearer, and he saw his chest -rising and falling with the regularity of one who sleeps.</p> -<p class="pnext">It all seemed very peaceful, very restful. Perhaps de -Armijo's hospitality was real, and he had wronged him -with his suspicions. But reason with himself as he -would, Phil could not overcome his dislike and distrust. -Something was wrong, and something was going to -happen, yet much time passed and nothing happened. De -Armijo's eyes were still shaded by his cloak, but his long -figure lay motionless. Only a few live coals remained -from the fire, and beyond a radius of twenty feet lay the -encircling rim of the darkness. At the line where light -and dark met, crouched the two peons with their rifles -across their knees. It was Phil's opinion that they, too, -slept in this sitting posture. Surely de Armijo and his -men had great confidence in their security, and must be -on the best of terms with the Comanches! If so, it might -increase the safety of the little American party, also, but -the boy yet wondered why Middleton had stopped when -they were all so eager to reach the wagon train and warn -it of the new danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil stirred once or twice, but only to ease his position, -and he did it without noise. His eyes were shaded -by the brim of his soft hat, but he watched the circle -about the fire, and most of all he watched de Armijo. -An interminable period of time passed, every second -growing to ten times its proper length. Phil was as -wakeful as ever, but so much watching made the figures -about the fire dim and uncertain. They seemed to shift -their places, but the boy was still resolved to keep awake, -although everybody else slept through the night. His -premonition was yet with him, his heart expanded, and -his pulse beat faster.</p> -<p class="pnext">The remaining coals died one by one. The circle of -light, already small, contracted still more, became a -point, and then vanished. Everything now lay in the -dark, and the figures were merely blacker shapes against -the blackness. Then, after that long waiting, with every -second and minute drawn out tenfold, Phil's premonition -came true. Something happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo moved. He moved ever so slightly, but -Phil saw him, and, lying perfectly still himself, he -watched him with an absorbed attention, and a heart that -had increased its beating still further. De Armijo's -body itself had not moved, it was merely one hand that -had come slowly from under the covering of the cloak, -and that now lay white against the blue cloth. A man -might move his hand thus in sleep, but it seemed to Phil -that the action was guided by a conscious mind. Intent, -he watched, and presently his reward came. The other -hand also slid from beneath the cloak, and, like its -fellow, lay white against the blue cloth. Now both hands -were still, but Phil yet waited, confident that more -would come. It was all very quiet and slow, like the -craft and cunning of the Indian, but Phil was willing to -match it with a patience and craft of his own.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last the whole figure of de Armijo stirred. Phil -saw the blue cloak tremble slightly. Then the man raised -his head ever so little and looked about the dark circle. -Slowly he let the head fall back, and the figure became -still again. But the boy was not deceived. Already -every suspicion had been verified in his mind, and his -premonition was proved absolutely true.</p> -<p class="pnext">Pedro de Armijo raised himself again, but a little -higher this time, and he did not let his head and body -drop back. He looked about the circle with a gaze that -Phil knew must be sharp and scrutinizing, although it -was too dark for him to see the expression of his eyes. -The Mexican seemed satisfied with his second examination, -and then, dropping softly on his hands and knees, -he crept toward Middleton. It occurred to Phil -afterward that this approach toward Middleton did not -surprise him. In reality, it was just what he had expected -de Armijo to do.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy was uncertain about his own course, and, like -one under a spell, he waited. The dusky figure of de -Armijo creeping toward Middleton had a sinuous motion -like that of a great snake, and Phil's hand slipped down -to the hammer of his rifle, but he would not fire. He -noticed that de Armijo had drawn no weapon, and he did -not believe that murder was his intention.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton did not move. He lay easily upon his -right side, and Phil judged that he was in a sound sleep. -De Armijo, absorbed in his task, did not look back. -Hence he did not see the boy who rose slowly to a sitting -posture, a ready rifle in his hands.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw de Armijo reach Middleton's side and pause -there a moment or two. He still drew no weapon, and -this was further proof that murder was not in the -Mexican's mind, but Phil believed that whatever lay between -these two was now at the edge of the crisis. He saw de -Armijo raise his hand and put it to Middleton's breast -with the evident intention of opening his coat. So he -was a thief! But the fingers stopped there as Phil leveled -his rifle and called sharply:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hands up, de Armijo, or I shoot!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The startled Mexican would have thrown up his -hands, but he did not have time. They were seized in -the powerful grasp of Middleton, and he was pulled -downward upon his face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, would you, de Armijo!" cried Middleton in -exultant tones. "We have caught you! Good boy, Phil, -you were watching, too!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"All the others were up in an instant, but Breakstone -and Arenberg were too quick for the Mexicans. They covered -them with their rifle muzzles before their antagonists -could raise their weapons.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Throw down every gun and pistol!" said Breakstone -sternly. "There, by the log, and we'll see what's going -forward!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Sullenly the Mexicans complied, and then stood in -a little huddled group, looking at their fallen leader, -whom Middleton still held upon the ground, but who -was pouring out muffled oaths from a face that was in -the dirt.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take his pistols, Phil," said Middleton, and the boy -promptly removed them. Then Middleton released him, -and de Armijo sat up, his face black as night, his heart -raging with anger, hate, and humiliation.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How dare you attack me in my own camp! You -whom we received as guests!" he cried.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We did not attack you," replied Middleton calmly. -He had risen to his feet, and he towered over the Mexican -like an accusing judge. "It is you who attacked us, or -me, rather, and you intended, if you did not get what -you wanted with smooth fingers, to use violence. You -cannot deny that, Captain Pedro de Armijo of the -Mexican army; there were at least two witnesses of your act, -Philip Bedford and myself."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo looked down at the ground, and seemed to -commune with himself for a few moments. Then he -stood at his full height, brushed the traces of dirt from -his clothes, and gave Middleton a look of uncompromising -defiance and hostility. All at once it struck Phil -that this was a man of ability and energy, one who could -be a bitter and dangerous enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are right in part, Captain Middleton," said de -Armijo slowly. "I was seeking to take the maps, letters, -and instructions that you carry inside your tunic, next, -perhaps, to your very flesh. They would be valuable -possessions to us, and it was my duty, as a captain in the -Mexican army, to take them if I could, from you, a -captain in the American army."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil started and looked anew at Middleton. A -captain in the American army! This was why he had -walked with that upright carriage! This was why he had -been so particular about his personal appearance! He -began to see a little way.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We, too, have our channels of information," said de -Armijo, "and I knew that you had embarked upon a -mission in the West to learn our movements and forces upon -the border, and our temper and disposition with regard -to great matters that are agitating both Mexico and -America."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is true, all that you say," replied Middleton -tranquilly. "I am Captain George Middleton of the -American regular troops, and, at the request of our War -Department, I undertook the hazardous mission of which you -speak."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You will go no farther with it," said de Armijo.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How can you keep me from it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot--perhaps, but events can--events have. -You do not know, but I do, Captain Middleton, that -there is war between your country and mine."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" exclaimed Middleton, and, despite the darkness, -Phil saw a sudden flush spring into his face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is not only war," continued de Armijo, "but -there has been a heavy battle, two of them, in fact. Your -troops met ours at Palo Alto on May eighth, and again -on the following day at Resaca de la Palma."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" exclaimed Middleton again, the exclamation -being drawn up from the very depths of his being, while -the flush on his face deepened. "And you know, I -suppose, which won?"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a peculiar coincidence that the moon's rays -made their way at that moment through clouds, and a -bright beam fell on the face of Pedro de Armijo. Phil -saw the Mexican's face fall a little, despite all his efforts -at self-control. De Armijo himself felt this change in -his countenance, and, knowing what it indicated to the -man who asked the question, he replied without evasion:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I regret to say that the fortunes of war were against -the deserving. Our brave general, Ampudia, and our -gallant troops were compelled to retire before your -general, Taylor. At least, so say my hasty advices; perhaps -they are wrong."</p> -<p class="pnext">But Phil could see that de Armijo had no such hope. -The news was correct, and the boy's heart thrilled with joy -because the first victories had fallen to his own people.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I would not have told you this," continued de -Armijo, "had you not caught me in an attempt to take -your papers. Had it been peace, 'steal' would have been -the word, but since it is war 'steal' turns to enterprise -and zeal. Had I not believed you ignorant that the war -has begun, and that I might make more profit out of you -in our hands than as a fugitive, or at least as one who -might have escaped, I should have opened fire upon you -as you approached. Perhaps I made a mistake."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All of us do at times," said Middleton thoughtfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well spoken," said de Armijo. He lighted a cigarette -and took a few easy puffs.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Captain Middleton," he said at length, "the -problem is now yours, not ours. You have taken it out -of our hands. What are you going to do with us?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems to me," said Captain Middleton, "that -this problem, like most others, admits of only one -solution. You are our prisoners, but we cannot hold you. -Our own situation prevents it. We could kill you, but -God forbid a single thought of such a crime. We will -take your arms and let you go. You will not suffer -without your arms, as your Comanche friends are near, a fact -which you know very well."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We accept your terms," said de Armijo, "since we -must, and with your permission we will mount our horses -and ride away. But it is to be understood, Captain -Middleton, and you, young Mr. Bedford, and the rest of you, -that we part as enemies and not as friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">"As you will," said Middleton. "I recognize the fact -that you have no cause to love us, and perhaps the sooner -we both depart from this spot the better it will be for all."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But we may meet again on the battlefield; is it not -so?" said de Armijo.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That, I cannot tell," replied Middleton, "but it is -not unlikely."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone and Arenberg still stood by the captured -arms, but, without casting a glance at either the arms or -their guardians, de Armijo signaled to his men, and they -mounted and rode away.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Adios!" he called back in Spanish, although he did -not turn his face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Adios!" said Middleton in the same tone.</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not move or speak until they heard the hoof-beats -die away, and then it was Bill Breakstone who first -broke the silence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That certainly came out well," he said. "The -curtain came down on a finer finish than the first act -indicated. I confess that I didn't know your plan, Captain--I -don't call you Cap any more--but I trusted you, and I -confess, also, that I fell asleep. It was you and Sir -Philip of the Active Mind and the Watchful Eye who did -most of the work.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"It was in Tex.</div> -<div class="line">We met the Mex.</div> -<div class="line">They spoke so high,</div> -<div class="line">But now they cry.</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">Or, at least, they ought to cry when they think how -we turned the tables on them. Now, Captain, I suppose -we must be up and doing, for those fellows, as you said, -will go straight to the Comanches, and if we linger here -our scalps will be of less value to ourselves than to -anybody else."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is quite true," said Captain Middleton. "We -must reach the train as soon as possible, because the -danger to it has increased with our own. But even more -important than that is the great change that must be -made. Woodfall cannot go on now, since the whole -Southwest will be swept by bands of Mexican and Indian -horsemen."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What must the train do?" asked Phil in anxiety, -because this concerned him very nearly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It must turn south and join the American army on -the Rio Grande. Most of the things that it carries will -be of value to our troops, and Woodfall will clear as much -profit there as at Santa Fé, which is now a city in arms -against us. In this case the path of comparative safety -and honor is also the path of profit. What more could -Woodfall ask?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's a brave man, and brave men are with him," -said Bill Breakstone. "You won't have to ask him -twice."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's heart had throbbed with joy at Middleton's -answer. His quest was always in his mind. He had feared -that they might turn back, but now it suited him as well -to join the American army as to go on toward Santa Fé. -The quest was a wide one. But Arenberg suppressed a -sigh.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let's be starting," said Middleton. "We'll take -their arms with us. They're of value, and Bill, -moreover, is without a rifle or musket."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone, who had been examining the weapons, -uttered a cry of joy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here is a fine rifle," he said, "one of the best -American make. I wonder how that Mexican got it! -The rest are not so good."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take the fine one, Bill," said Middleton, "and we -will pack up the rest and ride."</p> -<p class="pnext">They were out of the woods in a few minutes, and -again rode rapidly toward the west. It was an easy task -to pick up the great wagon trail again, even in the dark -of the night, as the grass and soil were trodden or pressed -down over a width of fully two hundred yards. The -country rolled lightly. Bill Breakstone thought that a -range of hills lay toward the north, but in the night they -could not see.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope that we'll overtake Woodfall before day," -said Middleton, "because I've an idea that de Armijo -and the little band with him are not the only Mexicans -hereabouts. He would not come so far North without a -considerable force, and I suspect that it is his intention -to capture our train, with the aid of the Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can beat them off," said Breakstone confidently.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If our people are warned in time," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much harm iss meant," said Arenberg, speaking -for the first time, "but we may keep much from being -done. Our most dangerous enemies before the daylight -comes are the Comanches. They have already learned -from de Armijo that we are here, and it iss like as not -that they are now between us and the train."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton looked at his watch, holding it in the -moon's rays.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is two hours until day," he said, "and the trail -is rapidly growing fresher. We may yet get through -before the ring closes. Ah, there they are now!"</p> -<p class="pnext">A hand's breadth of fire suddenly leaped up in the -north, and burned there like a steady torch. Far in the -east, another but fainter appeared and burned, and a third -leaped up in the south. But when they looked back in -the west they saw none.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fortune rides on our cruppers so far," said Middleton. -"We are on the side of the circle which yet has the -open segment. Push on, my boys!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's knees involuntarily pressed against the side of -his horse, and that strange sensation, like icy water -running down the spine, came again. Those three lights -speaking to one another in the darkness and across great -distances were full of mystery and awe. But he rode -without speech, and he looked most of the time at the -lights, which remained fixed, as if what they said could -not be changed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton, who was in advance, suddenly reined in -his horse, and the others, stopping, also, noticed that just -in front of them a depression ran across the plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's an arroyo or something like it," said Bill -Breakstone, "but the wagons have crossed it anyhow."</p> -<p class="pnext">They followed the trail to the other side and then saw -that it continued almost parallel with the broad gully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why shouldn't we take to the gully?" said Phil. -"It has a smooth bottom, it is wide enough for us, riding -two abreast, and it will give us shelter."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A good idea," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">They turned back into the arroyo, and found an easy -road there. The banks were several feet high, and, as the -dusk still hung on the plain, they increased their speed, -counting each moment worth one man's life. They came -soon to a place where the gully was shallower than usual, -and then they saw two or three faint lights in the plain -before them, apparently about a half mile away. -Middleton raised a warning hand, and they stopped.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Those are the lights of the train," he said. "They -undoubtedly have scouts out, and of course they have seen -the signals of the Comanches and the Mexicans, just as -we have, but they do not know as much as we do. I -think we had better go down the arroyo as far as we can, -and then, if the alarm is sounded by our enemies, gallop -for it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss our choice because there iss none other," said -Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">They continued, but more slowly, in order to make as -little noise as possible. They had covered more than -half the distance when Phil saw a faint line of gray on -the horizon line in the east. The next moment against -the background of gray appeared a horseman, a man of -olive skin, clad in sombrero, bright jacket, embroidered -trousers, and boots with great spurs. He carried a weapon -like a spear, and Phil knew at once that he was a Mexican -lancer, no doubt a sentinel.</p> -<p class="pnext">The man saw them, and, instead of attempting to use -his lance, snatched a pistol from his belt and fired point -blank. The bullet passed by Middleton's face, and, like -a flash, Bill Breakstone replied with a bullet from his -rifle. The Mexican went down, but from three points of -the compass came cries, the shouts of the Mexicans and -the long war whoop of the Comanches.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward for your lives!" cried Middleton, and, dashing -out of the arroyo, they galloped at full speed toward -the wagon train.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-fiery-circle">CHAPTER IX</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE FIERY CIRCLE</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The thin gray light in the east broadened into a bar -as the hoofbeats of the four thundered over the -plain. From left to right came shouts, the yells -of the Indians and the fierce cries of the Mexicans.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bend low," cried Middleton, "and we may escape -their bullets!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil lay almost upon his horse's neck, but it was an -unconscious act. He was thrilling with excitement, as -the four horsemen almost clove the morning mist, and -rode on swift hoofs straight toward the wagon train. -Then came the rattling of rifles and whistling of arrows -from either side. "Ping!" the bullets sang in his ear -and "Ping!" the arrows sang, also. He remembered -afterward that he wished, if he were hit at all, to be hit -by a bullet instead of an arrow; an arrow sticking in -one's flesh would be very cumbersome and painful. But -neither arrow nor bullet struck true. Their ride was too -sudden and swift, and the light too faint to permit good -aim to the Mexicans and Comanches. Yet Phil heard -confused sounds, shouted commands, and the noise of -hurrying feet. He saw dark faces appearing in the mist -on either side, and he also saw the outlines of wagons -through the same mist in front. Then he saw men, rifle -in hand, who seemed to rise out of the plain in front of -the wagons. Two of the men raised their rifles and took -aim at the galloping horsemen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are friends, and we bring you warning!" -shouted Middleton in a tremendous voice. "Don't fire -upon us!"</p> -<p class="pnext">But the men and three others who appeared near them -pulled the trigger. Phil did not hear the ping of the -bullets, and now he realized that they fired not at his -comrades and himself but at those who pursued. A -death-cry and yells of rage came from behind them, but in -another minute they were within the line of sentinels and -were springing from their horses, ready to take their part -in the combat that they expected.</p> -<p class="pnext">All the morning mists were driven away at that -moment by the sun, as if a veil had been lifted, and the -whole plain stood out clear and distinct under a brilliant -sky. Before them were the wagons, drawn up in a circle -in the customary fashion of a camp, the horses and mules -in the center, and the men, arms in hand, forming an -outer ring for the wagons. But from the northeast and -the southeast two lines were converging upon them, and -Phil's heart kindled at the sight.</p> -<p class="pnext">The line in the northeast was made up of red -horsemen, four hundred Comanches, naked to the waist, -horribly painted, and riding knee to knee, the redoubtable -chiefs, Santana and Black Panther, at their head. The -line in the southeast was composed of Mexican cavalry, -lancers splendidly mounted, the blades of their lances and -their embroidered jackets glittering in the sun. They -made their horses prance and cavort, and many in the -first rank whirled lariats in derision.</p> -<p class="pnext">A tall figure strolled forward and welcomed Middleton -and his comrades. It was Woodfall, his face flushed -somewhat, but his manner undaunted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm glad to welcome you back, Mr. Middleton," he -said, "and with your comrades, all of them alive and -well. But what does this mean? Why do those men -ride to attack, when this is the soil of Texas?"</p> -<p class="pnext">He waved his hand toward the advancing Mexican -column.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They advance against us," replied Middleton, "because -this is war, war between the United States and -Mexico--we learned that last night from one of their own -officers--and there have been two heavy battles on the Rio -Grande, both victorious for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was not strange that a sudden cheer burst from the -men who heard these words. Woodfall listened to it -grimly, and, when it died, he said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then if these Mexicans attack, we'll soon have a -third victory to our credit. The Indian bow and the -Mexican lance can't break through a circle of riflemen, -entrenched behind wagons--riflemen who know how to -shoot."</p> -<p class="pnext">Again that defiant, even exultant cheer rose from the -men who heard, and, passing on like a fire in dry grass, -it rolled all around the circle of wagons. The Mexicans -heard it. They detected the defiant note in it, and, -wisely, they checked their speed. The column of Indian -warriors also came more slowly. Philip Bedford, -hardened in so brief a space to danger and war, did not feel -any great fear, but the scene thrilled him like a great -picture painted in living types and colors against the -background of the earth. There were the red horsemen, the -sun deepening the tints of their coppery faces and -bringing out the glowing colors of their war bonnets. To the -southeast the Mexican column, also, was a great ribbon -of light lying across the plain, the broad blades of the -lances catching the sun's rays and throwing them back in -golden beams.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A fine show," said Woodfall, "and if those Mexicans -had two or three cannon they might wipe us out, but -they haven't, and so we're lucky."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think I ought to tell you, Mr. Woodfall," said -Middleton, "that I'm a captain in the regular army, -Captain Middleton, and that I've been making use of -your hospitality to find what forces the enemy had in -these parts, and what movements he was making. I was -sent by our government, and, as you see, I'm finding -what I was sent to find."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I thought there was something military about your -cut, Captain," said Woodfall, "and it seems to me to be -a good thing that you are with us. If we've helped you -without knowing, then you, knowing it, can help us now."</p> -<p class="pnext">The hands of the two men met in the strong clasp of -friendship and trust.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're about to move," said Middleton, who -practically took command. "I suggest that we go inside the -circle of wagons now, and that at least two-thirds of our -men devote their attention to the lancers. The Mexicans -are brave; we must not forget that."</p> -<p class="pnext">They went inside at once, where a few men were -detailed to see that the horses and mules did not make too -great a turmoil, while the rest posted themselves for -defense. The wagons were in reality a formidable barrier -for an attacking force that did not have artillery. The -majority of the Americans lay down under the wagons -between the wheels. Phil was under one of them with -Bill Breakstone on one side of him and Arenberg on the -other. Middleton was elsewhere with Woodfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much harm iss meant," said Arenberg, "and I would -say to you, Philip, although little advice iss needed by -you now, not to fire too soon, and to remember, when you -take aim, to allow for the fact that they are coming -toward us at a gallop."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's right," said Bill Breakstone. "Old Hans, -here, knows."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach," said Arenberg, uttering a sigh, "I love peace, -and I never thought to have a part in cruel Indian and -Mexican battles."</p> -<p class="pnext">It occurred to Phil that the sigh had no reference to the -coming combat. The German's face showed sadness, but -not a trace of fear. He turned his gaze from Arenberg -and fixed it upon the Mexican column which they were -facing. He thought that he saw de Armijo in the front -rank among the officers in brilliant dress, but he was -not sure. The distance was too great. He wondered -whether he would shoot at him, if he saw him later in -the charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sunlight was intensely bright, such as one sees -only on great upland plains, and the Mexican lancers -with their horses stood out, like carving, against the -background of gold and blue. Phil saw the column -suddenly quiver, as if a single movement ran through all. -The lances were lifted a little higher, and their blades -cast broader beams. A flag fluttered in the front rank -and unfolded in the slight wind.</p> -<p class="pnext">The notes of a trumpet sounded high and clear, the -Mexicans uttered a long, fierce shout, the colors shifted -and changed, like water flowing swiftly, as the column -broke into a gallop and came straight toward the wagons, -the plain thundering with the beat of their hoofs. From -another part of the compass came a second cry, higher -pitched, longer drawn, and with more of the whine of the -wolf in it. Phil knew that it came from the Comanches, -who were also charging, led by Black Panther and -Santana, but he did not take his eyes from the Mexicans.</p> -<p class="pnext">The two attacking columns began to fire scattering -shots, but the defenders of the wagons had not yet pulled -a trigger, although many a forefinger was trembling with -eagerness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's pretty, but it's a waste, a dead waste," said Bill -Breakstone. "I hate to shoot at them, because I've no -doubt many a brave young fellow is out there, but we've -got to let them have it. Steady, Phil, steady! They're -coming close now."</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly they heard the loud shout, "Fire!" It was -Middleton who uttered it, and everybody obeyed. A -sheet of flame seemed to spurt from the wagons, and the -air was filled with singing lead. The entire head of the -Mexican column was burnt away. The ground was strewn -with the fallen. Riderless horses, some wounded and -screaming with pain, galloped here and there. The -column stopped and seemed to be wavering. Several -officers, sword in hand--and now Phil was sure that he saw -de Armijo among them--were trying to urge the lancers -on. All the Americans were reloading as fast as they -could, and while the Mexicans yet wavered, they poured -in a second volley. Unable to withstand it, the lancers -broke and fled, bearing the officers away with them in -their panic.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, Bill Breakstone, and Arenberg crawled from -under the wagon and stood on the outside, erect again. -There they contemplated for a few moments the wreck -that they and their comrades had made. From the -Indian point of attack came the sound of retiring shots, and -they knew that the Comanches had been quickly repulsed, -also.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was one of the most foolish things I ever saw," -said Bill Breakstone, "to ride right into the mouths of -long-barreled, well-aimed rifles like ours. Their numbers -didn't help them. What say you, Sir Philip of the Rifle -and the Wagon?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems to me that you're right," replied the boy. -"I don't think they'll charge again, nor will the -Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're right, too; they've had enough."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Mexicans and Comanches, having gathered up -their wounded, united and remained in a dark cloud -beyond rifle shot, apparently intending neither to charge -again nor to go away. But the defenders of the train -were cheerful. They had suffered no loss, being protected -so well, and they were willing enough to meet a second -attack delivered in the same fashion. But Middleton -and Woodfall had hot coffee and tea served, and then -with strong field glasses they observed the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe they are in great doubt," said Middleton. -"They may think they can starve us out, but the -Mexicans will not want to wait for so long a process; it is -likely that they will prefer going southward to join their -main army."</p> -<p class="pnext">He said these words aloud, where many could hear, but -a little while afterward he and Woodfall drew to one side -and talked a long time in low tones. Phil could tell by -their faces that they were very earnest, and he felt sure -that a proposition would be made before long. He called -Breakstone's attention to them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're right," said Bill, "they'll have something to -say soon, and it will concern all of us. Ah, there comes -the Cap--I mean the Captain--now, and he's going to -make a speech."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton sprang upon a wagon tongue, and, standing -very quiet, looked slowly around the circle of defenders, -all of whom bent their eyes upon him. They were a -motley group, Americans mostly, but with a scattering of -a dozen European nationalities among them. The -majority of them were bareheaded, with necks and chests -uncovered, and all were stained black or brown with a -mixture of perspiration, dust, and burnt gunpowder. -The majority of them were young, some but little older -than Phil himself. They looked very curiously at -Middleton as he stood upon the wagon pole. Already all -knew that he was an officer in the regular army. In the -distance hung the dark fringe of Mexicans and Comanches, -but, for the moment, only the sentinels paid -any attention to them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Men," cried Middleton, "you have beaten off the -attack of the Mexicans and the Comanches, and you can -do it again as often as they come! I know that, and so -do you!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He was stopped for a few seconds by a great cheer, -and then he resumed:</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can beat them off, but the road to Santa Fé has -now become impossible. Moreover, the nation with -which we are at war holds Santa Fé, and to go there -would be merely to march into prison or worse. We -can't turn back. You are not willing to go back to New -Orleans, are you?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Never!" they cried in one voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton smiled. He was appealing deftly to the -pride of these men, and he had known the response before -it came.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then if we can neither go on to Santa Fé nor turn -back to New Orleans," he said, "we must either start to -the north or to the south."</p> -<p class="pnext">He was speaking now with the greatest fervor. His -face flushed deeply, and they hung upon his words.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To the north lies the wilderness," he said, "stretching -away for thousands of miles to the Arctic Ocean. To -the south there are plains reaching down to a river, -broad, shallow, and yellow, and somewhere along that -river armies are fighting, armies of our own people and -armies of the Mexicans with whom we are now at war. -Which way shall we go, north or south?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"South!" was roared forth in one tremendous voice. -Again Middleton smiled. Again he had known before -it came the response that would be spoken.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then south it is," he said, "and we make for -Taylor's army on the Rio Grande. You will find there a -better market for what you carry in your wagons than -you would have found at Santa Fé, and you're likely -to find something else, also, that I know you won't -shirk."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fighting!" roared forth that tremendous voice once -more.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, fighting," said Middleton, as he sprang down -from the pole and rejoined Woodfall.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That was clever talk," said Bill Breakstone, "but he -knew his ground before he sowed the seed. These are -just the sort of lads who will be glad to go south to -Taylor, breaking their way through any Mexicans or Indians -who may get across their path.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"He said north</div> -<div class="line">He said south,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">What's the choice?</div> -</div> -<div class="line">We spoke forth,</div> -<div class="line">It was south,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">With one voice.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">And now, unless I'm mightily mistaken, we'll fare -forth upon our journey, as the knights of old would say. -This is a good camp for defense, but not for siege. It -lacks water. You just watch, Phil, and you'll see a -wrinkle or two in plains work worth knowing."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men began to hitch the horses to the wagons, but -they were interrupted in the task by a horseman who rode -forth from the Mexican column, carrying a white handkerchief -on the point of a lance. He was joined by two -Indian chiefs riding on either side of him. Phil instantly -recognized all three. The white man was Pedro de Armijo, -and the Indians were Black Panther and Santana.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They want a big talk," said Bill Breakstone. "I -fear the Greeks bearing gifts, and also a lot of other people -who smile at you while they hold daggers behind their -backs, but I suppose our side will hear what they have to -say."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton and Woodfall were already mounting to -ride forth, and Middleton beckoned to Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come, Phil," he said. "They are three, and we -should be three, also. You can call yourself the secretary -of the meeting if you like."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil sprang eagerly upon his horse, proud of the -privilege and the honor, and rode forth with them. The -Mexican and the two Comanches were coming on slowly -and gravely. Four hundred yards behind them, Mexicans -and Indians, all on horseback, were now gathered in a -broad dark line, sitting motionless and watching. Their -three envoys sat on their horses midway between the -hostile forces, and the three Americans, meeting them there, -stopped face to face. De Armijo looked at Middleton and -smiled slightly, ironically. His bearing was proud, and -was evidently meant to be disdainful. One would have -thought that he was a victor, receiving an embassy about -to sue for peace. Middleton returned his gaze steadfastly, -but his face expressed nothing. He looked once at Phil, -and the boy thought he saw something singular in the -glance, as if he impinged somehow upon the mind of the -Mexican, but in a moment the look of de Armijo passed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have come, Captain Middleton," said the young -Mexican, "to save bloodshed, if you are willing to listen -to reason. You will observe what forces have come -against you. We have here a numerous body of Mexican -cavalry, the finest in the world, and we have also the -flower of the Comanche nation, the bravest of the Indian -warriors. In victory, the Mexicans are humane and merciful, -but the Indian nature is different. Excited and -impassioned, it finds vent in terrible deeds. Therefore, as -you are surrounded and cannot escape, we ask you to -surrender now, and save the lives of your men."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was hard for Phil to restrain an exclamation at this -piece of presumption, but Middleton received it gravely. -His face was still without expression. Nevertheless, his -reply was barbed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your demand seems inopportune, Lieutenant de -Armijo," he replied. "You can scarcely have forgotten, -since it occurred less than an hour ago, the defeat of both -your cavalry and your Comanche allies. Perhaps we are -unduly confident, but we feel that we can do so again, as -often as needed."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo frowned. He glanced at his Indian -comrades. Phil wondered if he had been deceiving them -with promises of what the invincible Mexican lancers -could and would do. But the two savages made no -response. Their coppery faces did not move.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thus, then, is your final answer, Captain Middleton," -said de Armijo.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is," replied Middleton. "It is not the custom -for victors to surrender. So we bid you good day, -Lieutenant de Armijo."</p> -<p class="pnext">As he spoke, he saluted and turned his horse. Woodfall -and Phil saluted and turned with him. The Mexican -returned the salute with a gloved hand, but the Indians -turned stolidly without a sign. Then the two parties -rode away in opposite directions, each to its own men. -Phil dismounted at the wagons, and was met by -Breakstone and Arenberg with eager questions.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What did that yellow Mex. want, Sir Philip of the -Council?" asked Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"As he has just given us such a severe thrashing," -replied Phil, "he demanded our immediate and unconditional -surrender. He said that if we acceded to this -demand only one-tenth of us would be shot, but he made it -a special condition that a renowned scout, sharpshooter, -white warrior, and talker, one William Breakstone, be -shot first and at once, as a terrible example, in the -presence of both victor and vanquished. Immediately after -him one Hans Arenberg, a very dangerous and blood-thirsty -man, was to share the same fate. If we refused -this gentle alternative, we were all to be killed, and then -scalped by the savages."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course, Sir Philip," said Bill Breakstone, -"they've put a just value on me, but I surmise that the -jest doth leap from your nimble tongue. Now the truth!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"De Armijo and the Indian chiefs did really demand -our surrender," said Phil. "They said we could not -escape. They talked as if they were the victors and we -the beaten."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, by my troth, that is a merry jest!" exclaimed -Bill Breakstone. "When do we lay down our arms? Is -it within the next five minutes, or do we even take -fifteen?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"You can surrender if you want to, Bill," said Phil, -"but nobody else has any notion of doing so. The rest, -I think, are going to march southward at once, Mexicans -or no Mexicans, Comanches or no Comanches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well spoken," said Bill Breakstone, "and I will -even help in the march."</p> -<p class="pnext">A roar that might easily have been called a shout of -defiance came from the men of the train, when the story -of the council was told. Then, with increased zeal, they -fell to the work of girding up for the march and battle. -The insolent demand of de Armijo added new fire to their -courage. Cheerful voices arose, the rattle of bridle-bits, -the occasional neigh of a horse, men singing snatches of -song, generally lines from sentimental ballads, and the -clink of bullets as they were counted and dropped into -their pouches. Some of these sounds were of war, but -Phil found the whole effect buoyant and encouraging. -He caught the spirit, and whistled a lilting air as he, too, -worked by the side of Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy soon saw the plan. Gradually the circle of -wagons formed itself into two parallel lines, the noses of -the horses or mules almost touching the rear of the wagon -in front of them. Outside and on either side, but close to -the wagons, rode the armed horsemen, two formidable -lines, who, if hard pressed, could take refuge and shelter -between the parallel rows of wagons. Moreover, the -wagons handled by such cool and skillful men could be turned -in a crisis, and even under fire, into a circle again, with -the animals in the center. Phil understood the arrangement -thoroughly, admired it tremendously, and was sure -that the master mind of Middleton had directed everything. -He glanced at the Mexicans and Comanches. -They were still hovering in a great dark mass about a -thousand yards away, and Phil knew that they were watching -every movement of the Americans with the most -intense curiosity.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton and Woodfall rode to the head of the train. -The loud command: "March!" was given. Every driver -cracked his whip at the same time, the whole making a -report like the sudden crash of many rifles, and the train -began to move slowly across the plain, every armed man -on either side holding his finger on the trigger of his rifle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was just behind Bill Breakstone, and both of them -looked back at the enemy. Phil wondered what the -Mexicans and Comanches would do, but he did not believe they -would allow the train to depart unmolested, despite the -fact that their face had already been well burned. He -saw the hostile columns advance at about an even pace -with the train, but he judged that there was uncertainty -in their ranks. The Americans bore a certain resemblance -to a modern armored train, and such men as de -Armijo, Black Panther, and Santana were wary, despite -their great excess of numbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The train moved forward at a slow but steady pace, -but now its head was turned almost due south instead of -west. Before them rolled the plains as usual, green with -a grass not yet dried by the summer suns. Here and -there appeared strange flowering shrubs, peculiar to the -Texas uplands, but no trees broke the view. The plains -rolled away until they died under the horizon of reddish -gold that seemed an interminable distance away. There -was little sound now but that of the turning wheels, the -creaking of the axles, and the hoofbeats of many scores -of horses and mules. The men were almost completely -silent, and this silence, in itself, was strange, because the -very atmosphere was impregnated with war. At any -moment they might be in deadly conflict; yet they rode -on, saying nothing.</p> -<p class="pnext">Behind them came the Mexicans and Comanches in a -double column, preserving the same distance of about -a thousand yards, they, too, riding in silence, save for -their hoofbeats. The dead evidently had been left as -they fell or put in hasty graves, while the wounded were -carried on horses in the rear. Phil looked back again and -again at this singular pursuit, which, for the present, -seemed no pursuit at all--at least, not hostile. It -reminded him of the silent but tenacious manner in which -wolves followed a great deer. While fearing his antlers -and sharp hoofs, they would hang on and hang on, and -in the end would drag down the quarry. Would that be -the fate of the train?</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's pretty good country for traveling," said Bill -Breakstone cheerily, "and I don't see that anything is -interrupting us. Except that we pass over one swell after -another, the road is smooth and easy. What fine grassy -plains these are, Phil, and look! yonder are antelopes -grazing to the north of us. They've raised their heads to -see, if they can, what we are, and what is that crowd -behind us. They're just eaten up with curiosity."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw the herd of antelope come nearer. They were -on a swell, in black silhouette against a red sun, and they -were exaggerated to three or four times their real size. -Phil was something of a philosopher, and he reflected -that they were safe in the presence of so many men, -because the men were not seeking game, but one another. -The train moved on, and the herd of antelope dropped -behind and out of sight. Still there was no demonstration -from the enemy, who yet came on, in two columns, -at the same distance of about a thousand yards, the -sunlight gleaming on the lances of both Mexicans and -Comanches. It began to seem to Phil as if they would -always continue thus. Nevertheless, it was hard on the -nerves, this incessant watching, as if one were guarding -against a beast that might spring at any moment. Moreover, -their force looked so large. But Phil glanced at the -long-barreled rifles that the men of the train carried. -They had proved far more than a match for muskets and -lances.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Will they attack us?" he asked Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much harm iss meant," replied the German, "but -they will not seek to do it until they think they see a -chance. It iss time only that will tell."</p> -<p class="pnext">The extraordinary march lasted all day. Neither side -committed a single hostile act, and the silence, so far as -the men were concerned, was unbroken. The distance of -about a thousand yards was preserved, but the Mexicans -and Comanches were still there, and it seemed that they -did not intend to be shaken off. About sunset they came -to one of the shallow prairie streams, this time a mere -brook, but with plenty of water for their animals.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here we camp," said Bill Breakstone, and almost -as he spoke Middleton gave the word. One line of -wagons went forward, the other stopped, the two ends joined, -and then they swung around in a circle, with the stream -flowing down the center of the enclosure. It was all done -with so much celerity and so little trouble that the -Mexicans and Comanches seemed to be taken by surprise. A -few of them rode nearer, and some of the Comanches fired -arrows, but they fell far short, and the Americans paid -no attention to them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll take a bite and a drink, Phil," said Bill -Breakstone, "a bite of cold meat and a drink of cold -water."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss good," said Arenberg. "That iss what we -will do."</p> -<p class="pnext">They had no fuel with which to light fires, but there -were lanterns carrying candles in the train, and these were -hung on the sides of the wagons facing the inner ring, -casting a pleasant light on the men as they passed. But -Phil and his two comrades, food in hand, went outside.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hope it won't come on too dark," said Breakstone. -"A thick night is what we've got to dread. If our friends -out there mean to do anything, they'll try it to-night, or -I'm mightily fooled."</p> -<p class="pnext">In the east, where the enemy hung, the twilight had -come already and now both Mexicans and Comanches -were blurring with the darkness. A lance blade or two -gave back a last flash of fire from the setting sun, but in -a few more instants the rays ceased to reach them, and -they sank into the night of the eastern plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Feels damp, and that's bad," said Bill Breakstone. -"Clouds mean a thick night, and a thick night means a -lot of stalking and sniping by those rascals out there. -Well, well, lay on, Macduff, and it won't be we who will -first cry, 'Hold, enough!'"</p> -<p class="pnext">The twilight soon deepened into dark, the wind rose a -little, and, as Breakstone had feared, it brought with it -shifts of rain, light showers only, but cold and very -unpleasant. Only a few of the most hardened slept. All -the others kept vigilant watch about the wagons. Phil, -Breakstone, and Arenberg remained together, and -nothing happened until nearly midnight. Then the mixed -force of the enemy, creeping near, opened fire from every -side, but the American sharpshooters lying down on the -ground replied, firing at the flashes. This combat lasted -nearly half an hour, and it was more spectacular than -dangerous to the defenders.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is drawn out rather long and produces nothing, -Sir Philip of the Midnight, the Wilderness, and the -Rain," said Bill Breakstone, "and with our long range -rifles we have the advantage. They're merely wasting -good lead. Ah, I think I must have got that fellow! I -hope it was one of those sneaking Comanches, and, if -so, he deserves it for keeping me here on the ground in -the rain, when I ought to be snoozing comfortably in a -wagon."</p> -<p class="pnext">He had fired at a flash about a hundred yards away, -and his own fire drew shots from different points. Phil -heard bullets whistling over his head, but, as they were -hugging the earth very closely, he did not feel any great -alarm over such blind shooting.</p> -<p class="pnext">The firing increased a little presently, and now its -effect upon the boy was wholly spectacular. He watched -for the points of flame as one would for fireworks. -Sometimes the flashes looked blue, sometimes yellow, and -sometimes red. At other times they showed variations and -new combinations of all three colors.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Since one has to watch, it's rather pretty, and it -breaks the monotony," said Bill Breakstone. "Now, I -think our little display of fireworks is ceasing."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill was a good prophet, because the firing quickly -sank to a few scattered shots, and then to nothing. After -that, they lay in the darkness and silence for a long time. -Phil was wet and cold, and he longed for a warm blanket -and the shelter of a wagon, but he was not one to flinch. -As long as those two skilled plainsmen, Breakstone and -Arenberg, thought it necessary to remain, he would -remain without a complaint. He also expected that some -other hostile movement would be made.</p> -<p class="pnext">At some late hour of the night the boy heard the rapid -beat of many hoofs, and then a mass of horsemen showed -dimly in the dusk, dark squadrons galloping down upon -the train. But the riflemen were ready. The train -became at once a living circle of fire. A storm of bullets -beat upon the charging horsemen, and fifty yards from -the barrier they halted. There they wavered a few -moments, while wounded horses screamed with pain, then -turned and galloped back as fast as they had come.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the fall of the curtain on the last act," said -Bill Breakstone. "They thought to catch us napping, to -stampede our horses, or to do something else unpleasant -to us that depended on surprise."</p> -<p class="pnext">Nevertheless, they watched all the remainder of the -night, and Phil was devoutly glad when he saw the first -touch of rose in the east, the herald of the new day. -Before them the plain lay clear, except a fallen horse near -by, and there was no sign of the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They have had enough," said Bill Breakstone. -"The darkness offered them their only chance, and now -the sunrise has put them to flight.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Night,</div> -<div class="line">Fight.</div> -<div class="line">Sun,</div> -<div class="line">Done.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"That's a short poem, Phil, one of the shortest that -I've ever composed, but it's highly descriptive, and it's -true."</p> -<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">It was</em> true. Middleton and Woodfall, even when -they searched the entire circle of the horizon with -powerful field glasses, could find no trace of the enemy.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="phil-s-letter">CHAPTER X</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">PHIL'S LETTER</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Now began the great march. The whole train was -filled with an extraordinary animation. South to -Taylor! South to the Rio Grande! South to join -the forlorn hope against the Mexican masses! It -appealed to them more than Santa Fé had ever appealed. -Wild spirits, thrilling with the love of adventure and the -hope of battle, they had before them the story of Texas -and its gallant and victorious stand against overwhelming -numbers. They knew every detail of that desperate and -successful struggle, and they felt that they could do as well. -Indeed, among them were some who had been mere boys -at San Jacinto, and they began to talk of Sam Houston -and that glorious war, of Goliad and of the Alamo, when -the last man fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">But while they talked they worked. In their zeal and -enthusiasm they forgot that not one man in ten had -closed his eyes the night before, and, a half hour after the -brief breakfast was finished, they started again. It was -a long journey, but they were prepared for it, and they -moved steadily onward all through the day. Two or -three times single horsemen were seen through the field -glasses, but they were so far away none could tell whether -they were Indians or Mexicans. Middleton, however, -was firmly convinced that they would not be attacked -again, at least not by the same forces which had been -making so much trouble for them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There isn't much profit in hunting us," he said, -"we are too difficult game, and the hunter has suffered -more damage than the hunted. Moreover, de Armijo will -want to join the main Mexican army near the Rio Grande. -More glory is to be won there, and, if I mistake not, he -is an exceedingly ambitious man. But the Comanches -will leave so formidable a foe to snap up wandering -hunters or small parties."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton's theory seemed probable, but they did not -relax the watch. That night half the men stood guard -until midnight, and the other half until morning. The -whole night passed in complete peace. There was not a -single shot at the sentinels. The only sounds they heard -were the lonesome howls of coyotes far out on the plain. -Phil, Breakstone, and Arenberg were in the first watch, -and they walked back and forth together in a little -segment of the circle about thirty yards from the wagons. -They talked more than usual, as they shared in the general -belief that there would be no further attack, at least, -not yet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night, in truth, was in sharp contrast with the -one that had preceded it. There was no rain and no -wind, the sky was just a peaceful blue, cut by the white -belt of the Milky Way, and with the great stars dancing -in myriad pools of light. Strife and battle seemed far -away and forgotten.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will take us a long time to reach General Taylor -on the Rio Grande or beyond, where he iss likely to be," -said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A couple of months, maybe," said Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And then," continued Arenberg, "we do not know -how long we will have to stay there. We do not know -what great battles we will have to fight, and if we live -through it all it may be a year, two years, until we can -come back into the North."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not so long as that, I think," replied Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil noticed Arenberg's melancholy tone, and once -more he wondered what this man's quest might be. -Evidently it did not lie to the south, for to him alone -the turning from the old course had caused pain. He -could not keep from showing sympathy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I feel that all of us will come back sooner or later, -Mr. Arenberg," he said, "and we will go on in the way -we chose first, and to success."</p> -<p class="pnext">The German put his hand affectionately on the boy's -shoulder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There are no prophets in these days," he said, "but -now and then there iss a prophecy that comes true, and it -may be that our God puts it in the mouth of a boy like -you, instead of that of an older man. You strengthen -my weak faith, Philip."</p> -<p class="pnext">His tone was so solemn and heartfelt that the other -two were silent. Surely the motive that drew Arenberg -into the wilderness was a most powerful one! They could -not doubt it. They walked without saying more until it -was twelve when Bill Breakstone dropped his rifle from -his shoulder with a great sigh of relief.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's just occurred to me that I haven't slept a wink -for thirty-six hours," he said, "and I'm going to make -up for lost time as soon as I can."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Me, too," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much sleep iss meant by me, also," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil concluded to sleep in a wagon that night, and, -in order to enjoy the full luxury of rest, he undressed for -the first time in several days. Then he found a soft place -in some bags of meal, covered himself with a blanket, -and shut his eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had a wonderful sense of safety and comfort. -After so much hardship and danger, this was like a -king's bed, and the royal guards were outside to keep -away harm. It was extraordinary how some sacks of -flour and an army blanket could lull one's senses into -golden ease.</p> -<p class="pnext">He heard a few noises outside, a sentinel exchanging -a word with another, the stamp of a restless horse's hoof, -and then, for the last time, the long, lonesome howl of -the coyote. A minute after that he was asleep. When -he awoke the next day he felt that he was moving. He -heard the cracking of whips and the sound of many -voices. He sprang up, lifted the edge of the wagon -cover, and looked out. There was the whole train, -moving along at its steady, even pace, and a yellow sun, at -least four hours high, was sailing peacefully in blue -heavens. Phil, ashamed of himself, hurried on his clothes -and sprang out of his wagon at the rear. The first man -he saw was Bill Breakstone, who was walking instead of -riding.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill," he exclaimed indignantly, "here I've been -sleeping all the morning, while the rest of you fellows -have been up and doing!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't you worry yourself, Sir Philip of the Wagon -and the Great Sleep," replied Bill Breakstone grinning. -"A good wilderness rover rests when he can, and doesn't -rest when he can't. Now you could rest, and it was the -right thing for you to do. I haven't been up myself -more than half an hour, while Captain Middleton and -Arenberg are still asleep. Now, my merry young sir, I -hope that will satisfy you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It does," replied Phil, his conscience satisfied, "and -between you and me, Bill, it seems to me that we have -come out of our troubles so far mighty well."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We have," replied Bill Breakstone emphatically. -"The curtain has gone down on act one, with honest -and deserving fellows like you and myself on top. Act -two hasn't begun yet, but meanwhile the winds blow -softly, the air is pure, and we'll enjoy ourselves."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you seen anything of our Comanche and Mexican -friends?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not a peep. We're marching in looser order now, -because if they came we'd have ample time to form in -battle array after we saw them."</p> -<p class="pnext">But no enemy appeared that day nor the next day, -and they rode south for many days in peace. Although -eager to reach the Rio Grande as soon as possible, they -were too wise to hurry the animals. The steady, -measured pace was never broken, and they took full rest at -night. They stopped sometimes to kill game and replenish -their supplies of food. They found plenty of buffalo, -and the most skillful of the hunters also secured all the -antelope that they wished. Now and then they crossed a -river that contained fish, and they added to their stores -from these, also.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were now far into the summer, but the grass was -still green, although the heat at times was great, and -rain fell but seldom. The character of the vegetation -changed as they went south. Bill Breakstone defined it -as an increase of thorns. The cactus stood up in strange -shapes on the plain, but along the banks of the creeks -they found many berries that were good to the taste. -Four weeks after the turn to the south they met two -messengers coming from the direction of Santa Fé and bound -for the mouth of the Rio Grande. They were American -soldiers in civilian dress whom Middleton knew, and -with whom it had evidently been a part of his plan to -communicate. He received from them important news, -over which he pondered long, but, some time after the -two men had disappeared under the horizon to the -eastward, he spoke of it to Phil, Breakstone, and Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They have heard much," he said, "but it comes -largely through Mexican channels. It is said that an -American force from one of the Western States is moving -on Santa Fé, and that it is likely to fall into our hands. -It is said, also, that Taylor's advance into Mexico has -been stopped, and that another army under Scott is to go -by sea to Vera Cruz, and thence attempt to capture the -City of Mexico. I don't know! I don't know what it -all means! Can it be possible that Taylor has been beaten -and driven back? But we shall see!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know Taylor can't have been beaten," said Phil; -"but I'll be mighty glad when we reach the Rio Grande -and find out for sure everything that is going on."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"News is contrary,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">But we'll go;</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Our views vary,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">But we'll know.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">Although we'll have to wait a long time about it, as -Texas runs on forever."</p> -<p class="pnext">The tenor of the messages soon spread through the -train, and increased the desire to push on; yet neither -Middleton nor Woodfall deemed it wise to give the -animals too great a task for fear of breaking them down. -Instead, they resolutely maintained their even pace, and -bearing now to the eastward, still sought that Great River -of the North which is greater in history and political -importance than it is in water.</p> -<p class="pnext">The time, despite the anxieties that they all shared, -was not unpleasant to Phil. He enjoyed the free life of -the wilderness and the vast plains. He saw how men -were knitted together by common hardship and common -danger. He knew every man and liked them all; hence, -all liked him. He could never meet one of them in after -life without a throb of emotion, a sense of great -fellowship, and a sudden vivid picture of those days rising -before him. He also learned many things that were of -value. He knew how to mend any part of a wagon, he -understood the troubles of horses, and he could handle a -mule with a tact and skill that were almost uncanny.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose that mules, being by nature contrary -animals, <em class="italics">like</em> Phil," said Bill Breakstone. "I've always -behaved decently toward them, but I never knew one yet -to like me."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You want to treat a mule not like an animal but like -a human being," said Arenberg. "They know more -than most men, anyhow. It iss all in the way you -approach them. I know how it ought to be done, although -I can't always do it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Many such talks beguiled the way. Meanwhile Phil -could fairly feel himself growing in size and strength, -and he longed like the others for the sight of Taylor and -his army. The idea of taking part in a great war thrilled -him, and it might also help him in his search. Meanwhile, -the summer waned, and they were still in Texas. -It seemed that they might ride on forever and yet not -reach that famous Rio Grande. The grass turned brown -on the plains, the nights grew cooler, and two northers -chilled them to the bone. Several times they saw -Comanches hovering like tiny black figures against the -horizon, but they never came near enough for a rifle shot. -Twice they met hunters and scouts who confirmed the -earlier news obtained from the two messengers from the -westward. Taylor, beyond a doubt, had halted a -hundred and fifty or two hundred miles beyond the Rio -Grande. There was even a rumor that he had been -captured. This might or might not be true, but there was -no doubt of the fact that an advance on the City of -Mexico, due southward by land, was no longer intended. -The report that Scott was to lead the army by way of Vera -Cruz was confirmed. Middleton was troubled greatly, as -Phil could see.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't like the looks of this," he confided to his -three most intimate associates, who, of course, were Phil, -Bill Breakstone, and Arenberg. "I can't believe that -Taylor has been taken--he isn't that kind of a man--but -this stripping him of his forces to strengthen Scott will -leave him almost unarmed before a powerful enemy."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw the cogency of his reasoning. Deeply -patriotic, his private motives could not rule him wholly in -the face of such an emergency. He longed with a most -intense longing now for a sight of the Rio Grande. A -great battle often hung in such an even balance that a few -men might turn the scale. The brave and resolute two -hundred with the train were a force not to be despised, -even where thousands were gathered. The leaders, also -felt the impulse. Despite caution and calculation, the -speed of the train was increased. They started a little -earlier every morning, and they stopped a little later -every evening. Yet there were delays. Once they had -a smart skirmish with Mexican guerillas, and once a -Comanche force, which did little but distant firing, held -them three days. Then a large number of their animals, -spent by the long march, fell sick, and they were -compelled to delay again.</p> -<p class="pnext">The summer waned and passed. The grass was quite -dead above ground, although the roots flourished below. -The cactus increased in quantity. Often it pointed long -melancholy arms southward as if to indicate that -misfortune lay that way. The great silence settled about them -again. There were no Indians, no Mexicans, no scouts, -no hunters. Phil's thoughts reverted to his original -quest. One day as he sat in the wagon he took the worn -paper from the inside pocket of his waistcoat and read it -for the thousandth time. He was about to hold it up -and put it back in its resting place, when Bill -Breakstone, seeking an hour or so of rest, sprang into the -wagon, also. It was Phil's first impulse to thrust the -paper quickly out of sight, and Bill Breakstone, with -innate delicacy, pretended not to see, merely settling -himself, with a cheerful word or two, into a comfortable seat. -But Phil's second thought was the exact opposite. He -withheld his hand and opened the worn and soiled paper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is a letter, Bill," he said, "and you've seen it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At a distance," replied Bill Breakstone with assumed -carelessness. "Too far for me to read a word of it. -Love letter of yours, Phil? You're rather young for that -sort of thing. Still, I suppose I'll have to call you Sir -Philip of the Lost Lady and the Broken Heart."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's not that," said Phil. "This letter tells why I -came into the Southwest. Somehow, I've wanted to -keep it to myself, but I don't now. Will you read it, -Bill? It's hard to make out some of the words, but if -you look close you can tell."</p> -<p class="pnext">He reached out the worn piece of paper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not unless you feel that you really want me to read -it," said Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I really want you to do so," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone took the paper in his hands and smoothed -it out. Then he held it up to the light, because the -writing was faded and indistinct, and deciphered:</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"I'm here, Phil, in this stone prison--it must be -some sort of an old Spanish castle, I think, in the -Mexican mountains. We were blindfolded and we traveled -for days, so I can't tell you where I am. But I do know -that we went upward and upward, and, when my shoes -wore out, rocks sharp like steel cut into my feet. We -also crossed many deep gulleys and ravines. I think we -went through a pass. Then we came down into ground -more nearly level. My feet were bleeding. We passed -through a town and we stopped by a well. Then a -woman gave me a cup of water. My throat was parched -with dust. I knew it was a woman by her voice and her -words of pity, spoken in Mexican. Then we came here. -I have been shut up in a cell. I don't know how long, -because I've lost count of time. But I'm here, Phil, -between four narrow walls, with a narrow window that looks -out on a mountainside, where I can see scrub pines and -the thorny cactus. You're growing up now, Phil, and -you may be able to come with friends for me. There's -one here that's kind to me, the old woman who brings -me my food, and she's loaned me a pencil and paper to -write this. I've written the letter, and she's going to -smuggle it away somehow northward into Texas, and then -it may be passed on to you. I'm hoping, Phil, that it -will reach you, wherever you are. If it does I know that -you will try to come. JOHN BEDFORD."</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"Look on the other side," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone turned it over and read the inscription:</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">"<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">To Philip Bedford, Esquire,</em><br /> - "<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Paris,</em><br /> - "<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Kentucky.</em>"</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Tears stood in the boy's eyes, and his hands were -trembling. Breakstone waited quietly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"As you see," said Phil, when he felt that his voice -was steady, "the letter came. It's my brother, John, -who wrote it. A man riding across the country from -Frankfort gave it to me in Paris last year. A -flatboatman had brought it up the Kentucky River from its -mouth at the Ohio, and when he came to Frankfort he -asked if anybody would take it to Paris. A dozen were -ready to do it. The flatboatman--his name was -Simmons, a mountaineer--knew nothing about the letter. -He said it had been given to him at the mouth of the -Ohio by a man on a steamer from New Orleans. The -other man said it had been dropped in front of him on -his table at an inn in New Orleans by a fellow who looked -like a Mexican. He thought at first it was just a scrap -of paper, but when he read it and looked around for the -man, he was gone. He resolved to send the letter on to -me if he could, but he doesn't know how many hands it -had passed through before it reached him. But it's -John's handwriting. I could never mistake it."</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy's voice trembled now, and the tears rose in -his eyes again. Breakstone looked at the paper, turning -it over and over.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The old woman that your brother writes about was -faithful," he said at last. "Likely a dozen men or -women had it before it was dropped on that table in New -Orleans. What was your brother doing in Texas, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"He was older than I, and he went to Texas to help -in the fighting against Mexico. You know there were -raids on both sides long after San Jacinto. You -remember the Mier expedition of the Texans, and there were -others like it. John and his comrades were taken in one -of these, but I don't know exactly which. I have written -letters to all the Texas officials, but none of them know -anything."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And of course you started at once," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course. There was nothing to keep me. We -were only two, and I sold what we had, came down the -Kentucky into the Ohio, and then down the Mississippi -to New Orleans, where I met you and the others. I had -an idea that John had been carried westward, and that I -might learn something about him at Santa Fé, or at least -that Santa Fé might be a good point from which to -undertake a search. It's all guesswork anyway, that is, -mostly, but when de Armijo told us that war had come I -wasn't altogether sorry, because I knew that would take -us down into Mexico, where I would have a better chance -to look for John. What do you think of it, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let me look at the letter again," said Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil handed it back to him, and he read and reread -it, turned it over and over again, looked at the -inscription, "To Philip Bedford, Paris, Kentucky," and then -tried to see writing where none was.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's the old business of a needle in a haystack, -Phil," he said. "We're bound to confess that. We -don't know where this letter was written nor when. -Your brother, as he says, had lost count of time, but he -might have made a stagger at a date."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If he had put down any," said Phil, "it was rubbed -out before it reached me. But I don't think it likely -that he even made a guess. Do you know, Bill, I'm -afraid that maybe, being shut up in a place like that, it -might, after a long time--well, touch his head just a -little. To be shut up in a cell all by yourself for a year, -maybe two years, or even more, is a terrible thing, they -say."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't think that! Don't think it!" said Bill Breakstone -hastily. "The letter doesn't sound as if it were -written by one who was getting just a little bit out of -tune. Besides, I'm thinking it's a wonderful thing that -letter got to you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've thought of that often, myself," exclaimed Phil, -a sudden light shining in his eyes. "This is a message, -a call for help. It comes out of nowhere, so to speak, -out of a hidden stone castle or prison, and in some way -it reaches me, for whom it was intended. It seems to me -that the chances were a million to one against its coming, -but it came. It came! That's the wonderful, the -unforgettable thing! It's an omen, Bill, an omen and a sign. -If this little paper with the few words on it came to me -through stone walls and over thousands of miles, well, I -can go back with it to the one who sent it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">His face was transfigured, and for the time absolute -confidence shone in his eyes. Bill Breakstone, a man of -sympathetic heart, caught the enthusiasm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll find him, Phil! We'll find him," he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Philip Bedford, so long silent about this which lay -nearest to his heart, felt that a torrent of words was -rushing to his lips.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can't tell you, Bill," he said, "how I felt when -that letter was handed to me. Jim Harrington, a farmer -who knew us, brought it over from Frankfort. He was -on his horse when he met me coming down the street, and -he leaned over and handed it to me. Of course he had -read it, as it wasn't in an envelope, and he sat there -on his horse looking at me, while I read it, although I -didn't know that until afterward.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill, I was so glad I couldn't speak for awhile. -We hadn't heard from John in two or three years, and we -were all sure that he was dead. After I read the letter -through, I just stood there, holding it out in my hand -and looking at it. Then I remember coming back to -earth, when Jim Harrington leaned over to me from his -saddle and said: 'Phil, is it genuine?'</p> -<p class="pnext">"'It's real,' I replied, 'I'd know his handwriting -anywhere in the world.'</p> -<p class="pnext">"'What are you going to do, Phil?' he asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'I'm going to start for Mexico to-morrow,' I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'It's a powerful risky undertaking,' he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'I'm going to start for Mexico to-morrow,' I said -again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then from his height on the horse he put his hand -on my head for a moment and said: 'I knew you'd go, -Phil. I know the breed. I was in the War of 1812 with -your father, when we were boys together. You're only a -boy yourself, but you go to Mexico, and I believe you'll -find John.'</p> -<p class="pnext">"So you see, Bill, even at the very start there was one -who believed that I would succeed."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The signs do point that way," admitted Bill Breakstone. -"Every fact is against you, but feeling isn't. -I've lived long enough, Phil, to know that the impossible -happens sometimes, particularly when a fellow is -striving all his might and main to make it happen. -What kind of a fellow was this brother of yours, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The finest in the world," replied Phil. "He raised -me, Bill, as they say up there in Kentucky. He is four -years older than I am, and we were left orphans, young. -He taught me about everything I know, helped me at -school, and then, when I got big enough, we made traps -together, and in the fall and winter caught rabbits. -Then I had a little gun, and he showed me how to shoot -squirrels. We went fishing in the Kentucky often, and -he taught me to ride, too. He was big and strong. -Although only a boy himself, he could throw anybody in all -the towns about there, but he was so good-natured about -it that the men he threw liked him. Then we began to -hear about Texas. Everybody was talking about Texas. -Many were going there, too. It seemed to us the most -wonderful country on earth. John caught the fever. He -was going to make fortunes for both of us. I don't know -how, but he meant to do it. I wasn't big enough to go -with him, but he would send for me later. He went down -the river to New Orleans. I had a letter from him -there, and another from San Antonio, but nothing ever -came after that until this dirty, greasy little piece of -paper dropped out of the skies. It was four years -between."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Four years between!" repeated Bill Breakstone, -"and we don't know what has happened in all that time. -But it seems to me, Phil, that you're right. If this little -piece of paper has come straight out of the dark thousands -of miles to you, then it's going to be a guide to us -back to the place where it started, because, Phil, I'm -going to help you in this. I've got a secret errand of my -own, and I'm not going to tell it to you just yet, but it -can wait. I'm going to see you through, Phil, and we're -going to find that brother John of yours, if we have to rip -open every prison in Mexico."</p> -<p class="pnext">His own eyes were bright now with the light of -enthusiasm, and he held out his hand, which Phil seized. -The fingers of the two were compressed in a strong clasp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's mighty good of you, Bill," said the boy, "to -help me, because this isn't going to be any easy search."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It won't be any search at all for awhile," said Bill -Breakstone, "because a great war is shoving in between. -We are approaching the Rio Grande now, Phil."</p> -<p class="pnext">The summer was now gone, and they were well into -autumn. The train had come a great distance, more -miles than any of them could tell. Cool winds blew -across the Texas uplands, and the nights were often sharp -with cold. Then the fires of cottonwood, dry cactus, or -buffalo chips were very welcome, and it was pleasant to -sit before them and speculate upon what awaited them -on the other side of the Rio Grande. They had passed -beyond the domain of the Comanches, and they were -skirting along the edge of a country that contained -scattered houses of adobe or log cabins--Mexicans in the -former, and Americans in the latter. These were not -combatants, but they were full of news and gossip.</p> -<p class="pnext">There had been a revolution or something like it in -Mexico. The report of the American successes, at the -beginning, was true. Taylor had defeated greatly -superior numbers along the Rio Grande, and, after a severe -battle, had taken Monterey by storm. Then the Mexicans, -wild with rage, partly at their own leaders, had -turned out Paredes, their president, and the famous Santa -Anna had seized the power. Santa Anna, full of energy -and Latin eloquence, was arousing the Mexican nation -against invasion, and great numbers were gathering to -repel the little American armies that had marched across -the vast wilderness to the Mexican border. This news -made Middleton very serious, particularly that about -Santa Anna.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's been called a charlatan, a trickster, cruel, -unscrupulous, and many other things not good," he said -one evening as they sat about a fire, "and probably all -the charges are true, but at the same time he is a man of -great ability. He has intuition, the power to divine the -plans of an opponent, something almost Napoleonic, and -he also has fire and energy. He will be a very dangerous -man to us. He hates us all the more because the Texans -took him at San Jacinto. If I remember rightly, two boys -looking for stray mules found him hiding in the grass -the day after the battle, and brought him in a prisoner. -Such a man as he is not likely to forget such a -humiliation as that."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have seen him with my own eyes," said Arenberg. -"He iss a cruel man but an able one. Much harm iss -meant, and much may be done."</p> -<p class="pnext">That ended the German's comment, and, taking his -pipe, he smoked and listened. But his face, lighted up -by the flames, was sad. It was habitually sad, although -Phil believed that the man was by nature cheery and -optimistic. But Arenberg still kept his secret.</p> -<p class="pnext">They learned, also, that there had been an armistice -between the Americans and the Mexicans, but that Santa -Anna had used all the time for preparations. Then the -negotiations were broken off, and the war was to pass into -a newer and fiercer phase. Taylor was at Saltillo, about -two hundred miles beyond the line, but Scott, who had -been on the Rio Grande some time earlier, had taken -most of his good officers and troops for the invasion by -way of Vera Cruz, and Taylor, with his small remaining -force, was expected to stand on the defensive, even -to retreat to the Rio Grande. Instead of that, he had -advanced boldly into the mountains. Politics, it was -said, had intervened, and Taylor was to be shelved. -Middleton, usually reserved, commented on this to Phil, -Breakstone, and Arenberg, who, he knew, would not -repeat his words.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've no doubt that this news is true," he said, "and -it must be a bitter blow to old Rough and Ready--that's -what we call Taylor in the army. He's served all his life -with zeal and efficiency, and now he's to be put aside, -after beginning a successful and glorious campaign. It's -a great wrong that they're doing to Zachary Taylor."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But we're going to join him anyhow, are we not?" -asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, that's our objective. I should have to do so, -because my original instructions were to report to him, -and they have not been changed. And, with Santa Anna -leading the Mexicans, what our Government expects to -happen at one place may happen at another."</p> -<p class="pnext">The train itself was now in splendid condition. All -the wounded men had fully recovered. The sick horses -and mules were well again. The weather had been good, -game was plentiful, their diet was varied and excellent, -and there was no illness. Moreover, their zeal increased -as they drew near the seat of war, and the reports, some -true, some false, and all lurid, came thick and fast. It -was hard to keep some of them from leaving the train -and going on ahead, but Middleton and Woodfall, by -strenuous efforts, held them in hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">They shifted back now toward the east, and came at -last to the Rio Grande. Phil was riding ahead of the -train, when he caught the first view of it--low banks, an -immense channel, mostly of sand, with water, looking -yellow and dangerous, flowing here and there in two or -three streams. The banks were fringed but sparsely with -trees, and beyond lay Mexico, the Mexico of Cortez and -the Aztecs, the Mexico of gold and romance, and the -Mexico of the lost one whom he had come so far to find.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was one of the most momentous events in Philip -Bedford's life, this view of Mexico, to which he had come -over such a long trail. It was not beautiful, there across -the Rio Grande; it was bare, dark, and dusty, with -rolling hills and the suggestion of mountains far off to the -right. The scant foliage was deep in autumn brown. -Human life there was none. Nothing stirred in the vast -expanse of desolation. The train was so far behind him -that he did not hear the rumbling of the wagon wheels, -and he sat there, horse and rider alike motionless, gazing -into the misty depths of this Mexico which held so much -of mystery and which attracted and repelled at the same -time. Question after question throbbed through his -mind. Would the Americans succeed in penetrating the -mountains that lay beyond? And if so, in what -direction was he to go? Which way should he look! It -seemed so vast, so inscrutable, that he was appalled. -For the first time since he had left that little Paris in -Kentucky he felt despair. Such a search as his was -hopeless, doomed in the beginning. His face turned -gray, his chin sank upon his chest, but then Bill -Breakstone rode up beside him, and his loud, cheery voice -sounded in his ear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, here we are at last, Phil," he exclaimed. -"We've ridden all the way across Texas, and it must -have been a hundred thousand miles. Now we stand, or -rather sit, on the shores of the Rio Grande.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Behold the river!</div> -<div class="line">But I don't quiver.</div> -<div class="line">They call it grand.</div> -<div class="line">It's mostly sand.</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">It's no Mississippi, Phil, but it's a hard stream for an -outfit like ours to cross. I'm glad that Taylor has -already cleared the way. You remember what a fight -we had with the Comanches back at the crossing of that -other and smaller river."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do," said Phil, "but there is nothing here to -oppose us, and doubtless we can make the crossing in -peace."</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="with-the-army">CHAPTER XI</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">WITH THE ARMY</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable -task, and the train could never have accomplished -it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, -but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their -task unhindered. One of the streams was too deep to be -forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed -a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long -poles. The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon -it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep -water. Nor was the task then ended. It usually took six -horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the -sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, -the way having been carefully examined in advance in -order to avoid quicksand.</p> -<p class="pnext">It took three days to build the raft and complete the -passage. Phil had never worked so hard in his life -before. He pushed at wagon wheels and pulled at the -bridles of mules and horses until every bone in him ached, -and he felt as if he never could get his strength again. -But the train was safely across, without the loss of a -weapon or an animal. They were in Mexico, and they -did not deceive themselves about the greatness and -danger of the task that lay before them. Phil felt the -curious effect which the passage over the border from one -country to another usually has on people, especially the -young. It seemed to him that in passing that strip of -muddy river he had come upon a new soil, and into a new -climate--into a new world, in fact. Yet the Texas -shore, in reality, looked exactly like the Mexican, and was -like it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Phil," said Bill Breakstone, "here we are in -Mexico. I'm covered with mud, so are you, and so is -Arenberg. I think it's Texas and Mexico mud mixed, -so suppose we go down, find a clear place in the water, -and get rid of it."</p> -<p class="pnext">They found a cool little pool, an eddy or backwater, -where the water standing over white sand was fairly clear, -and the three, stripping, sprang in. The water was deep, -and Bill plunged and dived and spluttered with great -delight. Phil and Arenberg were not so noisy, but they -found the bath an equal pleasure. It was an overwhelming -luxury to get the sand out of their eyes and ears -and hair, and to feel the cool water on bodies hot with -the ache and grime of three days' hard work.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You'd better make the best of it, Phil," said Breakstone. -"The part of Mexico that we are going into isn't -very strong on water, and maybe you won't get another -bath for a year."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm doing it," said the boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And don't you mind the fact," said Bill Breakstone, -"that the alligators of the Rio Grande, famous for -their size and appetite, like to lie around in lovely cool -pools like this and bite the bare legs of careless boys who -come down to bathe."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt something grasp his right leg and pull hard. -He uttered a yell, and then, putting his hand on -Breakstone's brown head, which was rising to the surface, -convulsively thrust him back under. But Breakstone came -up three yards away, pushed the hair out of his eyes, and -laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm the only alligator that's in the stream," he said, -"but I did give you a scare for a moment. You are -bound to admit that, Sir Philip, Duke of Texas and -Prince of Mexico."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I admit it readily," replied Phil, and, noticing that -Breakstone was now looking the other way, he dived -quietly and ran his finger nails sharply along his comrade's -bare calf. Breakstone leaped almost wholly out of the -water and cried:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Great Heavens, a shark is eating me up!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil came up and said quietly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"There are no sharks in the Rio Grande, Mr. William -Breakstone. You never find sharks up a river hundreds -of miles from the ocean. Now, I did give you a scare -for a moment, you will admit that, will you not, Sir -William of the Shout, the Shark, and the Fright?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I admit it, of course, and now we are even," said -Breakstone. "Give me your hand on it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil promptly reached out his hand, and Breakstone, -seizing it, dragged him under. But Phil, although -surprised, pulled down on Breakstone's hand with all his -might, and Breakstone went under with him. Both came -up spluttering, laughing, and enjoying themselves hugely, -while Arenberg swam calmly to a safe distance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are a big boy, Herr Bill Breakstone," he said. -"You will never grow up."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't want to," replied Bill Breakstone calmly. -"When it makes me happy all through and through just -to be swimming around in a pool of nice cool water, -what's the use of growing up? Answer me that, Hans -Arenberg."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can't," replied the German. "It isn't in me to -give an answer to such a question."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose we've got to go out at last, dress again, -and go back to work," said Breakstone lugubriously. -"It's a hard world for us men, Phil."</p> -<p class="pnext">"One iss not a fish, and, being not a fish," said -Arenberg, "one must go out on dry land some time or -other to rest, and the some time has now come."</p> -<p class="pnext">They swam to land, but Bill Breakstone began to -plead.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let's lie here on the sand and luxuriate for a space, -Sir Philip of the Rio Grande and Count Hans of the -Llano Estacado, which is Spanish for the Staked Plain, -which I have seen more than once," said Bill Breakstone. -"The sand is white, it is clean, and it has been waiting -a long time for us to lie upon it, close our eyes, and -forget everything except that we are happy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss a good idea," said Arenberg. "There are -times when it iss well to be lazy, only most men think it -iss all the time."</p> -<p class="pnext">They stretched themselves out on the white sand and -let the warm sun play upon them, permeating their bodies -and soothing and relaxing every muscle. Phil had not -felt so peaceful in a long time. It had relieved him to -tell the secret of his quest to Breakstone, who, with his -permission, had told it in turn to Middleton and Arenberg, -and now that he was really in Mexico with strong -friends around him he felt that the first great step had -been accomplished. The warm sun felt exceedingly good, -his eyes were closed, and a pleasant darkness veiled them, -a faint murmur, the flowing of the river, came to his -ears, and he floated away with the current.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here! here! Sir Philip of the Sleepy Head, wake up. -It isn't your first duty to go to sleep when you arrive in -Mexico! Besides, it's time we were back at the camp, or -they'll think Santa Anna has got us already! Also, you -need more clothes than you've got on just now!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil sprang up embarrassed, but he saw Arenberg -looking sheepish, also.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You had good company, Sir Philip of the Sleepy -Head," exclaimed Breakstone joyously. "Count Hans, -of the Snore was traveling with you into that unknown -land to which millions have gone and returned, and of -which not one can tell anything."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," said Arenberg. "I confess my weakness."</p> -<p class="pnext">They dressed rapidly, and, refreshed and young again, -ran back to the train. The twilight was now coming, and -the wagons were drawn up in the usual circular formation, -with the animals in the middle, and, outside the circle, -were burning several fires of dry cactus and cottonwood, -around which men were cooking.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just in time for supper," said Bill Breakstone. "I -was a great rover when I was a boy, but my mother said -I took care never to get out of sound of the dinner-bell. -It may be funny, but my appetite is just as good in -Mexico as it was in Texas."</p> -<p class="pnext">They ate strips of bacon, venison, and jerked buffalo, -with a great appetite. They drank coffee and felt -themselves becoming giants in strength. The twilight passed, -and a brilliant moon came out, flooding the plain with -silvery light. Then they saw a horseman coming toward -them, riding directly through the silver flood, black, -gigantic, and sinister.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now what under the sun can that be?" exclaimed -Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You should say what under the moon. It iss more -correct," said Arenberg. "I can tell you, also, that it -iss a white man, although the figure looks black here--I -know by the shape. It iss also an American officer in -uniform. I know it because I saw just then a gleam of -moonlight on his epaulets. He iss coming to inspect us."</p> -<p class="pnext">The approach of the stranger aroused, of course, the -deepest curiosity in everybody, and in a few moments a -crowd gathered to gaze at this man who came on with -such steadiness and assurance. His figure, still -magnified by the moon, out of which he seemed to be riding, -showed now in perfect outline. He carried no rifle, but -they could see the hilt of a sword on his thigh. He wore -a military cap, and the least experienced could no longer -doubt that he was an army officer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He knows that we are friends," said Middleton, "or -he would not come on so boldly. Unless I mistake much, -he sits his horse like a regular officer of the United States -cavalry. That seat was learned only at West Point."</p> -<p class="pnext">The stranger rode out of the magnifying rays. His -horse and himself shrank to their real size. He came -straight to the group, leaped to the ground, and, holding -the bridle in one hand, lifted his cap with the other in -salute. Middleton sprang forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Edgeworth," he exclaimed, "when you came near I -thought it was you, but I scarcely dared to hope."</p> -<p class="pnext">The officer, tall and striking of appearance, with -penetrating gray eyes, seized Middleton's hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And it is you, Middleton," he said. "What a -meeting for two who have not seen each other since they -were at West Point together."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But it's where we both want to be," said Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is so," said Edgeworth with emphasis, "but I -had heard, George, that you were sent on an errand of -uncommon danger, and I had feared--I will not hesitate to -say it to you now--that you would never come back."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton laughed. He was obviously delighted with -this meeting of the comrade of his cadetship. Then -he introduced Woodfall and the others, after which he -asked:</p> -<p class="pnext">"How did you know we were friends, Tom? You -came on as if you were riding to a garden-party."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A scout brought news of you," he replied. "We -have a small force about twenty miles ahead, and I rode -back to meet you, and see what was here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We have some good men," said Woodfall, "and they -are willing to fight. We've come a good many hundreds -of miles for that purpose."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe you," said Edgeworth, running his trained -eyes over the crowd. "A finer body of men I never saw, -and we need you, every one of you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What news?" asked Middleton eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much of it, and all bad. Our government has mixed -the situation badly. We've been steadily strengthening -Scott, and, in the same proportion, we've been weakening -Taylor. There are rumors, I don't know how -authentic--perhaps you have heard them--that Santa Anna is coming -north with a great force to destroy us. Taylor is expected -to retreat rapidly, but he hasn't done it. You know old -Rough and Ready, George."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope to Heaven he won't retreat!" exclaimed Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He hasn't. So far he has advanced," said Edgeworth. -"But I ride back with you in the morning, boys, -and I think great things are going to happen before long. -Besides the men with you, Middleton, we've use for -everything you've got in the wagons. You won't suffer, -Mr. Woodfall."</p> -<p class="pnext">The train moved the next morning an hour earlier -than usual. Wheels were turning before daylight. -Hearts were beating high, and they pushed on at great -speed now, for wagons, until past sunset. In the middle -of the day it was hot, in the evening chill winds blew -down from the crests of distant mountains, but at all -times, morning, noon, and evening, they marched in a -cloud of dust, much of it impregnated with alkali. It -annoyed Phil and his comrades terribly, sifting into nose, -mouth, ears, and eyes, putting a bitter taste on the -palate, and making them long for the sweet waters of the -pool in which they had bathed so luxuriously.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next day was the same; more dust, more alkali, -and the deadly monotony of a treeless and sandy plain. -But that night it was extremely cold. They were -approaching the mountains, the spurs of the Sierra Madre, -and the winds were sharp with the touch of ice and snow. -Winter, also, had come, and in the night ice formed in -the infrequent rivulets on the plain. Now and then they -passed little Mexican villages, mostly of the adobe huts, -with dirt and children strewed about in great quantities. -The children were friendly enough, but the women -scowled, and the men were away. Phil did not find the -villages picturesque or attractive in any sense, and he -was disappointed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope this isn't the best Mexico has to show," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It isn't very inviting," said Bill Breakstone, "you -wouldn't look around here for a Forest of Arden or a -Vale of Vallombrosa, but this is only the introduction to -Mexico. Monterey, which General Taylor took, is a fine -city, and so are others farther down. I've seen a lot of -them myself. Don't you worry, Phil, you'll find enough -to interest you before you get through."</p> -<p class="pnext">They also picked up some wandering scouts and -hunters, who joined them in their march. Several of -these brought news. Taylor was at Saltillo, and his force -was small. The Mexicans were raiding to the very -outskirts of the city, and they looked upon Taylor's army as -already destroyed. The American force of about four -thousand five hundred men contained less than five -hundred regular troops. The others, although good material, -were raw volunteers, very few of whom had been under fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw Middleton and Edgeworth talking together -very anxiously, and he knew that they were full of -apprehensions. It seemed as if Fate itself were playing into -the hands of Santa Anna. Occasionally they saw bands -of Mexican guerillas hovering on the horizon, but they -did not bother with them, keeping straight on for Taylor -and Saltillo. The cold still increased, both day and -night, and the winds that came from the peaks of the -Sierra Madre, now plainly in view, cut to the bone. Phil -was glad to take to the wagons for sleep, and to wrap -himself in double blankets. It was now well into -December, but in two more days they expected to reach Taylor -at Saltillo.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last day of the march came, and every heart in -the train beat high with expectancy. Even the army -officers, Middleton and Edgeworth, trained to suppression of -their emotions, could not restrain their eagerness, and -they, with Woodfall and others, rode on ahead of the -train. Phil, Bill Breakstone, and Arenberg were in this -little group, but the three were at the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil, you were right when you called it a strange -looking land," said Bill Breakstone, "and I'm of the -opinion that we're going to see strange things in it. Our -military friends look none too happy, and as I've eyes -and ears of my own I know we're likely to have lively -times after Christmas. Did you know that Christmas was -not far away, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, I had forgotten all about it," replied Phil, -"but, since you mention it, I remember that it is December. -Ah, what is that shining in the sun straight ahead -of us, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">He pointed with his finger and showed the faintest -red tint under the horizon.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That," replied Breakstone, "is a red tile roof on a -house in Saltillo, and you're the first to see the town. -Good eye, my boy. Now, the others have seen it, also! -Look how they quicken the steps of their horses!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They broke into a gallop as they came into a shallow, -pleasant valley, with green grass, the Northern palms, -clear, flowing water, and many a neat stone house with -its piazzas and patios. The domes of several fine churches -rose into view, and then men in uniforms, rifle in hand, -stood across the road. Phil knew their faces; these men -were never bred in Mexico. Brown they were with the -wind and sun of many days, but the features beneath the -brown were those of the Anglo-Saxons, the Americans of -the North, his own people.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Halt!" came the sharp order from the commander of -the patrol.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton replied for them all, but, as Phil rode -past, he leaned over and said to the bronzed leader of the -patrol:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm here, Jim Harrington. I told you in Paris that -I was coming to Mexico. It's a long road, and you're -ahead of me, but I'm here."</p> -<p class="pnext">The leader, a thick-set, powerful man of fifty-five, -looked up in amazement. At first he had not recognized -Phil under his tan and layer of dust, but now he knew -his voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil Bedford, by all that's wonderful!" he exclaimed. -"I didn't think that you and I would ever -meet in Mexico, but when the call came I couldn't keep -away!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he lowered his tone and asked:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Any news of John?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil shook his head sadly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not a thing," he replied, "but I'm going to find him!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe you will," said Harrington, "but your -search is going to be delayed, Phil. You'll have to wait -for something else that none of us will ever forget. But, -Phil, you've landed among friends. Lots of the boys that -you used to know in Paris and around there are here."</p> -<p class="pnext">As Phil rode on, the truth of Harrington's words was -confirmed. Tan and dust did not keep strong, hearty -voices from hailing him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hey, you, Phil Bedford, where did you come from?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is that old Phil Bedford? Did he drop from the -clouds?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here, Phil, shake hands with an old friend!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He saw more than a score of familiar faces. A -number of these soldiers were almost as young as himself, -and two or three of them were related to him by blood. -He had a great sensation of home, an overpowering -feeling of delight. Despite strangeness and distance, old -friends and kindred were around him. But old friends -did not make him forget his new friends, or think any -less of them. He introduced Middleton, Bill Breakstone, -and Arenberg. Middleton was compelled to hurry to -General Taylor with his report, but the other two -remained and affiliated thoroughly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You camp with us," said Dick Grayson, a distant -cousin of Phil's. "We've got a fine place over here, just -back of the plaza. Lots of Kentuckians here, Phil--in -fact, more from our state than any other. The rest are -mostly from Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and -Louisiana. We haven't got many regulars, but we've -got mighty good artillery, and we're ready to give a good -account of ourselves against anybody. You ought to see -old Rough and Ready. He's as grim as you please. -Just as soon bite a ten-penny nail in two as not. Mad -clean through, and I don't blame him, because he's been -robbed to strengthen Scott."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and his comrades went readily with Grayson. -The wagon train was already scattering through the -encampment, the volunteers taking their places here and -there, while Woodfall and his associates were arranging -for the sale of their available supplies. Phil, Breakstone, -and Arenberg owned their horses, and, leading them with -the bridles over their arms, they walked along with their -new friends. Phil noticed that the town was well built -in the Mexican style, with many handsome houses and -signs of prosperity. The American invaders had harmed -nothing, but their encampment was spread throughout -the city.</p> -<p class="pnext">The group walked by a green little park in which a -small fountain was playing. A young Mexican in sombrero, -gaudy jacket and trousers sat on a stone bench and -idly thrummed a guitar. Several thick-set Mexican -women, balancing on their heads heavy jars of water, -passed placidly by. A small train of burros loaded with -wool walked down another street. There was nothing -save the presence of the soldiers to tell of war. It all -looked like play. Phil spoke of the peaceful appearance -of everything to Dick Grayson. Grayson shrugged his -shoulders.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You cannot tell a thing by its looks in this -country," he said. "Mexicans seem nearly always to be -asleep, but, as a rule, they are not. You don't see many -men about, and it means that they are off with the -guerillas, or that they've gone south to join Santa Anna. -We haven't done any harm here. We've treated the -people in Saltillo a good deal better than their own rulers -often treat them, and we're friendly with the inhabitants, -but Mexicans are bound to stand with Mexicans, just as -Americans stand with Americans. It's natural, and I -don't blame 'em for it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd wager that many a message is carried off to the -enemy by these stolid looking women," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet the town itself showed little hostility. Nevertheless, -Phil could not keep from feeling that it was thoroughly -the enemy of the invader, as was natural. As Bill -Breakstone truly said, information concerning the -Americans was certainly sent to the Mexican leaders. -Everything that the Americans might do in the town would -quickly become known to the enemy, while a veil always -hung before the Mexican troops and preparations. Nevertheless, -the life of the city, save for the reduction in the -number of its adult inhabitants, went on as usual.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the officers occupied houses, but all the men -and younger officers were in tents, either in the open -places of the town or on the outskirts. Phil, Arenberg, -and Breakstone spent that night with Dick Grayson and -others in a little park, where about twenty tents stood. -These were to be their regular quarters for the present, -and, as Middleton had foreseen, the reinforcement was -welcomed eagerly. They ate an abundant supper, and, -the night being cold, afire was built within the ring of the -tents. Here they sat and talked. Besides Dick Grayson, -there were "Tobe" Wentworth, Elijah Jones, Sam -Parsons, and other old friends of Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">As they sat before the cheerful blaze and put their -blankets over their backs to shield themselves from the -bitter mountain winds, they discussed the war and, after -the manner of young troopers, settled it, every one in his -own way and to his own perfect satisfaction. "Tobe" -Wentworth was not an educated youth, but he was a -great talker.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I could a-planned this war," he said, "an' carried -it right out without a break to a finish."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why didn't you do it, then?" asked Dick Grayson.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I did think o' writin' to Washin'ton once," said -Tobe calmly, "an' tellin' them how it ought to be done, -but I reckoned them old fellows would be mighty set in -their ways an' wouldn't take it right. Old men don't like -to be told by us youngsters that they don't know much."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've got a plan, too," said an Indiana youth named -Forsythe.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it?" asked Wentworth scornfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a secret. I ain't ever goin' to tell it to -anybody," said Forsythe. "I've drawed up my will, an' -I've provided that when I die it's to be buried with me, -still unread, folded right over my heart."</p> -<p class="pnext">All laughed, but "Tobe" rejoined:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Sech modesty is becomin' in Hoosiers, all the more -so because it's the first time I ever knowed one of them -to display it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Did you ever hear about that gentleman from Injiany -that went out in the Kentucky Mountains once, drivin' a -fine buggy?" asked Forsythe. "He noticed some big -boys runnin' along behind him. He didn't think much -of it at first, but they kept right behind him mile after -mile, but sayin' nothin' an' offerin' no harm. At last -his curiosity got the better of him, an' he leaned back and -asked: 'Boys, why are you followin' me this way?' Then -the biggest of them boys, a long, lean fellow, -bare-footed and with only one suspender, up and answers: -'Why, stranger, we reckoned we'd run behind an' see how -long it would take for your hind wheels to ketch up with -your front wheels.'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tobe" Wentworth sat calm and unsmiling until the -laughter died. Then he said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Any of you fellers know how the people of Injiany -got the name of Hoosiers? No? Well, I'll tell you. -It's so wild and rough over there, an' them people are so -teetotally ignorant an' so full of curiosity that, whenever -a gentleman from Kentucky crosses the Ohio and goes -along one of their rough roads, up they pop everywhere, -and call out to him: 'Who's yer?' meaning 'Who are -you?' and that started the word Hoosier, which all over -the world to-day means the people from Injiany."</p> -<p class="pnext">When the second laugh died, Bill Breakstone rubbed -his hands together.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I see that I've fallen upon a merry crowd," he said, -"and it is well. The spirit of youth is always -delightful, and it leads to the doing of great things."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You talk like an actor," said Dick Grayson, not as -a criticism, but in tones of admiration.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I talk like an actor," replied Bill Breakstone with -majesty, "because I am one."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You don't say so! You don't mean it!" exclaimed -a dozen voices at once.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am, or, rather, was," replied Bill with dignity, -"although I will admit that I am now engaged in other -pursuits."</p> -<p class="pnext">Most of them still looked at him doubtfully, and Bill, -his honor at stake, became the subject of a sudden -inspiration.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I see that some of you suspect my veracity, which is -natural under the circumstances," he said. "Now, I -said I was an actor, and I'll prove that I'm an actor by -acting."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You don't mean it!" they cried again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I will," said Bill Breakstone firmly. "Moreover, I -will act from a play by the greatest of all writers. -Throw the wood together there and let the blaze spring -up. I want you to see me."</p> -<p class="pnext">A dozen willing hands tossed together the logs which -sent up a swift, high flame. The whole circle was -lighted brightly, and Bill Breakstone stood up. Phil had -never taken seriously his assertion that he had been an -actor, but now he suddenly changed his opinion. He -stood for a few moments in the full blaze of the light, a -tall, slender figure, his face lean and shaven smoothly. -His expression changed absolutely. He seemed wholly -unconscious of the young soldiers about him, of the palms, -or of the stone or adobe houses of the town.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, in a tone of martial fervor he began to recite -scraps from Shakespeare dealing with war and battle, -Macbeth's defiance to Macduff, Richard on the battlefield, -and other of the old familiar passages. But they were -new to most of those about him, and Breakstone himself, -as he afterward said, was stirred that night by an -uncommon fire and spirit. Something greater than he, perhaps -the effect of time and place, seemed to have laid hold of -him. The fire and spirit were communicated to his -audience, which rapidly increased in numbers, although he -did not see it, so deeply was he filled with his own words, -carrying him far back into other lands among the scenes -that he described. The applause rose again and again, -and always he was urged to go on. As he recited for the -sixth time, a thick-set, strong figure appeared at the edge -of the throng, and men at once made way for it. The -figure was that of a man with gray hair, and with a deep -line down either cheek. Breakstone's passing glance -caught the face and divined in an instant his identity. -The applause, the demand for more, rose again, and after -a little hesitation the actor began:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"'My people are with sickness much encumbered</div> -<div class="line">My numbers lessened, and these few I have,</div> -<div class="line">Almost no better than so many French;</div> -<div class="line">Who, when they were in health, I tell the herald,</div> -<div class="line">I thought upon one pair of English legs</div> -<div class="line">Did walk three Frenchmen, yet</div> -<div class="line">Forgive me, God,</div> -<div class="line">That I do brag thus. This poor air of France</div> -<div class="line">Hath blown that voice in me. I must repent,</div> -<div class="line">Go, therefore, tell thy master here I am;</div> -<div class="line">My ransom is this frail and worthless trunk,</div> -<div class="line">My army but a weak and sickly guard--'"</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">He paused a moment, but the man with the gray hair -and lined cheeks still stood in an attitude of deep -attention, and, skipping some of the lines, he continued:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"'If we may pass we will; if we be hindered</div> -<div class="line">We shall your tawny ground with your red blood</div> -<div class="line">Discolor; and so, Montjoy, fare you well,</div> -<div class="line">The sum of all our answer is but this:</div> -<div class="line">We would not seek a battle as we are;</div> -<div class="line">Nor as we are, we say we will not shun it,</div> -<div class="line">So tell your master.'"</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">He sat down amid roars of applause and universal -approval. Did they not know? Mexicans were boasting -already that Taylor would have to surrender to Santa -Anna without a battle. Bill Breakstone stole a glance -toward the place where the gray-haired man had stood, -but he was gone now.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Did you know that old Rough and Ready himself was -listening to you there toward the last?" asked Grayson.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is that so?" replied Breakstone. "Well, I'm not -ashamed of anything that I said, and now, if I've -entertained you boys a little, I'd like to rest awhile. You -don't know how hard that kind of work is, whether your -work be good or bad."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rest he certainly should have. They had found too -great a treasure, these fighting men in a far land, to let -him be spoiled by overwork, and they brought him an -abundance of refreshment, also.</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone drank a cup of light wine made in Saltillo, -as he lay back luxuriously on a pallet in one of the tents. -He felt that he had reason to be satisfied with himself, -and perhaps, he, playing the actor, had seized an -opportunity, and had made it do what might be an important -service in a great campaign.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What was the last piece that you recited?" asked -Grayson. "Somehow it seemed to fit in with our own -situation here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That," replied Breakstone, "was a speech from -King Henry V. He is in France with a small army, and -the French have sent to him to demand his surrender. He -makes the reply that I have just quoted to you."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a thoughtful silence, although they had -known his meaning already, and presently Phil and his -comrades, making themselves comfortable in their tents, -went to sleep. They were formally enrolled among the -Kentucky volunteers the next day, and began their -duties, which consisted chiefly of patrolling. Phil was -among the sentinels stationed the next night on the -outskirts of the city.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-pass-of-angostura">CHAPTER XII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE PASS OF ANGOSTURA</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">It was almost midwinter now in Mexico, and here, in -the northern part of the republic, on the great -plateau, it was cold. Phil more than once had seen the -snow flying, and far away it lay in white sheets on the -peaks of the Sierra Madre. He had obtained a heavy -blanket coat or overcoat from the stores, and he was glad -enough now to pull it closely around him and turn its -collar up about his neck, as he walked back and forth in -the chilly blasts. At each end of his beat he met another -sentinel, a young Kentuckian like himself, and, for the -sake of company, they would exchange a friendly word or -two before they parted.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was dark, and, with the icy winds cutting -him, Phil, after the other sentinel had turned away, felt -more lonesome in this far strange land than he had ever -been before in his life. Everything about him was -unfriendly, the hard volcanic soil upon which he trod, the -shapeless figures of the adobe huts on the outskirts of the -town, and the moaning winds from the Sierra Madre, -which seemed to be more hostile and penetrating than -those of his own country. It was largely imagination, -the effect of his position, but it contained something of -reality, also. It certainly was not fancy alone that -peopled the country about with enemies. An invader is -seldom loved, and it was not fancy at all that created the -night and the cold.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's beat was at the edge of open country, and he -could see a little distance upon a plain. He thought, at -times, that shadowy figures with soundless tread passed -there, but he was never sure. He spoke about it to the -sentinel on his right, and then to the sentinel on his left. -Each in turn watched with him, but then the shadows did -not pass, and he concluded that his fancy was playing -him tricks. Yet he was troubled, and he resolved to -watch with the utmost vigilance. His beat covered a path -leading into the town, while to right and left of him -was very difficult country. It occurred to him that -anybody who wanted to pass would come his way, and he was -resolved that nobody should pass. He examined every -shadow, even if it might be that of a tree moved by the -wind, and he listened to every sound, although it might -be made by some strange Mexican animal.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus the time passed, and the fleeting shadows resolved -themselves into a figure that had substance and that -remained. It took the shape of a man in conical hat and -long Mexican serape. He also carried a large basket on -one arm, and he approached with an appearance of -timidity and hesitation. Phil stepped forward at once, held -up his rifle, and called: "Halt!" The man obeyed -promptly and pointed to the basket, saying something in -Spanish. When Phil looked, he pulled back the cover -and disclosed eggs and dressed chickens.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To sell to the soldiers?" asked the boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The man nodded. Phil could not see his face, which -was hidden by the broad brim of his hat and the folds of -his serape, drawn up around his chin, evidently to fend -off the cold. His surmise was likely enough. The -Americans had made a good market at Saltillo, and the peons -were ready to sell. But he did not like the hour or the -man's stealthy approach.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No come in," he said, trying to use the simplest -words of his language to a foreigner. "Orders! Orders -must be obeyed!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The man pointed again to his basket, as if, being in -doubt, he would urge the value of a welcome.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No come in," repeated Phil. "Go back," and he -pointed toward the woods from which the Mexican had -come.</p> -<p class="pnext">The man hesitated, but he did not go. He turned -again toward Phil, and at that moment the wind lifted a -segment of his wide hat-brim. Phil sprang back in -amazement. Despite the dark, he recognized the features -of de Armijo, who could have come there for no good, -who must have come as a spy or worse.</p> -<p class="pnext">"De Armijo!" he cried, and sprang for him. But -the Mexican was as quick as lightning. He leaped -backward, dropped his basket, and the long blade of a knife -flashed in the air. It cut through the sleeve of Phil's -coat, and the sharp point, with a touch like fire, ran -along his arm. It was well for him that he had put on -the heavy blanket coat that night, or the blade would -have grated on the bone.</p> -<p class="pnext">The pain did not keep Phil from throwing up his rifle, -and de Armijo, seeing that his stroke had not disabled -the boy, wheeled and ran. Phil fired instantly, and saw -de Armijo stagger a little. But in a moment the -Mexican recovered himself and quickly disappeared in the -darkness, although Phil rushed after him. He would -have followed across the plain, but he knew it was his -duty to go no farther, and he came back to meet the other -sentinels, who were running toward him at the sound of -the shot. Phil quickly explained what had occurred, -telling the identity of the man, and adding that he was -crafty and dangerous.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A Mexican officer," said one of them. "No doubt -he was trying to enter the town in order to get more -complete information about us and our plans than they have -yet obtained. He would have remained hidden by day -in some house, and he would have slipped out again at -night when he had learned all that he wanted. You did -a good job, Bedford, when you stopped him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You did more than stop him," said another, who -had brought a small lantern. "You nicked him before -he got away. See, here's a drop of blood, and here's -another, and there's another."</p> -<p class="pnext">They followed the trail of the drops, but it did not -lead far. Evidently the effusion of blood had not been -great. Then one of the men, glancing at Phil rather -curiously, said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"He seems to have touched you up, Bedford. Do you -know that a little stream of blood is running down your -left sleeve?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was not conscious until then that something -moist and warm was dripping upon his hand. In the -excitement of the moment he had forgotten all about the -slash of the knife, but, now that he remembered it, he -felt a sudden weakness. But he hid it from the others, -and it passed in a minute or so.</p> -<p class="pnext">The chief of the patrol ordered him to go back and -report to an officer, and this officer happened to be -Middleton, who was sitting with Edgeworth in one of the -open camps before a small fire. Phil's arm meanwhile -had been bound up, although he found that the cut was -not deep, and would not incapacitate him. Phil saluted -in the new military style that he was acquiring, and of -which he was very proud, and said, in reply to Middleton's -look of inquiry:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have the honor to report, sir, that a spy, a Mexican -officer, tried to pass our lines at the point where I was -stationed. He was disguised as a peon, coming to sell -provisions in our camp. When I stopped him he slashed -at me with his knife, although the wound he inflicted -was but slight, and I, in return, fired at him as he ran. -I hit him, as drops of blood on the ground showed, -although I think his wound, like mine, was slight."</p> -<p class="pnext">Captain Middleton smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come, Phil," he said, "you've done a good deed, so -hop down off your high horse, and tell it in your old, easy -way. Remember that we are still comrades of the plains."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil smiled, too. The official manner was rather hard -and stiff, and it was easier to do as Middleton suggested.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain," he said, "I recognized the man, and it -was one that we've met more than once. It was de Armijo."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, de Armijo!" exclaimed the Captain. "He was -trying to spy upon us. He is high in the Mexican -councils, and his coming here means much. It is lucky, -Phil, that you were the one to stop him, and that you -recognized him. But he did not love you much before, -and he will not love you any more, since you have spilled -some of his blood with a bullet."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know it," replied Phil confidently, "but I feel able -to take care of myself as far as de Armijo is concerned."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You go to your tent and sleep," said Middleton, "and -I'll put another man in your place. You must not get -too much stiffness and soreness in that arm of yours. -You will be likely to need it soon--also, every other arm -that you have."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, not loth, returned to his tent, which he shared -with Breakstone and two or three others. Bill awoke, -and, after listening to a narrative of the occurrence, -dressed and rebound the arm carefully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I agree with the Captain that things are coming to a -head," he said. "When you see a storm bird like de -Armijo around, the storm itself can't be far behind. I'm -glad he didn't get a good whack at you, Phil, but, as it -is, you're so young and so healthy, and your blood is so -pure that it won't give you any trouble. I'll dress it -again to-morrow, and in a few days it will be well."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone's prediction was a good one. In three -or four days Phil's wound was entirely healed, and two or -three days later he could use his arm as well as ever. -The boy, meanwhile, was getting better acquainted with -the troops, and, like his comrades, was becoming -thoroughly a member of the little army. It was reduced now, -by the steady drains to strengthen Scott, to 4,610 men, -of whom less than five hundred were regular troops. But -the volunteers, nearly all from the west and south, little -trained though they might be, were young, hardy, used -to life in the open air, and full of zeal. They had all the -fire and courage of youth, and they did not fear any -number of Mexicans.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the New Year had come, January in its turn had -passed, and the news drifting in from a thousand sources, -like dust from the desert, grew more alarming. The army -organized by Santa Anna at San Luis Potosi was the -largest that had ever been gathered in Mexico, with powerful -artillery and a numerous cavalry. Santa Anna himself -was at his best, drilling, planning, and filling his officers -with his own enthusiasm. In Saltillo itself the people -grew bolder. They openly said that it was time for the -Americans to run if they would save themselves from the -invincible Mexican commander and president. It seemed -to many of the Americans even that it would be wise -to retreat all the way to the Rio Grande, but the old -general, his heart full of bitterness, gave no such order. -He had begun the campaign in victorious fashion, and -then he had been ordered to stop. He had asked to be -allowed to serve as second to Scott in the great campaign -that would go forward from Vera Cruz, and that had been -refused. Then he had asked that more of his troops, -especially the regulars, be left to him, and that, too, had -been refused. He was expected to yield the ground that -he had gained, and retreat in the face of an overwhelming -enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw General Taylor many times in those days. -Any one could see him as he passed about the city and -camp, a gray, silent man, with little military form, a -product of the West and the frontier, to which Phil -himself belonged. It was for that reason, perhaps, that Phil -could enter so thoroughly into the feelings of the general, -a simple, straightforward soldier who believed himself -the victim of politics, a man who felt within him not the -facility for easy and graceful speech and manners, but the -rugged power to do great things. He was very gentle and -kind to his men in these days. The soldier who had -spent a lifetime on the frontier, fighting Indians and -dealing with the roughest of his kind, was now more like -the head of a great family, a band knitted all the more -closely together because they were in a foreign land -confronted by a great danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was picking up Spanish fast, and his youth, perhaps, -caused the people about the city to make more hints, -or maybe threats, to him than they would have made to -an older man. Santa Anna had with him the whole -might of Mexico. He would be before Saltillo in three -days, in two days, to-morrow perhaps. The very air -seemed to the boy to be charged with gunpowder, and he -had his moments of despondency. But he had been -through too much danger already to despair, and he -allowed no one to think that at any time he was -apprehensive.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone was, for the present, the best man in -the army. No other made acquaintances so fast, no other -had such a wonderful flow of cheering words, and he was--or -had been--an actor. To many of these youths who -had never seen a play he must certainly have been the -greatest actor in the world. Nor was he like a prima -donna, to be coaxed, and then to refuse four times out of -five. He recited nearly every evening in front of his tent, -and he did more than any other man to keep the army in -good heart. General Taylor and his second, General -Wool, said nothing, but the younger officers commented -openly and favorably. Thus the last days of January -went by, and they were deep into February. The -menacing reports still came out of the south, and now it was -known definitely that Washington expected Taylor to fall -back. Gloom overspread the young volunteers. They -had not fought their way so far merely to go back, but -orders were orders, and they must be obeyed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Early in the evening Bill Breakstone was reciting -again in front of his tent, and at least two hundred stood -about listening. This time he was reciting with great -fire and vigor his favorite: "Once more unto the breach, -dear friends," and, when he had said it once, there was -a vigorous call for it again. Obligingly he began the -repetition, but when he was midway in it Middleton strode into -the circle and held up his hand. His attitude was so -tense, and his air and manner showed so much suppressed -excitement that every one turned at once from Breakstone -to him. Breakstone himself stopped so short that his -mouth was left wide open, and he, too, gazed at Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lads," said Middleton, "an order, an important -order has just been issued by the commander-in-chief. -You are to prepare at once for breaking camp, and you -are to march at daylight in the morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">Some one uttered a groan, and a bold voice spoke up:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do we retreat all the way to the Rio Grande, or do -we hide somewhere on the way?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The speaker could not be seen from the place where -Middleton stood, nor would the comrades around him -have betrayed him. But Middleton looked in the direction -of the voice, and his figure seemed to swell. Phil, -who was standing near, thought he saw his eyes flicker -with light.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lads," said Middleton, and his voice was full -and thrilling, "we do not retreat all the way to the Rio -Grande, nor do we hide on the way. We do not retreat -at all. We march forward, southward, through the -mountains to meet the enemy."</p> -<p class="pnext">A cheer, sudden, tremendous, and straight from the -heart, burst forth, and it was joined with other cheers -that came from other points in the camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now make it three times three for old Rough and -Ready!" cried Phil in his enthusiasm, and they did it -with zeal and powerful vocal organs. Middleton smiled -and walked on. Immediately everything was haste and -excitement. The men began to pack. Arms and -ammunition were made ready for the march. Youth looked -forward only to victory, thinking little of the risks and -dangers. Breakstone smiled to himself and said under -his breath the words:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"We would not seek a battle as we are,</div> -<div class="line">Nor as we are, we say we will not shun it.</div> -<div class="line">So tell your master.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Old Rough and Ready perhaps does not seek a battle, -but he is willing to go forward and meet it. Ah! these -brave boys! these brave boys!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he turned to Phil and Arenberg, who were -among his tent-mates.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We three must stick together through everything," -he said. "We've lost Middleton for the time, because -he's got to return to his duties as an officer."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What you say iss good," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a bargain," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">They looked to the horses--they were in the cavalry--and -at midnight went to sleep. But they were up before -dawn, still full of energy and enthusiasm. As the sun -cast its first rays on the cold peaks of the Sierra Madre, -they mounted, fully armed and equipped, and marched -out of Saltillo, although Taylor left a strong guard in the -city, wishing to preserve it as a base.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil rode knee to knee with Arenberg and Breakstone, -and the thrill that he had felt the night before, when -Middleton told the news, he felt again this morning. -Horse, foot, and artillery, they were only between four -and five thousand men, but the whole seemed a great -army to the boy. He had never seen so many men under -arms before. Breakstone saw his eye kindling.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are stained by travel and tanned by weather, -but it's fine crowd, just as you think it is, Sir Philip -of Saltillo. Don't you agree with me, Hans, Duke of the -Sierra Madre?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It can fight," said Arenberg briefly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And that's what it has come out to do."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw the people of Saltillo watching them as the -army left the suburbs and moved on toward the -mountains. But the spectators seemed to be silent. Even -the children had little to say. Phil wondered what they -thought in their hearts. He did not doubt that most of -them were sure that this army, or what was left of it, -would come back prisoners of Santa Anna. He was glad -when they left them behind, and henceforth he looked -toward the mountains, which upreared cold peaks in the -chilly sunshine of winter. But the air was dazzlingly -clear and crisp. Pure and fresh, it filled all on that high -plateau with life, and Phil's mood was one that expected -only the best.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are not going to ride straight over those mountains, -are we?" he said to Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," replied Bill, "we feel pretty nearly good -enough for anything, but we will not try any such high -jumping as that. There's a pass. You can't see it from -here, because it's a sort of knife-cut going down deep -into the mountains, and they call it the Pass of -Angostura. We'll be there soon."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was much noise as the army began its march, -friend calling to friend, the exchange of joke and -comment, wagon drivers and cannon drivers shouting to their -horses, and the clanking of arms. But they soon settled -down into a steady sound, all noises fusing into one -made by an army that continued to march but that had -ceased to talk.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil studied the mountains as they came nearer. -They were dark and somber. Their outlines were jagged, -and they had but little forest or verdure. The peaks -seemed to him volcanic, presenting a multitude of sharp -edges.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the sun rose higher, the day grew somewhat warmer, -but it was still full of chill. The horses blew smoke -from their nostrils. Scouts coming out of the passes met -them and repeated that Santa Anna was now advancing -from San Luis Potosi. Nor had rumor exaggerated his -forces. He outnumbered the American army at least five -to one, and his front was covered by a great body of -cavalry under General Minon, one of the best Mexican -leaders.</p> -<p class="pnext">This news quickly traveled through the columns, and -Phil and his friends were among the first to hear it. -Breakstone gazed anxiously at the peaks.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They don't know just how far Santa Anna has come," -he said, "but it's mighty important for us going to the -south to get through that pass before he, coming to the -north, can get through it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll make it," said Phil, with the sanguine faith -of youth. "I don't believe that Santa Anna is yet near -enough to dispute the pass with us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Likely you are right, Sir Philip of the Brave Heart -and the Cheerful Countenance," replied Bill Breakstone. -"But we shall soon see for certain. In another hour we -will enter the defiles."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil said nothing, but rode on with his comrades. -The city had now dropped behind them and was far out -of sight. On their flanks rode scouts who would be -skirmishers if need be. They marched on a level and good -road, and about six miles from Saltillo they passed a -hacienda and tiny village.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What village is that?" asked Phil of some one.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Buena Vista," was the reply.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil heard it almost without noticing, although it was -a reply to his own question. Yet it was a name that he -was destined soon to recall and never to forget. How -often for years and years afterward that name came back -to him at night, syllable by syllable and letter by letter! -Now he rode on, taking no thought of it, and the little -village and hacienda lay behind him, sleeping peacefully -in the sun. His attention was for the mountains, -because they were now entering the defile, the pass of -Angostura, which cuts through the spur thrown out by the -Sierra Madre. This is lofty, and the way narrowed fast. -Nor did the sunlight fall so plentifully there, and the -winds grew colder as they whistled through the pass. -After the brilliant opalescent air of the plain, they -seemed to be riding in a sort of twilight, and Phil felt -his spirits droop. Deeper and deeper they went into the -cut. Above him loomed the mountains, dark and -menacing. Shrub and dwarfed plants clung here and -there in the crannies, but the range was bare, and often it -was distorted into strange shapes, sometimes like that of -the human countenance. The sky showed in a ribbon -above, but it had turned gray, and was somber and -depressing. Behind came the long line of the army, the -wheels of the artillery clanking over the stones.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once or twice Phil thought he saw figures in -sombreros and serapes far up the mountainside, watching -them. Mexicans, no doubt, ready to report to Santa -Anna the advance of the American army. He expected -that some stray shots might be fired down into the pass -by these spies or guerillas, but evidently they had other -business than merely to annoy, and no bullets came.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's horse stumbled, and the boy saved him from a -fall with a quick pull. Arenberg's horse stumbled, also, -and Phil noticed that his own was now walking gingerly -over a path of solid but dark stone, corrugated and broken -into sharp edges. Well might a horse, even one -steel-shod, be careful here! Phil knew it was volcanic rock, -lava that had flowed down ages ago from the crests of the -peaks about them, once volcanoes but extinct long since.</p> -<p class="pnext">His horse stumbled again, but recovered himself -quickly. It certainly was dangerous rock, sometimes -sharp almost like a knifeblade, and the shoes of the -infantry would be cut badly. Cut badly! A sudden -thought sprang up in his brain and refused to be -dislodged. It was one of those lightning ideas, based on -little things, that carry conviction with them through -their very force and swiftness. His free hand went up to -the breast of his coat and clutched the spot beneath -which his brother's letter lay. He had read a hundred -times the words of the captive, telling how his feet had -beer cut by the sharp stone. Lava might be found at -many places in Mexico, but it was along these trails in -Northern Mexico that the fighting bands of Mexicans and -Texans passed. He reasoned with himself for a few -moments, saying that he was foolish, and hoping that he -was not, but the idea remained in his head, and he knew -that it was fixed there. He leaned over and said, in a -husky whisper to Bill Breakstone:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bill, have you noticed it! The rock! The lava! -How it cuts! How it would quickly slice the sole from -the shoe of a captive who had marched far! Bill! Bill, -I say, have you noticed it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone looked in astonishment at his young -comrade, but he was a man of uncommonly quick -perceptions, and in a moment he comprehended.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I understand," he said. "Your brother's letter and -the passage in which he tells of his shoes being cut by -the sharp stone while he was led along blindfolded. He -may have passed along this very road, Phil. It may be. -It may be. I won't say you are wrong."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What if we are near him now!" continued Phil. -"I've often heard you quote those lines, Bill, saying -there are more things in heaven and earth than we dream -of in our philosophy. I told you before that if the letter -could reach me so far away in Kentucky it could also -bring mo to the place where it was written! I believed it -then, Bill, and I believe it now. What if John is here in -these mountains, within forty or fifty miles of us, or -maybe twenty!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady, boy, steady!" said Bill Breakstone soothingly. -"Your guess may be right. God knows I'm not -the one to deny it, but we've got to fight a battle first. -At least, I think so, and for the present we must put our -minds on it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was silent, but his idea possessed him. Often -we dwell upon things so long and we seek so hard to have -them happen in a certain way that the slightest -indication becomes proof. He could not think now of Taylor -or Santa Anna, or of a coming battle, but only of his -brother between four narrow stone walls, sitting at a -narrow window that looked out upon a bleak mountainside. -His horse no longer felt the guiding hand upon the bridle -rein, but guided himself. Breakstone noticed that the -boy's mind was far away, and, his heart full of -sympathy, he said nothing for a long time.</p> -<p class="pnext">They passed after awhile into a narrow valley, down -the center of which ran a dry arroyo, fully twenty feet -deep, with perpendicular banks. The rest of the valley -was crisscrossed with countless gullies worn by winter -storms and floods, and the army was compelled to march -in a slender file in the bed of the arroyo. Here many of -the cavalrymen dismounted and led their horses. The -cannon wheels clanked louder than ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll be glad when we're through this," said Bill -Breakstone. "Seems to me the place was built for a -trap, and it's mighty lucky for us that there's nobody -here to spring it. Look out, Phil, you'd better watch -your horse now! Some of these turnings are pretty -rough, and you don't want a thousand pounds or so of -horseflesh tumbling down upon you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil came back from his visions and devoted himself -to the task before them, one that required the full -attention of every man. An entire battery became stuck in a -gully that intersected the arroyo. He and other cavalrymen -hitched their horses to the guns and helped pull -them out. The whole army was now stumbling and -struggling over the fearful ground. Every effort was -made to save artillery and horses alike from injury. But -as they approached its lower end the Pass of Angostura -became still more difficult. The gullies increased in -number, and many of the deep intersecting ravines ran -far back into the mountains. A swarm of sure-footed -skirmishers on either flank could have done great damage -here to the Americans, but the peaks and the lava slopes -on either side presented only silence and desolation.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a long journey, difficult in the extreme, and -attended by thousands of falls, cuts, and bruises, but the -army came through the Pass of Angostura at last, marching -out upon a series of promontories or ridges, each -about a mile long and perhaps a third of a mile across. -From these the exhausted troops looked back at the -frowning mountains and the deep defile through which -they had come.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That was certainly a job," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Middleton, who stood near, "but what a -place for a defense, the plateau and these promontories -running out from it, and all the ravine and gullies -behind!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It is a matter of chronicle that at least fifty officers -were saying the same words at almost the same time, -and even Phil, without military training, could see the -truth of it. Taylor pushed on to Agua Neva, arriving -there in the evening. But the next morning the reports -of Santa Anna's advance in overwhelming force became -so numerous that he fell back with the main army to the -mouth of the Pass of Angostura, leaving Marshall with his -brave Kentuckians as a rear guard at Agua Neva, and -with instructions to make the utmost resistance if they -were attacked.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next night came on somber and cold. It was the -evening of February 21, 1847, and the next day would be -the birthday of the great Washington, a fact not -forgotten by these young volunteers so far from the states -in which they were born. This was a land totally unlike -their own. Cold black peaks showed in the growing -twilight. Around them were the gullies, the ravines, and -the arroyos, with the sheets of the ancient black lava. It -was like a region that belonged in the far beginning of -time.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great force under Wool, the second in command, was -throwing up intrenchments of earth and rock and fortifying -the heads of the ravines. Lieutenant Washington, with -five heavy guns, was planted in the roadway, or rather -trail, in front of all. Other guns were placed on the -plateau and promontories, and behind guns and parapets -the army went into camp for the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This doesn't look much like Kentucky and the Bluegrass, -does it, Phil?" said Grayson, as they drank their -coffee.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil glanced at the mountains, the crests of which -were now hidden in the darkness, and listened to the cold -wind moaning through the narrow pass by which they had -come. Then he replied:</p> -<p class="pnext">"It doesn't, by a long sight, and I can tell you that -I'm mighty glad I've lots of company here. If I were -alone, I'd feel that the ghosts of the old Aztecs and -Toltecs were surrounding me in the darkness. It's good to -see the fires."</p> -<p class="pnext">Many fires had been lighted, mostly in the ravines, -where they were sheltered from the wind, but Phil had no -doubt that the scouts of Santa Anna saw points of light -at the mouth of the pass. After his supper he stood upon -one of the promontories and strove to pierce the darkness -to the south. But he could see nothing. The night -hung an opaque veil over the lower country.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-wind-of-the-desert">CHAPTER XIII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">A WIND OF THE DESERT</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Although many of the soldiers, the more -hardened, had lain down to sleep, Phil did not feel -that he could close his eyes. Too many deep -emotions stirred his soul. He felt that he was at the -verge of a great event, one in which he was to take a part -to the full extent of his strength and courage, and there, -too, was the sign of the lava, always coming back, -always persisting. He might reason with himself and -call himself foolish, but he could not dispossess his -mind of the idea that it was an omen to show him that -he was upon the trail by which that letter had come so -vast a distance to him in the little town of Paris.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every nerve in the boy was astir. He walked back -and forth on one of the promontories, looking at the -mountains which now in the darkness had become black -and full of threats, and trying in vain to soothe and quiet -himself so he could lie down like the others and take -the rest and forgetfulness that all men need before going -into battle. While he was there, Middleton called to him:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come, Phil," he said, reverting to his old manner of -comradeship, "you ride with us to-night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ride to-night!" replied Phil. "Where?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"To the south, to meet Santa Anna. I am ordered -to take thirty men and keep going until I come into touch -with the enemy. I am to have thirty men of my choice, -and you, Breakstone, and Arenberg were the first three -that I named. You don't have to go unless you wish."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But I wish!" exclaimed Phil earnestly. "Don't -think I'm unwilling, Captain! Don't think it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't," he said. "I knew that you would be keen -for it. Saddle your horse and look to your arms. We -ride in five minutes."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was ready in three, and the thirty troopers rode -silently down one of the ravines and into the lower -country. Phil looked back and saw the fires of the camp, -mere red, yellow, and pink dots of flame. The mountains -themselves were fused into a solid mass of black. -The troop, arrow headed in shape, with Middleton at the -point of the shaft, and Phil, Breakstone, and Arenberg -close behind him, rode in silence save for the beat of -their horses' hoofs. The wind here did not moan like -that in the pass, but it seemed to Phil to be colder, and -it had an edge of fine particles that stung his cheeks and -eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was bright enough to allow of fairly swift -riding, and the ground was no longer cut and gullied as -at the mouth of the pass. Hence the troopers were not -compelled to devote their whole attention to their horses -and they could watch the country for sign of an enemy. -But they did not yet see any such sign. Phil knew that -they were on the road, leading southward to Santa Anna, -and he felt sure that if they kept upon it they must soon -come upon the Mexican army. Yet the silence and -desolation were complete here. The pass had been weird -and somber to the full, but there they had thousands of -comrades, and the fires in the ravines had been cheering. -Now the unlit darkness was all about them, and it still -had that surcharged quality that it had borne for Phil -when in the pass. Nor did the fine dust cease to sting -his face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it, Bill?" he asked. "Where does it come -from, this dust?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a wind of the desert that stings us, Phil," -replied Breakstone. "It comes vast distances, and I think, -too, that it brings some of the fine dust ground off the -surface of the lava. Its effect is curious. It's like burnt -gunpowder in the nostrils. It seems to heat the inside, too."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It makes me feel that way," said Phil, "and it -seems to be always urging us on."</p> -<p class="pnext">"An irritant, as it were," said Breakstone, "but I -don't think we need it. The event itself is enough to -keep us all on edge. Feel cold, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, I've got a pair of buckskin gauntlets. Fine -thing for riding on nights like this."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So have I. But the night is cold, though. Now -we're always thinking of warm weather in Mexico, but -we never find a country what we expect it to be. Ah, -we're leaving the road. The Captain must think there is -something not far ahead."</p> -<p class="pnext">They turned at a sharp angle from the road, and -entered a thin forest. Phil looked back toward the mouth -of the pass from which they had come. Everything there -was behind an impenetrable black veil. The last point of -fire had died, and the mountains themselves were hidden. -But he took only a single backward look. The wind of -the desert was still stinging his face, and it seemed to -arouse him to uncommon fire and energy. His whole -attention was concentrated upon their task, and he was -eager to distinguish himself in some way. But he neither -heard nor saw anything unusual.</p> -<p class="pnext">They proceeded slowly through the forest, seeking to -prevent all but the least possible noise, and came -presently to a field in which Indian corn seemed to have -grown. But it was bare now, save for the dead stalks -that lay upon the ground, and here the troop spread out, -riding almost in a single line.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Phil, keen of eye and watchful, who first saw a -dim red tint under the far southern horizon, and he at -once called Middleton's attention. The Captain halted -them instantly, and his gaze followed the line of Phil's -pointing finger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is Santa Anna's army," he said, "and you, Phil, -have the honor of locating it first. The dim band of -light which you pointed out is made by their camp fires, -which are many. We need not try to conceal that fact -from ourselves."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We take a nearer view, do we not, Captain?" asked -Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course," replied Middleton, "but be cautious, all -of you. It is important to see, but it is equally -important to get back to General Taylor with the tale our eyes -may tell."</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode forward again in a long and silent line. -Phil's heart began to throb. The desert wind was still -stinging his face with the fine impalpable dust that -seemed to excite every nerve. As they advanced, the red -tint on the southern horizon broadened and deepened. It -was apparent that it stretched far to east and west.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss a great army, and it means much harm," said -Arenberg softly, more to himself than to anybody else.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer rode the bold horsemen, stopping -often to watch for the Mexican lancers who would surely -be in advance of the army, beating up the country, -despite the darkness, but they did not yet see any. They -rode on so far that they heard the occasional sound of a -trumpet in the Mexican camp, and the fires no longer -presented a solid line.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain," asked Bill Breakstone, "what do you think -the sound of those trumpets means at an hour like this?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not sure, Bill," replied Middleton, "but it -must signify some movement. The Mexicans, like many -other people, love color and parade and sound, but they -would scarcely be indulging in such things at midnight -just for their own sakes. It is some plan. Santa Anna -is a man of great energy and initiative. But we must -discover what it is. That is what we came for."</p> -<p class="pnext">The advance was renewed, although they went slowly, -guarding as well as they could against the least possible -sound from their horses. They were now so near that -they could see figures passing before the fires, and the -dark outline of tents. They also heard the hum of many -voices, the tread of hoofs by hundreds, and the jingling -of many, spurs and bridle bits. Phil watched almost -breathless, and the desert wind still blew on his face, -stirring him with its fine, impalpable powder, and adding -new fire to the fire that already burned in his veins. And -Phil saw that Middleton shared in this excited interest. -The officer's gloved hand on his bridle rein quivered with -eagerness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yet a little nearer, my lads," he whispered. "We -must risk everything to find out what Santa Anna is -intending at so late an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">Screened by a narrow thicket of strange, cactuslike -plants, they rode so close that they could see between the -leaves and thorns directly into the camp. Here they sat -on motionless horses, but Phil heard a deep "Ah!" pass -between Middleton's closed teeth. The boy himself had -experience and judgment enough to know now what was -going forward. All this jingling of bits and spurs meant -the gathering of the Mexican cavalry. The Mexican -camp fires burned along a front that seemed interminable, -and also scores of torches were held aloft to guide in the -work that was now being done.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw the Mexican horsemen wheel out by hundreds, -until there was a great compact body of perhaps two -thousand men, gaudily dressed, well mounted, and riding -splendidly. Many carried rifles or muskets, but there -were at least a thousand lancers, the blades of their long -weapons gleaming in the firelight. Officers in gorgeous -uniforms were at their head. Presently the trumpet blew -again, and the great force of cavalry under General -Minon began to move.</p> -<p class="pnext">"An advance at midnight," breathed Middleton, but -Phil heard him. "And there go infantry behind them. -It is an attack in force. I have it! I have it! They are -going toward Agua Neva. Santa Anna thinks that our -whole army is there, and probably he believes he can get -in our rear and cut us off. Then he'll compress us -between his vast numbers as if we were in the jaws of a -vise."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he added, in a slightly louder tone:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come, my lads, we ride to Agua Neva, but we must -be as careful as ever. We know now what our task is, -and we will do it."</p> -<p class="pnext">They turned and rode away. Fortune was with them. -No horse neighed. Perhaps the sound of their hoofs -might have been heard now, had it not been for the great -Mexican column marching toward Agua Neva, where the -rear guard under Marshall was hurrying the stores, that -had been left there, northward to Taylor. Middleton -swung his little troop to one side, until they were well -beyond the hearing of Minon's cavalry.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There can no longer be any doubt that they are -heading for Agua Neva," he said, "and we must beat them -there, no matter what happens. Ride, boys, ride!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They broke into a gallop, sweeping in a long line -across some open fields, riding straight for a few points -of light behind which they knew was Agua Neva. They -were now well ahead of the great column, and Middleton -took the chance of meeting any stray band of Mexican -scouts and skirmishers. They did meet such a band, -but it was small, and, when the Mexican hail was -answered with a shout in a foreign tongue, it quickly -scattered and gave the Americans free passage. A few shots -were fired, but nobody in Middleton's troop was touched, -and none in the other. Without breaking line the -Americans rode on. The lights grew clearer and increased in -number. In a few moments they clattered down on Agua -Neva, and ready sentinels, rifle in hand, halted them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Friends!" cried Middleton. "I am Captain Middleton, -with scouts from General Taylor. I must see -your commander at once!"</p> -<p class="pnext">But Marshall was there as he spoke, and Middleton -exclaimed in short words, surcharged with emphasis and -earnestness:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Santa Anna is coming down upon you! We have -seen his cavalry marching, and the infantry are behind -them! They will soon be here! They must think that -our whole army is in Agua Neva, and evidently they -intend to surround it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," said Marshall calmly. "Most of the -wagons are already on the way to the pass. We cover -their retreat, and the General told us to hold on here as -long as we could. We mean to do it. Are you with us, -Captain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Certainly," replied Captain Middleton briefly. -"You can depend on us to the last."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Minon's cavalry must be coming now," said Marshall. -"It seems to me that I hear the tread of many -horsemen."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is they," said Middleton. Marshall's men and -his then fell back toward the little town. They were only -a few hundred in number, but they had no idea of retreating -without a fight. They were posted behind some stone -walls, hedges, and a few scattered houses. The last of -the wagons loaded with stores were rumbling away -northward toward the Pass of Angostura.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil sat on his horse behind a stone wall, and all was -silence along the line. The wind still blew, and stung -his face with the dust of the desert. His heart throbbed -and throbbed. He saw Middleton open his watch, hold -it close to his face in order that he might see the hands -in the moonlight, and then shut it with a little snap.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Midnight exactly," he said, "and here they come!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The heavy tread of many men was now in their ears, -and the lances gleamed in the moonlight, as the great -Mexican force swung into the open space about the little -town. They came on swiftly and full of ardor, but a -sheet of fire blazed in their faces. The long rifles of the -Americans were well aimed, despite the night--they could -scarcely miss such a mass--and horses and riders went -down together.</p> -<p class="pnext">While they were still in confusion, Marshall's little -force loaded and fired again. A terrible uproar ensued. -Men groaned or shouted, horses neighed with fright or -screamed with pain. Many of them ran riderless between -the combatants. Phil heard the Mexican officers shouting -orders and many strange curses. Smoke arose and -permeated the night air already charged with the dust of the -desert. The Mexicans fired almost at random in the -darkness, but they were many, and the bullets flying in -showers were bound to strike somebody. Two or three -Americans dropped slain from their horses, or, on foot, -died where they were struck, behind the walls. The -Mexicans in a vast half circle still advanced. Marshall -and Middleton conferred briefly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How many men have you?" asked Marshall.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thirty."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have about fifty more cavalrymen. Take them and -charge with all your might. They may think in the -darkness that you have a thousand."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come!" said Middleton to his men, and he and the -eighty rode out into the open. They paused there only an -instant, because the great half circle of the Mexicans was -still advancing. Phil, in the moonlight, saw the enemy -very distinctly, the lances and escopetas, the tall conical -hats with wide brims, and the dark faces under them. -Then, at the command of Middleton, they fired their rifles -and galloped straight at the foe.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil could never give any details of that wild moment. -He was conscious of a sudden surge of the blood, the -thudding of hoofs, the blades of lances almost in his face, -fierce, dark eyes glaring into his own, and then they -struck. The impact was accompanied by the flashing of -sabers, the falling of men and horses, shouts and groans, -while the smoke from the firing to the right and left of -them drifted in their faces.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt a shock as his horse struck that of a Mexican -lancer. The lance-blade flashed past his face, and it felt -cold on his cheek as it passed, but it did not touch him. -The Mexican's horse went down before the impact of his, -and he saw that the whole troop, although a few saddles -were emptied, had crashed through the Mexican line. -They had cut it apart like a knife through cheese. While -the Mexicans were yet reeling from the shock, Middleton, -a born cavalry leader, wheeled his men about, and they -charged back through the Mexican line at another point. -The second passage was easier than the first, because -Minon's men had been thrown into disorder, yet it was -not made without wounds. Phil was slightly grazed in -the side by a bullet, and a lance had torn his coat on his -shoulder. If the cloth had not given way he would have -been thrown from the saddle. As it was, he nearly -dropped his rifle, but he managed to retain both seat and -weapon.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right!" shouted a voice in his ear. It was that -of Breakstone, who was watching over him like a father.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," returned Phil confidently, and then they -were back with Marshall's men, all but a dozen, who -would ride no more.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good work," said Marshall to Middleton. "That -startled them. They will ride back a little, and our -riflemen, too, are doing almost as good work in the -moonlight as they could in the sunlight."</p> -<p class="pnext">The blood was pounding so heavily in Phil's ears after -the double charge that he did not realize until then that -the heavy firing had never ceased. The little American -force reloaded and pulled the trigger so quickly that the -volume of their firing gave the effect of numbers three -or four times that of the real. The darkness, too, helped -the illusion, and the Southerners and Westerners replied -to the shouts of the Mexicans with resounding cheers of -their own. An officer galloped up, and Phil heard him -shout to Marshall above the crash of the firing:</p> -<p class="pnext">"The last of the wagons is beyond the range of fire!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good," said Marshall. "Now we, too, must fall -back. The moment they discover how few we are they -can wrap us in a coil that we cannot break. But we'll -fight them while they follow us."</p> -<p class="pnext">The little force was drawn in skillfully, and the -horsemen on either flank began to retire from Agua Neva. The -Mexicans, urged by Minon, Torrejon, Ampudia, and -Santa Anna himself, pushed hard against the retiring -force, seeking either to capture or destroy it. More than -once they threatened to enfold it with their long columns, -but here the horsemen, spreading out, held them off, and -the long range rifles of the Americans were weapons that -the Mexicans dreaded. As on many another battlefield, -the Westerners and Southerners, trained from their -boyhood to marksmanship, fired with terrible accuracy. The -moonlight, now that their eyes had grown used to it, was -enough for them. Their firing, as the slow retreat -northward toward the Pass of Angostura went on, never ceased, -and their path was marked by a long trail of their fallen -foes. Santa Anna and his generals sought in vain to -flank them, but the darkness was against the greater force. -It was not easy to combine and make use of numbers -when only moonlight served. Regiments were likely to -fire into one another, but the small compact body of the -Americans kept easily in touch, and they retreated -practically in one great hollow square blazing with fire on -every side. "Hold on as long as you can," Taylor had -said to Marshall, but Marshall, in the face of twenty to -one, held on longer than any one had dreamed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Santa Anna had expected to get his great cavalry force -in the rear of Taylor at Agua Neva, but at midnight, -finding Taylor not there and only a small detachment left, he -had hoped to capture or destroy that in a few minutes. -Instead, half his army was fighting a most desperate rear -guard action with a few hundred men, and every second -Marshall saved was precious to the commander back there -at the Pass of Angostura.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was grazed by another bullet, and his horse was -stung once. Arenberg was slightly wounded, but -Breakstone was untouched, and the three still kept close -together. The boy could not take note of the passage of -time. It seemed to him that they had been fighting for -hours as they gave way slowly before the huge mass of -the Mexican army. Great clouds of smoke from the firing -had turned the moonlight to a darker quality. Now and -then it drifted in such quantities that the moon was -wholly obscured, and then it was to the advantage of the -Americans, who could fire from their hollow square in -every direction, and be sure that they hit no friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">They had now left the town far behind and were well -on the way to the Pass. Phil noticed that the fire of the -Mexicans was slackening. Evidently Santa Anna had -begun to believe that it would not pay to follow up any -longer a rear guard that stung so hard and so often. -This certainly was the belief of Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The pursuit is dying," he said, "not because they -don't want us, but because our price is too high.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">It is not right</div> -<div class="line">To fight at night</div> -<div class="line">Unless you know</div> -<div class="line">Right well your foe.</div> -<div class="line">The darkness cumbers</div> -<div class="line">Him with numbers;</div> -<div class="line">The few steal away,</div> -<div class="line">And are gone at day.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"My verse is a little ragged this time, Phil, but it is -made in the heat of action, and it at least tells a true -tale. See how their fire is sinking! The flashes stop to -the right, they stop to the left, and they will soon stop in -the center. It's a great night, Phil, for Marshall and his -men. They were ordered to do big things, and they've -filled the order twice over. And we came into it, too, -Phil, don't forget that! There, they've stopped entirely, -as I told you they would!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The firing along Santa Anna's front ceased abruptly, -and as the retreat continued slowly the columns of the -Mexican army were lost in the darkness. No lance heads -glittered, and the bugles no longer called the men to -action. Bill Breakstone had spoken truly. Santa Anna -found the rear guard too tough for him to handle in the -darkness, and stopped for the rest of the night. When -assured of this, Marshall ordered his little force to halt, -while they took stock of the wounded and dressed their -hurts as best they could at such a hurried moment. Then -they resumed their march for the pass, with the wagons -that they had defended so well lumbering on ahead.</p> -<p class="pnext">After the exertion of so much physical or mental -energy the men rode or walked in silence. Phil was -surprised to find that his hands and face were wet with -perspiration, and he knew then that his face must be black -with burnt gunpowder. But he felt cold presently, as the -chill night wind penetrated a body relaxed after so great -an effort. Then he took the blanket roll from his saddle -and wrapped it around him. Breakstone and Arenberg -had already done the same. Looking back, Phil saw a -few lights twinkling where the Mexicans had lighted their -new camp fires, but no sound came from that point. -Yet, as of old, the desert wind blew, and the fine dust -borne on its edge stung his face, and brought to his -nostrils an odor like that of battle. Under its influence he -was still ready for combat. He gloried in the achievement -of this little division in which he had a part, and -it gave him strength and courage for the greater struggle, -by far, that was coming. Breakstone shared in his -pleasure, and talked lightly in his usual fashion, but -Arenberg was sober and very thoughtful.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, we burnt old Santa Anna's face for him, if we -did do it in the dark," said Bill, "and we can do it in -daylight, too."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But did you see his numbers?" said Arenberg. -"Remember how vast was his camp, and with what a -great force he attacked us at Agua Neva. Ach, I fear me -for the boys who are so far from their home, the lads of -Kentucky and Illinois and the others!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't be downhearted, Hans, old boy," said Breakstone -with genuine feeling. "I know you have things on -your mind--though I don't ask you what they are--that -keep you from being cheerful, but don't forget that we've -the habit of victory. Our boys are Bonaparte's soldiers -in the campaign of Italy, they don't mean to be beaten, -and they don't get beaten. And you can put that in your -pipe, too, and smoke it, Sir Philip of the Horse Battle -and the Night Retreat. Look, we're approaching the -Pass. See the lights come out one by one. Don't the -lights of a friend look good?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil agreed with him. It was a satisfying thing to -come safely out of a battle in which they had done what -they had wanted to do, and return to their own army. -It was now nearly morning, but the troops still marched, -while the last wagons rumbled on ahead. Scouts came -forward to hail them and to greet them warmly when -they found that they were friends. There was exultation, -too, when they heard the news of the fine fight that the -little division had given to Santa Anna. Lieutenant -Washington, who was in charge of the division that -commanded the road, met Middleton and Marshall a hundred -yards from the mouths of his guns, and Phil heard them -talking. General Taylor had not yet returned from -Saltillo, where he had gone to strengthen and fortify the -division at that place, as he greatly feared a flank movement -of Santa Anna around the mountain to seize the town and -cut him off.</p> -<p class="pnext">Wool, meanwhile, was in command, and he listened -to the reports of Marshall and Middleton, commending -them highly for the splendid resistance that they had -offered to overwhelming numbers. Phil gathered from -their tone, although it was only confirmation of a fact that -he knew already, that their little force was in desperate -case, indeed. Never before had the omens seemed so dark -for an American army. For in a desolate and gloomy -country, with every inhabitant an enemy and spy upon -them, with an army outnumbering them five to one -approaching, brave men might well despair.</p> -<p class="pnext">It struck Phil with sudden force that the odds could -be too great after all, and that he might never finish his -quest. In another hour or two he might see his last -sunrise. He shook himself fiercely, told himself that he was -foolish and weak, and then rode toward the pass. They -tethered their horses on the edge of the plateau, and at -the advice of Middleton all sought sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the boy's nerves were yet keyed too highly for -relaxation. His weary body was resting, but his heart still -throbbed. He saw the sentinels walking back and forth. -He saw the dark shapes of cannon posted on the promontories, -and above them the mountains darker and yet more -somber. Several fires still burned in the ravines, and the -officers sat about them talking, but most of the army slept. -As Phil lay on the earth he heard the wind moaning -behind him as it swept up the pass, but it still touched -his face with the fine impalpable dust that stung like hot -sand, and that seemed to him to be an omen and a -presage. He lay a long time staring into the blackness -in the direction in which Santa Anna's army now lay, -where he and his comrades had fought such a good fight -at midnight. He saw nothing there with his real eye, -but with his mind's eye he beheld the vast preparations, -the advance of the horsemen, and the flashing of thousands -of lances in the brilliant light.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the morning sun was showing over the ridges -and peaks of the Sierra Madre, and pouring its light into -the nooks and crannies of the ravines, he fell asleep.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="buena-vista">CHAPTER XIV</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">BUENA VISTA</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Phil did not sleep long, only an hour perhaps, and -then it was Breakstone's arm on his shoulder that -awakened him. He had laid down fully clothed, -and he sprang at once to his feet. His nerves, too, had -been so thoroughly keyed for action that every faculty -responded at once to the call, and he was never more wide -awake in his life. Quickly he looked about him and saw -that it was a most brilliant morning. The sun was -swinging upward with a splendor that he had not before -seen in these gorges of the Sierra Madre. The mountains -were bathed in light. The bare ridges and peaks stood -out like carving, and the sunbeams danced along the -black lava.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is Washington's Birthday, and the sun is doing -him honor," said Breakstone. "But look there, Phil."</p> -<p class="pnext">He pointed a long straight finger into the south.</p> -<p class="pnext">"See that tiny cloud of dust," he said, "there where -rock and sky meet. I'll wager everything against nothing -that it was raised by the hoofs of Minon's cavalry. Santa -Anna and his whole army are surely advancing. Watch -it grow."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked with eager eyes, and he saw everything -that Bill Breakstone had predicted come to pass. The -cloud of dust, so small at first that he could scarcely see -it, grew in height, and began to spread in a yellow line -along the whole horizon. By and by it grew so high that -the wind lifted the upper part of it and sent it whirling -off in spirals and coils. Then through the dust they saw -flashes, the steel of weapons giving back the rays of the -sun like a mirror.</p> -<p class="pnext">The American scouts and sentinels had been drawn -in--no need for them now--and the whole army was -crouched at the mouth of the pass. Almost every soldier -could watch Santa Anna unroll before them the vast and -glittering panorama of his army. But Taylor himself -did not see this first appearance. He had not come from -Saltillo, and Wool, the second in command, waited, -troubled and uneasy.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was still dismounted, and he stood with his -friends on one of the promontories watching the most -thrilling of all dramas unfold itself, the drama in which -victory or defeat, life or death are the stakes. It was at -best a bare and sterile country, and now, in the finish of -the winter, the scanty vegetation itself was dead. The -dust from the dead earth and the dust from the surface of -the lava, ground off by iron-shod hoofs, rose in clouds -that always increased, and that seemed to thicken as well -as to rise and broaden. To Philip's mind occurred the -likeness of a vast simoon, coming, though slowly, toward -the American lines. But he knew that the heart of the -simoon was a great army which considered victory -absolutely sure.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Looks as if Santa Anna had a million down there in -the dust," said Breakstone. "Dost thou remember, Sir -Philip of the Mountain, the Ravine, and the Lava, that -passage in Macbeth in which Birnam Wood doth come -to Dunsinane? It is in my mind now because the dust -of New Leon seems coming to the Pass of Angostura."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are at least as well hid as Macduff's army was -by the wood," said Phil. "That huge cloud seems to -roll over the ground, and we can't see anything in it but -the flashes of light on the weapons."</p> -<p class="pnext">They waited awhile longer in silence. The whole -American army was watching. All the preparations had -been made, and soldiers and officers now had little to do -but bide the time. Presently the great wall of dust split -apart, then a sudden shift of wind lifted it high, and -whirled it over the plain. As if revealed by the sudden -lifting of a curtain, the whole magnificent army of Santa -Anna stood forth, stretching along a front of two miles, -and more than twenty thousand strong. A deep breath, -more like a murmur, rose from the soldiers in the pass. -They had known long before that they were far outnumbered. -The officers had never concealed from them this -fact, but here was the actual and visible presence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Five to one," said Bill Breakstone, softly and under -his breath.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But they haven't beaten us," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Mexican army now halted, the cavalry of Minon -in front and on the flanks, and, seen from the pass, it -was certainly an array of which Mexico could be proud. -Everything stained or worn was hidden. Only the -splendor and glory appeared. The watchers saw the bright -uniforms, the generals riding here and there, the numerous -batteries, and the brilliant flags waving. Evidently -they were making a camp, as if they held the rat in their -trap, and would take their time about settling his fate. -The sound of bugles, and then of a band playing military -airs, came up, and to those in the pass these sounds were -like a taunt. Arenberg, a man of few words, uttered a -low guttural sound like a growl.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are too sure," he said. "It iss never well to -be too sure."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the talk, Old Dutch," said Breakstone. -"First catch your army."</p> -<p class="pnext">They waited awhile longer, watching, and then they -heard a cheer behind them in the pass. It was General -Taylor, returning from Saltillo and riding hard. He -emerged upon the plateau and sat there on his horse, -overlooking the plain, and the great curve of Santa -Anna's army. Phil was near enough to see his face, and -he watched him intently.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was nothing romantic about old Zachary Taylor. -He had neither youth nor distinction of appearance. He -was lined and seamed by forty years of service, mostly in -the backwoods, and the white hair was thick around his -temples. Nor was anything splendid about his uniform. -It was dusty and stained by time and use. But within -that rugged old frame beat the heart of a lion. He had -not retreated when he heard the rumors that Santa Anna -was coming, and he would not retreat now that Santa -Anna was here with five to his one. Perhaps he -recognized that in his sixty-two years of life his one moment -for greatness had come, and he would make the most of -it for himself and his country.</p> -<p class="pnext">Long the general sat there on his horse, looking down -into the plain, and the more important officers clustered -in a group a short distance behind him. The brightness -of the day increased. It seemed bound to make itself -worthy of the great anniversary. The colors of the -sunlight shifted and changed on the ridges and peaks, and -the thin, luminous air seemed to bring Santa Anna's -army nearer. A breeze sprang up presently, and it felt -crisp and fresh on the faces of the soldiers. It also blew -out the folds of a large and beautiful American flag, -which had been hoisted on one of the promontories, and -as the fluttering and vivid colors glowed in the sun's -rays, a cry of defiance, not loud, but suppressed and -rolling, passed through the army.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Santa Anna will not come to any picnic," said Bill -Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He means much harm, and he will suffer much," -said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Our army is not frightened," said Breakstone. "I -have been among the troops, and they are cheerful, even -confident."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw that the officers had been watching something -intently with their glasses, and now he was able to -see it himself with the naked eye.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A messenger with a white flag is coming from Santa -Anna," he announced. "Now what can he want?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"He can want only one thing," said Breakstone; -"but we'll wait and let him tell it himself."</p> -<p class="pnext">The herald, holding his white flag aloft, rode straight -toward the American army. When within three hundred -yards of the American line he was met by skirmishers, -who brought him forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't you see something familiar in that figure and -face, Phil?" asked Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, I know him," replied Phil. "I thought I knew -him when he rode over the first ridge, but there can be no -doubt now. It is our old friend de Armijo."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is he," said Breakstone, "and it is a safe thing to -say that no man was ever more stuffed with pride, vanity, -and conceit than he is now. Let's press forward and see -him as he passes. Maybe, too, we can hear what he and -General Taylor say."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo rode up the ravine at the edge of which -Phil and his comrades stood. He saw them, and his -look was not one of friendship.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good morning, Señor de Armijo," said the irreverent -Bill Breakstone, "have you come to announce the -surrender of Santa Anna's army?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The Mexican glared, but he made no answer, riding -on in silence toward General Taylor. He was magnificently -mounted, his uniform was heavy with gold lace, -and a small gold-hilted sword hung at his side. -Evidently the nephew of the governor of New Mexico was not -ashamed of himself. It was also evident that the wound -Phil had given him was very slight. An officer met de -Armijo, and they saluted each other with punctilious -courtesy. The Mexican produced a note which was handed to -General Taylor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Old Rough and Ready did not dismount, but rested -the note on his saddle-horn and read it. This note, -signed by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, -President of the Mexican Republic and Commander-in-Chief -of its armies, was written in rounded sentences. It -stated that the American army was surrounded by twenty -thousand men and could not possibly escape. Hence -Santa Anna demanded General Taylor's immediate and -unconditional surrender. "I will treat you well," he -added in generous conclusion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil thought that he could see the white hair around -old Rough and Ready's temples fairly bristle with -defiance. He did see him lean over and say to de Armijo: -"Tell him to come and take me." But the next instant -he called to Middleton and dictated to him a short -answer, more polite but of the same tenor. He looked over -it once, folded it, and handed it to de Armijo.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take that to your master."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo saluted with all the pride and haughtiness -of his race. He would have liked well a few minutes to -look about and take note of the enemy's army for his -general, but they had brought him up a narrow ravine, -and they allowed him no chance. Now Middleton rode -back with him that the Americans might not be lacking -in courtesy, and Phil and his comrades again stood by as -they passed. De Armijo merely gave them a malignant -glance, but as he entered the plain that low rolling sound, -almost like a roar, burst forth again from the army. -Nearly every soldier had divined the nature of the errand, -and nearly every one also had divined the nature, of old -Rough and Ready's reply.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil watched de Armijo and Middleton riding onward -under the white flag toward the gorgeous tent where Santa -Anna and his generals were gathered. He saw Middleton -disappear and, after awhile, come riding back again. -All these demands and refusals, ridings and returns took -time, and the two armies meanwhile rested on their arms. -The afternoon came, and the sun still blazed on on a -scene of peace. For awhile it reminded Phil in many of -its aspects of a vast spectacle, a panorama. Then he saw -clouds of dust rise on both the east and west wings of the -Mexican army. Horsemen moved in columns, fluid -sunlight shifting and changing in colors flowing over -lances and escopetas. He also saw horses drawing cannon -forward, and the bronze and steel of the guns glittered.</p> -<p class="pnext">A little after noon a heavy force of cavalry, led by -Ampudia, moved forward toward an advanced knoll held -by some of Taylor's pickets. Phil thought it was the -herald of the battle, but the pickets retired after a few -shots, and the Mexicans took the knoll, making no -attempt to pursue the pickets who fell back quietly on -the main army.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the silence was resumed, although they could see -much motion in the Mexican army, the constant movement -of horsemen and the shifting of regiments and guns. -A multitude of brilliant flags carried here and there -fluttered in the wind. But the American army remained -motionless, and the soldiers, when they talked, talked -mostly in low tones.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil, you didn't eat any breakfast," said Bill Breakstone, -"and if I didn't remind you of it, you would skip -dinner. A soldier fights best on a full stomach, and as -they're serving out coffee and bacon and other good things -now's your time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"To tell you the truth, I hadn't thought of it," said -the boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, think of it, Sir Philip of the Spectacle and the -Panorama. It isn't often that you'll have a chance to -sit on a front seat in an open air theater like this, and -see deploying before you an army of twenty thousand -men, meaning business."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil ate and drank mechanically almost, although the -food gave him new strength without his being conscious -of it, and he still watched. The long afternoon waned, -the sun passed the zenith, and the colors still shifted and -changed on the bare peaks and ridges, but, save for the -seizing of the lone knoll, the army of Santa Anna did not -yet advance, although in its place it was still fluid with -motion, like the colors of a kaleidoscope. It seemed to -Phil that Bill Breakstone's theatrical allusions applied -with peculiar force. Apparently they were setting the -scenes down below, this color here, this color there, so -many flags at this point, and so many at that point, -bands and trumpets to the right, and bands and trumpets -to the left. It was a spectacle full of life, color, and -movement, but the boy grew very impatient. Great -armies did not march forward for that purpose, and for -that purpose alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why don't they attack?" he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Having the rat in the trap, I suppose that Santa -Anna means to play with it a little," replied Bill -Breakstone. "There's nothing like playing with a delicious -mouse a little while before you eat it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Did you ever see anything more hateful than the -manner of that fellow de Armijo?" asked Phil. "He -bore himself as if we were already in their hands."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Doubtless he thought so," said Breakstone, "and it -is equally likely that his thought is also the thought of -Santa Anna, Minon, Torrejon, Pacheco, Lombardini, and -all the rest. But states of mind are queer things, Phil. -You can change your mind, it may change itself, or -others may change it for you. Any one of these things -can happen to Santa Anna or to your genial young friend, -de Armijo."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss well to be patient," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sun went on down the heavens. The light came -more obliquely, but it was as brilliant as ever. In two -more hours the sun would be gone behind the mountains, -when Phil, still watching the Mexican army, saw a flash -of fire near the center of the line. A shell rose, flashed -through the air, and burst on the plateau held by the -Americans. Phil, despite himself, uttered a shout, and -so did many other youthful soldiers. They thought the -battle would now begin. A battery of Mexican howitzers -also opened fire, and the smoke rolled toward the north. -The Mexican general, Mejia, on the American right, -began to press in, and Ampudia, on the left, threatened with -great force. But there was not yet any reply from the -American line. Old Rough and Ready rode along the -whole battle front, saw that all was in order, and at -times surveyed the Mexican advance through powerful -glasses.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the Mexican movements were still very slow, and -Phil fairly quivered with impatience. If they were going -to fight, he was anxious for the fighting to begin, and to -have it over. Up from the plain came the calls of many -bugles, the distant playing of bands, and the beat of -drums, broken now and then by the irregular discharges -of the cannon and the crackling of rifle shots.</p> -<p class="pnext">But it was not yet a battle, and the sun was very low, -threatening to disappear soon behind the mountains. Its -parting rays lighted up the plateau, the ravines and -promontories, and the pass with a vivid red light. Phil -saw the general turn his horse away from the edge of the -plateau, as if convinced that there would be no battle, -and then suddenly turn him back again, as a great burst -of cannon and rifle fire came from the left. Ampudia, -having attained a spur of the mountain, was making a -fierce attack, pushing forward both horse and foot and -trying to get around the American flank. The firing for -a little while was rapid. The rifle flashes ran in a -continuous blaze along both lines, and the boom of the -cannon came back in hollow echoes from the gorges of the -Sierra Madre. The black smoke floated in coils and -eddies along the ridges and peaks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and his comrades had nothing to do with this -combat except to sit still and listen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are merely feeling for a position," said Bill -Breakstone. "They want a good place from which they -can crash down on our left flank in the morning, but I -don't think they'll get it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Already the sun was gone in the east, and its rays -were dying on the mountains. Then the night itself -came down, with the rush of the south, and the firing -from both cannon and rifles ceased. Ampudia had failed -to secure the coveted position, but presently the two -armies, face to face in the darkness, lay down to rest, -save for the thick lines of pickets almost within rifle shot -of one another. Once more the night was heavy with -chill, but Phil did not feel it now. He and his comrades -looked to their horses and secured places for rest. The -General, still deeply anxious about his rear guard at -Saltillo and fearing a flanking movement by Santa Anna, -around the mountain, rode back once more to the town, -under the escort of Jefferson Davis, leaving the army, as -before, under command of Wool. In this emergency an -officer past three score showed all the physical energy and -endurance of a young man, spending two days and two -nights in the saddle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil slept several hours, but he awoke after midnight, -and did not go to sleep again. He, Arenberg, and -Breakstone were under the immediate command of -Middleton, who allowed them much latitude, and they used -it for purposes of scouting. They crept through gullies -and ravines and along the edges of the ridges, the -darkness and the stone projections giving them shelter. They -passed beyond the outermost American pickets, and then -stopped, crouching among some bushes. All three had -heard at the same time low voices of command, the clank -of heavy wheels, and the rasping of hoofs over stones. -The three also divined the cause, but Breakstone alone -spoke of it in a whisper:</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are dragging artillery up the side of the -mountain in order that they may rake us to-morrow. That -Santa Anna calls himself the Napoleon of Mexico, and -he's got some of the quality of the real Napoleon."</p> -<p class="pnext">By raising up a little they could see the men and -horses with the guns, and they crept back to their own -camp with the news. The American force was too small -to attempt any checking movement in the darkness, and -that night Santa Anna dragged five whole batteries up -the mountainside.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was about 4 o'clock in the morning when the three -returned from their scout, and they sat down in one of the -ravines about a small fire of smoldering coals. Some of -the Kentuckians were with them, including Grayson, and -now and then a brisk word of the coming day was said. -In those cold dark hours, when vitality was at its lowest, -they were not as confident as they had been. The -numbers of the Mexicans weighed upon them, and Phil had -not liked the sight of all those cannon taken up the side -of the mountain. Their talk ceased entirely after awhile, -and they sat motionless with their blankets wrapped -around their bodies, because the blasts were very chill -now in the Pass of Angostura. The moaning of the wind -through the gorges was a familiar sound, but to-night it -got upon one's nerves.</p> -<p class="pnext">Those last few hours were five times their rightful -length, but all things come to an end, and Phil saw in -the east the first narrow band of silver that betokened -the dawn. Day, like night, in that southern region came -fast. The sun shot above the mountain rim, its splendor -came again in a flood, and up rose the two armies.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was no delay now. On the left the heavy -brigades of Ampudia opened fire at once with cannon, -muskets, and rifles. They pressed forward, and at that -point the American front, also, blazed with fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's here, Phil," cried Breakstone. "This is the -battle at last!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Cool as he usually was, he had lost his calm now, and -his eyes glowed with excitement. The rosy face of -Arenberg was also flushed a deeper hue than usual.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They come!" he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The whole Mexican army seemed to lift itself up and -advance in a vast enfolding curve, but Ampudia still -pressed the hardest, endeavoring to crush in the American -left, and the five batteries that had been taken up the -mountainside in the night poured in a heavy fire. In -five minutes a great cloud of smoke from the cannon, -rifles, and muskets floated over the field. The Mexicans -advanced with courage and confidence. At dawn Santa -Anna had made a great address, riding up and down the -lines, and they deemed victory a matter of certainty.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, Breakstone, and Arenberg had left their horses -in the rear, and at this moment Middleton appeared also -dismounted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stay with the Kentuckians there," he said, pointing -to the ravine. "They will need every man. You can be -cavalrymen later if the chance comes."</p> -<p class="pnext">The three at once fell into line with Grayson and the -others who had welcomed them to their camp, and they -saw the truth of Middleton's words. Ampudia had -accumulated a great force on the ridge above the plateau, -during the night, and now they were coming down in -heavy masses upon the thin lines of the Kentuckians.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's not just five to one. It's eight to one," -muttered Bill Breakstone, as he looked at the long and deep -columns which they were so soon to meet.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt his muscles quivering again, while a red -light danced before his eyes. But it was not fear. The -time for that had passed. The Kentuckians in the front -rank kneeled down, with their hands on the triggers of -their rifles. Clouds of dust and smoke floated over them -and stung their eyes, and the deepening roar of the battle -swelled from right and left. Phil knew that this great -force of Mexicans was coming forward to crush them in -order that another large division might pass along the -plateau and flank the American army. He was good -enough soldier to know that if they succeeded the trap -would indeed close down so firmly upon the defenders -that they could not burst from it.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy never took his eyes from the advancing -Mexican column. He saw, or thought he saw, the dark faces, -the glowing eyes, and he was quite sure that he heard the -heavy tread of the approaching thousands. Some one -gave the order to fire, and, with a mechanical impulse, he -pulled the trigger. All the Kentuckians fired together, -aiming with their usual coolness and precision, and the -front rank of the Mexican advance was blown away. -The Mexicans wavered, the Americans reloaded and fired -again with the same deadly precision, and then from -their right came the flash of cannon fire, sending the -shells and heavy balls into the thick ranks of Ampudia's -men. The hesitation of the Mexicans turned into retreat, -and, hurrying back, they sought refuge along the slopes -of the mountains, while the Kentuckians uttered a -derisive shout.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Draw an extra breath or two, Phil," said Bill Breakstone, -"because you won't have another chance for some -time. We've driven back the flank, but the main army -of the Mexicans will be on us in a few minutes."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil did as he was bid. He was glad to see those -Mexicans gone from their front, and, for the moment at -least, he felt the thrill of victory. Yet, while there was -rest for him, at that instant the battle was going on all -about him. He seemed to hear somewhere the distant -notes of a band playing, cheering the soldiers on to death. -Now and then came the call of a bugle, shrill and piercing, -and the rifles crashed incessantly. The air quivered -with the roar of the cannon, and the echoes came rolling -back from the gorges.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now that he was really in the great battle, Phil felt -an abnormal calmness. His heart ceased to beat so fast, -and his blood cooled a little. He saw that the main army -of the Mexicans was advancing in three columns. Two of -these columns, one under Lombardini, and the other -under Pacheco, came straight toward the little plateau by -the side of the pass, upon which most of the American -army now stood. The front of each column was a mass -of lancers, and rumbling batteries of twelve-pounders -came behind. The third column advanced toward the -pass.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was now about nine o'clock in the morning. General -Taylor had not yet arrived from Saltillo, but General -Wool, his second, had thrown the whole American force -in a line across the plateau and the pass, where, less than -forty-five hundred in number, it awaited the full impact -of twenty thousand Mexican troops. The moment was -more than critical. It was terrible. It required stout -hearts among the young volunteers, not trained regulars -at all, as they watched the Mexican masses heave forward. -Lucky it was for them that they had been born in new -countries, where every boy, as a matter of course, learned -the use of the rifle. And it was lucky, too, that the -battery of O'Brien, a most daring and skillful officer, was -on their flank to help them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you drawn those easy breaths yet, Phil?" -asked Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good, because the chance is gone now. Hark, there -go our cannon! Look, how the balls are smashing into -them!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The American battery opened at a range of only two -hundred yards, and the balls and shells tore through the -Mexican lines, but the Mexicans are no cowards, and they -were well led that day. Their ranks closed up, and they -marched past the fallen, their flags still flying, coming -with steady step toward the plateau. Now their own -artillery opened, and their numerous guns swept the plateau -with a perfect hurricane of shot and shell. The volunteers -began to fall fast. The Mexican gunners were doing -deadly work, and the Kentuckians where Phil stood raised -their rifles again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fire, Phil! Fire as fast as you can reload and pull -trigger. It's now or never!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil again did as he was bid, and the others did the -same, but this was a far more formidable attack than the -one that they had driven back earlier. The Mexicans -never ceased to come. The fire from their cannon grew -heavier and more deadly, and the lancers were already -charging upon the front lines, thrusting with their long -weapons. It was only inborn courage and tenacity that -saved them now. Phil saw the glittering squadrons -wheeling down upon them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Kneel and fire as they come close," shouted Middleton, -"and receive them on the bayonet!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil that the lances were almost in their -faces before they fired. He saw the foam on the nostrils -of the horses, their great, bloodshot eyes, and their necks -wet with sweat. He saw the faces of the riders wet, too, -with sweat, but glowing with triumph, and he saw them, -also, brandishing the long lances with the glittering steel -shafts. Then the rifles crashed so close together that they -were blended in one volley, and the lancers who did not -fall reeled. But they quickly came on again to ride -directly upon a hedge of bayonets which hurled them -back. Once more the triumphant shout of the Kentuckians -rose, but it was quickly followed by a groan. At -different points the volunteers from another state, daunted -by their great losses and the overwhelming numbers that -continually pressed upon them, were giving way. Their -retreat became a panic, and the helpful battery was left -uncovered. The brave O'Brien was compelled to unlimber -and retreat with his guns. The flying regiment ran -into another that was coming up and carried it along in -its panic of the moment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and his comrades had full cause for the groan -that they uttered. The day seemed lost. The column of -Lombardini was on the southern edge of the plateau and -was pressing forward in masses that seemed irresistible. -The lancers had recovered themselves and were slaying -the fugitives, while the Mexican cannon also hailed shot -and shell upon them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Burning tears rose to Phil's eyes--he could not help -it, he was only a boy--and he turned appealingly to the -faithful Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Shall we, too, have to retreat?" he shouted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not yet! Not yet, I hope!" Breakstone shouted -back. "No, we don't retreat at all! See the brave -Illinois boys turning the current!"</p> -<p class="pnext">An entire Illinois regiment had thrown itself in the -path of pursuers and pursued, and two fresh cannon began -to cut through the Mexican masses. The fugitives were -protected and saved from wholesale slaughter, but Bill -Breakstone claimed too much. It was impossible for a -single regiment and two guns to withstand so many -thousands crowded at that point, and the Illinois lads did -retreat. But they retreated slowly and in perfect order, -sending volley after volley into the advancing masses. -Nor did they go far. They halted soon in a good position -and stood there, firing steadily into the Mexican columns. -Yet they seemed lost. The Mexicans in vast numbers -were pouring down upon the plateau, and the Illinois -men were now attacked in the flank as well as in the -front.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Time for us to be doing something," said Breakstone, -and at that moment the order came. The Kentuckians, -also, retreated, turning, as fast as they reloaded, -to fire a volley, aiming particularly at the lancers, whose -weapons were so terrible at close quarters. Phil looked -more than once through all the fire and smoke for de -Armijo, but he didn't see him until the battle was a full -hour old. Then it was only a passing glimpse, and he -knew that his shot had missed--he had fired without -remorse, as he now regarded de Armijo as so much venom. -After the single shot the columns of smoke floated in -between, and he saw him no more.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil knew that the battle was at a most critical stage, -that it was even worse, that all the chances now favored -the Mexicans. An inexperienced boy even could not -doubt it. The charge of the lancers had driven back a -small detachment of mounted volunteers, the American -riflemen posted on the slopes of the mountain were forced -out of their positions, and the great columns of infantry -were still pressing on the left, cutting their way to the -rear of the army.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to Phil that they were completely -surrounded, and, in fact, they nearly were, but the men of -Illinois and Kentucky redoubled their efforts. The -barrels of their rifles grew hot with so much firing. The -mingled reek of dust and sweat, of smoke and burned -gunpowder, stung their nostrils and filled their eyes, half -blinding them. The shell and grape and bullets of the -Mexicans now reached the Kentuckians, too. Phil, as -the smoke lifted now and then, saw many a comrade go -down. He, Arenberg, and Breakstone were all wounded -slightly, though they were not conscious then of their -hurts.</p> -<p class="pnext">Worse came. The great enclosing circle of the -Mexicans drove them into a mass. The regiment that had -broken in panic could not yet be rallied, although their -officers strove like brave men to get them back in line, -and, like brave men, died trying. Phil saw officers -falling all around him, although Middleton was still erect, -sword in hand, encouraging the men to fight on.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It can't be that we are beaten! It can't be!" cried -the boy in despair.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," said Breakstone, "it's not a beating, but it's -a darned fine imitation. Come on, boys! Come on, all -of you! We'll drive them back yet!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt some one strike against him in the smoke. -It was Dick Grayson, of Paris.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Looks hot, Phil!" said that ingenuous youth. There -was a tremendous discharge of artillery, and Grayson -went down. But he promptly sprang up.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is hot," he shouted, "hotter than I thought. But -I'm not hurt. It was only the wind from a cannon-ball. -Look out, here come the lancers again, and our rifles are -unloaded!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The long glittering line of lancers appeared through -the smoke, and Phil thought that their day was done. It -seemed to him that he could not resist any more, but, at -that moment a mighty crash of artillery came from the -pass. The third column of Mexicans had just come -within range of Washington's guns, and the gunners, -restrained hitherto, were pouring shot and shell, grape -and canister, as fast as they could fire, into the Mexican -mass. The column was hurled back by the sudden and -terrific impact, and, breaking, it fled in a panic. The -Mexicans on the plateau were affected by the flight of -their comrades, and they, too, lancers and all, wavered. -The Illinois troops came pouring back. With them were -more Kentuckians and Bragg's battery, and then Sherman's -battery, too. Never were cannon better served than -were the American guns on that day. When the guns -began to thunder in front of them and between them and -the enemy, the fugitives were rallied and were brought -back into the battle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Both batteries were now cutting down the Mexicans at -the foot of the mountain, but Breakstone, cool as always, -pointed to the columns of Ampudia's infantry, which -were still pressing hard on the flank, seeking to reach the -rear of the American army.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If they get there we are lost," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There is dust behind us now," exclaimed Phil. -"See that column of it coming fast!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good God, can they have got there already!" cried -Breakstone, despair breaking at last through his armor of -courage.</p> -<p class="pnext">The cloud of dust rose like a tower and came fast. -Then a shout of joy burst from the Americans. Through -that cloud of dust showed the red face and white hair of -Old Rough and Ready, their commander, returning from -Saltillo, and with him were Davis's Mississippians and -May's mounted men. Wool galloped forward to meet -his chief, who rode upon the plateau and looked at the -whole wide curve of the battle as much as the dust and -smoke would allow.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The battle is lost," said Wool.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is for me to say," said Taylor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet it seemed that Wool, a brave and resolute leader, -was right. A great percentage of the American army was -already killed or wounded. Many of its best officers had -fallen, and everywhere the Mexicans continually pressed -forward in columns that grew heavier and heavier. Santa -Anna worthily proved that day that, whatever he may -have been otherwise he possessed devouring energy, great -courage, and a spark of military genius. And the -generals around him, Lombardini, Pacheco, Villamil, -Torrejon, Ampudia, Minon, Juvera, Andrade, and the rest -were full of the Latin fire which has triumphed more than -once over the cold courage and order of the North.</p> -<p class="pnext">The crisis was visible to every one. Ampudia and -his infantry passing to the rear of the American army -must be stopped. Davis gathered his Mississippians and -hurled them upon Ampudia's men, who outnumbered -them five to one. They fired, then rushed down one slope -of a ravine that separated them from the enemy, and up -the other slope directly into the ranks of the Mexicans; -firing another volley almost face to face. So great was -their impact that the head of the Mexican column was -shattered, and the whole of it was driven back. Ampudia's -men, by regiments, sought shelter along the slopes -of the mountain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle was saved for the moment, but for the -moment only. Few battles have swung in the balance oftener -than this combat at Buena Vista, when it seemed as if -the weight of a hair might decide it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can breathe again, Phil," cried Breakstone. -"They haven't flanked us there, but I don't think we'll -have time for more than two breaths."</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle, just in front of them, paused for an -instant or two, but it went on with undiminished fury -elsewhere. While Phil let his heated rifle cool, he watched -this terrible conflict at the mouth of the grim pass, a -combat that swung to and fro and that refused to be -decided in favor of either. But, as he rested, all his -courage came back anew. The little army, the boy -volunteers, had already achieved the impossible. For hours -they had held off the best of the Mexican troops, five to -their one. More than once they had been near to the -verge, but nobody could say that they had been beaten.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil's feeling of awe came again, as he looked at the -great stage picture, set with all the terrible effects of -reality. The smoke rose always, banking up against the -sides of the mountain, but dotted with red and pink -spots, the flame from the rifles of the sharpshooters who -lurked among the crags. From the mouth of the pass -came a steady roaring where the cannon of Washington -were fired so fast. The smoke banked up there, too, but -it was split continually by the flash of the great guns. -Out of the smoke came the unbroken crash of rifles, -resembling, but on a much larger scale, the ripping of a -heavy cloth. Now and then both sides shouted and -cheered.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone was a shrewd judge of a battle that -day. The crisis had passed, but in a few minutes a new -crisis came. For in their rear began another fierce -conflict. Torrejon's splendid brigade of lancers made its way -around the mountain and fell upon the small force of -Arkansas and Kentucky volunteers under Yell and -Marshall at the hacienda of Buena Vista. Yell was killed -almost instantly, many other men went down, but the -volunteers held fast. Some, their horses slain or -wounded, reached the roofs of houses, and with their long -rifles emptied saddle after saddle among the lancers. It -was a confused and terrible struggle, but, in an instant -or two, American dragoons came to the rescue. The -lancers gave way and fled, bearing with them their leader, -the brave Torrejon, who was wounded badly. Again the -army was saved by courage and quick action. If Torrejon -and his men had been able to hold Buena Vista, the -American force would have been destroyed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil knew nothing of the conflict at Buena Vista itself -until the day was done, because he was soon in the very -thickest of it again himself. He and his comrades stood -among the decimated squares on the plateau, where the -battle had shifted for a moment, and where the smoke -was rising. Looking over the field, littered with men -and horses, it seemed that half of his countrymen had -fallen. Everywhere lay the dead, and the wounded -crawled painfully to the rear. Yet the unhurt could give -little aid to the hurt, because the Mexican battle front -seemed as massive and formidable as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Load, Phil, load!" whispered Bill Breakstone. -"See, they're coming again!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Masses of lancers were gathering anew on the plateau, -among them many of Torrejon's men, who had come back -from the other side of the mountain, and the lifting -smoke enabled Phil and his comrades to see them clearly. -The defenders--they were not many now--were more -closely packed. The men of the West and South were -mingled together, but with desperate energy the officers -soon drew them out in a line facing the lancers. -Sherman with his cannon also joined them. In the shifting -fortunes of the day, another critical moment came. If -the charge of the lancers passed over their line, the -Americans were beaten.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle elsewhere sank and died for the time. -All looked toward the two forces on the plateau, the heavy -squadrons of cavalry advancing, and the thin line of -infantry silent and waiting. The Mexican bugles ceased -to sound, and the firing stopped. Phil and the men with -him in the front rank knelt again. Arenberg, as usual, was -on one side of him, and Breakstone on the other. -Middleton was not far away. Phil glanced up and down the -American line and, as he saw how few they were, his -heart, after a period of high courage, sank like a -plummet in a pool. It did not seem possible to stop the -horsemen. Then his courage rose again. They had done -a half dozen wonders that day, they could do another half -dozen.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was one of the most vivid moments of Phil's life, -fairly burnt into his soul. The smoke, lifting higher -and higher, disclosed more and more of the field, with its -dead and dying everywhere. The mountains were coming -out of the mists and vapors, and showing their bare -crags and peaks. There was no sound but the hoofbeats -of the horsemen and an occasional cry from the wounded, -but Phil did not even hear these. There was to him only -an awful and ominous silence, as the heavy columns drew -nearer and nearer and he saw the menacing faces and -ready weapons. The blood quivered in his veins, but he -did not give back. Nor did the others, most of whom -were boys not much older than he.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think this will tell the tale," whispered Bill -Breakstone. "Look how steady our lads are! Veteran -regulars could not bear themselves better in the face of -five to one."</p> -<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer came the lancers. Something in -the aspect of the steady troops that awaited the shock -must have daunted them, because already on that day -they had shown themselves brave men more than once. -The hoofbeats ceased, their line stopped and wavered, -and at that instant the American rifles fired, pouring -forth a stream of lead, a deadly volley.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw the blaze from a long line of muzzles, the -puff of rifle smoke, and then as it lifted he tried to shut -his eyes but could not. The whole front of the Mexican -column was destroyed. Men and horses lay in a heap, -and other riderless horses galloped wildly over the plateau. -The second line of the lancers stood for a moment, but -when the cannon, following up the rifles, hurled shot and -shell among them, they, too, broke and fled, while the -bullets from the reloaded rifles pelted them and drove -them to greater speed.</p> -<p class="pnext">A shout arose from the scanty ranks of the defense. -Another critical moment had passed, and for the first -time fortune shifted to the American side. Now the -defenders followed up their advantage. They pressed -forward, pushing the Mexicans before them, attacking -them on two sides and driving them against the base of -the mountain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The whole battle now surged back toward the direction -whence Santa Anna had come. The scanty division of -the Americans, after so long a defense, a defense that -seemed again and again to be hopeless, massed themselves -anew and attacked the Mexican army with redoubled -vigor. Phil felt the song of victory singing in his ears, -the blood leaped in his veins, and a great new store of -strength came from somewhere, as he, with Breakstone -and Arenberg yet on either side of him, marched forward -now, not backward.</p> -<p class="pnext">The great division of Ampudia which had threatened -to surround the American force was now penned in at the -foot of the mountain. This single division alone greatly -outnumbered the whole American army, but panic and -terror were in its ranks. The Southern and Western -riflemen were advancing on three sides, sending in showers of -bullets that could not miss. Nine cannon, manned by -gunners as good as the world could furnish, cut down -rank after rank.</p> -<p class="pnext">Earlier in the day Phil would have thrilled with horror -at the scene before him, but in such a long and furious -battle his faculties had become blunted. It was nothing -to see men fall, dead or wounded. The struggle for life -at the expense of another's life, the most terrible phase of -war, had now come. His only conscious thought at that -moment was to destroy the mass of Mexicans pressed -against the mountain, and he loaded and fired with a zeal -and rapidity not inferior to that of anybody.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Mexican mass seemed to shrink and draw in upon -itself. The officers encouraged the men to return the -terrible fire that was cutting them down. Some did so, -but it was too feeble a reply to check Taylor's advance. -Santa Anna, farther down, saw the terrible emergency. -Vain, bombastic, and treacherous, he was, nevertheless, a -great general, and now the spark of genius hidden in such -a shell blazed up. In the height of the battle, and with -five thousand of his best men being cut to pieces before -him, a singular expedient occurred to him. He knew the -character of the general opposed to him; he knew that -Taylor was merciful and humane, and suddenly he sent -forward a messenger under a white flag. Taylor, amazed, -nevertheless received the messenger and ordered the firing -on the trapped Mexicans to cease. He was still more -amazed when he read the Mexican commander's note. -Santa Anna wished to know in rhetorical phraseology -what General Taylor wanted. While Taylor was considering -and preparing the reply to so strange a question at -such a time, and the messenger was riding back with it, -Ampudia's whole division escaped from the trap up the -base of the mountain. Then the Mexicans at the other -points instantly reopened fire. It was a singular and -treacherous expedient, but it succeeded.</p> -<p class="pnext">A cry of rage rose from Phil's company, and it was -uttered by others everywhere. The boy had seen the -herald under the white flag, and, all the rest, too, had -wondered at the nature of the message he brought. He -did not yet know what was in Santa Anna's note, but he -knew that a successful trick had been played. The blood -in his veins seemed to turn to its hottest. His pulses -were beating the double quick, and he felt relief only -when Taylor, enraged at Santa Anna's ruse, ordered the -Kentucky and Illinois men to pursue Ampudia's fleeing -division.</p> -<p class="pnext">Forward they went, scarcely a thousand, because very -many comrades had fallen around them that day, but -they had never been more eager for the charge. The -smoke thinned out before them and they advanced swiftly -with leveled rifles. They reached the southern edge of -the plateau, and then they recoiled in horror. Santa -Anna had not only saved a division by a trick, but he had -used the same opportunity to draw in his columns and -mass the heaviest force that had yet converged upon -a single point. Ten thousand men appeared over the -uneven ground and approached the single thousand. To -face such numbers advancing with great guns was impossible. -Again it seemed that the day, after a brilliant -success, was lost.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Americans at once turned and rushed into a gorge -for shelter and defense.</p> -<p class="pnext">The side of the gorge was so steep that Phil slipped -and rolled to the bottom. But he quickly sprang up, -unconscious of his bruises. Breakstone and Arenberg, with -pale faces, were at his side. The gorge was not as much -of a shelter and defense as it had seemed. It was instead -a trap, the worst into which they had come that day. -From the cliffs on both sides of the gorge the Mexicans -sent down a continuous rain of bullets and shell. Santa -Anna, exulting in his success, urged them on and, his -seconds, Ampudia, Pacheco, Lombardini and the others, -ran from point to point, encouraging their troops and -crying that the battle was now won.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Americans fired upward at their enemies, but they -were pressed together in great confusion. Men and -officers went down so fast that it looked to Phil like hay -falling before the scythe. Here fell the brave Colonel Clay, -the son of the great Henry Clay, and with him McKee -and Hardin and many other gallant sons of Kentucky -and Illinois.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great horror seized Phil. Penned in that awful -gorge, with that continuous shower of steel and lead from -above, he felt as if he were choking. He and others -rushed for the mouth of the gorge, but the wary Santa -Anna had closed it with a great body of lancers, who were -now advancing to assist in the complete destruction of -the Americans.</p> -<p class="pnext">The defenders reeled back, and Santa Anna, thinking -the time had come to deliver the final blow, sent the -Mexican infantry in thousands down the sides of the gorge, -where they attacked with the bayonet the few hundreds -that yet fought. Phil was quite sure that no hope was -left. Before, at every critical moment there had always -been a slender chance of some kind or other, but now he -could see absolutely none. A million red motes danced -before him, and he struck almost blindly with his clubbed -rifle at a Mexican who was trying to bayonet him.</p> -<p class="pnext">But from a point above, not yet taken by the Mexicans, -the brave O'Brien and Thomas, as brave, were still firing -their cannon and sending the shot and shell into the -Mexican masses, where they were not mingled with the -Americans. But they themselves were exposed to a -deadly fire. One by one their gunners fell. They were -compelled to fall back step by step. Not enough men -were left to load and fire the pieces. Soon all the -gunners were killed or wounded except O'Brien himself. -Presently he, too, was wounded, and the guns were -silent. Now, truly, it seemed that the last moment had -come!</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, when he struck with his clubbed rifle, knew that -he hit something, because the Mexican with the eager -bayonet was no longer there. He saw Breakstone and -Arenberg yet beside him, both wounded, but both erect -and defiant. He saw Grayson a little distance away, still -alive, and farther on a little group of Kentuckians and -Illinoisans, fighting to the last. He had an instant's -vision of the whole awful gorge, filled with men driven -on by the rage of battle, the dead and wounded strewed -all about, the smoke hovering above like a roof, and the -masses of Mexicans who completely encircled them now -closing in for the final blow.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was all a real panorama, passing in an instant, and -then from above, and at a new point, came the crash of -great guns, the shot and shell striking among the -Mexicans, not among the Americans. Not even at this, the -last crisis, when the battle seemed lost beyond redemption, -had fortune, or rather courage and energy, failed. -Bragg, coming on a run with his battery, suddenly opened -at short range, and with awful effect, into the Mexican -masses. In another minute Sherman arrived with his -guns, and close behind, coming as fast as breath would -allow, were infantry with the rifle, and, to make the -surprise complete, Washington's guns suddenly appeared on -the right and began to sweep away the lancers who held -the mouth of the gorge.</p> -<p class="pnext">Never had fortune made a quicker and more complete -change. The Mexicans who had suddenly trapped the -Kentuckians and Illinoisans had been entrapped -themselves with equal suddenness.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fire now rose to the greatest height of the day. -They had been fighting on the plateau, in the ravines, on -the slopes, and through the pass for hours. Vast -quantities of smoke still hung about and lay like a blanket -against the side of the mountain. The sun was far down -the western slope.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Kentucky and Illinois men drew themselves into -a close body near the upper end of the gorge. There they -fired as fast as exhaustion would allow, but salvation was -coming from above, and now they knew it. Closer and -closer crept the American artillery. Heavier and heavier -grew its fire. The riflemen, also, sent in the bullets like -hail. Taylor himself, a half dozen bullets through his -clothing, stood on the brink directing the attack. The -gorge where the Mexicans stood was swept by a storm of -death. Santa Anna, from the other side, watched in -dismay. Lancers and infantry alike, unable to stand such -a sleet, rushed for the mouth of the gorge. Few of the -lancers, who made the larger target, escaped, and the -infantry suffered almost as much.</p> -<p class="pnext">The gorge was cleared, and the Americans held the -plateau. Everywhere the Mexicans fell back, leaving the -whole field in possession of the little force that had fought -so long and so fiercely to hold it. The Mexican bugle -sounded again, but now it was the command to retire. -The sun dipped down behind the mountains, and the -shadows began to gather in the Pass of Angostura. The -impossible had happened. Mexico's finest army, five to -one, led by her greatest general, had broken in vain -against the farmer lads of the South and West, and the -little band of regulars. The victory was won over the -greatest odds ever faced by Americans in a pitched battle.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-woman-at-the-well">CHAPTER XV</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE WOMAN AT THE WELL</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Phil was still in a daze. He and those around him, -exhausted by such long and desperate efforts, such -a continuous roar in their ears, and such a -variation of intense emotions from the highest to the lowest, -were scarcely conscious that the battle was over. They -knew, indeed, that night was falling on the mountains -and the pass, that the Mexicans had withdrawn from the -field, that their flags and lances were fading in the -twilight, but it was all, for a little while, dim and vague to -them. The night and the silence coming together -contained a great awe. Phil felt the blood pounding in his -ears, and he looked around with wonder. It was -Breakstone who first came to himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We've won! We've won!" he cried. "As sure as -there is a sun behind those mountains, we've beat all -Mexico!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Then Phil, too, saw, and he had to believe.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The victory is ours!" he cried.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is ours, but harm has been done," said Arenberg -in a low voice. Then he sank forward softly on his -face. Phil and Breakstone quickly raised him up. He -had fainted from loss of blood, but as his wounds were -only of the flesh he was soon revived. Breakstone had -three slight wounds of his own, and these were bound up, -also. Phil, meanwhile, was hunting in the gorge for other -friends. Grayson was alive and well, but some that he -had known were gone. He was weak, mind and body -alike, with the relaxation from the long battle and all -those terrible emotions, but he helped with the wounded. -Below them lay the army of Santa Anna, its lights -shining again in the darkness, and, for all Phil knew, it -might attack again on the morrow, but he gave little -attention to it now. His whole concern was for his -comrades. The victory had been won, but they had been -compelled to purchase it at a great price. The losses -were heavy. Twenty-eight officers of rank were among -the killed, regiments were decimated, and even the -unhurt were so exhausted that they could scarcely stand.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil sat down at the edge of the gorge. He was yet -faint and dizzy. It seemed to him that he would never -be able to exert himself again. Everything swam before -him in a sort of confused glare. He was conscious that -his clothing was stained red in two or three places, but -when he looked, in a mechanical way, at the wounds, he -saw they were scratches, closed already by the processes -of nature. Then his attention wandered again to the field. -He was full of the joy of victory, but it was a vague, -uncertain feeling, not attaching itself to any particular -thing.</p> -<p class="pnext">The twilight had already sunk into the night, and the -black wind, heavy with chill, moaned in the Pass of -Angostura. It was a veritable dirge for the dead. Phil felt -it all through his relaxed frame, and shivered both with -cold and with awe. Smoke and vapor from so much -firing still floated about the plateau, the pass, and the -slopes, but there was a burning touch on his face which -he knew did not come from any of them. It was the dust -of the desert again stinging him after the battle as it had -done before it. He obeyed its call, summoned anew all -his strength, both of body and mind, and climbed out of -the gorge, where friend and foe still lay in hundreds, -mingled and peaceful in death.</p> -<p class="pnext">He found more light and cheer on the plateau and in -the pass. Here the unhurt and those hurt slightly were -building fires, and they had begun to cook food and boil -coffee. Phil suddenly perceived that he was hungry. He -had not tasted food since morning. He joined one of the -groups, ate and drank, and more vigor returned. Then -he thought of the horse which he had left tethered in an -alcove, and which he had not used at all that day. The -horse was there unharmed, although a large cannon-ball -lay near his feet. It was evidently a spent ball which -had rolled down the side of the mountain, as it was not -buried at all.</p> -<p class="pnext">The horse recognized Phil and neighed. Phil put his -hand upon his mane and stroked it. He was very glad -that this comrade of his had escaped unhurt. He -wondered in a dim way what his terror must have been tied -in one place, while the battle raged all day about him. -"Poor old horse," he said, stroking his mane again. -Then he led him away, gave him food and water, and -returned to his comrades and the field. He knew that his -duty lay there, as the Mexican army was still at hand. -Many thought that it would attack again in the morning, -and disposition for defense must be made. He did not -see either Breakstone or Arenberg, but he met Middleton, -to whom he reported.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Scout down at the mouth of the pass and along the -mountain slopes, Phil," he said, and the boy, replenishing -his ammunition, obeyed. It was not quite dark, and -the wind was exceedingly cold. The mercury that night -went below the freezing point, and the sufferings of the -wounded were intense. Phil kept well among the ravines -and crags. He believed that the Mexican lancers would -be prowling in front of their camp, and he would not -have much chance if he were attacked by a group of -them. Moreover, he was tired of fighting. He did not -wish to hurt anybody. Never had his soul inclined more -fervently to peace.</p> -<p class="pnext">He passed again into the gorge which had witnessed -the climax and deadliest part of the battle. Here he saw -dark-robed figures passing back and forth among the -wounded. He looked more closely and saw that they -were Mexican nuns from a convent near Buena Vista, -helping the wounded, Americans and Mexicans alike. -Something rose in his throat, but he went on, crossing -the pass and climbing the slopes of the Sierra Madre. -Here there was yet smoke lingering in the nooks and -crannies, but all the riflemen seemed to have gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">He climbed higher. The wind there was very cold, but -the moonlight was brighter. He saw the peaks and -ridges of the Sierra Madre, like a confused sea, and he -looked down upon the two camps, the small American one -on the plateau and in the pass and the larger, still far -larger, Mexican one below. He could trace it by the -lights in the Mexican camp, forming a great half circle, -and he would have given much to know what was going -on there. If Santa Anna and his men possessed the -courage and tenacity of the defenders, they would attack -again on the morrow.</p> -<p class="pnext">He moved forward a little to get a better view, and -then sank down behind an outcropping of rock. A Mexican, -a tall man, rifle on shoulder, was passing. He, too, -was looking down at the two camps, and Phil believed -that he was a scout like himself. The Mexican, not -suspecting the presence of an enemy, was only a dozen feet -away, and Phil could easily have shot him without -danger to himself, but every impulse was against the deed. -He could not fire from ambush, and he had seen enough -of death. The Mexican was going toward his own camp, -and presently, he went on, disappearing behind a curve -of the mountain, and leaving Phil without a shadow of -remorse. But he soon followed, creeping on down the -mountainside toward the camp of Santa Anna.</p> -<p class="pnext">The rocks and gullies enabled him to come so near -that he could see within the range of light. He beheld -figures as they passed now and then, dark shadows before -the blaze, but the camp of Santa Anna did not show the -life and animation that he had witnessed in it when he -spied upon it once before. No bugles were blowing, no -bodies of lancers, with the firelight shining on glittering -steel, rode forth to prepare for the morrow and victory. -Everything was slack and relaxed. He even saw men -lying in hundreds upon the ground, fast asleep from -exhaustion. As far as he could determine, no scouting -parties of large size were abroad, and he inferred from -what he saw that the Mexican army was worn out.</p> -<p class="pnext">He could not go among those men, but the general effect -produced upon him at the distance was of gloom and -despair among them. An army preparing for battle in -the morning would be awake and active. The longer he -looked, the greater became his own hope and confidence, -and then he slowly made his way back to his own camp -with his report. Lights still burned there, but it was -very silent. After he passed the ring of sentinels he saw -nothing but men stretched out, almost as still as the dead -around them. They slept deeply, heavily, a sleep so -intense that a blow would not arouse. Many had lain down -where they were standing when the battle ceased, and -would lie there in dreamless slumber until the next -morning. Phil stepped over them, and near one of the fires -he saw Breakstone and Arenberg, each with his head on -his arm, deep in slumber.</p> -<p class="pnext">He made his report to Middleton, describing with -vivid detail everything that he had seen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It agrees with the reports of the other scouts," said -Middleton. "I think the enemy is so shattered that he -cannot move upon us again, and now, Phil, you must -rest. It will be midnight in an hour, and you have -passed through much."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was a great battle!" said Phil, with a look of -pride.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And a great victory!" said Middleton, he, too, -although older, feeling that flash of pride.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was glad enough now to seek sleep. The nervous -excitement that kept him awake and alert was all gone. -He remembered the fire beside which Bill Breakstone and -Arenberg slept, and made his way back there. Neither -had moved a particle. They still lay with their heads on -their elbows, and they drew long, deep breaths with such -steadiness and regularity that apparently they had made -up their minds to sleep for years to come. Four other -men lay near them in the same happy condition.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Six," said Phil. "Well, the fable tells of the Seven -Sleepers, so I might as well complete the number."</p> -<p class="pnext">He chose the best place that was left, secured his -blanket from his saddlebow, wrapped himself thoroughly -in it, and lay down with his feet to the fire. How -glorious it felt! It was certainly very cold in the Pass of -Angostura. Ice was forming, and the wind cut, but -there was the fire at his feet and the thick blanket around -him. His body felt warm through and through, and the -hard earth was like down after such a day. Now victory -came, too, with its pleasantest aroma. Lying there -under the stars, he could realize, in its great sense, all -that they had done. And he had borne his manly part in -it. He was a boy, and he had reason for pride.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil stared up for a little while at the cold stars which -danced in the sky, myriads of miles away, but after -awhile his glance turned again toward the earth. The -other six of the seven sleepers slept on, not stirring at all, -save for the rising and falling of their chests, and Phil -decided that he was neglecting his duty by failing to join -them at once in that vague and delightful land to which -they had gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">He shut his eyes, opened them once a minute or two -later, but found the task of holding up the lids too heavy. -They shut down again, stayed down, and in two minutes -the six sleepers had become the seven.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil slept the remainder of the night as heavily as if -he had been steeped in some eastern drug. He, too, -neither moved hand nor foot after he had once gone to -oblivion. The fire burned out, but he did not awake. -He was warm in his blanket, and sleep was bringing back -the strength that body and mind had wasted in the day. -It was quiet, too, on the battlefield. The surgeons still -worked with the wounded, but they had been taken back -in the shelter of the pass, and the sounds did not come to -those on the plateau. Only the wind moaned incessantly, -and the cold was raw and bitter.</p> -<p class="pnext">About half way between midnight and morning Bill -Breakstone awoke. He merely opened his eyes, not -moving his body, but he stared about him in a dim wonder. -His awakening had interrupted a most extraordinary -dream. He had been dreaming that he was in a battle -that had lasted at least a month, and was not yet -finished. Red strife and its fierce emotions were still -before him when he awoke. Now he gazed all around, and -saw only blackness, with a few points of light here and -there.</p> -<p class="pnext">His eyes, growing used to the darkness, came back, -and he saw six stiff figures stretched on the ground in a -row, three on each side of him. He looked at them -fixedly and saw that they were the figures of human -beings. Moreover, he recognized two of them, and they -were his best friends. Then he remembered all about the -battle, the great struggle, how the terrible crisis came -again and again, how the victory finally was won, and -he was glad that these two friends of his were alive, -though they seemed to be sleeping as men never slept -before.</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone sat up and looked at the six sleepers. The -blankets of two of them had shifted a little, and he pulled -them back around their necks. Then he glanced down -the valley where the lights of Santa Anna's army -flickered, and it all seemed wonderful, unbelievable to him. -Yet it was true. They had beaten off an army of more -than twenty thousand men, and had inflicted upon Santa -Anna a loss far greater than their own. He murmured -very softly:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Dreadful was the fight,</div> -<div class="line">Welcome is the night;</div> -<div class="line">Fiercely came the foe,</div> -<div class="line">Many we laid low;</div> -<div class="line">Backward he is sent,</div> -<div class="line">But we, too, are spent.</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">I believe that's about as true a poem as I ever -composed," he said, "whatever others may think about the -rhyme and meter, and to be true is to be right. That -work well done, I'll go back to sleep again."</p> -<p class="pnext">He lay down once more and, within a minute, he kept -his word. Phil and his comrades were awakened just at -the break of day by Middleton. Only a narrow streak of -light was to be seen over the eastern ridges, but the -Captain explained that he wanted them to go on a little scout -toward the Mexican army. They joined him with -willingness and went down the southern edge of the plateau. -A few lights could be seen at the points that Phil had -marked during the night, and they approached very -cautiously. But they saw no signs of life. There were no -patrols, no cavalry, none of the stir of a great army, -nothing to indicate any human presence, until they came -upon wounded men, abandoned upon the rugged ground -where they lay. When Phil and his comrades, belief -turned into certainty, rushed forward, Santa Anna and -his whole army were gone, leaving behind them their -dead and desperately wounded. Tents, supplies, and -some arms were abandoned in the swift retreat, but the -army itself had already disappeared under the southern -horizon, leaving the field of Buena Vista to the victors.</p> -<p class="pnext">They hurried back with the news. It spread like fire -through the army. Every man who could stand was on -his feet. A mighty cheer rolled through the Pass of -Angostura, and the dark gorges and ravines of the Sierra -Madre gave it back in many echoes.</p> -<p class="pnext">The victory, purchased at so great a price, was complete. -Mounted scouts, sent out, returned in the course of -the day with the information that Santa Anna had not -stopped at Agua Neva. He was marching southward as -fast as he could, and there was no doubt that he would -not stop until he reached the City of Mexico, where he -would prepare to meet the army of Scott, which was to -come by the way of Vera Cruz. The greatness of their -victory did not dawn upon the Americans until then. -Not only had they beaten back a force that outnumbered -them manifold, but all Northern Mexico lay at the feet of -Taylor. The war there was ended, and it was for Scott -to finish it in the Valley of Mexico.</p> -<p class="pnext">The following night the fires were built high on the -plateau and in the Pass of Angostura. Nearly everybody -rested except the surgeons, who still worked. Hundreds -of the Mexican wounded had been left on the field, and -they received the same attention that was bestowed upon -the Americans. Nevertheless, the boy soldiers were -cheerful. They knew that the news of their wonderful -victory was speeding north, and they felt that they had -served their country well.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil did not know until long afterward that at home -the army of Taylor had been given up as lost. News -that Santa Anna was in front of him with an overwhelming -force had filtered through, and then had come the -long blank. Nothing was heard. It was supposed that -Taylor had been destroyed or captured. It was known -that his force was composed almost wholly of young -volunteers, boys, and no chance of escape seemed possible.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the West and South, in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, -Arkansas, and Mississippi, the anxiety was most -tense and painful. There, nearly every district had sent -some one to Buena Vista, and they sought in vain for -news. There were dark memories of the Alamo and -Goliad, especially in the Southwest, and these people -thought of the disaster as in early days they thought of a -defeat by the Indians, when there were no wounded or -prisoners, only slain.</p> -<p class="pnext">But even the nearest states were separated from Mexico -by a vast wilderness, and, as time passed and nothing -came, belief settled into certainty. The force of Taylor -had been destroyed. Then the messenger arrived literally -from the black depths with the news of the unbelievable -victory. Taylor was not destroyed. He had beaten -an army that outnumbered him five to one. The little -American force held the Pass of Angostura, and Santa -Anna, with his shattered army, was flying southward. At -first it was not believed. It was incredible, but other -messengers came with the same news, and then one could -doubt no longer. The victory struck so powerfully upon -the imagination of the American people that it carried -Taylor into the White House.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, Phil, in the Pass of Angostura, sitting by -a great fire on the second night after the battle, was -thinking little of his native land. After the tremendous -interruption of Buena Vista, his mind turned again to -the object of his search. He read and reread his letter. -He thought often of the lava that had cut his brother's -feet and his own. John was sure that they had gone -through a pass, and he knew that a woman at a well had -given him water. The belief that they were on the trail -of those forlorn prisoners was strong within him. And -Bill Breakstone and Arenberg believed it, too.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Our army, I understand, will go into quarters in this -region," he said, "and will make no further advance by -land into Mexico. We enlisted only for this campaign, -and I am free to depart. I mean to go at once, boys."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We go with you, of course," said Bill Breakstone. -"Good old Hans and I here have already talked it over. -There will be no more campaigning in Northern Mexico, -and we've done our duty. Besides, we've got quests -of our own that do not lead toward the valley of Mexico."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil grasped a hand of each and gave it a strong -squeeze.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I knew that you would go with me, as I'll go with -you when the time comes," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">They received their discharge the next morning, and -were thanked by General Taylor himself for bravery in -battle. Old Rough and Ready put his hand affectionately -on Phil's shoulder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"May good fortune follow you wherever you may be -going," he said. "It was such boys as you who won -this battle."</p> -<p class="pnext">He also caused them to be furnished with large -supplies of ammunition. Middleton could go no farther. -He and some other officers were to hurry to Tampico and -join Scott for the invasion of Mexico by the way of Vera -Cruz.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But boys," he said, "we may meet again. We've -been good comrades, I think, and circumstances may -bring us together a second time when this war is over."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It rests upon the knees of the gods," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know it will come true," said the more sanguine -Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So do I," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton rode away with his brother officers and a -small body of regulars, and Phil, Arenberg, and -Breakstone rode southward to Agua Neva. When they had -gone some distance they stopped and looked back at the -plateau and the pass.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How did we ever do it?" said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"By refusing to stay whipped," replied Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"By making up our minds to die rather than give -up," replied Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode on to the little Mexican town, where Phil -had an errand to do. He had talked it over with the -other two, and the three had agreed that it was of the -utmost importance. All the time a sentence from the letter -was running in Phil's head. Some one murmuring words -of pity in Mexican had given him water to drink, and the -voice was that of a woman.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It must have been from a well," said Phil, "this is -a dry country with water mostly from wells, and around -these wells villages usually grow. Bill, we must be on -the right track. I can't believe that we're going wrong."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The signs certainly point the way we're thinking," -said Bill Breakstone. "The lava, the dust, and the -water. We've passed the lava and the dust, and we know -that the water is before us."</p> -<p class="pnext">They came presently to Agua Neva, a somber little -town, now reoccupied by a detachment from Taylor's -army. The people were singularly quiet and subdued. -The defeat of Santa Anna by so small a force and his -precipitate flight made an immense impression upon them, -and, as they suffered no ill treatment from the conquerors, -they did not seek to make trouble. There was no -sharpshooting in the dark, no waylaying of a few horsemen by -guerillas, and the three could pursue without hesitation -the inquiry upon which they were bent.</p> -<p class="pnext">Wells! Wells! Of course there were wells in Agua -Neva. Several of them, and the water was very fine. -Would the señors taste it? They would, and they passed -from one well to another until they drank from them all. -Breakstone could speak Spanish, and its Mexican variations, -and he began to ask questions--chance ones at first, -something about the town and its age, and the things that -he had seen. Doubtless in the long guerilla war between -Texas and Mexico, captives, the fierce Texans, had passed -through there on their way to strong prisons in the south. -Such men had passed more than once, but the people of -Agua Neva did not remember any particular one among -them. They spent a day thus in vain, and Phil, gloomy -and discouraged, rode back to the quarters of the -American detachment.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't be downhearted, Phil," said Breakstone. -"In a little place like this one must soon pick up the -trail. It will not be hard to get at the gossip. We'll try -again to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not go horseback the next morning, not wishing -to attract too much attention, but strolled about the -wells again, Breakstone talking to the women in the most -ingratiating manner. He was a handsome fellow, this -Breakstone, and he had a smile that women liked. They -did not frown upon him at Agua Neva because he -belonged to the enemy, but exchanged a gay word or two -with him, Spanish or Mexican banter as he passed on.</p> -<p class="pnext">They came to a well at which three women were drawing -water for the large jars that they carried on their -heads, and these were somewhat unlike the others. They -were undoubtedly of Indian blood, Aztec perhaps, or more -likely Toltec. They were tall for Mexican women, and it -seemed to Phil that they bore themselves with a certain -erectness and pride. Their faces were noble and good.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and his comrades drew near. He saw the women -glance at them, and he saw the youngest of them look at -him several times. She stared with a vague sort of -wonder in her eyes, and Phil's heart suddenly began to pound -so hard that he grew dizzy. Since the letter, coming out -of the unknown and traveling such a vast distance, had -found him in the little town of Paris, Kentucky, he had -felt at times the power of intuition. Truths burst -suddenly upon him, and for the moment he had the -conviction that this was the woman. Moreover, she was still -looking at him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Speak to her, Bill! Speak to her!" he exclaimed. -"Don't let her go until you ask her."</p> -<p class="pnext">But Breakstone had already noticed the curious -glances the woman was casting at Phil, and in the -Spanish patois of the region he bade them a light and -courteous good morning. Here all the charm of Breakstone's -manner showed at its very best. No one could take -offense at it, and the three women, smiling, replied in a -similar vein. Breakstone understood Phil's agitation. -The boy might be right, but he did not intend to be too -headlong. He must fence and approach the subject -gradually. So he spoke of the little things that make -conversation, but presently he said to the youngest of the -women:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I see that you notice my comrade, the one who is -not yet a man in years, though a man in size. Does it -chance that you have seen some one like him?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not know," replied the woman. "I am looking -into my memory that I may see."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps," said Breakstone smoothly, "it was one of -the Texan prisoners whom they brought through here two -or three years ago. A boy, tall and fair like this boy, -but dusty with the march, bent with weariness, his feet -cut and bleeding by the lava over which he had been -forced to march, stood here at this well. He was -blindfolded that he might not see which way he had come, but -you, the Holy Virgin filling your heart with pity, took -the cup of cool water and gave it to him to drink."</p> -<p class="pnext">Comprehension filled the eyes of the woman, and she -gazed at Breakstone with growing wonder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is so!" she exclaimed. "I remember now. It -was three years ago. There was a band of prisoners, -twelve or fifteen, maybe, but he was the youngest of them -all, and so worn, so weak! I could not see his eyes, but -he had the figure and manner of the youth who stands -there! It was why I looked, and then looked again, the -resemblance that I could not remember."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is his brother who is with me," said Breakstone. -"Can you tell where these prisoners were taken?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not know, but I have heard that they were carried -into the mountains to the south and west, where they -were to be held until Texas was brought back to Mexico, -or to be put to death as outlaws."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What prisons lie in these mountains to the south -and west?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not know how many, but we have heard most of -the Castle of Montevideo. Some of our own people have -gone there, never to come back."</p> -<p class="pnext">She and her companions shuddered at the name of the -Castle of Montevideo. It seemed to have some vague, -mysterious terror for them. It was now Bill Breakstone -who had the intuition. The Castle of Montevideo was -the place. It was there that they had taken John Bedford. -He translated clearly for Phil, who became very pale.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is the place, Phil," he said. "We must go to -the Castle of Montevideo to find him."</p> -<p class="pnext">He drew from his pocket a large octagonal gold piece, -worth fifty dollars, then coined by the United States.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Give this to her, Bill," he said, "and tell her it is -for the drink of water that she gave to the blindfolded -boy three years ago."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone translated literally, and he added:</p> -<p class="pnext">"You must take it. It comes from his heart. It is -not only worth much money, but it will be a bringer of -luck to you."</p> -<p class="pnext">She took it, hesitated a moment, then hid it under -her red reboso, and, the jars being filled, she and her -two companions walked away, balancing the great weights -beautifully on their heads.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To-night," said Phil, "we ride for the Castle of -Montevideo."</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-castle-of-montevideo">CHAPTER XVI</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE CASTLE OF MONTEVIDEO</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The Castle of Montevideo, as its name indicates, -commanded a magnificent view. Set in a niche -of a mountain which towered far above, it looked -down upon and commanded one of the great roads that -led to the heart of Mexico, the city that stood in the vale -of Tenochtitlan, the capital, in turn, of the Toltecs, the -Aztecs, the Spaniards, and the Mexicans, and, for all that -men yet knew, of races older than the Toltecs. But the -Spaniards had built it, completing it nearly a hundred -and fifty years ago, when their hold upon the greater part -of the New World seemed secure, and the name of Spain -was filled with the suggestion of power.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a gloomy and tremendous fortress, standing -seven thousand feet above the level of the sea, and having -about it, despite its latitude, no indication of the tropics.</p> -<p class="pnext">Spain had lavished here enormous sums of money dug -for her by the slaves of Mexico and Peru. It was built -of volcanic pumice stone, very hard, and of the color of -dark honey. Its main walls formed an equilateral -triangle, eight hundred feet square on the inside, and sixty -feet from the top of the wall to the bottom of the -enclosing moat. There was a bastion at each corner of the main -rampart, and the moat that enveloped the main walls and -bastions was two hundred feet wide and twenty feet deep. -Fifty feet beyond the outside wall of the moat rose a -<em class="italics">chevaux de frise</em> built of squared cedar logs twelve feet -long, set in the ground and fastened together by longitudinal -timbers. Beyond the <em class="italics">chevaux de frise</em> was another -ditch, fourteen feet wide, of which the outer bank was a -high earthwork. The whole square enclosed by the -outermost work was twenty-six acres, and on the principal -rampart were mounted eighty cannon, commanding the -road to the Valley of Tenochtitlan.</p> -<p class="pnext">Few fortresses, even in the Old World, were more -powerful or complete. It enclosed armories, magazines, -workshops, and cells; cells in rows, all of which were -duly numbered when Montevideo was completed in the -eighteenth century. And, to give it the last and -happiest touch, the picture of Ferdinand VII., King of Spain, -Lord of the Indies and the New World, was painted over -the doorway of every cell, and they were many.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nor is this the full tale of Montevideo. On the inner -side of each angle, broad wooden stairways ascended to the -top, the stairways themselves being enclosed at intervals -by wooden gates twelve feet high. The real fortifications -enclosed a square of nearly five hundred feet, and inside -this square were the buildings of the officers and the -barracks of the soldiers. The floor of the square was paved -with thick cement, and deep down under the cement were -immense water tanks, holding millions of gallons, fed by -subterranean springs of pure cold water. By means of -underground tunnels the moats could be flooded with -water from the tanks or springs.</p> -<p class="pnext">It has been said that the Spaniards are massive -builders, the most massive since the Romans, and they have -left their mark with many a huge stone structure in the -southern part of the New World. What Montevideo cost -the kings of Spain no one has ever known, and, although -they probably paid twice for every stick and stone in it, -Peru and Mexico were still pouring forth their floods of -treasure, and there was the fortress, honey colored, lofty, -undeniably majestic and powerful.</p> -<p class="pnext">When Mexico displaced Spain, she added to the -defenses of Montevideo, and now, on this spring day in -1847, it lowered, dark and sinister, over the road. It was -occupied by a strong garrison under that alert and valiant -soldier, Captain Pedro de Armijo, raised recently to that -rank, but still stinging with the memories of Buena Vista, -he was anxious that the Americans should come and -attack him in Montevideo. He stood on the rampart at -a point where it was seventy feet wide, and he looked -with pride and satisfaction at the row of eighty guns. -Pedro de Armijo, swelling with pride, felt that he could -hold the castle of Montevideo against twenty thousand -men. Time had made no impression upon those massive -walls, and the moat was filled with water. The castle, -mediæval, but grim and formidable, sat in its narrow -mountain valley with the Cofre de Montevideo (Trunk of -Montevideo) behind it on the north. This peak was -frequently covered with snow and at all times was gloomy -and forbidding. Even on bright days the sun reached it -for only a few hours.</p> -<p class="pnext">While Pedro de Armijo walked on the parapet, looking -out at the range of mountain and valley and enjoying -the sunlight, which would soon be gone, a young man -stood at the window of cell No. 87, also looking out at -the mountain, although no sunlight reached him there. -He gazed through a slit four inches wide and twelve -inches high, and the solid wall of masonry through which -this slit was cut was twelve feet thick. The young man's -ankles were tied together with a chain which, although -long enough to allow him to walk, weighed twenty-five -pounds. Once he had been chained with another man. -Formerly the prisoners who had been brought with him -to the Castle of Montevideo had been chained in pairs, -the chain in no case weighing less than twenty pounds, -but, since only John Bedford was left, Pedro de Armijo -concluded that it was his duty to carry the chain alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford was white with prison pallor. Although -as tall, he weighed many pounds less than his younger -brother, Philip. His cheeks were sunken, and his eyes -were set in deep hollows. The careless observer would -have taken him for ten years more than his real age. He -had shuffled painfully to the slit in the wall, where he -wished to see the last rays of the daylight falling on the -mountainside. The depth of the slit made the section -of the mountain that he could see very narrow, and he -knew every inch of it. There was the big projection of -volcanic rock, the tall, malformed cactus that put out a -white flower, the little bunch of stunted cedars or pines--he -could never tell which--in the shelter of the rock, and -the yard or two of gully down which he had seen the -water roaring after the big rains or at the melting of the -snows on the Cofre de Montevideo.</p> -<p class="pnext">How often he had looked upon these things! What a -little slice of the world it was! Only a few yards long -and fewer yards broad, but what a mighty thing it was -to him! Even with the slit closed, he could have drawn -all of it upon a map to the last twig and pebble. He -would have suffered intensely had that little view been -withdrawn, but it tantalized him, too, with the sight of -the freedom that was denied him. Three years, they told -him, he had been gazing out at that narrow slit at the -mountainside, and he only at the beginning of life, strong -of mind and body--or at least he was. Never in that -time had he been outside the inner walls or even in the -court yard. He knew nothing of what had happened in -the world. Sometimes they told him that Texas had -been overrun and retaken by the Mexicans, and he feared -that it was true.</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not always put the chains upon him, but -lately he had been refractory. He was easily caught in -an attempt to escape, and a new governor of the castle, -lately come, a young man extremely arrogant, had -demanded his promise that he make no other such -attempt. He had refused, and so the chains were ordered. -He had worn them many times before, and now they -oppressed him far less than his loneliness. He alone of -that expedition was left a prisoner in the castle. How -all the others had gone he did not know, but he knew that -some had escaped. Both he and his comrade of the -chains were too ill to walk when the escape was made, -and there was nothing to do but leave them behind. His -comrade died, and he recovered after weeks, mainly -through the efforts of old Catarina, the Indian woman -who sometimes brought him his food.</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford's spirits were at the bottom of the -depths that afternoon. How could human beings be so -cruel as to shut up one of their kind in such a manner, -one who was no criminal? It seemed to him that lately -the watch in the castle had become more vigilant than -ever. More soldiers were about, and he heard vaguely of -comings and goings. His mind ran back for the -thousandth time over the capture of himself and his -comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">When taken by an overwhelming force they were one -hundred and seventy in number, and there were great -rejoicings in Mexico when they were brought southward. -They had been blindfolded at some points, once when -he walked for a long time on sharp volcanic rock, and -once, when, as he was fainting from heat and thirst, a -woman with a kind voice had given him a cup of water -at a well. He remembered these things very vividly, and -he remembered with equal vividness how, when they were -not blindfolded, they were led in triumph through the -Mexican towns, exactly as prisoners were led to celebrate -the glory of a general through the streets of old Rome. -They, the "Terrible Texans," as they were called, had -passed through triumphal arches decorated with the bright -garments of women. Boys and girls, brilliant handkerchiefs -bound around their heads, and shaking decorated -gourds with pebbles in them, had danced before the -captives to the great delight of the spectators. Sometimes -women themselves in these triumphal processions had -done the zopilote or buzzard dance. At night the -prisoners had been forced to sleep in foul cattle sheds.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then had come the Day of the Beans. One hundred -and fifty-three white beans and seventeen black beans -were placed in a bowl, and every prisoner, blindfolded, -was forced to draw one. The seventeen who drew the -black beans were promptly shot, and the others were -compelled to march on. He remembered how lightly they -had taken it, even when it was known who had drawn the -black beans. These men, mostly young like himself, had -jested about their bad luck, and had gone to their death -smiling. He did not know how they could do it, but it -was so, because he had seen it with his own eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then they had marched on until they came to the -Castle of Montevideo. There the world ended. There -was nothing but time, divided into alternations of night -and day. He had seen nobody but soldiers, except the -old woman Catarina, who seemed to be a sort of scullion. -After he recovered from the prison fever of which his -comrade of the chains died, the old woman had shown a -sort of pity for him; perhaps she liked him as one often -likes those upon whom one has conferred benefits. She -yielded to his entreaties for a pencil for an hour or so, -and some paper, just a sheet or two. She smuggled -them to him, and she smuggled away the letter that he -wrote. She did not know what would happen, but she -would give it to her son Porfirio, who was a vaquero. -Porfirio would give it to his friend Antonio Vaquez, who -was leading a burro train north to Monterey. After that -was the unknown, but who could tell? Antonio Vaquez -was a kind man, and the Holy Virgin sometimes worked -miracles for the good. As for the poor lad, the prisoner, -he must rest now. He had been <em class="italics">muy malo</em> (very sick), -and it was not good to worry.</p> -<p class="pnext">John tried not to worry. It was such easy advice to -give and so very hard for one to take who had been -buried alive through a time that seemed eternity, and -who had been forgotten by all the world, except his -jailers. That letter had gone more than a year ago, and, -of course, it had not reached its destination. He ought -never to have thought such a thing possible. Very likely -it had been destroyed by Porfirio, the vaquero, old -Catarina's son. He had not seen old Catarina herself in a -long time. Doubtless they had sent her away because -she had been kind to him, or they may have found out -about the letter. He was very sorry. She was far from -young, and she was far from beautiful, but her brief -presence at intervals had been cheering.</p> -<p class="pnext">He watched the last rays of the sun fade on the volcanic -slope. A single beam, livid and splendid, lingered -for a moment, and then was gone. After it came the -dark, with all the chilling power of great elevation. The -cold even penetrated the deep slit that led through twelve -feet of solid masonry, and John Bedford shivered. It -was partly the dark that made him shiver. He rose from -the stool and made his way slowly and painfully to his -cot against the wall, his chains rattling heavily over the -floor.</p> -<p class="pnext">He heard a key turning in the lock and the door -opening, but he did not look around. They usually came -with his food at this hour, and the food was always the -same. There was no cause for curiosity. But when he -heard the steps of two men instead of one he did look -around. There was the same soldier bringing his supper -of frijoles and tortillas on a tin plate, and a cup of very -bad coffee, but he was accompanied by the new governor -of the castle, Captain Pedro de Armijo, whom John did -not like at all. The soldier drew up the stool, put the -food on it, and also a candle that he carried.</p> -<p class="pnext">John began to eat and drink, taking not the slightest -notice of de Armijo. The man from the first had given -him the impression of cold, malignant cruelty. John -Bedford had often thought that his own spirit was -crushed, but it was far from being so. Pride was strong -within him, and he resolved that de Armijo should speak -first.</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo stood in silence for some time, looking -down at the prisoner. He was not in a good humor, he -had seldom been so since that fatal day when the whole -army of Santa Anna was hurled back by the little force -from the North. He knew many things of which the -prisoner did not dream, and he had no thought of giving -him even the slightest hint of them. In him was the -venomous disposition of the cat that likes to play with -the rat it has caught. A curious piece of mockery, or -perhaps it was not wholly mockery, had occurred to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bedford," he said, speaking good English, "you -have been a prisoner here a long time, and no one loves -captivity."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have not heard that any one does," replied John, -taking another drink of the bad coffee.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You cannot escape. You see the impossibility of -any such attempt."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It does not look probable, I admit. Still, few -things are impossible."</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo smiled, showing even white teeth. He -rather liked this game of playing with the rat in the trap. -So much was in favor of the cat.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is not a possibility with which one can reckon," -he said, "and I should think that the desire to be free -would be overpowering in one so young as you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you come here to make sport of me?" said -John, with ominous inflection. "Because if you have I -shall not answer another question."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not at all," said de Armijo. "I come on business. -You have been here, as I said, a long time, and in that -time many changes have occurred in the world."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What changes?" asked John sharply.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The most important of them is the growth in power -of Mexico," said de Armijo smoothly. "We triumph -over all our enemies."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you mean that you have really retaken Texas?" -asked John, with a sudden falling of the heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">De Armijo smiled again, then lighted a cigarette and -took a puff or two before he gave an answer which was -really no answer at all, so far as the words themselves -were concerned.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I said that Mexico had triumphed over her enemies -everywhere," he replied, "and so she has, but I give you -no details. It has been the order that you know nothing. -You have been contumacious and obstinate, and, free, -you would be dangerous. So the world was to be closed -to you, and it has been done. You know nothing of it -except these four walls and the little strip of a mountain -that you can see from the window there. You are as one -dead."</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford winced. What the Mexican said was -true, and he had long known it to be true, but he did not -like for de Armijo to say it to him now. His lonesomeness -in his long imprisonment had been awful, but not -more so than his absolute ignorance of everything beyond -his four walls. This policy with him had been pursued -persistently. Old Catarina, before her departure, had not -dared to tell him anything, and now the soldier who -served him would not answer any question at all. He -had felt at times that this would reduce him to mental -incompetency, to childishness, but he had fought against -it, and he had felt at other times that the isolation, -instead of weakening his faculties, had sharpened them. -But he replied without any show of emotion in his voice:</p> -<p class="pnext">"What you say is true in the main, but why do you -say it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"In order to lay before you both sides of a proposition. -You are practically forgotten here. You can spend -the rest of your life in this cell, perish, perhaps, on the -very bed where you are now sitting, but you can also -release yourself. Take the oath of fealty to Mexico, -become a Mexican citizen, join her army and fight her -enemies. You might have a career there, you might rise."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a fiendish suggestion to one who knew nothing -of what was passing, and de Armijo prided himself upon -his finesse. To compel brother to fight against brother -would indeed be a master stroke. He did not notice the -rising blood in the face before him, that had so long -borne the prison pallor.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you reconquered Texas?" asked John sharply.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What has that to do with it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you think I would join you and fight against the -Texans? Do you think I would join you anyhow, after -I've been fighting against you? I'd rather rot here than -do such a thing, and it seems strange that you, an officer -and the governor of this castle, should make such an -offer. It's dishonest!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Blood flashed through de Armijo's dark face, and he -raised his hand in menace. John Bedford instantly -struck at him with all his might, which was not great, -wasted as he was by prison confinement. De Armijo -stepped back a little, drew his sword, and, with the flat -of it, struck the prisoner a severe blow across the -forehead. John had attempted to spring forward, but -twenty-five pounds of iron chain confining his ankles held -him. He could not ward off the blow, and he dropped -back against the cot, bleeding and unconscious.</p> -<p class="pnext">When John Bedford recovered his senses he was lying -on the cot, and it was pitch dark, save for a slender -shaft of moonlight that entered at the slit, and that lay -like a sword-blade across the floor. His head throbbed, -and when he put his hand to it he found that it was -swathed in bandages. He remembered the blow -perfectly, and he moved his feet, but the chains had been -taken off. They had had the grace to do that much. He -strove to rise, but he was very weak, and the throbbing in -his head increased. Then he lay still for a long time, -watching the moonbeam that fell across the floor. He -was in a state of mind far from pleasant. To be shut up -so long is inevitably to grow bitter, and to be struck down -thus by de Armijo, while he was chained and helpless, -was an injury to both body and mind that he could never -forgive. He had nothing to do in his cell to distract his -mind from grievous wrongs, and there was no chance for -them to fade from his memory. His very soul rose in -wrath against de Armijo.</p> -<p class="pnext">He judged that it was far in the night, and, after -lying perfectly still for about an hour, he rose from the -bed. His strength had increased, and the throbbing in -his head was not so painful. He staggered across the -floor and put his face to the slit in the wall. The cold -air, as it rushed against his eyes and cheeks, felt very -good. It was spring in the lowlands, but there was snow -yet on the peak behind the Castle of Montevideo, and -winter had not yet wholly left the valley in which the -castle itself stood. But the air was not too cold for John, -whose brain at this moment was hotter than his blood.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was uncommonly clear. One could see -almost as well as by day, and he began to look over, one -by one, the little objects that his view commanded on the -mountainside. He looked at every intimate friend, the -various rocks, the cactus, the gully, and the dwarfed -shrubs--he still wished to know whether they were pines -or cedars, the problem had long annoyed him greatly. -He surveyed his little landscape with great care. It -seemed to him that he saw touches of spring there, and -then he was quite sure that he saw the figure of a man, -dark and shadowy, but, nevertheless, a human figure, -pass across the little space. It was followed in a moment -by a second, and then by a third. It caused him -surprise and interest. His tiny landscape was steep, and he -had never before seen men cross it. Hunters, or perhaps -goat herders, but it was strange that they should be -traveling along such a steep mountainside at such an hour.</p> -<p class="pnext">A person under ordinary conditions would have forgotten -the incident in five minutes, but this was an event -in the life of the lonely captive. Save his encounter with -de Armijo, he could not recall another of so much -importance in many months. He stayed at the loophole a -long time, but he did not see the figures again nor -anything else living. Once, about a month before, he had -caught a glimpse of a deer there, and it had filled him -with excitement, because to see even a deer was a great -thing, but this was a greater. He remained at the -loophole until the rocks began to redden with the morning sun, -but his little landscape remained as it had ever been, the -same rocks, the same pines or cedars--which, in Heaven's -name, were they?--and the same cactus.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he walked slowly back to his cot. The chains -were lying on the floor beside it, and he knew that, in -time, they would be put on him again, but he was -resolved not to abate his independence a particle. Nor -would he defer in any way to de Armijo. If he came -again he would speak his opinion of him to his face, let -him do what he would.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was proud and stubborn blood in every vein of -the Bedfords. John Bedford's grandfather had been one -of the most noted of Kentucky's pioneers and Indian -fighters, and on his mother's side, too, there was a strain -of tenacious New England. By some possible chance he -might be able to return de Armijo's blow. He drew the -cover over his body and fell into a sleep from which he -was awakened by the slovenly soldier with his breakfast. -The man did not speak while John ate, and John was -glad of it. He, too, had nothing to say, and he wished -to be left to himself. When the man left he lay down on -the cot again and slept until nearly noon. Then de -Armijo came a second time. He had no apologies -whatever for the manner in which he had struck down an -unarmed prisoner, but was hard and sneering.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I merely tell you," he said, "that you lost your last -chance yesterday. The offer will not be repeated."</p> -<p class="pnext">John said not a word, but gazed at him so steadily -that the Mexican's swarthy face flushed a little. He -hesitated, as if he would say something, but evidently -thought better of it, and went out. That night he had a -fever from his wounded head and the exertion that he had -made in standing so long at the loophole. He became -delirious, and when he emerged from his delirium a little -weazened old Indian woman was sitting by the side of his -cot. She had kindly and pitying eyes, and John -exclaimed, in a weak but joyous voice:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Catarina!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Poor boy," she said, "I have watched you one day -and one night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where have you been all the time before?" he asked -in the Mexican dialect that he had learned.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have been one of the cooks," she said. "The -officers, they eat so much, tortillas, frijoles, everything, -and they drink so much, mescal, pulque, wine, everything. -Many busy months for Catarina, and I ask for you, -but I cannot see you. They say you bad, very bad. -Then they say you try to kill the governor, Captain de -Armijo, but he strike you on the head with the flat of his -sword to save his own life. You have fever, and at last -they send me to nurse you as I did that other time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you believe, Catarina, that I tried to kill de -Armijo?" asked John.</p> -<p class="pnext">She looked about her fearfully, drew the reboso closely -across her shrunken shoulders, and answered in a -frightened tone as if the thick walls themselves could hear:</p> -<p class="pnext">"How should I know? It is what they say. If I -should say otherwise they would lash me with the whip, -even me, old Catarina."</p> -<p class="pnext">The captive sighed. Nothing could break the awful -wall of mystery that enveloped him. Catarina even did -not dare to speak, although no one but himself could -possibly hear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You mind I smoke?" said Catarina.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," replied John with a wan smile. "Any lady -can smoke in my presence."</p> -<p class="pnext">She whipped out a cigarrito, lighted it with a match, -held it for a moment between the middle and fore finger, -then inserted it between her aged lips. She took two or -three long, easy whiffs, letting the smoke come out -through her nose. John had never learned to smoke, but -he said to her:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Does it do you good, Catarina?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Whether it does me good, I know not," replied the -Indian woman, "but it gives me pleasure, so I do it. I -have to tell you, Señor John, that my son, Porfirio, has -returned from the north. He has been at Monterey and -the country about it."</p> -<p class="pnext">John at once was all eagerness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Antonio Vaquez, the leader of the burro train?" -he exclaimed. "Has he heard from him? Does he know -if the letter went on beyond the Rio Grande?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"My son Porfirio has not seen Antonio Vaquez," replied -Catarina, "and so he does not know from Antonio -Vaquez whether the letter has crossed the Rio Grande or -not. But it is a time of change."</p> -<p class="pnext">"De Armijo told me that."</p> -<p class="pnext">The old woman looked at him very keenly, and drove -more smoke of the cigarrito through her nose. Her next -words made no reference to de Armijo, but they startled -John:</p> -<p class="pnext">"You look through the loophole to-night, about -midnight," she said, "You see something on the mountain -side, fire, a torch, it may mean much. Who can tell?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Excitement flamed up again in John's veins.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you mean, Catarina?" he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Last night I crawled to the loophole for air. It was -bright moonlight, and while I was standing there I -thought three human beings passed on the little patch of -the mountainside that I can see."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is all I know," said Catarina. "I can tell you no -more. Now I am <em class="italics">concinero</em> (cook) again. Now I go. -But watch. There have been many changes. Diego, the -soldier, will bring you your food as before. Watch that, -too."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Poison!" exclaimed John aghast.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No! No! No! <em class="italics">Hai Dios</em> (my God), no! But do -as I say!"</p> -<p class="pnext">She snuffed out the end of the cigarrito, picked up the -dishes, and promptly left the cell. She also left the -captive much excited and wondering. De Armijo had said -there were changes! Truly there had been changes, said -Catarina, but she had not told what they were. He -made many surmises, and one was as good as another, -even to himself. Let a man cut three years out of his -life and see if he can span the gulf between. But he was -sure, despite his ignorance of their nature, that Catarina's -words were full of meaning, and, perhaps among all the -great changes that had come, one was coming for him, too.</p> -<p class="pnext">He slept that afternoon in order that he might be sure -to keep awake at night, and long before midnight he was -on watch at the loophole. There was still soreness in his -head, where the flat of the heavy steel blade had struck, -but it was passing away, and his strength was returning. -It is hard to crush youth. It was now easier for him, -too, as the chains had not been put back upon his ankles.</p> -<p class="pnext">He waited with great impatience, and, as his -impatience increased, time became slower. He began to feel -that he was foolish. But Catarina had been good to him. -She would not make him keep an idle quest in the long -cold hours of the night. And he had seen the three -shadows pass the night before. He was sure now from -what Catarina had said that they were the shadows of -human beings, and their presence there had been -significant.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was not so bright as the one before, but, by -long looking, he could trace the details of his landscape, -all the well known objects, every one in its proper place, -with the dusky moonlight falling upon them. He stared -so long that his eyes ached. Surely Catarina had been -talking foolish talk! No, she had not! His heart stopped -beating for a few moments, because, as certainly as he -was at that loophole, a light had appeared on his bit of -landscape. It was but a spark. A spark only at first, -but in a moment or two it blazed up like a torch. It -showed a vivid red streak against the mountainside, and -the heart of the captive, that had stood still for a few -moments, now bounded rapidly. The words of Catarina -had come true, and he had had a sign. But what did -the sign mean? It must be connected in some way with -him, and nothing could be worse than that which he now -endured. It must mean good.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a veritable flame of hope to John Bedford, the -prisoner of the Castle of Montevideo. New strength -suffused his whole body. Courage came back to him in a -full tide. A sign had been promised to him, and it had -come.</p> -<p class="pnext">The light burned for about half an hour, and then -went out suddenly. John Bedford returned to his cot, a -new hope in his heart.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-thread-the-key-and-the-dagger">CHAPTER XVII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE THREAD, THE KEY, AND THE DAGGER</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">When John Bedford rose the next morning he was -several years younger. He held himself erect, -as became his youth, a little color had crept -into the pallid face, and his heart was still full of hope. -He had seen the light that Catarina had promised. -Surely the world was making a great change for him, and -he reasoned again that, his present state being so low, any -possible change must be for the better.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the day passed and nothing happened. Diego, -the slouching soldier, brought him his food, and, bearing -in mind the vague words of Catarina, he noticed it -carefully while he ate. There was nothing unusual. It was -the same at his supper. The rosy cloud in which his -hopes swam faded somewhat, but he was still hopeful. -No light had been promised for the second night, but he -watched for long hours, nevertheless, and he could not -restrain a sense of disappointment when he turned away.</p> -<p class="pnext">A second day passed without event, and a third, and -then a fourth. John Bedford was overcome by a terrible -depression. Catarina was old and foolish, or perhaps -she, too, had shown at last the cunning and trickery that -he began to ascribe to all these people. He would stay -in that cell all his life, fairly buried alive. A fierce, -unreasoning anger took hold of him. He would have flared -out at stolid Diego who brought the food, but he did not -want those heavy chains put back on his ankles. His -head was now healed enough for the removal of the -bandage, but a red streak would remain for some time under -the hair. Doubtless the hair had saved him from a -fracture of the skull. Every time he put his hand to the -wound, which was often, his anger against de Armijo -rose. It was that cold, silent anger which is the most -terrible and lasting of all.</p> -<p class="pnext">Although he was back in the depths, John felt that -the brief spell of hope had been of help to him. His -wound had healed more rapidly, and he was sure that he -was physically stronger. Yet the black depression -remained. It was even painful for him to look through the -slit at his piece of the slope, which he sometimes called -his mountain garden. He avoided it, as a place of hope -that had failed. On the sixth day, Diego brought him -his dinner a little after the dinner hour. He was sitting -on the edge of his cot and he bit into a tamale. His -teeth encountered something tough and fibrous, and he -was about to throw it down in disgust. Then the words -of Catarina, those words which he had begun to despise, -came suddenly back to him. He put the tamale down -and began to eat a tortilla, keeping his eye on Diego, who -slouched by the wall in the attitude of a Mexican of the -lower classes, that lazy, dreaming attitude that they can -maintain, for hours.</p> -<p class="pnext">Presently Diego glanced at the loophole, and in an -instant John whipped the tamale off the plate and thrust it -under the cover of the cot. Then he went on calmly with -his eating, and drank the usual amount of bad coffee. -Diego, who had noticed nothing, took the empty tray and -went out, carefully locking the heavy door behind him. -Then John Bedford did something that showed his -wonderful power of self-restraint. He did not rush to the -bed, eager to read what the tamale might contain, but -strolled to the loophole and looked out for at least a -quarter of an hour. He did not wish any trick to be played -upon him by a sudden return of Diego. Yet he was -quivering in every nerve with impatience.</p> -<p class="pnext">When he felt that he was safe, he returned to the cot -and took out the tamale. He carefully pulled it open, -and in the middle he found the tough, fibrous substance -that his teeth had met. He had half expected a paper of -some kind, rolled closely together, that the writing might -not perish, and what he really did find caused a -disappointment so keen that he uttered a low cry of pain.</p> -<p class="pnext">He held it up in his hand. It was nothing more than -a small package of thread, such as might have been put -in a thimble. What could it mean? Of what possible -use was a coil of fifty yards or so of thread that would -not sustain the weight of half a pound? Was he to escape -through the loophole on that as a rope? He looked at the -loophole four inches broad, and then at the tiny thread, -and it seemed to him such a pitiful joke that he sat down -on the cot and laughed, not at the joke itself, but at any -one who was foolish enough to perpetrate such a thing.</p> -<p class="pnext">He tested the thread. It was stronger than he had -thought. Then he put it on his knee, took his head in -his two hands, and sat staring at the thread for a long -time, concentrating his thoughts and trying to evolve -something from this riddle. It did mean something. -No one would go to so much trouble to play a miserable -joke on a helpless captive like himself. Catarina certainly -would not do it, and she had given him the hint about -the food, a hint that had come true. He kept his mind -upon the one point so steadily and with so much force -that his brain grew hot, and the wound, so nearly cured, -began to ache again. Yet he kept at it, studying out -every possible twist and turn of the riddle. At last he -tested the thread again. It was undeniably strong, and -then he looked at the loophole. Only one guess savored -of possibility. He must hang the thread out of the loophole.</p> -<p class="pnext">He ate the rest of the tamale, hid the little package -under his clothing, and at night, after supper, when the -darkness was heavy, he threw the end of the thread -through the long slot, a cast in which he did not succeed -until about the twelfth attempt. Then he let the thread -drop down. He knew about how many feet it was to the -pavement below, and he let out enough with three or four -yards for good count. Then he found that he had several -yards left, which he tied around one of the iron bars at -the edge of the loophole. It was a black thread, and, -although some one might see it by daylight, there was not -one chance in a thousand that any one would see it at -night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fishing," he said to himself, as he lay down on his -cot, intending to sleep awhile, but to draw in the thread -before the day came. It might be an idle guess, he could -not even know that the thread was not clinging to the -stone wall, instead of reaching the ground, but there was -relief in action, in trying something. He fell asleep -finally, and when he awoke he sprang in an instant to the -floor. The fear came with his waking senses that he -might have slept too long, and that it was broad -daylight. The fear was false. It was still night, with only -the moon shining at the loophole. But he judged that -most of the night had passed, and his impatience told him -that if anything was going to happen it had happened -already. He went to the window. His thread was there, -tied to the bar and, like a fisherman, he began to pull it -in. He felt this simile himself. "Drawing in the line," -he murmured. "Now I wonder if I have got a bite."</p> -<p class="pnext">Although he spoke lightly to himself, as if a calm -man would soothe an excitable one, he felt the cold chill -that runs down one's spine in moments of intense -excitement. The moonlight was good, and he watched the -black thread come in, inch by inch, while the hand that -drew it trembled. But he soon saw that there was no -weight at the other end, and down his heart went again -into the blackest depths of black despair. Nevertheless, -he continued to pull on the thread, and, as it emerged -from the darkness into the far end of the loophole, he -thought he saw something tied on the end, although -he was not sure, it looked so small and dim. Here he -paused and leaned against the wall, because he suddenly -felt weak in both mind and body. These alternations -between hope and despair were shattering to one who had -been confined so long between four walls. The very -strength of his desire for it might make him see -something at the end of the thread when nothing was really -there.</p> -<p class="pnext">He recovered himself and pulled in the thread, and -now hope surged up in a full tide. Something was on -the end of the thread. It was a little piece of paper not -more than an inch long, rolled closely and tied tightly -around the center with the thread. He drew up his stool -and sat down on it by the loophole, where the moonlight -fell. Then he carefully picked loose the knot and -unrolled the paper. The light was good enough, and he -read these amazing words:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Don't give up hope.</div> -<div class="line">Your brother is here.</div> -<div class="line">He received your letter.</div> -<div class="line">Put out the thread</div> -<div class="line">Again to-morrow night.</div> -<div class="line">Read and destroy this."</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">John leaned against the wall. His surprise and joy -were so great that he was overpowered. He realized now -that his hope had merely been a forlorn one, an effort of -the will against spontaneous despair. And yet the -miracle had been wrought. His letter, in some mysterious -manner, had got through to Phil, and Phil had come. -He must have friends, too, because the letter had not been -written by Phil. It was in a strange handwriting. But -this could be no joke of fate. It was too powerful, too -convincing. Everything fitted too well together. It must -have started somehow with Catarina, because all her -presages had come true. She was the cook, she had put the -thread in the tamale. How had the others reached her?</p> -<p class="pnext">But it was true. His letter had gone through, and the -brave young boy whom he had left behind had come. He -was somewhere about the Castle of Montevideo, and since -such wonders had been achieved already, others could be -done. From that moment John Bedford never despaired. -After reading the letter many times, he tore it into -minute fragments, and, lest they should be seen below and -create suspicion, he ate them all and with a good -appetite. Then he rolled up the thread, put it next to his -body, and, for the first time in many nights, slept so -soundly that he did not awake until Diego brought him -his breakfast. Then he ate with a remarkable appetite, -and after Diego had gone he began to walk up and down -the cell with vigorous steps. He also did many other -things which an observer, had one been possible, would -have thought strange.</p> -<p class="pnext">John not only walked back and forth in his cell, but -he went through as many exercises as his lack of -gymnastic equipment permitted, and he continued his work at -least an hour. He wished to get back his strength as -much as possible for some great test that he felt sure was -coming. If he were to escape with the help of Phil and -unknown others, he must be strong and active. A -weakling would have a poor chance, no matter how numerous -his friends. He had maintained this form of exercise for -a long period after his imprisonment, but lately he had -become so much depressed that he had discontinued it.</p> -<p class="pnext">He felt so good that he chaffed Diego when he came -back with his food at dinner and supper. Diego had -long been a source of wonder to John. It was evident -that he breathed and walked, because John had seen him -do both, and he could speak, because at rare intervals -John had heard him utter a word or two, but this power -of speech seemed to be merely spasmodic. Now, while -John bantered him, he was as stolid as any wooden -image of Aztecs or Toltecs, although John spoke in Spanish, -which, bad as it was, Diego could understand.</p> -<p class="pnext">He devoted the last hours of the afternoon to watching -his distant garden. It had always been a pleasant -landscape to him, but now it was friendlier than ever. -That was a fine cactus, and it was a noble forest of dwarf -pine or cedar--he wished he did know which. An hour -after the dark had fully come he let the thread out again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This beats any other fishing I ever did," he murmured. -"Well, it ought to. It's fishing for one's life."</p> -<p class="pnext">He was calmer than on the night before, and fell -asleep earlier, but he had fixed his mind so resolutely on -a waking time at least an hour before daylight that he -awoke almost at the appointed minute. Then he tiptoed -across the cold floor to the thread. Nobody could have -heard him through those solid walls, but the desire for -secrecy was so strong that he unconsciously tiptoed, -nevertheless. He pulled the thread, and he felt at once -that something heavy had been fastened to the other end. -Then he pulled more slowly. The thread was very -slender, and the weight seemed great for so slight a line. If -it were to break, the tragedy would be genuinely terrible. -He had heard of the sword suspended by a single hair, -and it seemed to him that he was in some such case. -But the thread was stronger than John realized--it had -been chosen so on purpose--and it did not break.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the far end of the thread approached the loophole, -he was conscious of a slight metallic ring against the -stone wall. His interest grew in intensity. Phil and -these unknown friends of his were sending him something -more than a note. He pulled with exceeding slowness -and care now, lest the metallic object hook against the -far edge of the loophole. But it came in safely, slid -across the stone, and reached his hand. It was a large -iron key, with a small piece of paper tied around it. He -tore off the paper, and read, in a handwriting the same as -that on the first one:</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is the key to your cell, No. 37, but do not use -it. Do not even put it in the lock until the fourth night -from to-night. Then at midnight, as nearly as you can -judge, unlock and go out. Let out the thread for the last -time to-morrow night."</p> -<p class="pnext">John looked at the key and glanced longingly at the -lock. He had no doubt that it would fit. But he obeyed -orders and did not try it. Instead he thrust it into the -old ragged mattress of his cot. He resumed his physical -exercises the next day, giving an hour to them in the -morning and another hour in the afternoon. They helped, -but the breath of hope was doing more for him, both -mind and body, than anything else. He felt so strong -and active that he did not chaff Diego any more lest the -Mexican, stolid and wooden though he was, might suspect -something.</p> -<p class="pnext">He let out the thread according to orders, and, at the -usual time, drew in a dagger, slender and very light, but -long and keen as a razor. He read readily the purpose of -this. There would be much danger when he opened the -door to go out, and he must have a weapon. He ran his -finger along the keen edge and saw that it would be truly -formidable at close quarters. Then he hid it in his -mattress with the key, wound up the thread, and put it in -the same place. All had now come to pass as promised, -and he felt that the remainder would depend greatly upon -himself. So he settled down as best he could to three -days and nights of almost intolerable waiting. Dull and -heavy as the time was, and surely every second was a -minute, many fears also came with it. They might take -it into their heads to change that ragged old mattress of -his, and then the knife, the thread, and the key would be -found. He would dismiss such apprehensions with the -power of reason, but the power of fear would bring them -back again. Too much now depended upon his freedom -from examination and search to allow of a calm mind.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet time passed, no matter how slow, and he was -helped greatly by his physical exercises, which gave him -occupation, besides preparing him for an expected ordeal. -Hope, too, was doing its great work. He could fairly feel -the strength flowing back into his veins, and his nerves -becoming tougher and more supple. Every night he -looked out at the mountain slope and itemized his little -garden there that he had never touched, shrub by shrub, -stone by stone, not forgetting the great cactus. He told -himself that he did not expect to see any light there again, -because the unknown sender of messages had not spoken -of another, but, deep down at the bottom of his heart, he -was hoping to behold the torch once more, and he felt -disappointment when it did not appear.</p> -<p class="pnext">He tried to imagine how Phil looked. He knew that -he must be a great, strong boy, as big as a man. He -knew that his spirit was bold and enterprising, yet he -must have had uncommon skill and fortune to have -penetrated so deep into Mexico, and to preserve a hiding-place -so near to the great Castle of Montevideo. And the -friends with him must be molded of the finest steel. -Who were they? He recalled daring and adventurous -spirits among his own comrades in the fatal expedition, -but as he ran over every one in his mind he shook his -head. It could not be.</p> -<p class="pnext">It is the truth that, during all this period, inflicting -such a tremendous strain upon the captive, John never -once tried the key in the door. It was the supreme test -of his character, of his restraint, of his power of will, -and he passed it successfully. The thread, the dagger, -and the key lay together untouched in the bottom of the -old mattress, and he waited in all the outward seeming of -patience.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first night was very clear, on the second it rained -for six or seven hours. The entire mountainside was -veiled in sheets of water or vapor, and John saw nothing -beyond his window but the black blur. The third night -was clear, but when the morning of the fourth day -dawned, John thought, from the clouds that were floating -along the mountain slope, it would be rainy again. He -hoped that the promise would come true. Darkness and -rain favor an escaping prisoner.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last day was the most terrible of all. Now and -then he found his heart pounding as if it would rack itself -to pieces. It was difficult to go through with the exercises, -and it was still more difficult to preserve calmness of -manner in the presence of Diego. Yet he did both. -Moreover, his natural steadiness seemed to come back to -him as the hour drew near. His was one of those rare -and fortunate natures which may be nervous and -apprehensive some time before the event, but which become -hard and firm when it is at hand. Now John found -himself singularly calm. The eternity of waiting had passed, -and he was strong and ready.</p> -<p class="pnext">Diego brought him his supper early, and then, -through his loophole, he watched the twilight deepen into -the night. And with the night came the rain that the -morning and afternoon clouds had predicted. It was a -cold rain, driven by a wind that shrieked down the -valley, and drops of it, hurled like shot the full width of the -slit, struck John in the face. But he liked the cool sharp -touch, and he felt sure that the rain would continue all -through the night. So much the better.</p> -<p class="pnext">John's clothing was old and ragged, and he wore a -pair of heelless Mexican shoes. He had no hat or cap. -But a prisoner of three lonely years seeking to escape was -not likely to think of such things.</p> -<p class="pnext">He waited patiently through these last hours. He -was compelled to judge for himself when midnight had -come, but he believed that he had made a close -calculation. Then he took a final look through the loophole. -The wind, with a mighty groaning and shrieking, was -still driving the rain down the slopes, and nothing was -visible. Then, with a firm hand, he took from the bed -the thread, the knife, and the key. It was not likely -that he would have any further use for the thread, but for -the sake of precaution he put it in his pocket. He also -slipped the dagger into the back of his coat at the neck, -after a southwestern fashion which allowed a man to -draw and strike with a single motion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, key in hand, he boldly approached the door. -Some throbbings of doubt appeared, but he sternly -repressed them. Giving himself no time for hesitation, he -put the key in the lock and turned his hand toward the -right. The key, without any creaking or scraping, -turned with it. His heart gave a great leap. He did -not know until now that he had really doubted. His joy -at the fact showed it. But the miracles were coming -true, one after another.</p> -<p class="pnext">He turned the key around the proper distance, and he -heard the heavy bolt slide back. He knew that he would -have nothing to do now but pull on the door, yet he -paused a few moments as one lingers over a great pleasure, -in order to make it greater. He pulled, and the door -came back with the same familiar slight creak that he -had heard it make so often when Diego entered or left. -With an involuntary gesture of one hand, he bade -farewell to his cell and stepped into the long, dark corridor -upon which the row of cells opened. But for the sake of -precaution he locked the cell door again and put the key -in his pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he drew the slender dagger, clutched it firmly in -his right hand, and stepped softly back against the wall, -which was in heavy shadow, no light entering it from the -narrow barred window at either end. John's heart beat -painfully, but he did not believe that the miracles which -were being done in his behalf had yet ended. With his -back still toward the wall, and his hand on the hilt of the -dagger, he slipped soundlessly along for a few feet. His -eyes, growing used to the darkness, made out the posts at -the head of a stairway.</p> -<p class="pnext">Evidently this was the way he should go, and he -paused again. Then his blood slowly chilled within -him. A human figure was standing beside one of the -posts. He saw it distinctly. It was the figure of a tall -man in a long black serape, with a dark handkerchief -tied around mouth and chin after the frequent Mexican -fashion, and a great sombrero which nearly met the -handkerchief. He could see nothing but the narrowest -strip of dark face, and in the dusk the man rose to the -size of a giant. He was truly a formidable figure to one -who had been three years a captive, to one who was -armed only with a slender knife.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the crisis in John Bedford's life was so great that -he advanced straight toward the ominous presence in his -path. The man said nothing, but John felt as he -approached that the stranger was regarding him steadily. -Moreover, he made no motion to draw a weapon. John -saw now that one of his hands rested on the post at the -stairhead, and the other hung straight down by his side. -Surely this was not the attitude of a foe! Perhaps here -was merely another in the chain of miracles that had -begun to work in his behalf. He advanced a step or two -nearer, and the stranger was yet motionless. Another -step, and the man spoke in a sharp whisper:</p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1">"You are John Bedford?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am," replied John.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I've been waiting for you. Come. But first take this."</p> -<p class="pnext">He drew a double-barreled pistol from his pocket and -handed it to John, who did as he was told. The stranger -then produced from under his capacious serape another -serape and a Mexican hat, which John, acting under his -instructions, also put on.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said the man, "follow me, and do what I do -or what I tell you.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"It is the midnight hour,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">They wait us at the gate.</div> -</div> -<div class="line">May Heaven its favors pour,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Then easy is our fate.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">You seem to be a brave fellow like your brother; then -now is the time to show your courage, and remember, -also, that I can do all the talking for both of us. -Talking is my great specialty."</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed to John that the stranger spoke in an odd -manner, but he liked the sound of his voice, which was -at once strong and kind. Why should he not like a man -who had come through every imaginable danger to save -him from a living death!</p> -<p class="pnext">"My brother?" whispered John in his eagerness. -"Is he still near?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I told you I was to do all the talking," replied the -man. "You just follow and step as lightly as you can."</p> -<p class="pnext">John obeyed, and, after a descent of a few steps, they -came to one of the heavy wooden doors, twelve feet high, -but the stranger unlocked it with a key taken from the -folds of that invaluable Mexican garment, the serape.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You didn't think I'd come on such a trip as this -without making full preparations?" said the man with a -slight humorous inflection. Then he added: "You're -just a plain, common Mexican, some servant or other, -employed about the castle, and you continue to slouch -along behind me, who may be an officer for all one knows -in this darkness. But first push with me on this door. -Push hard and push slowly."</p> -<p class="pnext">The heavy door moved back a foot or two, but that -was all the stranger wanted. He slipped through the -opening, and John came after him. Then the man closed -and locked the door again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A wise burglar leaves no trail behind him," he said, -"and, although it is too dark for me to see you very well, -I want to tell you, Sir John of the Cell, that your figure -and walk remind me a great deal of your brother, Sir -Philip of the Mountain, the River, and the Plain, as -gallant a lad as one may meet in many a long day."</p> -<p class="pnext">A question, a half dozen of them leaped to John's -lips, but, remembering his orders, he checked them all -there.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, I see," said the stranger. "That would certainly -tempt any man to ask questions, but, remembering -what I told you, you did not ask them. You are of -the true metal.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Though in prison he lay,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">His spirit was strong,</div> -</div> -<div class="line">He sought a better day,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">And now it's come along.</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">At least it's a better night, which, for the uses of -poetry, is the same as day. This stairway, John, leads -into the great inner court, and then our troubles begin, -although we ought to return thanks all the rest of our -days for the rain and the heavy darkness. The Mexican -officers will see no reason why they shouldn't remain -under shelter, and the Mexican soldiers, in this case, will -be glad enough to do as their officers do."</p> -<p class="pnext">John now followed his guide with absolute faith. The -man spoke more queerly than anybody else that he had -ever heard, but everything that he did or said inspired -confidence.</p> -<p class="pnext">They came to the bottom of the stairway and reached -the great paved central court, with the buildings of the -officers scattered here and there. They stepped into the -court, and John fairly shrank within himself when the -cold rain lashed into his face. He did not know until -then how three years within massive walls had softened -and weakened him. But he held himself erect and -tautened his nerves, resolved that his comrade should not -see that he had shivered.</p> -<p class="pnext">They saw lights shining from the windows of some of -the low buildings, but no human being was visible within -the square.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They've all sought cover," said his rescuer, "and -now is our best chance to get through one of the gates. -After that there are other walls and ditches to be passed, -but, Sir John of the Night, the Wall, the Rain, and the -Moat, we'll pass them. This little plan of ours has been -too well laid to go astray. Just the same, you keep that -pistol handy."</p> -<p class="pnext">John drew the serape about his thin body. It was -useful for other things than disguise. Without it the -cold would have struck him to the bone. His rescuer -led the way across the court until they came to one of the -great gates in the wall. The sentinel then was pacing -back and forth, his musket on his shoulder, and at -intervals he called: "Sentinela alerte!" that his comrades at -other gates might hear, and out of the wind and rain -came at intervals, though faintly, the responding cry, -"Sentinela alerte!" John and the stranger were almost -upon this man when the cry "Sentinela alerte!" came -from the next gate. He turned quickly as the two dark -figures emerged from the darker gloom, but the stranger, -with extraordinary dexterity, threw his serape over his -face, checking any cry, while his powerful hands choked -him into insensibility. At the same time the stranger -uttered the answering cry, "Sentinela alerte!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"You haven't killed him?" exclaimed John, aghast, -as his rescuer let the Mexican slide to the wet earth.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not at all," replied this resourceful man. "The -cold rain will bring him back to his senses in five -minutes and in ten minutes he will be as well as ever, -but in ten minutes we should play our hand, if we ever -play it."</p> -<p class="pnext">He drew an enormous key from the pocket of the -Mexican, unlocked the gate, and, after they had passed -out, locked it behind them. Then they stood on the edge -of the great moat, two hundred feet wide, twenty feet -deep and bank full. The man dropped the key into the -water.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, Sir John of the Escape," he said, "the drawbridge -is up, and if it were down it would be too well -guarded for us to pass. We must swim. I don't know -how strong you are after a long life in prison, but swim -you must. Life is dear, and I think you'll swim. We'll -take off most of our clothes and tie them with our weapons -on our heads. What a wild night! But how good it is -for us!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Crouching in the shadow of the wall they took off -most of their clothes, and then each tied them in a -package containing his weapons, also, on his head. They -were secured with strips torn from John's rags. -Meanwhile, the night was increasing in wildness. John would -have viewed it with awe, had not his escape absorbed -every thought. The wind groaned through the gorges of -the great Sierra, and the cold rain lashed like a whip. -The rumblings of thunder came from far and deep -valleys between the ridges.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said the man, "we'll drop into the moat -together. But let yourself down by your hands as gently -as you can, and make no splash when you strike. Now, -over we go!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The two dropped into the water, taking care not to go -under, and then began to swim toward the far edge of the -moat. John had been a good swimmer, but the water -was very cold to his thin body. Nevertheless, he swam -with a fairly steady stroke, until they were about -half-way across, when he felt cramps creeping over him. But -the stranger, who kept close by his side, had been -watching, and he put one hand under John's body. In water -the light support became a strong one, and now John -swam easily.</p> -<p class="pnext">They reached the far edge and climbed up on the wall. -Here John lay a little while, gasping, while the stranger, -who now seemed a very god to him, rubbed his cold body -to bring back the warmth. From a point down the bank -came the cry "Sentinela alerte!" and from a point in the -other direction came the answering cry, "Sentinela -alerte!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Lie flat," whispered his rescuer to John, "and we'll -wriggle across fifty feet of ground here until we come to a -wooden wall. We're lost if we stand up, because I think -lightning is coming with that thunder."</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke with knowledge, as the thunder suddenly -grew louder and the air around them was tinted with -phosphorescent light. It was not a flare of lightning, -merely its distant reflection, but it was enough to have -disclosed them, if they had been standing, to any one ten -paces distant. The danger itself gave them new strength, -and they quickly crossed the ground to the <em class="italics">chevaux de -frise</em>, where they crouched against the tall cedar posts. -They lay almost flat upon the ground, and they were very -glad of the shelter, because the lightning was coming -nearer. Now, when the lightning flashed along the -mountain slopes, they saw not far away the dim figure of -a soldier, and they heard distinctly his cry: "Sentinela -alerte!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wait until he goes back," whispered the stranger. -"Then we must climb the wall and climb it quickly. -It's fastened with cross timbers which will give us hold -for both hand and foot."</p> -<p class="pnext">The lightning tinted the sky once more with its -phosphorescent gleam, and they did not see the soldier.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now for it!" said the man in a sharp, commanding -whisper. "Up with you and over the wall!"</p> -<p class="pnext">John seized the crosspiece, and in another instant -was on the top of a wall of cedar posts twelve feet high. -He did not know until afterward that the strong hand of -his rescuer had helped him up. In another instant the -man was beside him, and then the lightning flared -brightly, showing vividly the huge castle, the stone -ramparts, the moats and the two figures, naked to the waist, -sitting on top of the cedar wall.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Sentinela alerte!" was shouted far louder than usual, -and "Sentinela alerte!" came the reply in the same tone. -Two musket shots were fired, and the two figures, one -with a red stain on his side, sprang outward from the -cedar fence into the second and smaller moat, which was -only fourteen feet wide, although its outer wall was an -earthwork rising very high above the water. Two or -three strong strokes carried them across, and with -desperate efforts they climbed up the high bank. They heard -shouts, and they knew that when the lightning flared -again more shots would be fired at them. It was then -that John noticed the red stain on the side of his -comrade, and all the reserves of mental strength that made -him so much like his brother, Philip, came to his aid. -He snatched the package from his head, tore it apart, -threw the serape around his body and stood up, erect and -defiant, pistol in hand. He would do something for this -man who had done so much for him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The lightning flared again, a long quivering stroke, -and the heads of half a dozen men appeared at the crest -of the <em class="italics">chevaux de frise</em>, not twenty feet away. But John -Bedford looked at only one of them. He saw the swarthy, -angry face of de Armijo. He seemed to be beckoning -with his sword to his men, but a flash like that of the -lightning seared John's whole brain. He remembered -how this man had struck him down, when he was chained -and helpless, and he fired point blank at the angry face. -De Armijo fell back with a terrible cry. He was not -dead, but the bullet had plowed full length across his -cheek, and he would bear there a terrible red weal all the -rest of his life.</p> -<p class="pnext">The lightning passed, and they were in complete -darkness, but John felt a hand on his arm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come," whispered his rescuer. "You did that -well. Prison hasn't taken any of the manhood from -you. We're outside everything now, and the others are -waiting for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">They fled away together in the darkness.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-hut-in-the-cove">CHAPTER XVIII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE HUT IN THE COVE</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">John Bedford forgot everything in those moments -of wild exultation save the fact that he was free. -The miracles had begun, and the whole chain was -now complete. After three years in one cell he had left -behind him forever, as he believed, the Castle of -Montevideo, and he was going straight to his brother and -powerful friends. He cast back only a single look, and then -he saw the huge dim bulk of the castle showing through -the mists and the rain. But presently the woods shut it -from view, and he could not have seen it had he looked -again. John's exultation, the vast rebound, grew. He -had escaped, and he had struck down the enemy who had -struck him. He felt equal to anything, and he forgot for -the moment that the man who had rescued him in such an -extraordinary way was wounded. But the man himself -stopped soon.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll wait here, Sir John of the Fleet Foot," he -said. "Our friends who are frolicking in this thorny -Forest of Arden were to come if they heard the sound of -firing, and we must not go far away lest we miss them. -Truly that was a fine and timely shot of yours, Sir John -of the Bold Escape, and I judged by the look of your -face that you had no love for the man at whom you -fired."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I did not," replied John. "He beat me, when I -was in chains."</p> -<p class="pnext">The other man uttered a low whistle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That was a nasty thing to do, but you are even. If -he's still alive he'll have a face that will scare a dog.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Whate'er you do</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Unto another,</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Some day that other</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Will do unto you.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Bear that in mind, young sir. In the hour of -triumph do not rejoice too much in the fall of the man who -has failed, because when he achieves his triumph and you -have failed, which is likely to come to pass some time or -other, he may make some moments exceedingly bitter -unto thee. And now I shall dress myself, as I think I -hear the footsteps of visitors."</p> -<p class="pnext">John remembered that he, too, was clad lightly, and -hastily put on his upper garments, while his friend did -likewise. He now heard the steps, also, and they were -rapidly coming nearer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Shouldn't we move?" he whispered. "Those must -be Mexicans."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, we shouldn't move, because those are not the -footsteps of Mexicans. Those sounds are made by the -hardy feet of just two persons. One of them is a large brave -German man, whose tread I would know a mile away, and -the other, the lighter tread of whom is drowned in the -volume of sound made by his comrade, is a boy, a strong, -healthy boy who comes from a little town in Kentucky, -which has the same name as a big town in France."</p> -<p class="pnext">John began to tremble all over. He knew what these -words meant. His friend uttered a low whistle, and -quickly a low whistle in reply came from a point not -twenty feet away. There was a moment of silence, then -the approaching footsteps were resumed, the bushes were -parted, and, as the lightning flared once more across the -sky, John Bedford and Philip Bedford looked into the -faces of each other.</p> -<p class="pnext">They wrung hands in the darkness that followed the -lightning flash, and, after the Anglo-Saxon fashion, said -brief, inconsequential words. Yet the hearts of the two -were full, and both Bill Breakstone, who had done the last -miracle, and Hans Arenberg were moved deeply.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your letter came, John," said Phil simply, "and -we are here. These are the best friends I ever had or that -anybody ever could have. The man who brought you out -of the castle was Bill Breakstone, and the one with me is -Hans Arenberg. Without them I never could have reached -you in the castle."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You talk too much, young sir," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then John suddenly remembered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Mr. Breakstone is wounded," he exclaimed. "We -took off most of our clothes to swim the moat and I -remember seeing a red spot on his side."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Like your brother, you talk too much," said Bill -Breakstone. "It seems to be a family failing with the -Bedfords. It's a mere scratch."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No harm iss done where none iss meant," said -Arenberg sententiously. "It iss also well for us soon to -be away from where we now are."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is true," said Breakstone. "The Mexicans -undoubtedly will make some sort of a search and pursuit, -though I don't think they'll carry it far on such a night. -Come on boys, I'll lead, and the reunited family will -bring up the rear. But no talking is best. You can't -tell what we might stir up."</p> -<p class="pnext">He led the way, and the others followed in silence. -They crossed a valley, reached a mountain slope and -began to climb. Up they went for at least two hours, -pausing at times for John to take breath and rest. -Meanwhile the storm continued, with cold rain, an alternate -groaning and whistling of the wind through the valley, -deep rumblings of thunder, and now and then a bright -flare of lightning. John caught only one other glimpse -of the huge, ominous bulk of the Castle of Montevideo, -but it was far below him now. He knew, too, that it was -impossible for anybody to follow a mountain trail in such -darkness and storm. But, despite his great joy, he was -feeling an exceeding weariness of the body. The long -confinement had told heavily, but he would utter no -complaint.</p> -<p class="pnext">A half hour more, and they turned into a deep cove -which led three or four hundred yards into the Sierra. -At its end stood a small cabin, built of logs and almost -hidden under the overhang of the cliff.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Welcome to our home, Sir John," said Bill Breakstone, -"we have no title to it, and it probably belonged -to some Mexican sheep herder or hunter, but since our -arrival none has appeared to claim it."</p> -<p class="pnext">He threw open the door, and all went inside into the -dry dark. John heard the door close behind him, a bar -fell into place, and then the striking of a match came to -his ear. A little blue flame appeared and grew. -Arenberg, who had struck the match, lighted a pine torch, -which he stuck at an angle in a hole in the wall, and a -fine red flame lighted up the whole interior of the little -cabin. Cabin! It was no cabin to John Bedford. It -was a gorgeous palace, the finest that he had ever seen, -and he was surrounded by the most devoted and daring -friends that man ever had. Had they not just proved it?</p> -<p class="pnext">The little torch disclosed a hard earthen floor, upon -which the skins of wild animals had been spread, log -walls with wooden hooks and pins inserted here and there, -evidently within recent days, a strong board roof, rafters -from which skins and some tools hung, a fireplace with a -stone hearth, and four narrow skin couches, three of which -had been often occupied, the fourth never. Outside, the -wind still wailed, and the cold rain still beat upon the -logs, but here it was warm, dry, and light. The -greatness of it all suddenly overwhelmed John, and he sank -forward in a faint.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil instantly seized his brother and raised him up, -but Breakstone and Arenberg told him not to be alarmed, -that it was merely the collapse of a weakened frame after -tremendous tension, both physical and mental. Breakstone -brought water in a gourd from a pail that stood in -the corner, and soon John sat up again, very much -ashamed of himself, and offering many apologies, at all -of which the others laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Considering all you've been through to-night," said -Bill Breakstone, "it's a wonder that you held out so long. -I wouldn't have believed that you could do it, if I hadn't -known your brother so well. Good thing I learned to be -an actor. I was always strong in those Spanish parts. -Wide hat brim, big black cloak coming up to meet the -hat brim, terrible sword at my thigh, and terrible frown -behind the cloak and the hat brim. Now, Hans, I think -you can light the fire on the hearth there. No chance -that anybody will see the smoke on a night like this, and -there's no reason why we shouldn't dry our clothes and -have a gay party. We've carried through our great -adventure, and we'll just royster over it awhile."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg, without another word, took down the pine -torch from its hole in the wall and ignited the heap of dry -pine boughs that lay in the fireplace. They caught at -once, crackled, and blazed pleasantly. Warm red -shadows were soon cast across the floor, and a generous heat -reached them all. They basked in it, and turned about -and about, drying all their clothing and driving the last -sign of chill from their bones. Arenberg also made coffee -over the coals, and cooked venison, which they had in -abundance. When John ate and drank in plenty, he felt -that life did not have much more to offer. He sat on one -of the skins, leaned comfortably against the wall, and -contemplated his younger brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have grown a lot, Phil," he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You didn't expect him to stand still, just because -you were away locked up in a castle?" asked Bill -Breakstone. "He had to grow up, so he could come and rescue -you. Such tasks are too big for little children."</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford smiled indulgently.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was certainly a big job," he said. "I am the one -who ought to appreciate most its size and danger. It was -a big thing to get through Texas even. Of course I -learned while I was a prisoner in the castle that the -Mexicans had retaken it. It made me feel mighty bad for a -long time."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and Bill Breakstone looked at each other. Arenberg -pushed one of the pine-knots back into the fire. For -a little while there was silence. Then Breakstone said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"You tell him, Phil."</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford looked in wonder at the three, one by -one. Their silence impressed him as ominous, and he, -too, was silent.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Mexicans have not retaken Texas, John," said -Philip Bedford. "They will never retake Texas. They -could never beat the Texans alone, and the Texans are not -alone. There has been war between the United States -and Mexico for a year. An American army under -General Taylor beat the Mexican army at Palo Alto, at Resaca -de la Palma, and took the city of Monterey by storm. -Then most of his army were drawn off to help General -Scott, who is invading Mexico by the way of Vera Cruz. -General Taylor, with the rest of his force, between four -and five thousand men, nearly all volunteers, many from -our own state, John, and some you knew, advanced to -Saltillo and beyond. He was attacked in the Pass of -Angostura by Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, with -more than twenty thousand men, the best of the Mexican -troops, but, John, he won the victory over odds of five to -one. It was long and hard and desperate, and a half -dozen times we were within an inch of losing the battle, -but we won at last, John! We won at last! And we -know, because we three were there, all through it! all day -long! Bill Breakstone, Hans Arenberg, and I!"</p> -<p class="pnext">John looked at them and gasped. It had all been -poured upon him so suddenly that he was overpowered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"War between Mexico and the United States!" he -exclaimed, "and we've been winning battle after battle! -Why, they never said a word to me about it in the castle. -De Armijo made me think that the Mexicans had retaken -Texas."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I forgot to tell you," said Bill Breakstone to the -others, "that de Armijo knocked John down, when he was -chained, but John got back at him to-night when he -plowed his face with a bullet. In fact, I think John -has the better of the bargain:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"A blow--</div> -<div class="line">He'll rue it.</div> -<div class="line">A bullet--</div> -<div class="line">That pays it.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Now, I propose, as it's pretty near toward morning, -and this is about the snuggest hotel I know of anywhere -in the Sierras, that John and I, who have been through -a lot, go to sleep. Phil, you and Arenberg can toss coins, -or decide in any other way you choose, who's to keep -watch. There's your bed, John; it's been waiting for -you quite awhile."</p> -<p class="pnext">He pointed to the skin couch that had never been -occupied, and John lay down upon it. Complete relaxation -of both mind and body had now come. The room was -warm and dry, his friends were near, and, in two -minutes, he was buried in a deep and dreamless sleep. Phil -rose and looked at him. His neck and wrists were thin, -his face was wasted wofully. Arenberg watched Philip -with sympathy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much harm has been done to him," he said, "but -he will overcome it all in a month. You have fared -wonderfully well in your quest, Herr Philip, and I take it as -an omen that we shall do as well in mine. I come next, -you know, Philip."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is true," said Phil, with a great stirring of the -heart. "Nobody ever had such help as you and Breakstone -have given to me, and now I will help you, and -John, too, as soon as he is strong enough, to our utmost -power in whatever task you may have."</p> -<p class="pnext">He held out his hand, and Arenberg took it in a -powerful grasp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now you sleep! I will watch," he said. "No, I -will not let you stay awake, because I wish to do so -instead. I intend to think much with myself."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil saw that the German was in earnest, and he took -his place on his own couch. Soon he was asleep. -Arenberg sat on a piece of wood before the coals which were -now almost dead. He clasped his knees in his hands, -and his rifle, which was between his knees, projected -above his shoulder. So long as the light from the coals -endured he cast a black and almost shapeless shadow on -the wall. But the last coal went out by and by, and he -sat there in the darkness, never stirring. He watched -automatically through the faculty of hearing, but his -thoughts were not on that little cabin nor any of its -occupants. In the darkness his chest heaved, and a -big tear from either eye rolled down his cheek. But -he did not move. After awhile he felt the dawn, and -went to the single shuttered window, which he opened -slightly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The rain and wind had ceased, but drops of water, -turned into a myriad of glittering beads by the rising sun, -hung from trees and bushes. The air of the mountains at -that early hour was crisp and cold, and it felt good to -Arenberg's face. He glanced at his three comrades. They -were still absorbed by that absolute sleep which is the -mortal Nirvana. Then Arenberg took from the inside of -his coat something small, which he looked at for a long -time. Again a big tear from either eye rolled down his -cheek and fell on the floor. But the face of Hans -Arenberg, in that brilliant Mexican sun which now shone -straight upon it, was curiously transformed. For the -first time in many days it was illumined with hope.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's my turn now! It's my turn!" he murmured. -"We have succeeded in everything so far, and we will -succeed again. I feel it. All the omens are good."</p> -<p class="pnext">There is something mystic in the German nature, a -feeling derived, perhaps, from the unknown ages passed -by the Teutonic tribes in the dark forests of the Baltic. -They were as prolific as the Greeks in seers and priestesses, -and some of this feeling was in Arenberg now, as -he gazed at the dripping forest and the blazing sun rising -over a peak ten thousand feet high. Below him he knew -lay the Castle of Montevideo, but before him the mountains -were unrolled, peak after peak, and ridge after ridge. To -his German mind came visions of Valhalla and the great -gods that were.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hans Arenberg yet felt the great uplift of the spirit. -The premonition of success, of a triumphant end to his -quest was very strong within him. He kissed the little -package and replaced it within the inside of his waistcoat. -Then he looked again at his comrades. They were still -in Valhalla.</p> -<p class="pnext">The German was very kindly and very pitiful. He -had noticed the wasted frame of John Bedford, and he -knew how much he needed sleep. Bill Breakstone, too, -had gone through a tremendous ordeal, and Phil Bedford -was but a boy, who had waited, tense and strained, all -through the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let them sleep," murmured Hans Arenberg. "I -will still watch."</p> -<p class="pnext">He left the window open a little so that the fresh air -might come in, and resumed his seat. The other three -slept on soundly. An hour or two later he opened the -door softly and went out into the cove, which he scouted -carefully. It was as silent and desolate as if man had -never been there. At forty yards the cabin itself was -invisible in the foliage and against the dark, volcanic cliff. -The German was quite sure that no one would come, but, -for precaution, he examined every bush and projection of -rock. Then he climbed one of the cliffs, and, sheltering -himself well, looked down the valley. There, far below, -was the huge, honey-colored Castle of Montevideo, seeming -singularly vivid and near in the intense sunlight. -Arenberg thought that he could make out a figure or two -on its walls, but he was not sure. He also examined the -slopes, but he could not detect human life. Then he -returned to the cabin and found his comrades still sound -asleep. Arenberg smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let them sleep on," he murmured, "until the sleep -that is in them is exhausted." He opened the door a -little in order that he might let in more fresh air, and -also because it gave him a complete view down the -valley. No one could approach the cabin without being seen -by Hans Arenberg, who had uncommonly good eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">The German sat there all the morning and listened to -the hours as they ticked themselves away. He listened -literally, and he heard the ticking literally, because he -carried a large silver watch in his waistcoat pocket, and -in the dead silence, he could hear it very well. His -comrades slept on, each on his couch. Once Arenberg rose -and looked at John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A fine young man," he murmured. "He iss worthy -of his brother."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was fully an hour after noon when Bill Breakstone -began to squirm about on his couch and yawn mightily.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he opened his eyes, sat up, and stared at Hans -Arenberg, who sat placidly by the fireplace, looking down -the valley.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hans!" said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg looked at him and smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm thinking," said Bill Breakstone, "that we've -overslept ourselves a bit. I guess from the looks of the -light there at the door that the sun must be up at least -an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It has been up seven hours," replied Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then we're that much ahead," said Bill Breakstone -calmly, "and at least one of those two has needed it -badly."</p> -<p class="pnext">He looked at the sleeping brothers.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," said Arenberg. "The captive who iss a -captive no longer iss, I take it, a good youth, like his -brother."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He surely is," said Breakstone with emphasis, "and -I have given him the honor of knighthood, along with -Phil. Besides, he's as smart as a steel trap. He read -the meaning of the thread that we sent him, and he did -everything else exactly as we wished. It's all the more -wonderful because so long a time in prison is apt to make -one dull and stupid in some ways. Anything happen on -your long watch, Hans?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nothing. I made a scout all the way up the cove. -I am sure there iss no human being except ourselves on -this mountain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I move that we boil a little coffee and fry a little -venison for the youngsters. John, in particular, needs -it, because he's got to be built up. I don't think there's -any danger."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then we'll light the fire and let the cooking wake -them up."</p> -<p class="pnext">John Bedford, in a dream, as it were, felt a delicious -aroma in his nostrils. It was singularly pleasant to a -poor prisoner in a bleak stone cell in the Castle of -Montevideo, and he did not wish to destroy the illusion. In -the early morning the air that came through the loophole -was very cold, and there was no reason why he should -rise. Perhaps he was really dreaming, and, since it was -such a pleasant dream, he would let it run on. But that -odor in his nostrils grew more and more powerful, and it -was not like the odor of the frijoles and tortillas that -Diego brought him. He also heard, or thought he heard, -the voices of men, and not one of them bore any -resemblance to the harsh Mexican tones of Diego. Then he -remembered it all, and the truth came in such a sudden -flood of delight that he sat up abruptly and looked -around that wonderful cabin, the finest cabin in the -world.</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg had just brought the coffee to a boiling point, -the strips of venison, under the deft handling of Bill -Breakstone, were just becoming crisp. Phil was coming -in with a canteen of fresh water, and at the wide-open -door, through which he might pass as he pleased, the -sunshine was entering like a golden shower.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Morning, Sir John the Sleeper," said Bill Breakstone -cheerily. "It's well along in the afternoon, but, if -you were to ask me, I'd tell you that you hadn't slept a -minute too long. Phil here has been up only five -minutes before you, but, by running for the water, he's -trying to make you believe that he's an early riser."</p> -<p class="pnext">John said not a word, but rose to his feet--they -had all lain down fully dressed--and looked at the open -door with a gaze so fixed and concentrated that all stared -curiously at him. Something was working in John's -mind, something deep and vital. He walked in a -perfectly straight line across the cabin floor until he came -within a foot of the open door. Then he stood there for -a little space, gazing out.</p> -<p class="pnext">The curiosity of the others deepened. What was -passing in his mind? But John said never a word. Instead, -he stepped out in the sunshine and crisp air, went two or -three yards, and then came back again into the cabin. -But he did not stay there. He went out once, came back -once more, and repeated the round trip four more times. -All the while he said never a word, and, at each successive -trip, the look of pleasure on his face grew. At the sixth -that look was complete, and he turned to the three who -were staring at him open-eyed and open-mouthed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not crazy, as you think, not the least bit of it," -he said. "It's been three years since I could go out of a -door and come in at it as I pleased. I wanted to prove -to myself that it was no dream, and to enjoy it at the -same time. I'll never have such an acute joy again in -this world, I suppose. As you haven't been where I've -been, you'll never know what it is to go in and come out -when you like."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We don't know, but we can guess," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">A little lump came into the throat of Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I was never cooped up like that," he said, "but if I -were, I guess I couldn't stand it. But the coffee and the -venison are ready, and while we set to and keep at it, -Phil, you tell your brother how it all came about."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was willing. He was so full of the story himself -that he was anxious John should hear it all. He -recounted how the letter had reached him at Paris in -Kentucky, his journey to New Orleans, and his successive -meetings there with Arenberg, Middleton, and Bill -Breakstone; how they had joined the Santa Fé train and their -encounter with the Comanches, led by Santana and Black -Panther, the deeds of de Armijo, their long trail -southward to join Taylor's army, and a description, as far as -he saw it amid the flame and smoke, of the great battle -of Buena Vista. He told of the sharp lava, the pass, and -of the woman at the well who had given the cup of water -to the weary prisoner who was but a boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I remember her, I remember her well," said John, a -thrill of gratitude showing in his tone. "I believe I'd -have died if it hadn't been for that water, the finest that -anybody ever tasted. I knew from the voice that it was -a woman."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We felt sure then," continued Phil, "that we were -on the right trail, and we believed that, with patience -and method, we'd be sure to find you if you were living. -We knew that the letter had been brought to the Texas -frontier by Antonio Vaquez, a driver who had received it -in turn from one Porfirio, a vaquero, and we knew from -your letter that you were confined in some great stone -prison or castle. We learned of Montevideo, which is -perhaps the greatest castle in Mexico, and everything -pointed to it as the place.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Mexican army retreated in great haste southward -after Buena Vista, in order to meet Scott, who was -advancing on Mexico by the way of Vera Cruz. That left -the country comparatively clear for us, and we came -through the mountains, until we saw the Castle of -Montevideo. When we saw it, we believed still more strongly -that this was the place, but we knew that the biggest part -of our work was before us. We would have to spy, and -spy, and keep on spying before we could act. Any mule -driver or sheepherder might carry news of us, and we -must have a secure hiding-place as a basis. After a long -search we found this cabin, which I don't think had -been occupied for several years. We soon fixed it up so -it was comfortable, as you can now see. There's a little -spring at the west edge of the cove, and on the other side -of the ridge there's a little valley with water and grass, -but with walls so steep that a horse won't climb 'em -unless he's led. Our horses are there now, having -perhaps the best time of their lives.</p> -<p class="pnext">"When we were located, good and snug, we began to -spy. I believed after we met the woman at the well that -fortune was favoring us. Arenberg here talked a lot -about the spirits of the forest and the stream, some old -heathen mythology of his, to which Bill and I didn't pay -any attention. But anyway, we had luck. We scouted -about the castle for weeks, but we didn't learn a thing, -except that de Armijo was now governor there. We could -find no more trace of you than if you had been on the -moon.</p> -<p class="pnext">"At last our lucky day came. We ran squarely upon -a good-looking young Mexican, a vaquero. There wasn't -time for us to get away or for him to get away. So we, -being the more numerous, seized him. I suppose he -thought he was going to be killed at once, as we were -Americans, looking pretty tough from exposure and -hardships, and so to make a play on our good feelings--Bill -Breakstone could understand his Spanish--he said that -once he'd tried to help a Gringo, a prisoner, in the great -castle in the valley. He said he'd carried a letter from -him, asking for help, and that the prisoner was not much -more than a boy, taken in a raid from Texas three years -ago.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It flashed over us all at once that we had found the -right man. Everything fitted too well together to permit -of a mistake, and you can believe that we treated Porfirio, -the vaquero, the finest we knew how, and made him feel -that he had fallen into the hands of the best friends in -the world. Were you still alive? We waited without -drawing breath for the answer. You were still alive he -answered, and well, so far as a prisoner could be. He -knew that positively from his mother, Catarina, who was -a cook at the castle, although he himself would not stay -there, as, like a sensible man, he liked the mountains and -the plains and the free life. He did not tell us of the -blow that de Armijo had given you, perhaps because -Catarina had said nothing of it to him, but we learned -that he hated de Armijo, who had once struck him when -he was at the castle, for some trifle or other--it seems -that de Armijo had the striking habit--and after that we -soon made our little plot. Catarina, of course, was the -center of it, and her duties as a cook gave her the chance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was Catarina who put the thread in the tamale. -She might have put the letter there, but the writing on -it would have been effaced, and even if it could have -remained she did not dare. If the paper had been -discovered by the Mexicans, she, of course, would have been -declared guilty, but thread, even a package of it, might -have found its way into the loose Mexican cooking, and -if it had been discovered none of the sentinels or officers -could have made anything out of such a slender thing. -We trusted to your shrewdness that you would drop the -thread out of the window, because there was nothing else -to do with it, and you didn't fail us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But who tied the note on it?" asked John.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Catarina, again--that is, she was at the end of the -chain, Porfirio was in the middle, and we were at the -other or far end. He passed the letter in to her--he -works about the castle at times--and she tied it on the -end of the thread. The key and the dagger reached you -by the same route. Then we knew that, although you -might unlock the door of your cell, you could never go -outside the castle without the aid of some one within. -For that reason we told you the night on which to unlock -it, and the very hour, in order that the right man might -be waiting for you at the head of the stairway. Bill -Breakstone had to be that man, because he can speak -Spanish and the Mexican dialects, and because, lucky for -you, he's been an actor; often to amuse others he has -played parts like the one that he played last night in -such deadly earnest.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Catarina got the keys--there are duplicates to all the -cells--so we sent that up early, and on the day before -your escape she stole the one to the big gate that guards -the stairway. It was easy enough to steal the clothes for -Breakstone, take him in as a servant, and his nerve and -yours did the rest. But we must never forget Catarina -and her son Porfirio, the vaquero. Without them we -could have done nothing."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm prouder of it than of any other thing in which I -ever took part," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was not one miracle, it was a chain of them," -said John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Whatever it was, here we all are," said Phil.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="arenberg-s-quest">CHAPTER XIX</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">ARENBERG'S QUEST</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">It was necessary for several reasons to remain some -days in the cove. John Bedford's strength must be -restored. After the long confinement and the great -excitement of his escape, he suffered from a little fever, -and it was deemed best that he should lie quiet in the -cabin. Phil stayed with him most of the time, while -Breakstone and Arenberg hunted cautiously among the -mountains, bringing in several deer. They incurred little -risk in their pursuit, because the mountaineers, few in -number at any time, were all drawn off by the war.</p> -<p class="pnext">John had a splendid constitution, and, with this as a -basis, good and abundant food and the delight of being -free built him up very fast. On the fourth day Bill -Breakstone came in with news received through the -Porfirio-Catarina telegraph that the escape of John had caused -a great stir at the castle. Nobody could account for it, -and nobody was suspected. De Armijo was suffering -from a very painful wound in the face, and would leave -on the following day for the capital to receive surgical -treatment.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm going to see Porfirio for the last time to-morrow," -said Breakstone, "and as we have some gold left -among us, I suggest that we make a purse of half of it -and give it to him. Money can't repay him and his -mother for all they've done, but it may serve as an -instalment."</p> -<p class="pnext">All were willing, and Breakstone departed with a hundred -dollars. He reported on the day following that -Porfirio had received it with great gratitude, and that, as -they were now rich, he and his mother were going to buy -a little house of their own among the hills.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And now," said Breakstone, "as John here has been -gaining about five pounds a day, and is as frisky as a -two year old just turned out to pasture, I think we'd -better start."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was late in the afternoon when he said these words, -and they were all present in the cabin. Three pairs of -eyes turned toward Arenberg. A sigh swelled the chest -of the German, but he checked it at the lips. Without -saying a word he drew a little packet from the inside of -his waistcoat and handed it to Phil, who was nearest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked at it long and attentively. It was the -portrait of a little boy, about seven, with yellow hair and -blue eyes, a fair little lad who looked out from the picture -with eyes of mirth and confidence. The resemblance to -Arenberg was unmistakable. Phil passed it to Breakstone, -who, after a look, passed it on to John, who in his -turn, after a similar look, gave it back to Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your boy?" said Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg nodded. The others, sympathetic and feeling -that they were in the presence of a great grief, waited -until he should choose to speak.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss the picture of my boy," said Arenberg at last. -"Hiss name is William--Billy we called him. I came -to this country and settled in Texas, which was then a -part of Mexico. I married an American girl, and this -iss our boy. We lived at New Braunfels in Texas with -the people from Germany. She died. Perhaps it iss as -well that she did. It sounds strange to hear me say it, -but it iss true. The Comanches came, they surprised -and raided the town, they killed many, and they carried -away many women and children. Ah, the poor women -who have never been heard of again! My little boy was -among those carried off. I fought, I was wounded three -times, I was in a delirium for days afterward.</p> -<p class="pnext">"As soon as I could ride a horse again I tried to -follow the Comanches. They had gone to the Northwest, -and I was sure that they had not killed Billy. They -take such little boys and turn them into savage warriors, -training them through the years. I followed alone -toward the western Comanche villages for a long time, -and then I lost the trail. I searched again and again. I -nearly died of thirst in the desert; another time only luck -kept me from freezing in a Norther. I saw, alas! that I -could not do anything alone. I went all the way to New -Orleans, whence, I learned, a great train for Santa Fé was -going to start. Perhaps among the fearless spirits that -gather for such an expedition I could find friends who -would help me in my hunt. I have found them."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg stopped, his tale told, his chest heaving with -emotion, but no word passing his lips. Bill Breakstone -was the first to speak.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hans," he said, "you have had to turn aside from -your quest to help in Phil's, which is now finished, and -you have done a big part; now we swear one and all to -help you to the extent of our lives in yours, and here's -my hand on it."</p> -<p class="pnext">He solemnly gave his hand to Arenberg, who gave it -a convulsive grasp in his own big palm. Phil and John -pledged their faith in the same manner, and moisture -dimmed Arenberg's honest eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be all right, Hans, old man," said Breakstone. -"We'll get your boy sure. About how old is he now?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ten."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then the Comanches have certainly adopted him. -They'd take a boy at just about the age he was captured, -six or seven, because he would soon be old enough to ride -and take care of himself, and he's not too old to forget all -about his white life and to become a thorough Indian. -That logic is good. You can rely on it, Hans."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so! I feel it iss so!" said Arenberg. "I feel -that my boy iss out there somewhere with the Comanche -riders, and that we will find him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course we will," said Breakstone cheerfully. -"Phil, you see that a place is registered in this company -for one William Arenberg, blue eyes, light hair, fair -complexion, age ten years. Meanwhile I want to tell you, -John Bedford, that we were so certain of getting you, in -spite of the impossible, that we brought along an extra -rifle, pistol, and ammunition, and that we also have a -horse for you over in the valley with the others."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's like all that you have done for me," said John, -"thorough and complete."</p> -<p class="pnext">They went over into the valley the next day, saddled -and bridled the horses, and, well provided with food and -ammunition, started for the vast plains of Northwestern -Texas, on what would have seemed to others a hopeless -quest, distance and space alike were so great. When -they came out upon one of the early ridges John had a -sudden and distinct view of the Castle of Montevideo -lying below, honey-colored, huge, and threatening. A -shudder that had in it an actual tinge of physical pain -passed through him. One cannot forget in a moment -three years between stone walls. But the shudder was -quickly gone, and, in its place, came a thrill of pure joy. -Freedom, freedom itself, irrespective of all other good -things, still sparkled so gloriously in his veins that it -alone could make him wholly happy.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode on over the ridge. John looked back. The -Castle of Montevideo was shut from his view now forever, -although he never ceased to remember the minutest detail -of Cell 87 and the little patch of mountainside that -could be seen from the deep loophole of a window.</p> -<p class="pnext">But they were all joyous, Phil because he had found -and rescued his brother, John because he had been found -and rescued, Bill Breakstone because he had helped in -great deeds ending in triumph, and Hans Arenberg -because they were now engaged upon his own quest, the -quest that lay next to his heart, and these comrades of -his were the best and most loyal that a man could ever -have for such a service. Three or four years rolled away -from Hans Arenberg, the blue eyes grew brighter, the -pink in his cheeks deepened, and Phil, looking at him, -saw that he was really a young man. Before, he had -always made upon his mind the impression of middle age.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode steadily toward the northwest for many -days without serious adventure. Once or twice they -encountered small bands of Mexican guerillas, with whom -they exchanged distant shots without harm, but the war -was now south of them, and soon they passed entirely -beyond its fringe, leaving the mountains also behind -them. They met various American scouts and trappers, -from whom they bought a couple of pack horses, two good -rifles, and a large supply of fresh ammunition. It was -explained by Bill Breakstone, who said:</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"More than enough</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Merely makes weight,</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Leas than enough,</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">You're doomed by fate."</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">The two extra horses were trained to follow, and they -caused no trouble. They carried the supplies of spare -arms and ammunition and also of dried venison for the -intervals in which they might find no game. They also -found it wise to take skin bags of water, buying the bags -at a village occupied by American troops, which they -passed. They found Northern Mexico almost at peace. -Resistance to the Americans there had ceased practically, -and in the towns buying and selling, living and dying -went on as usual. They had nothing to guard against -but sudden ambushes by little bands of guerillas, and -they were now all so experienced and so skilled with the -rifle that they feared no such trap.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was wonderful at this time to watch John Bedford -grow. He had already reached the stature and frame of -a man, but when he came from the Castle of Montevideo -he was a frame, and not much more. Now the flesh -formed fast upon this frame, cords and knots of muscle -grew upon his arms, his cheeks filled out, the prison -pallor disappeared and gave way to a fine healthy brown, -the creation of the Southern sun, his breath came deep -and regular from strong lungs, and he duly notified Bill -Breakstone that within another month he would challenge -him to a match at leaping, wrestling, jumping, boxing, -or any other contest he wished. They had also bought -good clothes for him at one of the villages, and he was -now a stalwart young man, anxious to live intensely and -to make up the three years that he had lost.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meantime, leaving the Mexican mountains and the -alkali desert of the plateau behind them, they came to -the Rio Grande, though farther west than their first -passage. Here they stopped and looked awhile at the -stream, a large volume of water flowing in its wide -channel of sand. Phil felt emotion. Many and great events -had happened since he saw that water flowing by the year -before, and the miracle for which he hoped had been -accomplished. To-day they were upon a quest other than -his own, but they pursued it with an equal zeal, and he -believed that all the omens and presages were in their -favor.</p> -<p class="pnext">They found a safe passage through the sandy -approaches, swam the river upon their horses, and stood -once more upon the soil of Texas. Phil felt that they -would have little more to do with Mexicans, but that -they must dare the formidable power of the Comanches, -which now lay before them.</p> -<p class="pnext">They camped that night in chaparral, where they were -well concealed and built no fire. The weather was quite -warm again, save for those sudden but usually brief -changes of temperature that often occur in West Texas. -But there was no sign of storm in the air, and they felt -that their blankets would be sufficient for the -night--however hot the day might be, the nights were always -cool. Bill Breakstone had first beaten up the chaparral -for rattlesnakes, and, feeling safe from any unpleasant -interruption from that source, they spread out their blankets -and lay comfortably upon them while they discussed the -plan of their further march.</p> -<p class="pnext">They felt quite sure that, with the passage of American -troops south, the Comanches had gone far to the westward. -The Indians had already suffered too much from -these formidable invaders to oppose their southward -march. Besides, they had received definite information -that both Santana and Black Panther with their bands -had gone almost to the border of New Mexico. The sole -question with the four was whether to search over a wide -belt of territory at once, or to go straight westward until -they struck the Rio Grande again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I favor the long trip before we begin the hunt," said -Bill Breakstone. "The chances are all in favor of the -Comanches being out there. The buffalo herds, which -will soon be drifting southward, are thickest in that part -of the country."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone's logic seemed good to the others, and the -next morning they began the long march through a region -mostly bare but full of interest for them all. They -passed a river which flowed for many miles on a bed of -sand a half mile wide, and this sand everywhere was -thick with salt. From the bluffs farther back salt springs -gushed forth and flowed down to the river.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then they came upon the southern edge of the Great -Staked Plain of Texas, known long ago to the Spaniards -and Mexicans as the Llano Estacado. John Bedford, -who was a little in advance, was the first to see the -southern belt of timber. It had been discovered very soon that -John's eyes were the keenest of them all. He believed -himself that they had been strengthened by his long -staring through the loophole at the castle in order to make -out every detail of his little landscape on the far -mountainside. Now he saw a faint dark line running along -the horizon until it passed out of sight both to east and -west. He called Breakstone's attention to it at once, and -the wise Bill soon announced that it was the southern belt -of the Cross Timbers, the two parallel strips of forest -growing out of an otherwise treeless country which for -hundreds of miles enclose a vast plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's the first belt," said Bill Breakstone, "and, -while it's not as near as it looks, we're covering ground -pretty fast, and we'll strike the timber before nightfall. -How good it looks to see forest again."</p> -<p class="pnext">Even the horses seemed to understand, as they raised -their heads, neighed, and then, without any urging from -their masters, increased their pace. Phil rode up by the -side of his brother John, and watched the belt of timber -rise from the plain. He had often heard of this strange -feature of the Texas wilds, but he had never expected to -see it.</p> -<p class="pnext">A little before nightfall they rode out of a plain, -perfectly bare behind them for hundreds of miles, into the -timber, which grew up in an arid country without any -apparent cause, watered by no rivers or creeks and by no -melting snows from mountains. Phil and John looked -around with the greatest interest. The timber was of -oak, ash, and other varieties common in the Southwest, -but the oak predominated. The trees were not of great -size, but they were trees, and they looked magnificent -after the sparse cottonwoods and bushes along the -shallow prairie streams that they had passed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The foliage had already turned brown under the summer -sun, but there was fresh grass within the shadow of -the trees, upon which the horses grazed eagerly when -they were turned loose. The four meanwhile rejoiced, -and looked around, seeking a place for a camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How long is this belt, Bill?" asked Phil of Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know, but maybe it's a thousand miles. -There's two of them, you know. That's the reason they -call them the Cross Timbers. After you pass through -this belt you cross about fifteen miles of perfectly bare -plain, and then you come to the second belt, which is -timbered exactly like this. One belt is about eight miles -wide, the other about twelve miles wide, and, keeping an -average distance of about fifteen miles apart, they run all -the way from the far western edge of these plains in a -southeasterly direction clean down to the Brazos and -Trinity River bottoms, where they come together and -merge in the heavy timber. It's a most wonderful thing, -Sir Philip of Buena Vista and Sir John of Montevideo, -and it's worthy of any man's attention."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It has mine, that's sure," said Phil, as he walked -about through the forest. "It's an extraordinary freak -of nature, but the roots of the two belts of timber must -be fed by subterranean water, though it's strange that -they should run parallel so many hundreds of miles, -always separated by that strip of dry country fifteen miles -wide, as you say, Bill."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can't account for it, Phil," replied Breakstone, -"and I don't try. The people who don't believe in queer -things are those who stay at home and sit by the fire. -I've roamed all my life, and I've had experience enough -to believe that anything is possible."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look!" exclaimed Phil in delight. "Here's our -camp, just made for us!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He pointed to a tiny spring oozing from beneath the -roots of a large oak, flowing perhaps thirty yards and then -losing itself beneath the roots of another large oak. It -looked clear and fresh, and Phil, kneeling down and -drinking, found it cold and delightful. Bill Breakstone -did the same, with results equally happy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, this was made for us," he said, confirming -Phil's words. "There are not many such springs that I ever -heard of in the Cross Timbers, and our luck holds good."</p> -<p class="pnext">They called the others, who drank, and after them the -horses. It was an ideal place for a camp, and they felt -so secure that they lighted a fire and cooked food, -venison, and steaks of antelope and deer that they had shot -by the way.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It might be a good idea," said Breakstone, "to rest -here in the shade a part of to-morrow. All of us have -been riding pretty hard, and you know, Hans, old man, -that if you go too fast you are not strong enough to do -what you must do when you get there."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Arenberg whose feelings were now consulted -most, and, when they looked at him for an answer, he -nodded assent.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hence they took some of their supplies from the pack -horses, and made themselves more comfortable on the grass -about the little spring. Lengthy scouting, done by -Arenberg and Breakstone, showed that there was no danger -from Comanche, Lipan, or any other Indian tribes, and -they could take their rest without apprehension. They -also dared to build a fire for the cooking, a luxury which -they enjoyed much, but which was usually dangerous in -the Indian country. Fallen and dry timber was -abundant, and when they had cooked a plentiful supply of -venison and buffalo strips they fell to and ate with the -appetite which only life under the stars can give. By and by -Bill Breakstone gazed at John in admiration. But John -took no notice. He ate steadily on, varying the course -with an occasional tin cup of water.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Sir John Falstaff," said Bill Breakstone, "I've read -a lot about you in Shakespeare, and on two or three -memorable occasions I have played you. You have been -renowned two hundred and fifty years for your appetite, -and I want to tell you right now that your fame isn't up -to the real thing by half. Say, Sir John, they didn't -give you much to eat in that Castle of Montevideo, did they?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tortillas, frijoles, tamales, tortillas, frijoles, -tamales," replied John in a muffled voice, as he reached for -another delicate piece of fried deer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Go right on," said Bill Breakstone, "I've no wish -to stop you. Make up for all the three years that you -lost."</p> -<p class="pnext">John, taking his advice, stuck to his task. Although -imprisonment had greatly wasted him, it had never -impaired his powerful and healthy constitution. Now he -could fairly feel his muscles and sinews growing and the -new life pouring into heart and lungs.</p> -<p class="pnext">After supper they lay upon their blankets in a circle, -with their feet to the fire, and spoke of the land that -stretched beyond the two belts of trees, the Great Staked -Plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll find it hot," said Breakstone, "and parts of -it are sandy and without water, but we should get through -to the Rio Grande, especially as we have, besides the -sand, a big region of buffalo grass; and then the land of -gramma grass, in both of which we can find plenty of -game. Game and water are the things for which we -must look. But we won't talk of trouble now. It's too -fine here."</p> -<p class="pnext">They spent the next day and the following night -among the trees, and were fortunate enough to find in the -oaks a number of fine wild turkeys which abounded in all -parts of the Southwest. They secured four, and added -them to their larder. The next day they rode through -the belt, and across the twelve miles of bare country into -the second belt, which was exactly like the first, with the -oak predominating.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Makes me think of the rings of Saturn," said Phil, -as they entered the timber once more.</p> -<p class="pnext">But they passed the night only in the inner belt, and -emerged the next morning upon the great plain that ran -to the Rocky Mountains.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said Bill Breakstone, "we leave home and its -comforts behind."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil felt the truth of his words. He understood now -why the Bible put so much value upon wood and water. -To leave the belt of trees was like going away from a -wooded park about one's house in order to enter a bleak -wilderness. It was very hot after they passed from the -shade, and before them stretched the rolling plains once -more, without trees, reaching the sky-line, and rolling on -beyond it without limit. The sun was pouring down from -a high sky that flamed like brass. Bill Breakstone caught -the look on Phil's face and laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You hate to give up an easy place, don't you, Phil?" -he said. "Don't deny it, because I hate it just as much -as you do. Arenberg alone forgets what lies before us, -because he has so much to draw him on."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg was too far ahead to hear them. He always -rode in advance now, and the place was conceded to him -as a right. They passed through a region of gramma -grass which stood about three feet in height, and entered -a stretch of buffalo grass, where little clumps of the grass -were scattered over the brown plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It doesn't look as if great buffalo herds could be fed -on tufts like that," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But they can be," said Bill Breakstone. "It looks -scanty, but it's got some powerfully good property in it, -because cattle as well as buffalo thrive on it as they do -on nothing else. We ought to see buffalo hereabouts."</p> -<p class="pnext">But for two days after entering this short grass region -they saw not a single buffalo. Antelope, also, were -invisible, and they began to be worried about their supplies -of food. Both Breakstone and Arenberg believed that -there were hunting parties of Indians farther westward, -and they kept a sharp watch for such dangerous horsemen, -Fortunately they had been able to find enough water for -their horses in little pools and an occasional spring, and -the animals retained their strength. Finally they -encamped one evening by the side of a prairie stream so -slender that it was a mere trickle over the sand. It also -contained a slight taste of salt, but not enough to keep -both men and horses from drinking eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">After supper Phil took his rifle and walked up the little -stream. It had become a habit with the four, whenever -they camped, to look about for game. But they had been -disappointed so often that Phil's quest now was purely -mechanical. Still he was alert and ready. The training -of the wilderness compelled any one with wisdom to -acquire such quantities quickly. He walked perhaps half a -mile along the brook, which was edged here and there -with straggling bushes, and at other points with nothing -at all. It was twilight now, and suddenly something -huge and brown rose up among a cluster of the dwarf -bushes directly in Phil's path. In the fading light it -loomed monstrous and misshapen, but Phil knew that it -was a lone bull buffalo, probably an old and evil-tempered -outcast from the herd. He saw that the big brute -was angry, but he was a cool hunter now, and, taking -careful aim, he planted a bullet near the vital spot. The -buffalo, head down, charged directly at him, but he -leaped to one side and, as the mortally stricken beast ran -on, he reloaded and sent in a second bullet, which promptly -brought him to earth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still practicing that wilderness caution which never -allows a man's rifle to remain unloaded, he rammed home -a third bullet, and then contemplated his quarry, an -enormous bull, scarred from fights and undoubtedly tough -eating. But Phil was very happy. It was in this case -not the pride of the hunter, but the joy of the commissary. -Tough though this bull might be, there was enough -of him to feed the four many a long day.</p> -<p class="pnext">While he was standing there he heard the sound of -running feet, and he knew that it was the others coming -to the report of his shots. Bill Breakstone first hove into -view.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it, Phil?" he cried, not yet seeing the -mountain of buffalo that lay upon the ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nothing much," replied Phil carelessly, "only I've -killed a whole buffalo herd while you three lazy fellows -were lying upon the ground playing mumble peg, or doing -something else trivial. I'll get you trained to work after -awhile."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone saw the buffalo and whistled with delight. -The four set to work, skinned him, and then began to cut -off the tenderest parts of the meat for drying. This was -a task that took them a long time, but fortunately the -night was clear, with a bright moon. Before they -finished they heard the howling of wolves from distant -points, and Phil occasionally caught slight glimpses of -slender dark forms on the plain, but he knew they were -prairie wolves that would not dare to attack, and he went -on with his work.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They'll have a great feast here when we leave with -what we want," said Bill Breakstone. "They're not -inviting creatures, but I'm sorry for 'em sometimes, they -seem so eternally hungry."</p> -<p class="pnext">After the task was finished, three went back for the -horses to carry their food supply, and Phil was left to -guard it. He was tired now, and he sat down on the -ground with his rifle across his knee. The moon came -out more brightly, and he saw well across the prairie. -The slender, shadowy forms there increased in numbers, -and they whined with eagerness, but the boy did not have -the slightest fear. Nevertheless, he was glad they were -not the great timber wolves of the North. That would -have been another matter. At last he took a piece of the -buffalo that his comrades and he would not use and flung -it as far as he could upon the prairie.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a rush of feet, a confused snarling and -fighting, and then a long death howl. In the rush some wolf -had been bitten, and, at the sight of the blood, the others -had leaped upon him and devoured him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil, who understood the sounds, shuddered. He had -not meant to cause cannibalism, and he was glad when -his comrades returned with the horses. They spent two -days jerking the buffalo meat, as best they could in the -time and under the conditions, and they soon found the -precaution one of great wisdom, as they did not see any -more game, and, on the second day afterward, entered a -region of sand. The buffalo grass disappeared entirely, -and there was nothing to sustain life. This was genuine -desert, and it rolled before them in swells like the grassy -prairie.</p> -<p class="pnext">The four, after going a mile or so over the hot sand, -stopped and regarded the gloomy waste with some -apprehension. It seemed to stretch to infinity. They did not -see a single stalk or blade of vegetation, and the sand -looked so fine, or of such small grain, to Phil that he -dismounted, picked up a handful of it, and threw it into -the air. The sand seemingly did not fall back, but -disappeared like white smoke. He tried it a second and a -third time, with the same result in each case.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's not sand," he said, "it's just dust."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Dust or sand," said Bill Breakstone, "we must rush -our way through it, and I'm thinking that we've got to -make every drop of water we have in the bags last as long -as possible."</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode on for several hours, and the very softness -of the sand made the going the worst that they had ever -encountered. The feet of the horses sank deep in it, and -they began to pant with weariness, but there was no -relief. The vertical sun blazed down with a fiery splendor -that Phil hitherto would have believed impossible. The -whole earth shimmered in the red glare, and the rays -seemed to penetrate. All of them had broad brimmed -hats, and they protected their eyes as much as possible. -The weariness of the horses became so great that after -awhile the riders dismounted and walked by the side of -them. Two hours of this, and they stopped in order that -Breakstone might take the direction with a little compass -that he carried in a brass box about two inches in -diameter. He had made the others buy the same kind, but -they had not yet used them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is the best kind of compass to put in your baggage -on such a trip as this," he said, "and it says that -we re going straight on in the way we want to go. Come -boys, the more sand we pass the less we have in front of us."</p> -<p class="pnext">They staggered bravely on, but the glare seemed to -grow. The whole sky was like a hot, brassy cover that -held them prisoners below. It scarcely seemed possible -to Phil that trees, green grass, and running water had ever -existed anywhere. A light wind arose, but, unlike other -winds that cool, this wind merely sent the heat against -their faces in streams and currents that were hotter than -ever. It also whirled the fine sand over them in blinding -showers. Acting on the advice of Breakstone, they drew -up their horses in a little circle, and stood in the center -shielding their eyes with their hands. Peering over his -horse's back, Phil saw hills of sand four or five feet high -picked up and carried away, while hills equally high were -formed elsewhere. Ridges disappeared, and new ridges -were formed. The wind blew for about two hours, and -then the four, covered with sand, resumed their march -noting with joy that the sun was now sinking and the heat -decreasing. The very first shadows brought relief, but -the greatest solace was to the eye. Despite the protection -of hand and hat-brims, they were so burnt by the sand -and glare that it was a pain to see. Yet the four were so -weary of mind and body that they said nothing, as they -trudged on until the edge of the sun cut into the western -plain on the horizon. Phil had never before seen such a -sun. He had not believed it could be so big, so glaring, -and so hot. He was so glad now that the earth was -revolving away from it that he raised his clenched hand -and shook his fist in its very eye.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good-by to you," he exclaimed. "And I was never -before so glad to see you go!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil spoke in such deadly earnest that Bill Breakstone, -despite his aching muscles and burning throat, -broke into laughter.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You talk as you feel, Phil," he said, "but it's no -good to threaten the sun. It's just gone for a little while, -and it will be back again to-morrow as bright and hot as -ever."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But while it iss gone we will be glad," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">Down dropped the shadows, deeper and deeper, and -a delicious coolness stole over the earth. It was like a -dew on their hot eyeballs, and the pain there went swiftly -away. A light wind blew, and they took the fresh air in -long, deep breaths. They had been old three or four -hours ago, now they were young again. The horses, -feeling the same influence, raised their lowered heads and -walked more briskly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The shadows merged into the night, and now it was -actually cold. But they went on an hour or more in -order to find a suitable place for a camp. They chose at -last a hollow just beyond a ridge of sand that seemed -more solid than usual. On the slope grew a huge cactus -with giant arms, the first that they had seen in a long -time.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here we rest," said Bill Breakstone. "What more -could a man ask? Plenty of sand for all to sleep on. No -crowding. Regular king's palace. Water in the water-bags, -and firewood ready for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Firewood," said John Bedford. "I fail to see it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone pointed scornfully to the huge cactus.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There it is, a whole forest of it," he said. "We -break down that cactus, which is old and dry, and it -burns like powder. But it will burn long enough to boil -our coffee, which we need."</p> -<p class="pnext">But they took a good drink of water first, and gave -another to every one of the horses. Then they chopped -down the giant cactus and cut it into lengths. As -Breakstone had said, it burned with a light flame and was -rapidly consumed, leaving nothing but thin ashes. But they -were able to boil their coffee, which refreshed them even -more than the food, and then they lay on their blankets, -taking a deep, long rest. The contrast between night and -day was extraordinary. The sun seemed to have taken -all heat with it, and the wind blew. They could put on -coats again, draw blankets over their bodies, and get -ready for delicious sleep. They knew that the sun with -all its terrors would come back the next day, but they -resolved to enjoy the night and its coolness to the full.</p> -<p class="pnext">The wind rose, and dust and sand were blown across -the plain, but it passed over the heads of the four who -lay in the narrow dip between the swells, and they soon -fell into a sleep that built up brain and muscle anew for -the next day's struggle.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-silver-cup">CHAPTER XX</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE SILVER CUP</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">They awoke at the coming dawn, which began swiftly -to drive away the coolness of the night, and, -using what was left of the giant cactus, they boiled -coffee and heated their food again. This was a brief -task, but by the time it was finished the whole world was -enveloped once more in a reddish glare. All that day -they advanced, alternately riding and walking through an -absolutely desolate land. The single cactus that they -had burned loomed in Phil's memory like a forest. The -water was doled out with yet more sparingness, and, a -few minutes after they drank it, throat, tongue, and lips -began to feel as parched as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil did not see a living thing besides themselves. -No rattlesnake, no lizard, no scorpion dwelled in this -burning sand. Two or three of the horses began to show -signs of weakness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If we only had a tent to shelter us from this awful -glare," said Breakstone, "we could camp for the day, and -then travel at night, but it will be worse standing still -than going on. And get on we must. The horses have -had no food, and they cannot stand it much longer."</p> -<p class="pnext">They slept on the sand that night until a little past -twelve o'clock, and then, to save time, resumed the march -once more. The air was cool and pleasant at that time, -but the desert looked infinitely weird and menacing under -the starlight. The next day they entered upon a region -of harder sand and in one or two places found a patch of -scanty herbage, upon which the horses fed eagerly, but -there was not a sign of water to ward off the new and -formidable danger that was threatening them, as the -canteens and water-bags were now almost empty.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To-morrow they will be empty," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">His dismal prophecy came true. At noon of the -following day the last drop was gone, and John and Phil -looked at each other in dismay. But Bill Breakstone -was a man of infinite resource.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I mean to find water before night," he said. -"Not any of your Mississippis or Missouris, nor even a -beautiful creek or brook, not anything flowing or pretty -to the eye, but water all the same. You just wait and -see."</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke with great emphasis and confidence, but the -others were too much depressed to believe. Nevertheless, -Bill Breakstone was watching the ground critically. He -noticed that the depressions between the swells had -deepened, and that the whole surface seemed to have a -general downward slope. Toward the twilight they came -to a deeper depression than any that they had seen before. -Two or three slender trees, almost leafless grew in it. -The trees themselves seemed to cry aloud: "I thirst! I -thirst!" But Bill Breakstone was all cheeriness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here is our water!" he cried briskly. "Get ready all!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He himself took out a stout shovel from the baggage -on his horse, and began to dig, with great vigor, in the -lowest part of the bowl.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I see," said Phil, "you're going to dig a well."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am, and you're going to help me do it, too."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But will we find anything at the bottom of it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We will. Many a man has died of thirst in the -desert, with plenty of water not twenty feet away. Some -men are born without brains, Phil. Others have brains, -but never use them, but I am egotistical enough to think -that I have some brains, at least, and some will and -capacity to use them. Now I've thrown up a pretty good -pile of sand there, and I'm growing tired. You take that -shovel and see what you can do, but make it a wide hole. -You don't want a ton of sand caving in on you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil took the shovel and worked with energy. John -and Arenberg with tin cups also leaped down into the -hole and helped as much as they could. As the sand was -soft they descended fast, and Phil suddenly uttered a -shout. He drew up a shovelful of wet sand, and, after -that, sand yet wetter.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That will do," said Breakstone a minute or two -later. "Stand aside now and watch the water come into -our well."</p> -<p class="pnext">They had reached an underground seepage or soakage, -draining from the higher ground above, and slowly a -pool of water gathered at the bottom. The four uttered a -shout of joy, entirely pardonable at such a time. The -water was muddy, and it was warm, but it was pure water -without any alkali, and, as such it meant life, life to men -and beasts in the desert.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The horses first," said Breakstone, "or they'll be -tumbling in here on our heads, and they are entitled to -it, anyhow."</p> -<p class="pnext">They filled their kettles and pans with water, climbing -out again and again. The horses drank greedily and -uttered deep sighs of satisfaction. It took a long time -to give them enough by this method, but when they were -satisfied the men took their tin cups and drank.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Slowly now," said Breakstone. "Don't you be too -eager there, John, you escaped convict! Phil, you -accidental buffalo killer, just hold that cup of yours steady, -or you'll be dashing its contents into your mouth before -the rest of us. Now then, you sun-scorched scamps, drink!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The four drank together and at the same pace. Never -in his life had anything more delicious trickled down -Philip Bedford's throat. That yellow, muddy water -must have been the nectar that Jupiter and the rest of the -gods drank, when they were lounging about Olympus. -Four empty cups came back, and four heartfelt sighs of -satisfaction were uttered. The cups were filled again, -but Bill Breakstone held up a warning finger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know you want it bad," he said, "because I want -it myself just as bad as any of you, but remember that -it's never good for the health to drink too fast, especially -when you're nearly dead of thirst."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil appreciated the wisdom of his words. Yet he -was terribly thirsty. On the burning desert the evaporation -was so rapid that his system was already dry again -through and through.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said Bill Breakstone, "fill again, gentlemen, -and drink. Not quite so fast as before. Just let it -linger a little, like an epicure over his wine, while the -delicious taste tickles your palate, and the delicate aroma -fills your nostrils."</p> -<p class="pnext">The yellow water was all of these things to them, and -they did as Bill bade while they drank. After that, they -took more cups of it from time to time, and noted with -satisfaction that, as they dipped the water out of the pit, -more trickled back in again. Toward night they watered -the horses a second time, and Arenberg suggested that -they spend both the night and the day there, since the -water seemed to be plentiful. In the day they could at -least sit in the shadow of their horses, and, if pushed -hard by the sun, they could sit in their well. As the -suggestion came from Arenberg, who had the most reason -for haste, it was adopted unanimously and quickly.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the night, when it was cool and work was easy, -they deepened the well considerably, securing a much -stronger and purer flow of water. They also gave a -greater slope to the sides, and then they went to sleep, -very well contented with themselves. The next day, -either in reality or imagination, was hotter than any of -the others, and they felt devoutly thankful for the well, -by which they could stay as long as they chose. When -the sun was at its hottest they literally took refuge in it, -sheltering themselves against the sandy bank and putting -their hands in the water.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My hands must be conductors," said Bill Breakstone, -"because, when I hold them in the water, I can -feel the damp coolness running all through my system. -Now, Sir John, you escaped convict, without the striped -clothes, did you ever see such a fine well as this before?"</p> -<p class="pnext">John laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd rather have this well and freedom," he said, -"than my cell in the Castle of Montevideo and all the -beautiful mountain springs about there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Spoken like a man," said Bill Breakstone; "but -this well is a beauty on its own account, and not merely -by comparison. Look at the flowers all around its -brink. Look at the beautiful white stone with which it -is walled up. Look at the clearness of the water, like -silver, in which my lily white hand now laves itself.</p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line">"Our thirst rages;</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">Water is found;</div> -</div> -<div class="line">Out of Hades</div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line">At one bound.</div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst">"Can you better that descriptive poem, Phil?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil shook his head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, Bill," he replied, "I can't. We're all of us -poets at heart, but you're the only one that can give his -poetry expression. One poet is enough, another is too -many."</p> -<p class="pnext">At sundown they watered all the horses again, filled -every canteen and skin bag with water, bade farewell to -the well that they had digged and loved, and again -marched westward over the sand. But they were now -vigorous and full of hope, the sand was harder, and in -the long cool night hours they traveled fast. Their most -pressing need now was to secure food for the horses, which -were relatively weaker than their masters, and by the -moonlight they watched anxiously for some dim line -which would indicate the approach of forests or -mountains. They saw no such line, but the country was -undoubtedly growing hillier. The sand was also packed -much harder. At times it seemed to resemble soil, but -as yet there was neither grass nor bushes.</p> -<p class="pnext">They plodded along in silence, but hopeful. All the -horses were weak from the lack of food, and the four -walked by the side of them throughout the night. But -the night itself was beautiful, a dusky blue sky sprinkled -with a myriad of silver stars. The weakness of the horses -increased, and the four human beings were much alarmed -for their brute comrades, who were so important to them. -But toward morning all the horses raised their heads, -thrust out their noses, and began to sniff.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now what can the matter be?" exclaimed John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They smell water," replied Bill Breakstone. "They -can smell it a long way off, and, as it's bound to be -surface water, that means grass. I'm of the opinion, boys, -that we're saved."</p> -<p class="pnext">The horses, despite their weakness, advanced so -rapidly now that the four ran in order to keep up.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Jump on their backs," exclaimed Bill Breakstone, -when they had gone about a quarter of a mile. "It's -water sure, and they won't mind a little extra weight -now."</p> -<p class="pnext">They sprang into the saddles, and the horses, seeming -to take it as a hint, broke into a run. They ascended -a slope and saw a dark outline before them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Trees! Pines! Fine, good pines!" exclaimed Arenberg. -"The sight iss much good!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They galloped among the pines, which were without -undergrowth, and then down the other slope. Phil -caught a glimpse of something that set all his pulses -beating. It was a surface of dark blue water.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, the pines are good," he said, "but this is better! -A lake, boys! A lake of pure cold water, a precious -jewel of a lake, set here among the hills of the desert, -and just waiting for us!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil was right. It was a little lake set down among -hills, with a rim of tall forest. It was almost circular, -and about a hundred yards in diameter. They rode into -it until their horses were up to their bodies. They let -them drink copiously, and then rode back to the bank, -after which they were out with the tin cups again and -took their fill, finding the water not only pure but cold. -Then Philip Bedford sat down on the grass and looked at -the lake. A light wind was making silver lacework of -its surface. Beyond it, and apparently for some distance, -fine, tall trees stood. Abundant grass, sheltered by the -hills, grew in the open places. At the far edge of the -lake a dozen wild ducks swam, evidently not yet -understanding human presence. The silver of the water and -the green of the grass were like a lotion to the boy's eyes, -used so long to the brazen sun and the hot sand. He -looked and looked, and then he cried:</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think this must be heaven!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Nobody laughed. Every one had the same feeling. -They had come from the desert, and the power of contrast -was so great that the little lake with its trees and grass -was, in truth, like a foretaste of heaven. They took -everything from the horses, even the bridles, and turned -them loose. There was no danger that they would wander -from such a place. Then John Bedford began to take off -his clothes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm going to have a swim," he said. "I haven't -had a real bath in more than three years, and, after this -last march of ours, I think I'm carrying at least a -hundred pounds of unpleasant desert about my body."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Me, too," said Phil. "Bet you ten thousand acres -of desert that I beat you into the water."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Go ahead, boys," said Breakstone, "and Hans and -I will watch and decide. Remember that you mustn't -have on a single garment when you jump, or you'll be -disqualified."</p> -<p class="pnext">Breakstone had scarcely finished the words when two -white bodies flashed through the air and struck the water -with two splashes that were one in sound. Both disappeared -beneath the surface and then came up, spluttering -and splashing and swimming with bold strokes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A tie," said Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hans Arenberg nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">The brothers found the water much colder than they -had expected, but they swam so vigorously that they were -soon in a fine glow. Bill Breakstone looked at Hans -Arenberg. Hans Arenberg looked at Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why not?" said Bill.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss what we ought to do," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">In two minutes they also were in the lake, enjoying a -greater luxury than any Roman ever found in his marble -and perfumed bath. All the dust and dirt of the desert -were quickly swept from them, and the cold water infused -new life into their veins and muscles. Toward the center -they found by diving that the lake had a depth of at least -twenty feet. As they saw no stream flowing into it, they -were of the opinion that it was fed by underground -springs, probably the snow water from distant mountains, -which accounted for its coldness. At the far side they -found the outlet, a rivulet that flowed between rocks and -then descended swiftly toward the plain. They marked -its course by the rows of trees on either side, and they -knew that after its passage from the hilly country it -would enter the desert, there to be lost among the sands. -To the north of them the country seemed to rise considerably, -and Breakstone believed that the faint blue haze -just under the horizon indicated mountains.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If so," he said, "we're not likely to suffer much -more from the desert, because the mountains in this part -of the Southwest generally mean trees and water. -Meanwhile, we'll take the goods the gods provide us, while the -lovely lake is here beside us; which bears a little -resemblance to more famous lines, and which fits the case just -now."</p> -<p class="pnext">After a splendid swim they lay on the grass and let -the sun dry them, while they soothed their eyes with the -view of the lakes and the woods and the horses grazed in -peace near the water's edge. It was idyllic, sylvan, and -at this moment they felt at peace with everybody, all -except Arenberg, who rarely let his boy and the Comanches -go out of his thoughts.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Maybe we're the first white people who have ever -seen this lake," said John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not likely," replied Breakstone. "Hunters and -trappers have roved through this region a lot. People of -that kind generally see things before the discoverers come -along and name 'em."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At any rate," said Phil, "we've never seen it before, -and since it's the color of silver, and it's set here in this -bowl, I propose that we call it 'The Silver Cup."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good," said Breakstone, and the others, also, -approved. They were silent for awhile longer, enjoying -their rest, and then Hans Arenberg spoke gravely:</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss likely," he said, "that the Comanches know -of this lake, and that warriors in time may come here. -We are sure that their bands went westward to avoid the -American troops. Wherever there iss good water they -will come sooner or later, and this water iss the best. It -may be that it will pay us to stay here awhile and seek -some clue."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think you're right," said Bill Breakstone, -speaking for all the others. "We don't know just where we -are going, and we've got to stop and catch hold to -something somewhere. And, as you say, in this part of the -world good water is bound to draw people."</p> -<p class="pnext">Now that they were thoroughly refreshed they dressed -and made a very careful inspection of the country. On -all sides of "The Silver Cup" but the north the belt of -wood was narrow, but northward it seemed to extend to a -considerable distance. Looking from an elevation there, -they were positive that the blue haze under the horizon -meant mountains. There was timber as far as they could -see in that direction, and this view confirmed them in -their resolution to stay where they were for awhile.</p> -<p class="pnext">They also took into account another consideration. It -had been many months since the battle of Buena Vista. -Much had happened since then, and the summer was -waning. With winter approaching, it was more than -likely that the Comanches would either hug the warm -plains or return toward them. It was an additional -reason why warriors might come to The Silver Cup. Such -coming, of course, brought danger, but the likelihood of -success increased with the danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">They found a sheltered place on the north side of the -lake, but about forty yards distant. It was a kind of -rocky alcove, sloping down toward the water, with great -trees growing very thickly on every side. They put their -supplies in here and made beds of dry leaves. Just above -them was a fine open space richly grassed, into which -they turned the horses.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Those four-footed friends of ours will be our sentinels -to-night," said Bill Breakstone. "I don't think any -creeping Comanche could pass them without an alarm -being raised, and, as we all need rest, we'll leave the -watching to them and take the chances."</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not light any fire, but ate their supper cold, -and quickly betook themselves to The Dip, as they called -this shelter. There, wrapped in their blankets, they lay -down on the soft beds of leaves, and deemed themselves -fortunate. Phil could just see between two great -tree-trunks a narrow strip of The Silver Cup, which flashing -in the moonlight with a luminous glow, looked like a -wonderful gem. The water rippled and moved softly. -Beyond was the fringe of trees, and beyond that the vast -blue sky with a host of friendly stars. Then Phil fell -into the sleep of the just, and so did all his comrades. -The only one of them who awoke in the night was Hans -Arenberg. He looked at his friends, saw they were -sleeping so soundly that they did not move, and he arose very -gently. Then he stepped out of The Dip and walked -down to the edge of The Silver Cup. There he stood -looking at the waters which still shifted and moved like -molten metal under the wind.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a spell upon Hans Arenberg that night. -The soul of the old Teuton was alive within him, of the -Teuton who lived in the great forests of Germany far back -of the Christian era. It was his inheritance, like that of -the Americans who, also, grew up in the shadow of the -vast wilderness. The forest and lake were alive to him -with the spirits of his primitive ancestors, but they were -good spirits. They whispered in chorus that he, too, -would succeed, and he began to whistle softly a quaint -melody, some old German folk song that he had whistled -to his boy. His mood grew upon him. All things were -mystic. The seen were the unseen, and the things around -him had no place. Even the lake vanished as he softly -whistled the little melody, and it seemed to him after -awhile that an answer to it came out of the forest, the same -melody whistled more softly yet, and from childish lips. -Arenberg knew that he was dreaming awake, but from that -moment he never doubted.</p> -<p class="pnext">He came from the spell, slipped back into The Dip, -and was the first next morning to awake. But he built -the fire and did all the cooking, and he was uncommonly -cheerful, whistling at times a peculiar but beautiful -melody that none of them had ever heard before.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Arenberg must have had a fine dream last night," -said John Bedford to Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Looks so," replied Phil, "but I'm not going to ask -him about it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg and John remained and watched at the lake -that day, devoting themselves at the same time, to the -improvement of their camp, by means of a roof of bark -and poles at the upper edge of The Dip, which would -protect them from the infrequent rains. Phil and Bill -Breakstone mounted the best of the horses and made -a great scout northward. They found that the thick woods -extended four or five miles. Beyond that the timber -became scattering, and they also saw patches of open -country with the succulent buffalo grass. Farther on lay -the great mountains, clearly visible now.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's our water supply," said Bill, pointing to the -blue range. "As we guessed, The Silver Cup is certainly -fed from them, and I think that we've seen enough for -the present. We've established the fact that we've got -about the best base to be found in this country, and these -woods will surely contain game."</p> -<p class="pnext">Their luck continued high, for within fifteen minutes -they flushed a black-tailed deer, which Phil, from his -horse's back, brought down with a fine running shot. -It was a fat doe, and, skinning and cleaning it there, -they put it upon one of the horses and carried it back -to camp. They did not arrive until nearly sundown, -and their spoils made them doubly welcome to their -comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have done good work," said Hans Arenberg, -"and this deer is very welcome. There are more where -it came from, and to-morrow I think, also, that I will -shoot some of the foolish ducks that are swimming -around on the lake."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg was as good as his word; the next day they -added a half dozen fine ducks to their larder. On the -following day Arenberg and John rode northward, making -the great scout. They had resolved to do this day by -day, two to ride for enemies, and two to watch and work -at the camp until something happened. Thus nearly two -weeks passed and The Silver Cup remained untouched by -any human beings save themselves. It was so peaceful -that apparently it would remain forever so. Nor did they -find anything in the forest except game, although they -threshed up the country at least thirty miles to the north. -Still they clung to their camp, knowing that they must -have patience.</p> -<p class="pnext">The hot days passed fast, and the coolness of autumn -came upon them. One night it rained heavily, but the -thatched roof did its duty, and they did not surfer. The -waters of the lake grew colder, but they rarely missed -their daily swim. Breakstone thought it likely that it -was already snowing on the distant mountains.</p> -<p class="pnext">They continued to beat up the country in circles that -widened steadily, still without any sign of Comanches or -any other Indian tribe, but Arenberg was resolute in his -desire to stay, and the others thought it right to defer to -him in the matter that concerned him most. The -German held to the theory that sooner or later Comanches -would pass that way, since water, wood, and game, the -three requisites of savage life, were found there.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hence they made ready for winter. They had two -axes in their baggage, and they built a strong shack in -The Dip, one quite sufficient to protect them from the -winter storms which were likely to occur here, as they -were at a great elevation above the sea. They made rude -fish traps, with which they caught excellent fish in the -lake, and they could increase the supply indefinitely. -The black-tailed deer were numerous in the forest. They -also found wild turkeys, and they shot two buffaloes on -the plains below. The horses grazed in a sheltered little -valley, and they judged that grass could be found there -all through the winter.</p> -<p class="pnext">There would be no trouble about living. Beyond a -doubt, they could find ample supplies of food, and so -long a time passed without the appearance of an enemy -that they began to feel quite safe at their home in The -Dip and in the region about it. As they sat there late -one afternoon and watched the twilight come over The -Silver Cup, Hans Arenberg spoke the thoughts that had -been heavy in his mind that day.</p> -<p class="pnext">"See what a misty twilight it iss," he said. "It iss -too cold for rain, and so I think it means snow. The -Comanches will come with the snow. While the weather -was warm, and they could sleep on the open plain, they -rode there, hunting the buffalo. Now the western bands -will seek shelter and they will come here."</p> -<p class="pnext">He walked from the hut and stood looking down at -the lake, the surface of which had turned from silver to -gray. The three followed him with a gaze which was of -blended curiosity and sympathy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I more than half believe him," said Breakstone in a -whisper to the others.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems to me that sometimes he talks like a -prophet," said John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He is a prophet sometimes," said Bill Breakstone, -"or at least he's got second sight. Now he's looking at -that lake, but he doesn't see it at all. He sees the -Comanches, riding, riding, always riding toward this -place, and maybe they have with them some one for -whom he is looking. Maybe, and maybe not, but we'll -see, don't you forget that, Phil, you and John, and -somehow I'm thinking that he sees true."</p> -<p class="pnext">It rapidly grew colder, and they were glad enough, -when they came back from hunting and scouting, to seek -the shelter of the thatched hut in The Dip. There, while -the coals glowed on the stone hearth that they had made, -and the smoke passed out through the vent in the wall, -they speculated much on what was passing far to the -southward of them. The great battle at the mouth of the -Pass of Angostura was still so vivid in the minds of Phil, -Breakstone, and Arenberg that they did not have to shut -their eyes to see it again, and John often dreamed that -he was still in the Castle of Montevideo, sitting by that -deep loophole, looking out upon his mountain landscape.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I guess they're closing in on the City of Mexico," -said Bill Breakstone. "It's in a rough and mountainous -country, easy to defend, but after the battle of Buena -Vista I don't believe anything in Mexico can defeat our -soldiers, no matter what the odds."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Middleton is with them," said Phil. "I'd like -to see the Captain again. He was a fine man."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Maybe we will," said Breakstone. "The West is a -mighty big place, but there are not many white men in -it, and when you shuffle them around some you are likely -to meet them more than once."</p> -<p class="pnext">The next morning The Silver Cup had a cover, a beautiful -clear cover of ice an eighth of an inch thick. The -following morning the cover was a little thicker, and it -thickened perceptibly every succeeding morning, until -it would bear the weight of Phil or John. The trees were -heavy with frost, and the wind sometimes blew so sharply -from the mountain that they made rude ear-muffs of deerskin -and helped out their clothing as skillfully as possible -with skins and furs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the snow came. Looking northward, they saw a -whitish mist over the forest. The mist gradually turned -to dark blue clouds hanging very low. The snow fell, at -first, in slow, solemn flakes, and then swiftly. They -filled the air, all the forest was hidden, and nothing -marked the presence of The Silver Cup but the level -expanse of the snow. It fell to the depth of six or seven -inches, then the skies cleared away, became crystal blue, -and the cold increased, promising no more snow for the -present, but a long continuance of that which lay on the -ground. They visited the horses the next morning and -found them well protected in their valley. Large spaces -there were but thinly covered with the snow, and the -horses could easily get at the grass. Assured on this -point, John and Breakstone returned to The Dip, while -Phil and Arenberg, mounting the strongest two horses, -rode northward.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-note-of-a-melody">CHAPTER XXI</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">THE NOTE OF A MELODY</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Phil and Arenberg were undertaking this journey -because they wished to make one of their usual -thorough scouts. It merely happened to be their -day, as John and Breakstone had gone on the day preceding. -They were well wrapped up, with their ear-muffs on -and with big moccasins that they had made to go over -their shoes. The snow was very light and dry, and -offered little obstacle to the horses, which were fat and -strong with good feeding.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We certainly leave a fine trail, Hans," said Phil, -looking back at the impressions made by their horse's -hoofs.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," said Arenberg, "but since we hunt people -it iss not our object to hide ourselves. Do you notice -how beautiful iss the forest, Herr Philip? All the trees -are white with the snow. It iss a great tracery, silver -sometimes and gold sometimes as the sun falls, and it -extends farther than we can see. It must often have been -such as this in the great Teutonic forest where my -ancestors dwelled thousands of years ago. Here in these -woods I have this feeling at times, as if the centuries -were rolled back, and last night I dreamed a strange -dream."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What was the dream?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know. That was the strange part of it. I -awoke and I knew that I had dreamed a strange dream -which was not unpleasant, but, try as hard as I would, -I could not remember anything about it. What do you -think that portends, Herr Philip?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not know. Perhaps when we want a thing so -much and think about it so much the imagination, while -we are asleep and the will is dead, forms a picture of it -that remains in our possession when we awake. But it's -just surmise. I don't know anything about it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nor do I," said Arenberg, "but sometimes I believe. -Now I suggest that we ride toward the northwest. I -believe that good hunting grounds are in that direction -beyond this forest, and perhaps the Comanches may have -been on the plain there, and may now be seeking shelter -in this wilderness."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's as good a theory as any," said Phil, "and we'll -try it."</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode for several hours toward the northwest, passing -from the region of heavy forest into that of the scrub -timber, and again into heavy forest as they approached -the slopes of the higher mountains. They were now at -least twenty miles from The Silver Cup, and it was past -midday. They had brought jerked venison with them, -and they ate their noon meal on horseback. But Phil -wanted water, and he saw a clear white line leading -among the trees, which he thought might indicate a brook -flowing under the ice and snow. He dismounted, scraped -away the snow and found that he was right. He broke -the ice, took a good drink, and then noticed a trail on -the far side of the brook. It was unmistakably that of a -single horse, and he called excitedly to Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look, Hans," he said. "Doesn't this show that an -Indian pony has passed here?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg came at once, and when he looked down at -the trail his eyes sparkled with a kind of exultant joy. -But he showed no excitement otherwise.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss the trail of a single Indian pony," he said. -"We will follow it. It iss not likely that a lone warrior -rides in this region. He goes to join others."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil looked closely at Arenberg. He was quite sure -that his comrade considered this a sign, the first sign -that had come in the long, long search. He knew how -the stout heart must be throbbing within the German's -powerful chest.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Lead on, Hans," he said. "I think you're right."</p> -<p class="pnext">The two followed the trail at a good walk. It lay before -them in the snow as plain as a railroad track. There -was but little undergrowth here, and they saw far among -the stems of the trees. They were quite sure that danger -lay before them, since they might ride at any moment -into an ambush, but they kept on without hesitation, -although they watched well with two pairs of unusually -keen eyes. In this manner they rode about five miles, -and then Arenberg's eyes began to scintillate again. The -pony's trail was merged into that of three or four more -coming from the north.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so! It iss so!" he said softly, although -excitement now showed in his tone. "The Comanches have -come! Presently more riders will enter the trail, and -beyond will lie their camp. Now, young Herr Philip, it -iss for us to go with great care."</p> -<p class="pnext">A mile farther the trail was merged with that of at -least twenty horsemen. Phil himself did not doubt that -the new Indian camp lay before them. The forest was -now heavy with undergrowth here and there, for which he -was thankful, since it afforded hiding for Arenberg and -himself, while the trail was so broad that they could not -possibly miss it. There was another fortunate circumstance. -They had been longer on the trail than they had -realized, and the twilight was now coming fast. It -already lay in deep shadows over the vast, lonely -wilderness. Although he was very near, Phil saw Arenberg's -figure enveloped in a sort of black mist, and the horse's -feet made but little sound on the soft snow. At intervals -the two stopped to listen, because there was no doubt now -in the mind of either that they were close to a large -Indian camp. A half hour of this, and they stopped longer -than usual. Both distinctly heard a low chant. Arenberg -knew that it was the song of Indian women at work.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil," he said, "we are close by. Let us leave our -horses here and steal forward. We may lose the horses -or we may not, but we cannot scout on horseback close -up to the Indian camp."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil did not hesitate. They fastened the horses to -swinging boughs in dense thickets, trusting them to the -fortune that had been kind thus far, and then crept -through the snow and among the frees toward the low -sound of the chant. At the edge of a thicket of scrub -cedar they knelt down and looked through the snow-laden -branches into an Indian village that lay in the valley -beyond.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a broad valley, with a creek now frozen over -running through it, and the village, a large one, was -evidently not more than a day or two old, as many of the -lodges were not yet finished. All these lodges were of -buffalo skin on poles, and the squaws were still at work -on some of them. Others were beating buffalo meat or -deer meat before the cooking fires, and yet others dragged -from the snow the dead wood that lay about plentifully. -Many warriors were visible here and there amid the -background of flame, but they merely lounged, leaving the -work to the squaws.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It may be the band of Black Panther," said Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think it iss," said Arenberg, "but I also think it -has been swollen by the addition of another band or two."</p> -<p class="pnext">The two were lying so close under the dwarf pines -that Phil's arm was pressed against Arenberg's side, and -he could feel the German trembling all over. Phil knew -perfectly that it was not fear, but a powerful emotion -that could thus shake the strong soul of his friend. -Evidently the Indians had no thought of a foreign presence -in a region so far from any settlement. A feeling of -good-humor seemed to pervade the village. It was obvious -that they had found game in abundance, and thus the -Indian's greatest want was filled.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the Indian women continued the low humming -chant that Phil and Arenberg had first heard, and -others chattered as they worked about the fires. But -Arenberg's eyes were for neither men nor women. He -was watching a group of children at the outskirts. They -were mostly boys, ranging in years from eight to thirteen, -and, despite the darkness and the distance, he followed -them with a gaze so intense, so full of longing, that -it was painful to Phil who saw it. But it was impossible -to distinguish. It was merely a group of Indian lads, -half at play, half at work, and it would have been folly -for the two to go closer.</p> -<p class="pnext">But only hope was in the soul of Arenberg. The -mystic spell of the great woods was on him, and he did not -believe that he had come so far merely to lose at last. -Phil suddenly felt his great frame shake under a stronger -quiver of emotion than before. About a third of the -Indian boys, carrying tin pails or stone jars, moved up -the creek.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come," whispered Arenberg, in intense excitement. -"They're going after water, where it is not defiled by -offal from the village! We'll follow them on this side of -the creek! See, the dwarf pines continue along the bank -indefinitely!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg led the way, treading softly in the snow. -He was now the director, and Phil obeyed him in everything. -Besides his own perception of the critical, Phil -caught some of the intense excitement that surcharged -every pore of Arenberg's being. He felt sure that -something was going to happen. The thought was like fire in -his brain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boys moved on toward a point where the ice had -been broken already. The creek curved, and the village -behind them passed out of sight, although its sounds -could yet be heard plainly. Directly they came to the -water hole and filled the pails and jars. Arenberg's -excitement was increasing. He was much closer to them -now, and again he studied every figure with a concentration -of vision that was extraordinary. Yet the night was -already dark, the figures were indistinct, and, to Phil at -least, one figure, barring size, looked just like another.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boys turned away, walked perhaps a dozen paces, -and then Phil heard by his side a soft whistle, low, -melodious, a bar of some quaint old song. It might have been -mistaken in a summer night for the song of a bird. The -boys stopped, but moved on again in a moment, thinking -perhaps it was only fancy. Another ten feet, and that -melodious whistle came again, lower than ever, but -continuing the quaint old song. The third boy from the -rear stopped and listened a little longer than the others. -But the sound had been so faint, so clever an approach to -the sighing of the wind among the pines, that the other -boys seemed to take no notice of it. Arenberg was -moving along in a parallel line with them, keeping behind -the pines. Phil followed close behind him, and once more -he put his hand on his arm. Now he felt, with increasing -force, that the man was shaken by some tremendous -internal excitement.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 63%" id="figure-30"> -<span id="the-third-boy-from-the-rear-stopped-and-listened"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-364.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"The third boy from the rear stopped and listened"</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The file of Indian boys moved on, save the one who -had been third from the last. He was carrying a pail of -water, and he lingered, looking cautiously in the -direction whence the low whistle had come. He was a small, -strong figure, in Indian dress, a fur cap on his head. He -seemed to be struggling with some memory, some flash -out of the past. Then Arenberg, rising above the breast-work -of pines, his head showing clearly over the topmost -fringe, whistled a third bar of the old German folk song, -so low, so faint that to Phil himself it was scarcely more -than the sighing of the wind. The boy straightened up -and the pail of water dropped from his hands upon the -soft snow. Then he pursed his lips and whistled softly, -continuing the lines of the melody.</p> -<p class="pnext">An extraordinary thrill, almost like the chill of the -supernatural, ran down Phil's back, but it was nothing -to the emotion that shook the German. With a sudden -cry: "It iss he!" Arenberg leaped entirely over the pine -bushes, ran across the frozen creek, and snatched up the -boy in his arms. It was Phil then who retained his -coolness, luckily for them both. He seized the fallen rifle -and called:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come! Come, Hans, come with the boy, we must -ride for our lives now!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg came suddenly back to the real world and -the presence of great danger, just when he had found his -son. He lifted the boy in his arms, ran with him across -the creek, up the slope, and through the bushes. Little -Billy scarcely stirred, but remained with his arms clasped -around his father's neck. Already hostile sounds were -coming from the Indian camp. The Indian boys, at the -sound of Arenberg's footsteps, had turned back, and had -seen what had happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We must reach the horses," cried Phil, retaining -his full presence of mind. "If we can do that before -they wing us we'll escape. Run ahead. I'll bring your -rifle."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg, despite the weight of his boy, rushed -toward the horses. Phil kept close behind, carrying the -two rifles. From the village came a long, fierce cry, the -Comanche war whoop. Then it came back from the -snowy forest in faint, dying echoes, full of menace. -Phil knew that in a few moments the alert warriors would -be on their ponies and in full pursuit.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Faster, Hans! Faster!" he cried. "Never mind -how much noise we may make now or how broad a trail -we may leave! To the horses! To the horses!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The little boy was perfectly silent, clinging to his -father's neck, and Arenberg himself did not speak now. -In a minute they reached the horses, untied them, and -sprang upon their backs, Billy, as they always called him -hereafter, sitting with a sure seat behind his father. -Phil handed Arenberg his rifle:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take it," he said. "You may need it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg received the weapon mechanically. Before, -he had been the leader. Now Phil took the position. -He dashed away in the forest, turning toward the east, -and the hoofs of Arenberg's horse thudded on the snow at -his flank. They heard behind them the second shout of -the Comanches, who had now crossed the creek on their -ponies. Arenberg suddenly lifted his boy about and -placed him in front of him. Phil understood. If a -bullet came, it was now Arenberg instead of his boy who -would receive it.</p> -<p class="pnext">But it was not in vain that their horses had rested -and eaten the sweet, clean grass so long. Now they obeyed -the sudden call upon accumulated strength and energy, -and, despite the double burden that Arenberg's horse -bore, raced on at a speed that yet held the Indian ponies -out of rifle shot.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We must keep to the east, Hans," said Phil, "because -if we brought them down on our friends at The Silver -Cup we'd all be overpowered. Maybe we can shake -them off. If so, we'll take a wide curve to our place. -You ride a little ahead now. I can use the rifle better, -as you have to look out for Billy besides yourself."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg urged his horse to greater speed and continued -about a length ahead of Phil. Fortunately the -forest was open here, and they could go at good speed -without the dangers of tripping or becoming entangled. -Phil looked back for the first time. He saw at some -distance a half dozen Comanches on their ponies, mere -shadowy outlines in the dusk, but he knew that more -were behind them. His heart sank a little, too, when he -remembered the tenacity of the Indians in pursuit.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're not gaining, Hans," he said, "and if they -do I'll shoot at the first who comes up. Keep a watch -for a good path, and I'll follow."</p> -<p class="pnext">They galloped on an hour perhaps, and then the -Indians began to yell again. Two or three fired their -rifles, although the bullets fell short.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't worry, Hans," called Phil. "They're merely -trying to frighten us. They have not gained."</p> -<p class="pnext">He sent back a taunting cry, twirled his own rifle in -defiance, and then remembered that it was the slender, -long-barreled Kentucky weapon, the highest of its type. -He took another glance backward, but this was a measuring -one. "It will reach," was his thought. He turned -his whole body from the hips up in his saddle, took swift -aim at the leading Comanche, and fired. The white -smoke puffed from the muzzle of his rifle, the report was -uncommonly loud and sharp in the night, and the bullet -went home. The leading Indian fell from his pony in -the snow, and the pony ran away. A fierce cry of rage -came from the Comanches.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It was well done, Herr Philip," said Arenberg. He -did not look back, but he knew from the cry of the -Indians that Phil's bullet had struck its target. The -Comanches dropped back somewhat, but they were still near -enough to keep the two flying horses in sight. Phil and -Arenberg maintained their course, which was leading far -from The Silver Cup. Phil's brain was cooling with the -long gallop, and his nerves were becoming steadier. The -change in himself caused him to notice other changes -around him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The air felt damp to his face, and the night seemed -to have grown darker. He thought at first that it was -mere fancy, but when he looked up he knew that it was -the truth. He could not see the moon, and, just as he -looked, the last star winked and went out. The damp -touch on his face was that of a snowflake, and, as he still -looked, the dark clouds stalked somberly across the sky.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The snow! the snow," he murmured in eager prayer. -"Let it come! It will save us!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Another and larger flake dropped on his face, -and--after it, came more, falling fast now, large and feathery. -He looked back for the last time. Not a single pursuer -could be seen in the heavy gloom. He felt that their -chance had come. He rode up by the side of Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hans," he said, "turn sharp to the south. Look -how the snow comes down! It is impossible for them to -follow us now. It does not matter how we blunder along -except that we must keep close together."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss good," said Arenberg, as he turned his horse's -head. "The great God is putting a veil about us, and -we are saved!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke with unaffected solemnity, and Phil felt that -his words were true. He felt, too, that they would not -have escaped had it not been for the great snow that was -now coming down. Surely a power had intervened in -their behalf.</p> -<p class="pnext">They rode southward for about an hour through forest, -comparatively free from undergrowth, the two horses -keeping so close together that the knees of their riders -touched. The snow continued to fall, and they went on, -always in a dense white gloom, leaving to their horses the -choice of the path. They stopped finally under a huge -tree, where they were sheltered, in some degree, from the -snow, and Arenberg made the boy more comfortable on -the saddle behind.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hello, Billy," said Phil. "Do you know that -you've been away from home a long time? Your father -was beginning to fear that you'd never come back."</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy smiled, and, despite the Indian paint on his -face, Phil saw there the blue eyes and features of -Arenberg. He guessed, too, that the black hair under the cap -would become gold as soon as the paint wore off.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I not know at first," said Billy, speaking slowly and -hesitatingly, as if it were difficult for him to remember -the English language, "but the song when I hear it one, -two, three times, then it come back and I answered. I -knew my father, too, when he picked me up."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg gave him a squeeze, then he produced from -his pocket some jerked venison, which Billy ate eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's strong and hearty, that's evident," said Phil. -"And, since we cannot leave any trail while the snow is -pouring down in this way, I suggest that we let our horses -rest for awhile, and then ride as straight as we can for -The Silver Cup."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss well," said Arenberg. "Nothing but one -chance in a thousand could bring them upon us now, and -God iss so good that I do not think He will let that -chance happen."</p> -<p class="pnext">Arenberg spoke very quietly, but Phil saw that the -words came from his heart. The boy still preserved the -singular stillness which he seemed to have learned from -the Indians, but he held firmly to his father. Now and -then he looked curiously at Phil. Phil chucked him -under the chin and said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Quite a snow, isn't it, Billy?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not afraid of snow," rejoined the boy, in a tone -that seemed to defy any kind of a storm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good thing," said Phil, "but this is a fine snow, a -particularly fine snow. It has probably saved us all."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where are you going?" asked Billy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where are we going?" said Phil. "Well, when this -snow lightens a little we are going to ride a long distance -through the woods. Perhaps we'll ride until morning. -Then, when morning comes, we'll keep on riding, although -it may not be in the forest. We'll make a great -circle to the south, and there, at the edge of the forest, -we'll come to a beautiful clear little lake that four men I -know call The Silver Cup, only you can't get at the -contents of that cup just now, as it has a fine ice covering. -But overlooking The Silver Cup is a fine rocky hollow -with a neat little thatched cabin in it. We call the -hollow and the cabin The Dip, and in it are two of the four -persons, your father and I being the other two.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a fine little place, a snug little place, Billy, and -there isn't any lodge anywhere on this whole continent of -North America that is equal to it. There is a big flat -stone at one end on which we build our fire, and just -above it is a vent to carry off the smoke.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hanging about that cabin are some of the most -beautiful skins and furs you ever saw. And then we -have rifles and pistols and knives and hatchets, and a -shovel and an ax or two, and big soft blankets, and, -when we are all in the hut at night, every fellow rolled in -his warm blanket, as you will be, being a brave new -comrade, and when the wind roars outside, and the hail and -the snow beat against it and never touch you, then you -feel just about as fine as anybody can ever feel. It's -surely a glorious life that's ahead of you, Billy Arenberg. -Those other two fellows who are waiting for you, Billy, -are as good as any you ever saw. One of them is my -brother, who has just escaped from a great prison, where -wicked men held him for a long time, just as you have -escaped, Billy, from the savages, to whom you don't -belong, and the other is the bravest, oddest, wisest, -funniest man you ever saw. You can't help liking him the -very first moment you see him. He talks a lot, but it's -all worth hearing. Now and then he makes up queer -rhymes. I don't think he could get them printed, but -we like them all the same, and they always mean just -what they say, which isn't generally the way of poetry. I -see right now, Billy, that that man and you are going to -be great friends. His name is William, just like yours, -William Breakstone, but he's Bill and you are Billy. It -will be fine to have a Bill and a Billy around the camp."</p> -<p class="pnext">The boy's eyes glistened. All sorts of emotion awoke -within him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Won't it be fine?" he said. "I want to see that camp."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil had spoken with purpose. He had seen what -Arenberg, thinking only of his recovered son, had failed -to see, that the boy, taken in his early childhood and -held so long, had acquired something of the Indian -nature. He had recognized his father and he had clung to -him, but he was primitive and as wild as a hawk. The -escape from the Indian village had been no escape for him -at all, merely a transference. Phil now devoted himself -to the task of calling him back to the white world to -which he belonged.</p> -<p class="pnext">All the time as they rode forward in the snow, Phil -talked to him of the great things that were to be seen -where the white men dwelled. He made their lives -infinitely grander and more varied than those of the Indians. -He told of the mighty battle in which his father had been -a combatant. Here the boy's eyes glistened more than ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My father is a great warrior," he exclaimed happily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One of the greatest that ever lived," said Phil. -"There were more men, Billy, at that place we call Buena -Vista than all the Comanche warriors put together several -times over. And there were many cannon, great guns on -wheels, shooting bullets as big as your head and bigger, -and the battle went on all day. You couldn't hear -yourself speak, the cannon and rifles roared so terribly and -without ever stopping, and the smoke was greater than -that of the biggest prairie fire you ever saw, and -thousands of men and horses, with long lances, charged again -and again. And your father stood there all day helping -to beat them back."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil did not wish to speak so much of battle and -danger, but he judged that this would appeal most to the -boy, who had been taught by the Comanches that valor -and fighting were the greatest of all things. The boy -exclaimed:</p> -<p class="pnext">"My father is one of the greatest of all warriors! He -is a chief! He and you and I and the other two of whom -you speak will go with a great army and beat the -Mexicans again!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil laughed and turned the talk more to the chase, -the building of cabins in the wilderness, and of great -explorations across the prairies and through the hills. He -still held the interest of the boy, and Phil saw the soul of -the white race growing stronger and stronger within him. -Arenberg listened, too, and at last he understood. He -gave his comrade a look of gratitude. That, Phil always -considered one of the greatest rewards he ever received.</p> -<p class="pnext">They finally found a partial shelter in a ravine -protected by trees, and here they dismounted in order to rest -the horses and shake the snow from themselves. But -they were not suffering from the snow. They were all -warmly clad, and, as usual in the West in winter, Phil -and Arenberg carried heavy blankets at their saddle -horns. One of these had already been wrapped around -Billy, and when they dismounted he remained clad in its -folds. The fall of snow was lightening somewhat, enabling -them to see perhaps twenty feet farther into it, but it was -still a vast white gloom.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think it will stop before morning," said Arenberg, -"and then we can make much greater speed. Are you -sleepy, Billy?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not sleep when we are in danger," replied the boy.</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke with such youthful pride that Phil smiled. -Yet the boy meant it. His wild life had certainly harmed -neither his spirit nor his body. He was taller and -heavier than most boys of his age, and Phil could see -that he was as wiry and sinewy as a young panther. He -seemed to endure the hardships of the night quite as well -as Phil or his father.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Snow is warm if there is something between you and -it," said Phil. "Let's scrape out a place here against -the bank, throw up the snow around us in walls, and rest -until daylight. It will be a little hard on the horses, but -they seem to be doing fairly well there against the trees."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss wisdom that you speak," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">They threw back the snow until they made a den -against the cliff, and the three, wrapped from head to -foot in their heavy blankets, crouched in it close together. -The snow fell upon the blankets, and, at times, when it -lay too thick, they threw it all off. Billy seemed -perfectly contented. Either he had no awe of the wilderness, -or the presence of the others was enough for him. He -had all the quietness and taciturnity of a little Indian -lad. He did not speak at all, and did not move. By -and by his eyes closed and he slept soundly. Arenberg -drew the blanket a little more closely, until only the -mouth and nose showed from the blanket, his breath -making a white rim around the aperture. Then Arenberg -said in a whisper to Phil:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Young Herr Philip, you have helped me to get back -my own. I cannot repay you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am repaying <em class="italics">you</em>," said Phil. "You have <em class="italics">already</em> -helped me."</p> -<p class="pnext">After that they did not speak for a long time. The -snow became lighter and lighter, then it ceased entirely. -The horses were quiet in the shelter of the trees, and Phil -was so snug and warm that he fell into a beautiful sleep, -from which he was aroused by Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss day, Herr Philip," he said. "Look how the -sun shines on the snow."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil drew himself out of the hole and looked at a -white world, tinted silver in the early dawn.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, it is time for us to go," he said. "Wake -Billy, and we'll ride."</p> -<p class="pnext">But Billy was already awake, his small face illumined -with curiosity and interest.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now we will ride," he said to Phil, "and see the -men of whom you have told me."</p> -<p class="pnext">They had some food left, and, after eating it to the -last particle, they mounted their horses and rode with as -much speed as was wise in the deep snow. Both Phil -and Arenberg had an excellent idea of direction, and, -guided by the sun, they rode straight toward The Silver -Cup. But the snow was so deep and heavy that they -were compelled to stop often to let their horses rest, and -nearly a whole day passed before they saw the familiar -trees and slopes that marked the approach to The Silver -Cup. It was a glad sight. They were thoroughly -exhausted with a day of plowing through the snow, and -the horses were in the same condition. A trace of smoke -marked the point at which The Dip lay.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're at home to callers, or at least one of them -is," said Phil, "and I'll be glad to be on the inside of -that hut again, with real red coals before me on a stone -hearth."</p> -<p class="pnext">In order to give the horses an equal chance, Billy, -through the day, had ridden alternately behind Phil and -his father. Now he was behind Arenberg, and he leaned -forward eagerly to see. Before him lay a sort of path -trampled in the snow, and, suddenly leaping from the -horse, he ran forward with the agility and speed of a deer.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone and John Bedford were inside the -little thatched hut, and the red coals of which Phil had -spoken in fancy were really burning on the hearth. They -had made no search for Phil and Arenberg in the deep -snow, knowing that such a thing was useless. There was -not one chance in a thousand that they could find them, -while Phil and Arenberg, strong, capable, and brave, -were sure to come back. So they took their rest and -made the place as comfortable as possible for the return -of their partners, who would certainly be cold and hungry.</p> -<p class="pnext">"John, keep that coffee ready to put on," said Bill -Breakstone. "You know that your brother loves coffee -when he comes in out of the snow and the cold."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be ready any minute," replied John Bedford. -"And I'm glad, Bill, you thought of that little pot of tea -for Arenberg. You know he loves to have it about once -a week."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So I do," said Bill Breakstone. "Good old Hans. -I suppose that he and Phil made a burrow somewhere in -the woods, and slept in it last night. Naturally it's slow -traveling back here through such a deep snow. Now what -under the sun is that?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The rude door of their little thatch was suddenly -thrown open, and a small painted face thrust in. But -the eyes in the painted face staring at them so intently, -were blue, although they did not then notice the fact.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A little Indian boy," said Bill Breakstone, rising. -"Probably he got lost from a band in the storm and has -stumbled upon us. We wouldn't welcome a lot of -warriors, but we won't repel one boy. Come in, Red Jacket, -Tecumseh, Powhatan, or whatever your name may be. -We won't hurt you."</p> -<p class="pnext">To his immense surprise the boy walked boldly in, -came straight up to him, and said, in excellent English: -"I know that you are Bill Breakstone, and I want to -hear you make rhymes."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill stared and stared. It was perhaps the first and -last time in his life that he was dumfounded. But two -larger figures came in immediately behind the boy, and -Phil said:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Mr. William Breakstone, I wish to introduce our -new friend and comrade, Master William Arenberg. As -'William' seems a trifle pompous, he is to be known as -Billy to distinguish him from you, who remain the Bill -that you always have been. Look this way, Billy, and -you will see my brother, John Bedford."</p> -<p class="pnext">Hans Arenberg stood by, so happy that tears rose in -his eyes. But Bill Breakstone came at once from his -cloud of surprise. He snatched the boy up in his arms -and gave him a big hug.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Billy," he cried, "here you are at last! I -don't know how they got you, but they've brought you. -Now my first duty as housekeeper is to wash our little -boy's face."</p> -<p class="pnext">He took water from a pail and promptly cleaned all -the paint off Billy's face. Then Billy stood forth a white -and not an Indian boy, and, with the departure of the -paint, nearly all that was left of his acquired Indian -nature seemed to go, too. While Phil and Arenberg told -the story of the new miracle, he made himself easily at -home, examining everything in the hut with minute care, -and, by his actions, notifying Bill Breakstone and John -Bedford that he was ready at once for a cordial friendship.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tea is ready! So is coffee," announced Bill Breakstone -presently. "Now sit down, eat, drink, and be -merry, for to-morrow you may not have such a good chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">They charged with avidity, and little Billy Arenberg -proved that he was already a mighty trencherman in the -making.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I wish I had some German blood in me, then I -could eat with a fair appetite," said Bill Breakstone, as -he reached for a huge buffalo steak.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="breakstone-s-quest">CHAPTER XXII</p> -<p class="center medium pnext">BREAKSTONE'S QUEST</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">It was nearly night, and they quickly agreed that they -must not remain any longer in The Dip, however -comfortable it might be. The Comanches were bound -to find them in time, and the longer their lead the better.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The night is going to be clear," said Breakstone, -"and we must leave just as soon as we can pack our -things on our horses. Everything indicates that the -country toward the west slopes down rapidly, and we may -soon pass out of the area of deep snow. Besides, we want -to go toward the west. It's my turn now, and my search -lies there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It iss so," said Arenberg with deep feeling. "You -have helped all the rest of us, and we would not be fit to -live if we did not now help you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I knew that you would not think of anything else," -said Breakstone simply. "I'll tell you about it a little -later, but now we'll start as soon as we can, and maybe -we can come back some day and enjoy The Silver Cup -again."</p> -<p class="pnext">The horses were brought from the sheltered valley, and -their provisions and other supplies were strapped on them. -They soon discovered that Billy knew how to ride very -well, and the gentlest of the horses was assigned to him, -although he slept during the early part of the night. -But when he was roused he was full of zeal and interest, -and he was also so alert and active that he proved himself -a help instead of a burden.</p> -<p class="pnext">At midnight, they put out the fire and left a cold -hearth. Then, with some reluctant glances backward at -The Dip and the snowy cover of The Silver Cup, they -rode away in single file, Breakstone leading, Phil next, -followed by John, behind whom came Billy, with Arenberg -at the rear. It was cold, but they were sufficiently -clad, and they rode on until daylight, the dry snow -crunching beneath the hoofs of their horses.</p> -<p class="pnext">The descent proved to be sharp, and when daylight -came they were in a region where the snow was very light. -They saw the plains before them and below them, and -they believed that by noon they would be entirely beyond -the expanse of snow.</p> -<p class="pnext">"By the time those Comanches discover our abandoned -home," said Bill Breakstone, "it's likely that we'll be -days and days away. We'll never see them again because -our journey leads west and always west, far beyond the -Comanche country."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I learned from Billy," said Phil, "that it was really -Black Panther who was in command back there. Billy -had been with another band, farther west, which last -spring was incorporated into the more powerful force of -Black Panther. The chief was treating Billy well, and -was going to adopt him as his son."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I am glad that we shall fight no more with -Black Panther," said Arenberg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So am I," said Breakstone thoughtfully. "I suppose -the chief has acted according to his lights. If we'd -been roaming over the country for ages, we'd fight for it, -too. Well, good-by to you, Black Panther, I wish you -many a good buffalo hunt, but that no white people may -fall into your hands."</p> -<p class="pnext">At noon, as they had expected, they passed through -the last thin sheet of snow and entered warm country. -But it was not desert here. It was a region of buffalo -grass, with shallow streams and scattered timber. It was -very pleasant after so much riding through the snow, and, -after resting an hour by the side of one of the rivulets, -they kept on until night. They were not compelled to -spend any time in hunting a camp, but stopped under a -clump of trees, turned the horses loose to graze on the -plentiful grass, and spread their own blankets on the turf. -They were too tired to light a fire, but they ate heartily -of the cold food, and then lay back comfortably on the -blankets. Billy fell asleep in a few minutes, but the -others did not yet feel the desire for slumber. The ride of a -day and half a night had not been hard, but, as much of -that ride had been downward, the change was wonderful. -Gone was the deep snow, gone the biting winds. They -wrestled with neither the ice nor the desert, but lay upon -a carpet of pine needles and breathed an air that came, -crisp with life, from the mountains. Bill Breakstone -luxuriated in it, and finally, observing that the others -were not asleep, he sat up.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Boys," he said, "I think the time has come for me -to tell you about the errand that has brought me so far, -and that's going to take me a lot farther. I haven't said -anything about the nature of it before, because it was the -one that could wait longest. Sit up and look at what -I'm going to show you."</p> -<p class="pnext">They sat up on their blankets, and he took from his -pocket a little package which he unwrapped and looked -at a moment or two. Then he poured the contents out -upon his blanket. They looked like gravel or grains of -stone, but the moon was good then, and from some of the -grains came a slight metallic glitter, like pin-points of -light.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That," said Bill Breakstone in deeply impressive -tones, "is gold."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It looks more like gravel to me," said John Bedford.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is gravel, too," said Breakstone, "gravel, and -gold in the gravel."</p> -<p class="pnext">"About how much iss your gold worth?" asked Arenberg -skeptically.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fifty cents, maybe," replied Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which wouldn't carry you far."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, it wouldn't," said Breakstone genially. "But -see here, my merry Dutchman, a man may have a million -dollars in the bank, and carry only a dime in his pocket. -That's me. This is my sample, my specimen. It came -from a spot far away, but there's a million more, or -something like it, there waiting for us. Listen to me, Sir -Philip of the River and the Plain, Sir Hans of the Forest -and the Snow, and even you, Sir John of the Castle and -the Cell, and I will tell you a glittering tale which is -true."</p> -<p class="pnext">Every one moved forward a few inches on his blanket, -and their figures grew tense with interest. The moon -sent a broad shaft of light through an opening in the -trees directly upon the face of Bill Breakstone, showing -eyes that sparkled with the pleasure of one who held a -great secret that he was willing to tell to others.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not joking," continued Bill Breakstone earnestly. -"I'm a rover, but I find when I rove. There's -gold, lots of it, far west across the great mountains in -California. You find it in the sand and gravel along the -edges of streams which are dry most of the year. A man -can generally do the work all by himself, with water and -a pan, sifting the gold dust from the baser stuff.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's a terribly wild country of hills and of tremendously -high mountains covered with snow. When the -snow melts and the water comes down into these dry -creek and river beds it comes with a mighty rush, and it -washes the gold from the rocks along with it. At least, -that's my theory, and the gold has been piling up for ages -in dust and grains along the edges of these beds in the -valleys below. I found this dust in a wild country about -a thousand miles from here, but I can go straight back to -the place."</p> -<p class="pnext">The others were continually creeping a little nearer -and a little nearer on their blankets, and the moonlight -which found new openings through the trees showed three -more pairs of eyes sparkling with excitement.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why did you come away after you found the gold?" -asked Phil.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Because I lacked supplies. Because I was alone. -Because California belonged to the Mexicans. Because -the Indians were dangerous to one man. Any of these -reasons was good enough, but we can take supplies in -abundance. I will not be alone. I doubt very much -whether California now belongs to the Mexicans, or will -belong to them much longer, and it is very likely that the -Indians have wandered off into some other region. Boys, -after so many dangers we'll all be rich."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But, Bill," said Phil, "we can't take your gold, -which you found after so much hardship and danger."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bill Breakstone gave Phil Bedford a threatening look.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I wish you to listen to a few words of wisdom," he -said in a menacing tone, "and take care that you listen -well. If I hear any more such foolishness from you, Sir -Philip of the River and the Plain, you'll lose your golden -spurs and your silver breastplate and your steel helmet -and all your titles. You'll be degraded into the position -of a common varlet to pull off my shoes, to bring me the -mead to quaff, and to have a spear shaft broken over your -wooden head when you're not bright and lively. And to -you, Hans Arenberg, I give the same advice. I'll make -you the King's Jester, and, with that solemn Prussian -face of yours and that solemn Prussian mind of yours, -you'll find jesting for me about as hard a task as any man -ever undertook. And you, John Bedford, I will deliver -bound hand and foot to your friend Captain Pedro de -Armijo with the great red scar across his face which you -put there. What a crisp little revenge he would take! I -can see you now frying over the coals."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But, Bill," persisted Phil, "it's your find."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I know it, but you needn't think that ends everything. -It's only the beginning. We've got to get back -to that dead river of mine, and for that I need comrades. -We've got to do weeks and weeks of work, and for that I -need comrades. We've got to fight off danger, Indians -perhaps, Mexicans perhaps, outlaws perhaps, and for that -I need comrades. After we get the gold we've got to -bring it safely to civilization, and for that I need -comrades. Also, there is so much of the gold in the bed of -the dead river that I could not spend it all alone, and for -that I need comrades. Now will you come willingly and -share and share alike with me, or shall I have to yoke -up together and drive you unwillingly?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll come," said Phil, and John and Arenberg -added their assent.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I wish the Captain was with us, too," said Bill -Breakstone. "He belongs in this crowd, and he ought to -have some of the gold."</p> -<p class="pnext">Phil and Arenberg echoed his regret at the absence of -Middleton.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now that it is all settled," said Bill Breakstone, -"I'm going to sleep."</p> -<p class="pnext">In five minutes he was sound in slumber, and the -others soon followed him to that pleasant land.</p> -<p class="pnext">They resumed their journey the next morning, but -they advanced in leisurely fashion. Breakstone warned -them that there were other high ranges ahead, and they -agreed that it would not be wise to attempt their passage -in winter. Hence, they must find a winter home in some -sheltered spot, where the three requisites of wild life, -wood, water, and game, could be found. It did not take -them long to find such a place, and they built a rude -cabin, using it as their base during the remainder of the -winter, which was mild, as they were not at a great -elevation. Although they made an occasional scout, they -never found any Indian sign, and the cold weather -passed in comparative ease and safety. Little Billy -developed at a remarkable rate, and here he sloughed off -the last vestige of the Indian. But he had learned many -cunning arts in hunting, trapping, and fishing which he -never forgot, and there were some things pertaining to -these in which he could instruct his elders.</p> -<p class="pnext">Not a single hunter, trapper, or rover of any kind -passed through during the winter months, and they often -wondered what was going on in the world without.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'd surely like to see the Captain again," said Bill -Breakstone one cold evening as they sat by their fire. -"Just to think of all that he went through with us, and -now he's vanished into thin air. Maybe he's dead, -killed in some battle a thousand miles down in Mexico."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't believe the Captain is killed," spoke up Phil -promptly. "I don't believe that he's the kind of man -who would be killed. But a lot of things must have -happened since we left. There must have been some big -fighting away down there by the City of Mexico. Do you -think we could have been whipped, Bill?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Phil, I've half a mind to take away all your titles -without another word," replied Breakstone reprovingly. -"How could you think of our being whipped, after what -you saw at Buena Vista?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so," said Phil, his cheerfulness coming back -at once.</p> -<p class="pnext">Late in the spring they began the passage of the -ranges, and although it was a long, hard, and sometimes -dangerous task, they got safely across with all their -horses, coming again into a plains country, which -merged farther west into a desert. Here they were about -to make a great loop northward, around the Mexican -settlements, when they met an American soldier carrying -dispatches. They hailed him, and, when he stopped, -they rode forward, all eagerness. It was deputed to Bill -Breakstone to ask the momentous question, and he -asked it:</p> -<p class="pnext">"How is the war going on?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The soldier looked at them, amused little crinkles at -the corners of his mouth. He knew by their appearance -that these were people who had been long in the wilderness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It isn't getting on at all," he replied.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What!" cried Bill Breakstone appalled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It isn't going on, because it's all over. General -Scott marched straight to the City of Mexico. He fought -a half dozen terrible battles, but he won every one of -them, and then took the City of Mexico itself. A treaty -of peace was signed February 2 last. You are riding now -on American soil. New Mexico, Arizona, California, -and vast regions to the north of us have been ceded to the -United States."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" they cried together, Billy joining in with -as much enthusiasm as the others.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What about Santa Fé?" asked Bill Breakstone.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's occupied by an American garrison, and there is -complete peace everywhere. The only danger is from -wandering Indians."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We know how to fight them," said Bill Breakstone. -"Boys, we ride for Santa Fé."</p> -<p class="pnext">The soldier continued northward, and they turned the -heads of their horses toward the New Mexico capital, -reaching, in good time and without loss, the queer little -old Spanish and Indian town from which the flags of -Spain and then of Mexico had disappeared forever. -They intended to remain only two or three days in order -to obtain more horses and fresh supplies. Then they -would slip quietly out of the town, because they wished -their errand to be known to nobody. On the second day -Bill Breakstone and Phil were walking together, when a -man in sober civilian dress suddenly seized a hand of -each in a firm grasp, and exclaimed in joy:</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why, boys, when did you come here?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Captain!" exclaimed Bill Breakstone. "How -things do come around!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Middleton, his very self, thinner and browner, -but with the same fine open countenance and alert look. -Bill and his comrade explained rapidly about the rescue -of John Bedford, the recovery of little Billy Arenberg, -and their passage through the mountains.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And now," said Breakstone, "you tell us, Captain, -how you happen to be up here in Santa Fé in civilian -dress."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton smiled a little sadly as he replied:</p> -<p class="pnext">"The war is over. We won many brilliant victories. -We were never beaten once. And I'm glad it's over, but -there is nothing left for the majority of the younger -officers. I should probably remain a captain all the rest of -my life at some obscure frontier station, and so I've -resigned from the army."</p> -<p class="pnext">A light leaped up in Bill Breakstone's eyes, but he -asked very quietly:</p> -<p class="pnext">"And what are you meaning to do now, Captain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know, but I've been hearing talk about gold -in California, and perhaps I'll go there to hunt it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course you will!" exclaimed Bill Breakstone, -letting himself go. "You're going to start to-morrow, and -you're going with us. I know right where that gold is, -and I'm going to lead you and the rest of the boys to it. -You remember that every one of us had a quest that drew -us into the West. The secret of the gold is mine. We -need you and we share alike. As I've told the others, -there's enough for all."</p> -<p class="pnext">Middleton was easily persuaded, and they left Santa -Fé the next morning before daylight, taking little Billy -Arenberg with them. They traveled a long time toward -the northwest, crossing mountains and deserts, until they -reached the mighty range of the Sierra Nevada. This, -too, they crossed without accident or loss, and then Bill -Breakstone led them straight to the dead river and up its -channel to the hidden gold. Here he dug in the bank -and showed them the result.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Am I right or am I wrong?" he asked exultantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Right!" they replied with one voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first they washed out the gold, but afterward they -used both the cradle and the sluice methods. The -deposits were uncommonly rich, and they worked there -all through the summer and winter. The next spring, -Middleton and Arenberg carried a great treasure of gold -on horses to San Francisco. They also took Billy -Arenberg with them, but on their way back they left him, to -his huge regret, at a good school in Sacramento, while -they rejoined their comrades on the great Breakstone -claim. They exhausted it in another year, but they were -all now as rich as they wished to be, and they descended -into the beautiful valley of California, where they -expected to make their homes.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst small">THE END</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line">*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>THE QUEST OF THE FOUR</span> ***</p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">A Word from Project Gutenberg</h2> -<p class="pfirst">We will update this book if we find any errors.</p> -<p class="pnext">This book can be found under: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40480"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40480</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext">Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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