1 files changed, 5160 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/43189-0.txt b/43189-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f8d834
--- /dev/null
+++ b/43189-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5160 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43189 ***
+
+THE HARLEQUIN OPAL
+
+A ROMANCE
+
+
+BY
+
+FERGUS HUME
+
+_Author of "The Island of Fantasy," "Aladdin in London," etc._
+
+
+VOLUME III
+
+
+    Once a realm of Indian glory,
+    Famed in Aztec song and story,
+    Fabled by Tradition hoary
+        As an earthly Paradise;
+    Now a land of love romances,
+    Serenades, bolero dances,
+    Looks of scorn, adoring glances,
+        Under burning tropic skies.
+
+
+LONDON
+W. H. ALLEN & CO., LIMITED
+13, WATERLOO PLACE, S.W.
+1893
+
+WYMAN AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND REDHILL.
+
+
+
+
+    PROEM.
+
+
+    The stone had its birth in the nurturing earth,
+      Its home in the heart of the main,
+    From the coraline caves it was tossed by the waves
+      On the breast of an aureate plain;
+    And the spirits who dwell in the nethermost hell
+      Stored fire in its bosom of white;
+    The sylphs of the air made it gracious and fair
+      With the blue of the firmament's height.
+
+    The dull gnomes I ween, gave it glittering sheen,
+      Till yellow as gold it became;
+    The nymphs of the sea made the opal to be
+      A beacon of emerald flame.
+
+    The many tints glow, they come and they go
+      At bidding of spirits abhorr'd,
+    When one ray is bright, in the bosom of white,
+      Its hue tells the fate of its lord.
+    For yellow hints wealth, and blue meaneth health,
+      While green forbodes passing of gloom,
+    But beware of the red, 'tis an omen of dread,
+      Portending disaster and doom.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected
+without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have
+been retained as printed. Words printed in italics are noted with
+underscores: _italics_. The cover of this ebook was created by the
+transcriber and is hereby placed in the public domain.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+CHAP                                                 PAGE
+
+   I.--WITHIN THE WALLS                                 1
+
+  II.--THE FALL OF JANJALLA                            22
+
+ III.--THE FLIGHT TO TLATONAC                          44
+
+  IV.--EXIT DON FRANCISCO GOMEZ                        60
+
+   V.--THE INDIAN RAID                                 76
+
+  VI.--THE LUCK OF THE OPAL                            96
+
+ VII.--UNDER THE OPAL FLAG                            113
+
+VIII.--THE BATTLE OF CENTEOTL                         131
+
+  IX.--THE TRIUMPH OF THE REPUBLIC                    154
+
+   X.--THE CANON ROAD                                 167
+
+  XI.--THE DESTINY OF THE OPAL                        191
+
+ XII.--FAREWELL, TLATONAC!                            219
+
+
+
+
+THE HARLEQUIN OPAL.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+WITHIN THE WALLS.
+
+    Circle of stone,
+    Circle of steel,
+    Loyalists true,
+    Pent up in battle belts twain;
+    Yet we, alone,
+    Doubly feel,
+    That with our few,
+    We shall a victory gain.
+
+    Climb up our foes,
+    Over the wall,
+    Deep bit the swords,
+    Fiercely the cannon spout fire;
+    Yet 'neath our blows,
+    Downward they fall,
+    Traitorous hordes,
+    In torment and blood to expire.
+
+
+Tim at once took his friends to his quarters, and made them
+comfortable, but scarcely had they finished a hurried meal, when an
+aide-de-camp arrived from General Gigedo requiring their presence
+without delay. As Peter had received a nasty blow on the head during
+the _mêlée_, Jack insisted that he should remain behind and rest
+himself. Peter feebly remonstrated against this arrangement, as he
+wanted to accompany his friends, but in the end was forced to yield to
+their insistence. Then Duval buckled on his sword, slipped his
+revolvers into his belt, and went off with Tim to report himself at
+head-quarters.
+
+Both of them were terribly alarmed about Philip. In the first burst of
+emotion Jack had deemed his friend dead; but, on looking at the matter
+calmly, it seemed probable that he would yet turn up well and unhurt.
+It was impossible that Indians, in whatever number, could utterly
+exterminate a body of disciplined troops amounting to a thousand men.
+Tim's opinion was that if they had been attacked and overpowered by
+strategy, they had fled to the nearest town for shelter. As he had
+marched overland with Colonel Garibay from Tlatonac, he knew the
+country better than did Jack, and proceeded to defend his theory of the
+reinforcements' safety, by describing the position of the towns.
+
+"It's a hundred miles or more as the crow flies from Tlatonac to this
+God-forsaken place. Within that limit are four towns, no less--one
+every twenty miles. When we marched south two weeks ago, we first went
+to Chichimec, then to Puebla de los Naranjos, which last one is midway.
+Hermanita is next, and then after dropping in at Centeotl, we came on
+to Janjalla!"
+
+"Still, if the Indians surprised them by night they might have
+surrounded and exterminated the whole lot. To my mind nothing is so
+dangerous as a despised enemy."
+
+"What!" cried Tim, with great contempt, "d'you mean to tell me that a
+lot of naked savages could manage that. By my soul, 'tis impossible!"
+
+"But, my dear fellow, the Indians are out in thousands. Cocom told me
+so."
+
+"They may be out in millions," retorted Tim, emphatically. "I tell you,
+Jack, they couldn't have killed all these men. A good number of them
+must have escaped to the nearest town, and, I'll lay my soul on it,
+that among those who got away is Philip. He wasn't born to be murdered
+by a lot of howling savages."
+
+"Well, let us hope so," replied Jack, who was beginning to take this
+comfortable view of things himself; "but, tell me, Tim, when the
+reinforcements didn't arrive, why did you not wire to Tlatonac?"
+
+"Begad! I couldn't. The rebels cut the telegraph wires some days since.
+The last message was that you and Doña Dolores had come back safely.
+Ah, my boy," cried Tim, slapping Jack on the shoulder, "didn't I sing
+'Glory Hallelujah,' when I heard that same. But, I knew you'd turn up
+again all safe."
+
+"I didn't know it myself!" replied Jack, grimly "it was touch and go, I
+can tell you."
+
+"Dioul! You must tell me all about it. But hold your noise, Jack, and
+don't be lamenting for Philip. If you returned, so will he."
+
+"I fervently hope so," said Jack, gloomily; "but I own that I feel
+doubtful. Are the wires cut on both sides of the town?"
+
+"No! glory be to the saints. I can still telegraph to England by the
+wires going south, but I expect them to be cut every minute, so I'm
+hard at work sending all the news I can."
+
+"Did you see the fight last night?"
+
+"Did I not! Whow, my boy! I guessed what was up, but till the dawn
+we weren't quite sure of the trouble. Begad! _The Pizarro's_ gone
+anyhow."
+
+"Yes. But the other warships and transports are due to-night."
+
+"Then we'll have another fight," said Tim, coolly; "wasn't I wishing I
+was on board a torpedera! There's a heap to talk about, Jack; how you
+escaped from that infernal Xuarez, and how you sank _The Pizarro_. I
+want to wire about that same right away."
+
+"First I must see what the General desires. Oh, here is Garibay. A
+thousand greetings, Colonel."
+
+"What, Señor Juan! Ah, mi amigo, how pleased I am to see you safe once
+more. I deemed you were dead."
+
+"Dios! He is a merry corpse, Señor," said Tim, turning his head.
+"Where's the General?"
+
+"Within yonder house of the Jefe Politico. You also, Señor
+Correspoñsal, does he desire to see."
+
+"I am at the service of Señor Gigedo. Know you, Comandante, what he
+desires to speak of?"
+
+"It is that you will convey the glorious news of our naval victory to
+your gran'diario."
+
+"Dios! That will be done within an hour. I but waited to find out all
+particulars from Don Juan."
+
+"Oh! I can tell you everything," said Jack cheerfully, "I was on board
+_The Montezuma_ with Don Rafael, and it was her torpedo which sank
+_The Pizarro_."
+
+"Viva los Torpederas," shouted Garibay, who was greatly excited over
+this unexpected victory.
+
+The cry was taken up by a chattering group of officers lounging in from
+off the General's headquarters, and Jack being recognized was at once
+surrounded by them. They were mostly young fellows, who were weary of
+being pent up within the walls of a suburban town, and saw in this
+sinking of _The Pizarro_, a chance of coming face to face with the
+enemy. It was all cries of Viva! Bueno! Gracias a Dios! as Duval passed
+through their midst, and many would fain have detained him, to learn
+particulars of the combat; but Jack was anxious to hear Gigedo's views
+concerning the non-arrival of the reinforcements, so entered the
+mansion at once. Colonel Garibay conducted them both without delay to
+the General's apartments. Gigedo, cigarette in mouth, was poring over a
+large map of the country, evidently tracing the line of march from
+Tlatonac, but on seeing Duval, he sprang up and advanced to salute him,
+with a pleased smile.
+
+"A thousand congratulations, Señor, on your escape from the hands of
+Xuarez," he said, warmly; "and still more on your gallant conduct of
+last night."
+
+"Oh! as to that, General, I was but an onlooker," replied Duval,
+modestly. "The credit of sinking _The Pizarro_ rests with Don
+Rafael Maraquando. Have you heard the particulars?"
+
+"Assuredly Señor, Don Sebastian de Ahumada has left me but this moment.
+He informed me of the affair, and also delivered the instructions from
+His Excellency. I find here," added Gigedo, striking a pile of papers
+with his open hand, "that over a thousand men left Tlatonac for the
+front, four days ago."
+
+"That is so, General. My friend, Señor Felipe, was with them."
+
+"They have not arrived, Don Juan. The troops of Xuarez cannot have
+intercepted them and I am at a loss to understand this delay. Can you
+explain?"
+
+"Señor," said Jack after a pause, "before I left Tlatonac there were
+rumours of an Indian rising. While a prisoner at Totatzine I saw myself
+the tribes, incited to war by Ixtlilxochitli, the High Priest of the
+Chalchuih Tlatonac."
+
+"Ah, that cursed opal!" cried Garibay, fiercely; "it is the cause of
+great trouble. Would that it could be taken from the Indians."
+
+"Rest content, Señor Garibay; it _is_ taken from the Indians. Doña
+Dolores took it from the shrine, and it is now in Tlatonac."
+
+"Dios!" exclaimed the General and Garibay, simultaneously, while Tim
+was scarcely less astonished.
+
+"Naturally enough the Indians wish to recover this sacred gem, Señor,
+therefore the rising has taken place sooner than was expected. I fear,
+gentlemen, that the Indians have surprised and massacred our poor
+friends."
+
+"Santissima Madre! a thousand men?"
+
+"The Indian forces amount to three times that number," said Jack,
+quickly. "It is true that His Excellency, at my request, sent
+messengers after the reinforcements to warn them of a possible attack.
+Yet it is not unlikely that these messengers may have been intercepted
+by the Indians. They might have fallen on the reinforcements without
+warning, and then--Señor, three thousand against one thousand--an
+unexpected attack. Alas! it is a terrible risk."
+
+"Our troops may have retreated to one of the towns," said Gigedo,
+taking the same view of the case as had Tim. "This I would know if the
+telegraph wires had not been cut. But as it is we can but wait."
+
+"And meantime," remarked Garibay, dryly "Xuarez will land some
+troops--already two thousand lie before the town--we have hard work,
+even behind our walls to keep them back. Now we have scarcely five
+hundred here capable of defending the town. Many are dead and
+wounded--fever and dysentery prevail greatly. If Xuarez lands more
+troops and makes an immediate attack Janjalla must fall."
+
+"He cannot land more troops while _The Iturbide_ and the torpederas
+guard the harbour." said Gigedo in a tone of some displeasure; "and
+even if these two thousand again assault the walls we can hold out
+until reinforcements arrive. His Excellency tells me that two thousand
+men are to follow in ten days."
+
+"Hark!" cried Tim, as Garibay was about to reply; "a gun!--another.
+Señores, the warships are at it again. With your permission, General."
+
+He hastily left the room and went off to the walls where he was soon
+afterwards joined by Jack, who had been hurriedly dismissed by the
+General. They looked seaward, and saw the performance of a most
+extraordinary drama.
+
+It was now about three o'clock, and the ocean like a sheet of glass
+stretched in an inclined plane upward to the distant horizon. Owing to
+the elevation of the city walls they looked down, as from the heights
+of an amphitheatre. The ramparts were crowded with spectators,
+townsfolk and soldiers. Immediately below was the beach, the rebel
+camp--then the long pier shooting out into the blue, and beyond the
+flashing expanse of the sea. _The Iturbide_ was lying a quarter of
+a mile from the shore with her two torpederas, one on each side of her.
+The cruiser had swung round, and was firing her guns at a slowly
+approaching warship.
+
+"_The Columbus_!" cried Jack, when his eyes fell upon this vessel.
+
+"True for you, John," said Tim, handing him the glass. "She has come
+south by herself. I thought you told me the transports were not due
+here till midnight."
+
+"No more they are. I expect Xuarez, learning through his spies of our
+departure from Tlatonac has sent _The Columbus_ on ahead to join
+forces with _The Pizarro_. With two warships he hopes to keep our lot
+at bay till the transports with the _Cortes_ are safe in the harbour."
+
+"The sinking of _The Pizarro_ will rather upset his plans. _The
+Columbus_ dare not attack two torpederas and a cruiser, single-handed."
+
+"Upon my soul! that seems exactly what she intends to do, Tim."
+
+A low murmur of surprise arose from the crowd on the ramparts, who
+were eagerly watching the warships. It seemed as though _The Columbus_
+was bent on her own destruction, for she came steaming straight ahead
+for the three ships of the Junta, insolently flying the red flag of
+Xuarez.
+
+"What the deuce does she mean," cried Tim, in perplexity. "Surely she
+can't mistake _The Iturbide_ for her consort."
+
+"Perhaps she intends to desert," suggested Jack.
+
+_The Columbus_ was now more within range, and though hitherto she had
+been silent under the fire of _The Iturbide_, she now began to speak
+in her turn, and a white line of smoke ran along her black sides as
+the balls came singing over the water.
+
+"Not much deserting about that," said Tim, grimly; "no! the rebels have
+some scheme in their heads."
+
+By this time Pedraza was thoroughly enraged at the insolence of this
+one ship attacking him single-handed, and signalled at once to the
+torpederas. The captain of _The Columbus_ saw that the signals ordered
+the boats to "up anchor," and acted accordingly. In a surprisingly
+short space of time the rebel ship had swung round, and with full
+steam ahead was standing out to sea. The ships of the Junta were taken
+by surprise at their manoeuvre, and it was fully a question of an hour
+before they started in pursuit. Tim shut his glass with a click.
+
+"Jack, I see it all. _The Columbus_ wants to get our boats out of
+the harbour so as to let _The Cortes_ and the transports slip in
+together."
+
+"Rather a risky game, Tim. She'll be overhauled and sunk by the
+torpederas in no time."
+
+"Not while she can keep them off with her heavy guns! What speed have
+the torpederas?"
+
+"Eighteen to nineteen knots."
+
+"And _The Columbus_?"
+
+"Well, Rafael says her ordinary speed is fifteen but in case of need
+she can crack up steam to eighteen."
+
+"Even that gives the torpederas one knot to the good. But she can
+outsteam _The Iturbide_."
+
+"Oh yes; sixteen is _her_ limit!"
+
+"Then I tell you what! _The Columbus_, as I said, has come here as
+a decoy--she knows the cruiser can't touch her speed, and she hopes to
+keep the torpederas at a safe distance with her heavy guns. She's off
+in a bee line straight out, and the other boats are after her. Then
+she'll dodge them and steam back here to find _The Cortes_ and the
+transports all safe in harbour."
+
+"I believe you are right, Tim."
+
+"Of course I'm right. Look at the way she's smoking through the water."
+
+Jack put the glass to his eyes and saw _The Columbus_ was travelling
+at top speed towards the open sea. After her scampered the two torpedo
+boats like hounds on her trail. Further behind _The Iturbide_ with the
+black smoke vomiting from her funnels was putting her soul into the
+chase. Pedraza was evidently determined to follow up one victory by
+another, and over eager to sink or capture the crack ironclad of the
+rebels, forgot all about the incoming transports. Thus, in half an
+hour the four ships were mere specks on the horizon, and the harbour
+of Janjalla was left open for the arrival of Xuarez and fresh troops.
+
+The crowd of people on the ramparts were too excited at the stirring
+spectacle of the chase to think of such a thing, and yelled themselves
+hoarse in cheering for Pedraza. Below on the beach the rebels, who had
+evidently understood the manoeuvres of _The Columbus_, were cheering
+vigorously for Don Hypolito.
+
+"Wait you dogs," cried Jack, shaking his fists at them; "soon shall you
+sing another tune."
+
+"By all the saints so shall we," said Tim, wisely: "unless the forts
+keep off the transports we'll have another two thousand troops down
+there this night, and then--it's wigs on the green there will be."
+
+"I agree with you, Tim--unless the reinforcements arrive."
+
+"Even then, four thousand attacking a town can do a powerful lot, and
+when the reinforcements arrive we'll only have one thousand five
+hundred to put against them. However, let us not despair," added Tim,
+philosophically. "Come with me, Don Juan, and we'll look over the town.
+Then we'll go and see if there is any sign of the new troops."
+
+Jack assented, and descending from the ramparts they made their way
+through the town to the house where Tim had his quarters. The streets
+were filled with soldiers, who mostly looked smart, and well fitted for
+their work. Here and there were wounded men, and a few sick with
+malarian fever from the adjacent swamp, but on the whole it was
+wonderful how healthy was the town. Twice had the rebels assaulted the
+walls and twice been beaten back, not without considerable loss of men
+on the side of the loyalists. Fortunately, provisions were plentiful,
+and it was the cool season, therefore the troops of the Junta were in
+comparatively good condition. Despite their small numbers, they were so
+heartened by the sinking of _The Pizarro_, that it was plain they
+would fight like fiends to hold Janjalla until aid arrived from the
+capital.
+
+The townspeople took the fact of being besieged in the most contented
+manner, and hardly interrupted their daily occupations. In the streets
+the tortilleras were crying their wares, the water-carriers proclaiming
+the fact that they sold "aqua limpia," and, but for the unusual number
+of soldiers, it would have been quite impossible to see that the city
+was in the very jaws of danger. At times a woman wrapped in the rebozo
+would pass along the street, but as a rule they kept within doors, and
+showed themselves but rarely. In the plazas men were being drilled, and
+many of the houses were used as hospitals for the sick and wounded.
+
+Tim and Jack made their way through the crowded streets, and duly
+arrived at the former's quarters, where they found Peter eagerly
+expecting them. He was weary of being by himself, and when he heard
+they were going to the land-gate to seek news of the reinforcements,
+insisted on accompanying them. After taking a drink of aguardiente, of
+which they stood much in need, owing to the exhaustion caused by
+excitement, the three friends set off at once to see if they could hear
+anything about the expected troops.
+
+Don Sebastian was fraternising with the captain in command of the
+cavalry, as his own troops had been sent forward to the sea ramparts.
+The mounted regiments were stationed at this end of the town as they
+were more useful in sallies than were the infantry. This was proved by
+the way in which they had succoured the soldiers from _The Iturbide_,
+as only horse-men could have kept the rebel troops at bay.
+
+"No signs yet, Señor," said Don Sebastian, politely; "but half an hour
+ago the general sent out two Indian scouts with instructions to inquire
+at Centeotl for our men."
+
+"That is twenty miles away."
+
+"Yes; but these Indians travel fast. Before midnight we shall hear news
+of our troops--that is if they get as far south as Centeotl."
+
+"And before midnight Xuarez will have landed his new regiments," said
+Tim, turning away. "Well, there's no help for it, I suppose. Come, Jack
+and Peter, 'tis no use waiting here. We must wait till these scouts
+return."
+
+"And meanwhile, Tim?"
+
+"Come with me to the telegraph-office. I'm going to send an account of
+the sea-fight to my paper."
+
+"You are sure the wires are not cut to the southward?" said Peter, as
+they trudged along to the office.
+
+"They weren't this morning anyhow. Why should they cut them? All they
+want to do is to intercept communication with the capital. They don't
+care two straws what goes to England."
+
+"Xuarez does. He told me so."
+
+"Ah! but, you see, Xuarez is not here at present, and has forgotten to
+give orders to cut them. When he arrives again, he'll do it, maybe."
+
+"Well, seeing that he wishes the world to look on him as a noble
+patriot, he certainly won't care about your wiring plain truths about
+him to the old country. He'll either cut the wires or bring a war
+correspondent on his own hook."
+
+"A rival!" cried Tim, indignantly. "If I thought so, I'd shoulder a
+musket myself, and go out to shoot the dirty villain. Here's the P.O.,
+my boys! Peter! hold your noise. Jack's going to give me a history of
+the fight."
+
+"I know as much about it as Jack does," said Peter, in an injured tone,
+as they entered the office.
+
+"Then I'll let you put in a word here and there," replied his friend,
+in a kind tone. "Why, Peter, I'd do anything to please you. Didn't I
+think you were knocked out of time, entirely. Manuel, are the wires
+right?"
+
+"Yes, Señor," replied the operator, a dark alert-looking man; "all safe
+to Truxillo!"
+
+"Bueno! Then they will be safe to England. Truxillo is in Honduras, and
+is as right as the Bank. Come, Jack, begin at once!"
+
+They were over two hours at this business as, what with Jack's
+roundabout descriptions and Peter's interruptions, it took some time
+for Tim to get the story ship-shape. Then Manuel was constantly wiring
+the intelligence, as transmitted to him by Tim, who took full advantage
+of the licence given by his editor to send extensive telegrams. It was
+close on six o'clock when he finished, and he was just stretching
+himself with a yawn after his long spell of sitting, when outside a
+murmur began. It rapidly swelled into a roar and the three friends
+rushed out of the office to learn what new event had taken place. The
+telegraph-office was situated in the street which ran straight to the
+land-gate, and down this street they saw advancing a dense body of men.
+
+"Vivas los soldatos! Viva el Republico!"
+
+"Hurrah!" roared Tim, wildly, "'tis the reinforcements!"
+
+"There's Philip!" cried Jack, pushing his way through the crowd.
+
+"And wounded!" said Peter, noticing with a true professional eye that
+Cassim's left arm hung useless by his side.
+
+The Janjalla Band, stationed in the Plaza, burst out into the patriotic
+strains of the "Opal Fandango," the crowd yelled and cheered, the
+soldiers tramped steadily down the street; and Tim, to the imminent
+danger of his life, flung himself almost under the feet of Philip's
+horse.
+
+"Philip, my dear boy! Here we are."
+
+"Tim! Jack! Thank God!" cried Philip, and urging his horse a little way
+to the side, jumped down from the saddle.
+
+Tim gripped one hand, Jack the other, and Peter patted the baronet on
+the back. Philip looked worn and haggard, and winced as Tim seized his
+left hand.
+
+"Are you wounded?" cried Tim, letting it go.
+
+"Yes; but not badly! An Indian arrow through the fleshy part of the
+arm."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Jack, anxiously, "then Cocom was right. You have been
+attacked by Indians."
+
+"Two days ago! They surprised our camp by night, and came in in
+overwhelming force. Velez was unable to rally his men, and we were
+forced to retreat to Centeotl."
+
+"And how many men have you brought, Philip?"
+
+"Six hundred!"
+
+"And one thousand started from Tlatonac," said Jack, sadly; "four
+hundred killed. Thank God, Philip, you at least are safe."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE FALL OF JANJALLA.
+
+    They mount the ramparts, and they man the walls,
+    Resolved to keep the climbing foe at bay,
+    The hot-mouthed cannon hurl a thousand balls,
+    A thousand swords flash forth to wound and slay.
+    Down in the fosse the planted ladder falls,
+    And smoke sulphurous spreads its veil of grey;
+    Like incense from an altar up it rolls,
+    To tell the war-god that a thousand souls
+    Are to his honour sacrificed this day.
+
+    Oh, Mars! Oh, red Bellona! he or she,
+    Though fallen your shrines, we bend yet 'neath your yoke;
+    Born later than the Greeks, we seem to be
+    Not much more civilised than were those folk,
+    Instead of spears, and shields, and cutlery,
+    Revolvers, rifles, guns, spit fire and smoke.
+    For ye, blood-thirsty pair, we yet retain
+    Our ancient love, and hence on battle plain
+    With myriad victims we your names invoke.
+
+
+The siege of Janjalla lasted five days, and during that period the
+town was completely invested by the troops of Xuarez. As had been
+foreseen by him, the _Columbus_, acting as a decoy, had drawn away the
+ships of the Junta from protecting the harbour, and that same night
+Xuarez, under cover of darkness, landed four thousand troops from his
+transports. By an inconceivable oversight on the part of the
+engineers, the city walls were unprovided with search-lights and
+electric apparatus, so Don Hypolito was enabled to land boat-load
+after boat-load of men without hindrance. By dawn six thousand men
+were encamped on the beach, under the very guns of the forts.
+
+Had Xuarez attacked the capital, he would have been easily repulsed,
+for in Tlatonac all the latest inventions for defence were to be found.
+Krupp's guns pointed from the forts, powerful electric lights swept the
+harbour, and the bed of the ocean in front of the sea-line was one vast
+mass of torpedoes. The flower of the Cholacacan army were behind the
+walls, armed with the latest invented rifles, and altogether a siege of
+the capital would have lasted months. Don Hypolito, however, was too
+crafty to waste his time so fruitlessly, and artfully attacked the
+Republic in her weakest part.
+
+Janjalla was but ill defended by walls and cannon and but ill
+garrisoned with capable men. By throwing on the devoted town an
+overwhelming mass of troops he could hope to capture it within a few
+days. Then making it his head-quarters, could gradually advance along
+the plain towards the capital, eating up a town at every twenty miles.
+He was already master of Acauhtzin in the north, and if he could only
+reduce Janjalla and the four inland towns, he would be in complete
+command of the whole inner country. Then, besieging Tlatonac by land
+and sea, he could starve the capital into surrender.
+
+Promptness was Xuarez' great characteristic, and so rapidly had he
+accomplished the transference of active operations from north to south
+that he had completely taken the Junta by surprise. It was a fatal
+mistake on the part of the Governmental party in leaving such an
+incapable man as Gomez at the head of affairs. If, relying on the
+strength of the capital to protect herself, he had sent all his
+available soldiers to garrison Janjalla and defeat the rebels before
+they could get a footing in the south, he would have probably crushed
+the rebellion in the bud. Victorious in the lower part of the country,
+he could have then reduced Acauhtzin at his leisure, and thus ended the
+war within a few weeks.
+
+Unfortunately, Gomez lost his head at the critical period, and proved
+himself quite unable to cope with the masterly activity of the rebel
+leader. First of all, he committed the mistake of not concentrating his
+troops at Janjalla, and then sent a few hundreds of men down at a time.
+General Gigedo therefore found himself shut up in Janjalla with
+scarcely a thousand troops, few guns, and insufficient ammunition. The
+telegraph-wires having been cut, he was unable to communicate promptly
+with the capital, and being in urgent need of reinforcements, was in
+absolute despair as to what would occur in the near future. It was true
+that Gomez had promised another thousand men in ten days; but, even if
+they arrived earlier, it would be too late, as with the small garrison
+at his disposal, it was impossible that he could hold out against a
+force of six thousand for any lengthened period.
+
+He would have sent messengers to Tlatonac for aid, but the troops of
+Don Hypolito completely encircled the city, and it was worse than
+useless to try and break through that girdle of steel. He held a
+council of war, but no decision could be arrived at, save that Janjalla
+should hold out, if possible, until reinforcements arrived from the
+capital. Day after day Gigedo and his staff swept the ocean with their
+glasses, looking for the torpederas and the cruiser. None of them
+appeared, and it could only be conjectured that they had captured
+_The Columbus_, and taken her at once to Tlatonac, in the harbour
+of which they were now doubtless lying.
+
+Meanwhile, the garrison fought with desperate valour, and with great
+difficulty managed to keep the rebels at bay, but it could be easily
+seen that such a state of things could not last. On the fourth day
+preparations were made by Xuarez for a final assault, and everyone
+instinctively guessed that the end had come. _The Cortes_ was lying
+with the transports out of range of the fort-guns, and, by means of
+their glasses, those shut up in the town could see that the warship
+was making ready to bombard the city.
+
+Don Hypolito had come south again, with his new troops, and could be
+now seen riding about the camp with a brilliant staff, seeing that all
+things were ready for the assault. Jack, who, in company with Philip,
+was leaning over the ramparts, noted the audacious rebel, and remarked
+on his presence before the walls of Janjalla.
+
+"There goes the brain of the rebellion," he said touching Philip on the
+shoulder. "If he could only be disposed of, the war would be over."
+
+"No doubt. But Xuarez knows his own value too well, and will therefore
+keep out of danger. He has evidently made up his mind to finish the
+siege to-day."
+
+"Unless help comes, I think he will succeed," replied Jack, gloomily.
+"I cannot conceive what the President or Maraquando can be thinking
+about to thus neglect Janjalla. If this town falls into the hands of
+Xuarez, as it must do, unless a miracle takes place, Don Francisco will
+find the war longer than he expects."
+
+"Gomez is a fool," said Philip, stamping his foot. "What the deuce is
+the use of keeping all the army in the capital? There must be ten
+thousand soldiers shut up in Tlatonac, and his Excellency evidently
+intends to keep them there till Xuarez and his victorious troops arrive
+before the walls."
+
+"Very likely the Indians are before the walls now, and are waiting for
+Xuarez to join them."
+
+"It's not improbable. Things don't look promising for the Junta, and
+all because they let Gomez muddle the business. See, the rebels are
+marching up to the sea-gate. It is now noon. Before sundown they will
+be within the walls, and masters of the city."
+
+"What about the garrison?"
+
+"Their lives depend on the caprice of Xuarez," said Philip, after a
+pause. "He may let Gigedo march out with the remains of his troop, or
+massacre every one of us."
+
+"I don't intend to be massacred," replied Jack, dryly; "and, what is
+more, I don't intend to be seen by Xuarez. He must know by this time,
+through his spies, that I escaped from Totatzine, but he is probably
+ignorant that I am in Janjalla. I must escape unseen, Philip, else he
+will send me back to be slaughtered by Ixtlilxochitli."
+
+"Hardly, Jack, while Tim is at hand!"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Don Hypolito," said Philip, sagely, "wishes to stand well with the
+world. Tim is the medium through which his actions are reported to the
+world. Were he to send an Englishman to be offered up by savages to a
+barbaric deity, there would be trouble with England. Xuarez can't
+afford to risk that, so he will let you go free."
+
+"He didn't do that in Acauhtzin."
+
+"In Acauhtzin, my friend, you were supposed by us to be killed in the
+riot. He could do as he pleased with one, who, to the world was
+practically a non-existing person. Here it is different. You are alive,
+you are with your friends, one of whom is a correspondent of a great
+English journal. He dare not seize you for his own ends in broad
+daylight. No, my dear Jack, while we are beside you, Xuarez will think
+twice before repeating his treachery of Acauhtzin. He will have to look
+for a new victim for Ixtlilxochitli."
+
+"I fervently hope and trust so," answered Jack, looking at his revolver
+to see that it was loaded. "And now I suppose we had better go to the
+Plaza. The troops must be assembling just now. Hark! there goes the
+trumpet. Where is Tim?"
+
+"In the telegraph-office, with Peter, wiring news to his paper."
+
+"Poor Peter," said Duval, as they left the ramparts; "he came here to
+collect beetles, and finds himself plunged into an unpleasant war."
+
+"Never mind. There's nothing like experience, Jack. Peter will recount
+his deeds of valour, even unto the third generation. We will come out
+safe in the end. You will marry Dolores, I Eulalia, and all will be gas
+and gaiters, _videlicet_ Nicholas Nickleby."
+
+Philip's gaiety was infectious, and Jack burst out laughing at his last
+remark. They had no time, however, for further conversation, as the
+trumpets were calling loudly in the Plaza, and they hurried to that
+portion of the town to find the troops rapidly falling in. General
+Gigedo made a speech to encourage his soldiers, assuring them that he
+had communicated with Tlatonac, and that relief would shortly come to
+the besieged town.
+
+"Is that true, or a lie?" asked Jack of Don Sebastian, who stood beside
+him.
+
+"True," replied the Spaniard, smiling. "This morning carrier pigeons
+were sent to his Excellency with messages of our deplorable state. We
+shall certainly be relieved in a few days."
+
+"A few days!" echoed Philip, with a sneer. "My dear Señor de Ahumada, a
+few hours will see our troops evacuating Janjalla."
+
+"If we are forced to do that, Señor, we can fall back on Centeotl."
+
+"What, with a few hundred men, and the Indians scouring the country?"
+
+"They are further north."
+
+"I assure you they are not," replied Cassim, emphatically. "We were
+attacked near Centeotl, and by this time the savages are between that
+town and this. Señor de Ahumada, I assure you that if we evacuate
+Janjalla, we shall fall into the hands of the Indians."
+
+"Dios!" cried Don Sebastian, suddenly. "_The Cortes_ has started
+bombarding." Even as he spoke a bomb burst in the air directly over the
+Plaza. At once Gigedo gave the signal to the troops to march to the
+ramparts. In the distance they could hear the fierce cries of the
+rebels as they marched out of camp, and a tremour passed through the
+whole of the city as those within its walls recognised the desperate
+state of affairs. Bomb after bomb exploded with deafening noises, the
+troops manned the walls, the besiegers hurled themselves against the
+sea-gate and planted ladders against the walls. The assault had
+commenced. It was the beginning of the end.
+
+The full force at the disposal of General Gigedo, excluding the sick
+and wounded, amounted to some nine hundred men. He divided this into
+two portions: five hundred held the sea-facing portion of the town,
+four hundred were stationed at the inland gate. Xuarez attacked the two
+gates of the town simultaneously, and trusted, in the event of entering
+at either portal, to be enabled to attack the loyalists in the rear,
+and thus crush them between two armies.
+
+On the ramparts it was not so difficult to keep the foe back as it was
+below. They planted ladders, and these were hurled with their burden
+of climbing men into the ditch below. An incessant fusillade of
+musketry crackled along the walls, and the cannon with depressed
+muzzles hurled their balls with more or less damaging effect into the
+dense throng massed on the beach below. The bombs from _The Cortes_
+did their deadly work skilfully, and the besiegers kept themselves as
+widely apart as possible, so as to neutralise the effect of the shells
+on compact masses.
+
+It was outside the sea-gate, however, that the siege was pressed most
+hardly. Xuarez had cannon planted at the gate, to break down, if
+possible, the huge wooden valves, clamped with iron. Through the
+loop-holes low down in the walls the besiegers fired incessantly,
+killing the rebel gunners as they strove to discharge the cannon. Above
+the city hung a thick cloud of grey smoke, and at intervals, through
+the misty veil, flared the red flame of a bomb bursting overhead. The
+rattle of musketry, the booming of cannon, the cries of the wounded,
+the shouts of besieged and besiegers, all made an infernal din
+deafening to the ear.
+
+Tim and Peter were at the land-gate in company with Captain Velez and
+Colonel Garibay, while Jack and Philip fought side by side in repelling
+the attack from the sea front. After an incessant cannonading lasting
+two hours, the rebels managed to smash the gates down with their
+artillery, and rushed in only to find themselves confronted by a dense
+mass of resolute soldiery.
+
+From the sea-gate the street arose suddenly, and on the top of the
+incline Gigedo had planted cannon which cut lanes in the throng of
+rebels pressing through the gate. At last the battle resolved itself
+into a hand-to-hand fight in which the loyalists strove to beat back
+the rebel forces from the gate. Xuarez saw this, and signalled to _The
+Cortes_ to stand in closer and drop her shells into the centre of the
+besieged. At once the warship did as she was commanded, and in a few
+moments bombs were creating fearful havoc in the ranks of the
+loyalists. In answer, the guns of the forts speedily opened fire on
+the warship, but did little damage, as the besiegers were too busily
+occupied in repelling the foe as they swarmed up the walls, to take
+careful aim.
+
+What with the dense crowd pressing from without, the loss of men caused
+by the incessant bursting of the bombs in their midst, the loyalists
+began to fall back, and, in spite of the most desperate resistance,
+were thrust beyond the line of cannon at the top of the street. A horde
+of rebel soldiery rushed inside the gate, and proceeded to scale the
+ramparts in order to aid their comrades who were climbing the outer
+walls, and to silence the guns playing on _The Cortes_.
+
+Skilfully making use of all material he found to hand, Xuarez turned
+the cannon taken from the loyalists on themselves. In the hurried
+retreat, they had been unable to spike the guns, and now these, loaded
+and fired by the rebels, were mowing them down in dozens. The soldiers
+on the ramparts were either killed or beaten back, and the whole of the
+sea front of Janjalla was in complete possession of Xuarez. One comfort
+had the loyalists, namely, that they were protected in the rear by
+their men defending the land-gate.
+
+Shortly, however, a roar of rage, and the cheers of the besiegers
+announced that the town was captured on that side. The soldiers
+retreated towards the Plaza in the centre of the town, and there found
+their comrades who had fallen back from the sea-gate. Here there was
+this handful of men shut up in the square, surrounded on all sides by
+the victorious rebels. They could not possibly hold out long against
+the dense masses converging to that centre from all parts of the town,
+and it could be easily seen that the siege was practically over.
+
+During the fighting night had fallen, and now the battle was going on
+in the dim twilight, rendered still darker by the heavily hanging
+clouds of smoke enwrapping the town. Jack had received a nasty cut on
+the shoulder; but Philip was unwounded, and in the general scrimmage
+they managed to keep well together. When beaten back into the Plaza,
+they made for the telegraph-office, where they hoped to find Tim and
+Peter. This was the rendezvous appointed by Tim in case the battle went
+in favour of the rebels, as he wished to send a final message to his
+paper before clearing out of the town. With a handful of men,
+principally those belonging to their own regiment, Philip and Jack
+managed to throw themselves into the telegraph-office, and shortly
+afterwards were joined by Tim.
+
+"Where's Peter?" asked Jack, as he saw the huge form of his friend
+dashing through the door.
+
+"Just behind, with Don Sebastian," gasped Tim, throwing himself into a
+chair. "It's all up, boys; the Opposidores are in full possession of
+the land-gate."
+
+"And the sea-gate also," said Philip, who was reloading his revolver.
+"All our men are in the Plaza, and can't hold out much longer. Whew!
+there's another bomb."
+
+"We'd better get out of Janjalla, and make for Centeotl," cried Don
+Sebastian, entering with his sword smashed in two; "all is over!"
+
+"Gigedo?"
+
+"Killed! Garibay is wounded, and taken prisoner!"
+
+"Where is Don Pedro?"
+
+"Here I am," cried Peter, darting into the room and closing the door.
+"There's a regiment of rebels cutting their way through the crowd to
+take the telegraph-office. Xuarez has particularly commanded it."
+
+"Anyhow, I'll have time to send another telegram, if I die for it,"
+said Tim, who was hastily scribbling notes. "Where's Manuel?"
+
+Manuel had vanished; so Tim, with a growl, sat down to work the
+instrument himself.
+
+"Keep those devils out, with your men," he said to Philip, who was
+barricading the windows with Jack. "I'll send one telegram, saying
+Janjalla has fallen, and then we'll go off."
+
+"How the devil are we to get away?" asked Philip, angrily.
+
+"Easily. The cavalry barracks are behind here. We'll get round by the
+back way and seize the horses, then cut our way out by the land-gate.
+Once across the river, and we are safe."
+
+Philip did not wait for the conclusion of this speech, but, with a few
+men, dashed out at the back of the house to see if the horses were
+still there. Jack would have followed, but Peter stopped him.
+
+"I have my medicine-chest here. Let me bind up your shoulder." Jack was
+unwilling, protesting he did not feel the wound.
+
+"Bosh, my dear boy, you are excited. You will feel it afterwards. If we
+are to ride to Centeotl, you will need all the blood you have. Don
+Sebastian can hold the telegraph-office."
+
+Don Sebastian had posted his men at the windows, and was firing at the
+mass of rebels, now trying to take the house by storm. All this time
+Tim was working the instrument and wiring the news of the fall of the
+city to his editor. Through the yells outside, the rattle of the
+musketry, and the curses of Don Sebastian could be heard the incessant
+click, click, click of the telegraph-instrument.
+
+A bomb exploded on the roof of the house, and a few yards of plaster
+fell from the ceiling. Peter had finished binding up Jack's wound, and
+now they were both defending the windows and doors of the mansion.
+
+"How long, Jack?"
+
+"In two minutes the door will be down," cried Jack. "Do leave that
+d----d instrument, Tim, and look for Philip."
+
+"I'll go!" said Peter, as Tim refused to leave his post. He turned to
+make for the back way, when Philip came back with a radiant face.
+
+"Here is a dozen horses just outside, all saddled and fresh as daisies!
+Come, Tim, quick! Jack. De Ahumada."
+
+"A moment," said Tim, and went on with his clicking.
+
+Crash! The door was down, and a number of fierce faces appeared at the
+door. The room was full of smoke, and the rebels were firing freely
+through the windows. Sebastian and his men threw themselves in front of
+those trying to face the door, and Philip, seizing Tim by the shoulder,
+dragged him away from the instrument.
+
+"Tim, you cursed fool. Come along!"
+
+"Just a second!"
+
+He turned back to the instrument in spite of Philip's protest, but had
+just clicked twice when Don Sebastian and his men were forced back and
+a crowd of the enemy rushed into the room. Philip, Jack, and Peter had
+already disappeared through the back, and Tim was left alone with Don
+Sebastian and the soldiers. The rebels threw themselves forward with
+yells of delight, when Tim, catching up a heavy table, flung it fair on
+the advancing mass, then bolted through the back door, dragging Don
+Sebastian after him. Two of the soldiers followed, and promptly closed
+the door when on the right side. At once the rebels commenced to beat
+it down with the butts of their rifles, but the Irishman and his friend
+had reached the back street.
+
+Here they found their friends already mounted and waiting for them.
+
+"Tim. De Ahumada! Mount at once!" cried Philip, pointing to three
+horses waiting under the shelter of the wall. "Make for the land-gate,
+and straight for the river."
+
+In another moment they were clattering towards the lower part of the
+town, keeping close together for safety. The street down which they
+were riding was quite deserted, as the fighting was principally
+confined to the main thoroughfares of the town. They could hear the
+brisk fire of musketry still kept up, the booming of the cannon, and
+the bursting of the shells. Shrieks of women, and yells of the victors
+broke incessantly through these noises, and the whole city was draped
+in a thick veil of stinking smoke.
+
+"Oh, those poor women!" cried Philip, as he spurred his horse towards
+the gate. "Now they are in the clutches of those fiends."
+
+"I'm glad we're not," muttered Dr. Grench, thankfully.
+
+"Anyhow," said Tim, cheerfully, "I've sent the fall of the city to the
+paper."
+
+"Oh, hang your paper," said Jack, whose wound was making him fractious.
+"Come along, De Ahumada."
+
+"Dios! How we have been beaten."
+
+Suddenly the street turned a sharp angle, and they found themselves
+before the gate. Most of the attacking party had marched towards the
+centre of the town to complete their victory, and only a few scattered
+soldiery were on guard. These yelled loudly as they saw the small party
+dash towards the gate. The valves were broken down; beyond was the
+country, and between this and safety was but a score of men.
+
+Philip drew his sword, spurred his horse to its full speed, and made
+for the gate, cutting down a man who tried to stay him. Jack emptied
+two barrels of his revolver, and killed one man, wounding another. The
+rebel soldiers fired freely, and breaking Sebastian's arm, also tumbled
+one of his company off his horse. Tim seizing Peter's bridle-rein,
+galloped wildly through the spare crowd, cursing freely.
+
+In their rush for the portal, they scattered them all. There were a few
+musket-shots, a howl of rage from the disappointed rebels, and at top
+speed they tore out of the gate, and made for the open country.
+
+"Twenty miles," cried Philip, settling himself in his saddle. "We can
+do that easily. Hurrah!"
+
+"Provided we don't fall into the hands of the Indians," said Jack,
+sagely.
+
+As for Don Sebastian, he turned round and shook his fist at Janjalla.
+
+"Carajo!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE FLIGHT TO TLATONAC.
+
+    Boot and saddle, away! away!
+    We must be far e'er the breaking of day.
+      The standard is down,
+      The foe's in the town,
+    Forbidding us longer to stay, to stay.
+
+    Boot and saddle! we ride! we ride!
+    Over the prairie land side by side,
+      Our foemen behind,
+      Speed swift as the wind,
+    And gain on us steadily, stride by stride.
+
+    Boot and saddle! so fast! so fast!
+    We ride till the river be crossed and past;
+      Then over the plain,
+      With loose-hanging rein,
+    And find ourselves safe in the town at last.
+
+
+Before them spread the plains, flat and desolate-looking, covered with
+coarse grass, and stretching towards the horizon in vague immensity.
+West-ward the faint flush of sunset, delicately pale, lingered low
+down, but otherwise the sky was coldly clear, darkly blue, thick
+sprinkled with chill-looking stars. To the right the leaden-hued waters
+of the river moving sluggishly between low mud banks, and on the left
+sandy wastes, alternating with hillocks and convex-shaped mounds. All
+this desolation appearing ghostly under a veil of mist exhaled whitely
+from the hot earth.
+
+Over these monotonous plains galloped the six fugitives. Philip and
+Jack in the van, Don Sebastian and his one soldier in the rear; between
+Tim, side by side with Peter. For some time they urged on their horses
+in silence. Then a sudden flare of crimson caused them to turn in their
+saddles. The low walls of Janjalla were crowned with smoke, beneath
+which leaped tongues of flame, crimson and yellow. A rapid, disjointed
+conversation ensued.
+
+"Those brutes are burning the city!"
+
+"It will only be some drunken soldiers. Xuarez will soon put a stop to
+that. He cannot afford to lose his city of refuge, after paying so much
+to gain it."
+
+"Must we swim our horses across the river?" called out Grench,
+unexpectedly.
+
+"Not unless the bridge is down. It was standing when we came this way a
+week ago."
+
+Philip answered the question, and then cast an anxious look at the sky.
+
+"I wish the moon would rise," he said disconsolately; "we need some
+light."
+
+"What the deuce would be the good of that when we're on the high-road.
+Hang it, the moon would only show Xuarez how to follow us."
+
+"Que dici?" asked Don Sebastian, looking at Jack.
+
+"The Señor Correspoñsal thinks we might be pursued."
+
+"I doubt it, Don Juan. Xuarez will be too busy checking the excesses of
+his soldiers. Besides, Señor, as we escaped in the confusion, it may be
+that we will not be missed for some hours."
+
+Peter, unaccustomed to riding, began to feel sore with this incessant
+galloping, and raised his voice in protest.
+
+"I hope we will be able to rest at Centeotl. When do we reach it?"
+
+"Before midnight, probably. Then we will rest till dawn, get fresh
+horses, and push on to Tlatonac."
+
+"Hope we'll get there," muttered Jack, shaking his reins. "But if the
+Indians----"
+
+"Deuce take the Indians," retorted Philip, irritably. "Come on Jack,
+and don't worry so much."
+
+Their horses were fortunately quite fresh, having been mewed up in
+Janjalla without exercise for some weeks. Stretching their necks, they
+clattered along at a breakneck speed. The road was as hard as flint,
+and their iron-shod hoofs struck out sparks from the loose stones. The
+riders, with their heads bent against the wind whizzing past their
+ears, let the reins hang loosely, and pressed on with blind trust along
+the highway leading to Centeotl.
+
+Here and there they passed a flat-roofed house, deserted by its
+occupants, and standing up lonely, a white splotch amid the vague gloom
+of its flat acreage. Clumps of trees loomed suddenly against the clear
+sky, at times a ragged aloe sprang spectral-like from the reddish soil,
+thorny thickets lay densely in the hollows, tall spear-grass waved on
+the tops of undulating drifts of sand, and at intervals an oasis of
+rank herbage would frame an oval pool thickly fringed with reeds.
+
+The road wound onward, turning now to right, now to left, dipping into
+hollows, curving over eminences, stretching white and dusty towards the
+horizon like a crooked winding river. On either side they could mark
+the moving forms of animals, flying from the clatter of their horses'
+hoofs, cattle, vicuñas, llamas, and flocks of sheep. The white peak of
+Xicotencatl arose suddenly like a ghost from the shadows of forests
+lying heavily along the verge of earth between plain and sky. A thin
+vapour lay white over the plain, and gathered thickly along the banks
+of the river. The horses stretched their necks and neighed loudly. They
+smelt the water of the stream.
+
+"The bridge is down!" cried Jack, drawing rein at the verge of the
+stream. "Indians!"
+
+"Or Xuarez!" added Philip, gravely. "I suspect the latter. Indians are
+not sufficiently civilised to destroy bridges."
+
+The _débris_ of the bridge impeded the current, and here the waters
+boiled white amid the black ruins. Jagged posts stretched in black rows
+to the other side of the stream, but there was no foothold left by
+which they could cross dry-shod.
+
+"Swim!" said Tim, briefly, and sent his steed down the bank. The others
+followed, and in a few minutes the surface of the stream was dotted
+with black figures. The river being sluggish, with little or no
+current, they found no difficulty in crossing, and speedily gained the
+opposite bank. Climbing the slope on to the flat land, they regained
+the line of road, and once more urged their horses to full speed.
+
+The moon arose, round and bright, making the whole scene cheerful with
+her kindly light. The fugitives looked back, but could see no sign of
+pursuit. Even the town had vanished. Behind, before, lay nothing but
+the immensity of the plains. It was as though they were in the midst of
+a leaden-hued sea. The appearance of the moon raised their spirits, and
+they redoubled their speed. Centeotl was now comparatively near. The
+ground began to show signs of cultivation. Hedges of cacti ran along
+the sides of the road, bearing fleshly looking flowers of tawny gold.
+Right and left stretched gardens, environing country houses, and before
+them arose a white line of wall.
+
+"Centeotl!" cried Don Sebastian, pushing forward.
+
+The gates were closed owing to the fear of the townspeople lest the
+Indians should make a night attack. De Ahumada galloped on ahead, and
+reined his horse immediately under the walls. At intervals the
+sentinels called the one to the other, "Centinella alerte," to show
+that they were awake. The noise of the approaching horses brought them
+to the walls.
+
+"Quien vive!"
+
+"Amigos! From Janjalla."
+
+The red light of torches glared from the low battlements, and in a few
+minutes the gates were opened. The officer in charge recognised Don
+Sebastian, and was much depressed at learning Janjalla had fallen.
+
+"Dios! It is Centeotl next that Xuarez will capture," he said,
+disconsolately, and then led the fugitives to the house of the Jefe
+Politico.
+
+That individual received them kindly, and gave them food and beds. He
+also promised them horses for the next morning, to push on to Tlatonac,
+but feared lest they should fall into the hands of the Indians, whom he
+believed were further north. The telegraph-wires between Centeotl and
+Hermanita had been destroyed by the savages. His town was now quite
+isolated in the plains. Only five hundred men were within its walls,
+and he expected it would be shortly besieged and captured by Don
+Hypolito, unless aid arrived from the capital.
+
+During the night straggling parties of soldiers arrived from Janjalla
+for refuge. All brought the same tale. Janjalla was nearly in ruins, as
+the rebels had fired many houses, and the bombs and cannon had smashed
+others. Xuarez had kept all his men in the town, and was doing his best
+to reduce them to order; but many were beyond his control. There was no
+pursuit in any case. It was reported that he would throw forward two
+regiments of cavalry next day, to attack Centeotl.
+
+"Santissima!" said the Jefe, in despair; "we are lost, Señores. When
+you arrive at Tlatonac, tell his Excellency that I am faithful to the
+Junta, but that my town is too weak to hold out against the rebels."
+
+De Ahumada promised and shortly afterwards, thoroughly worn out, they
+all composed themselves to sleep. It was impossible, however, to get
+much repose, as the constant arrival of fugitives, the clattering of
+horses through the streets, and the murmur of many voices, kept them
+awake. At dawn they were up at once, mounted fresh horses, and rode
+away from the town in the direction of Hermanita, twenty miles away.
+
+They reached that town in two hours, and found the inhabitants in a
+state of terror. The Indians had been threatening for the last week,
+and had been scouring the country to the south. Now they had gone
+north, and, it was believed, with the intention of making an attack on
+the Puebla de los Naranjos. Nor did the news brought by Jack and his
+friends reassure them in any way. What with the Indians in the north,
+and Xuarez threatening them in the south, there was no doubt that
+Hermanita was in a terrible fix. As had Centeotl, they also implored
+Don Sebastian to ask Gomez to send aid, lest they should fall victims
+to the rebels or to the Indians.
+
+After taking a hurried meal, the fugitives once more proceeded on their
+way to the north. Towards noon they struck Puebla de los Naranjos, and
+found it a heap of ruins. Undefended as were the other towns by stone
+walls, the town was surrounded by orange groves, and had therefore been
+easily captured by the Indians. A few terrified survivors crept about
+the ruins of their houses, the streets were thick with dead bodies, and
+the whole place presented a scene of unexampled desolation. Those folks
+who survived said that the Indians had plundered the town two days
+previously, and had then departed with the intention of taking
+Chichimec. As this city was only distant twenty miles from the capital,
+the little party was quite appalled at the audacity of the savages. It
+showed how little they cared for the power of the Republic.
+
+"If Gomez had crushed this rebellion at once, all would have been
+well," said Jack, as they rode from the smoking ruins of Puebla de los
+Naranjos; "but now it seems as though the Indians and Xuarez were going
+to have it all their own way."
+
+"Gomez should have placed the command of affairs in the hands of a
+competent man, and not meddled with them," replied Philip, impatiently.
+"He keeps all his army in the capital, and lets the country be laid
+waste. The end will be that all the inland towns will join with Xuarez,
+and the capital will be besieged. With the whole of Cholacaca against
+it, the capital must fall."
+
+"Unless the Junta can capture or sink the two remaining warships of
+Xuarez," said Don Sebastian, who was fearfully enraged at the
+destruction of the country.
+
+"True! Then Xuarez won't be able to get more troops from Acauhtzin."
+
+"He has got quite enough troops, as it is to make things unpleasant for
+the capital," said Tim, in Spanish, for the benefit of Don Sebastian.
+"Six thousand at Janjalla--five thousand Indians. Quite enough to
+invest the town. The Junta has but eight thousand troops in Tlatonac."
+
+"Well, that's a good number!"
+
+"Yes; but what with his own troops and the savages, Xuarez has three
+thousand to the good. Besides which, he is a capable general."
+
+"If the Indians could only be detached from his cause, the rebellion
+might be crushed," said Jack, ponderingly. "It is the only way of
+saving the present Government."
+
+"There is no chance of doing that," replied Tim, disconsolately. "The
+Indians are mad about the loss of the opal, and will fight like fiends
+to get it back."
+
+"Perhaps they can be quietened by means of the opal!"
+
+"Dios!" exclaimed Sebastian, turning in his saddle. "What mean you,
+Señor?"
+
+"I have an idea," replied Jack, quietly. "It was suggested to me by a
+remark of Cocom's."
+
+"And this idea?"
+
+"I will not tell you at present, lest I should fail to carry it out,
+and thus disappoint your hopes. Wait till we reach Tlatonac."
+
+"If we ever do get there," muttered Philip, savagely. "Now we are half
+way to Chichimec, gentlemen. There, according to report, the Indians
+are camped. I vote we make a detour, and reach Tlatonac in some other
+way. Do you know of a road, Don Sebastian?"
+
+"No, Señor. I know not this country."
+
+"I do!" cried Duval, suddenly. "I have been all over this portion. That
+is a good idea of yours, Philip! We must avoid the Indians. I know a
+road!"
+
+"Bueno! Take the lead."
+
+It was fortunate, indeed, that Philip suggested such an idea, and that
+Jack's knowledge of the country enabled them to carry it out, else they
+would assuredly have fallen into the hands of the Indians. Making a
+detour towards the coast, they managed to avoid Chichimec by some
+miles. They learned from a peon, whom they met making his way to
+Tlatonac, that the town was entirely invested by the savages, but that
+as yet, thanks to the strong walls, they had been unable to effect an
+entrance. The Jefe Politico had sent this peon to the capital with a
+request for immediate aid from Don Francisco.
+
+"What, in God's name, can the President be thinking about?" cried Jack,
+on hearing this intelligence. "He is simply playing into the hands of
+his enemies."
+
+"Things certainly look bad for the Junta, owing to his negligence.
+Janjalla captured by Xuarez. Puebla de los Naranjos ravaged, Chichimec
+invested. Perhaps, when the whole country is in the hands of Don
+Hypolito, this very wise ruler will bestir himself."
+
+"Wait till I have a conversation with Don Miguel!" muttered Jack,
+striking the spurs into his horse. "We are outsiders, and cannot
+interfere with local politics; but it makes me sick to see how Gomez is
+fooling away his chances. If I can only rouse Don Miguel into making
+things hot for the President, I shall do so!"
+
+"A house divided against itself----" began Peter; but Tim cut him
+short.
+
+"Hold your tongue, Peter. Jack is quite right. Unless a good man is put
+at the head of affairs, Don Hypolito will enter Tlatonac within the
+month. It's a mighty black look-out for the Government. Don Francisco
+ought to be shunted at once."
+
+The peon ran alongside them, and kept up with their horses in the most
+wonderful manner. It was noon when they left Puebla de los Naranjos,
+and it was now late at night. In ten hours they had come nearly fifty
+miles. Their horses were quite worn out, owing to the incessant
+galloping. Now they were within a mile of the capital, and already, in
+the dim light, could see the line of walls looming in the distance.
+They were glad it was dark, or, rather, comparatively so, as it
+afforded them a certain amount of protection from wandering Indian
+scouts.
+
+"The luck holds!" said Philip, thankfully, as they rode towards the
+Puerta de la Culebra. "We have not seen a single savage since we left
+Janjalla."
+
+"Had it not been for your forethought, Philip, they would have had our
+scalps by this time."
+
+"My thought, but your actions, Jack. It was lucky you knew the
+country."
+
+"A mutual admiration society, you are!" cried Tim, whose spirits were
+wonderfully light. "How do you feel, Peter?"
+
+"Worn out," replied the doctor, laconically.
+
+"Faith. I'm not astonished. I'm bumped to death also. A hundred miles
+isn't bad for an inferior rider like myself."
+
+"Oh, you are a war correspondent," began Peter, fretfully, when his
+remarks were cut short by an exclamation from Sebastian.
+
+"Dios! the gates are open! Soldiers are coming out!"
+
+"Reinforcements for Janjalla. I've no doubt," said Philip, grimly.
+"They are a trifle late. Come, gentlemen, let us see the officer in
+charge."
+
+They urged their jaded horses towards the gate. At the sight of the
+little party, the soldiers halted, and an officer rode to the front.
+
+"From whence come you, Señores?" he asked in surprise.
+
+"From Janjalla."
+
+"Janjalla? Why, we are just marching thither, Señor."
+
+"You can spare yourself the trouble!" replied Jack, grimly. "Janjalla
+has fallen."
+
+The news passed rapidly from mouth to mouth, and a cry of rage went up
+from the throng.
+
+"Moreover," added Jack, quietly. "Puebla de los Naranjos has been
+attacked and sacked by the Indians!"
+
+Another cry of rage.
+
+"And," concluded this bearer of bad news, "Chichimec is now invested by
+six thousand savages."
+
+A low murmur of dismay ran through the lines. Calamity after calamity
+seemed to be falling on the heads of the Government. Suddenly a man
+rode through the gate at full speed, and pulling up his horse on its
+haunches, as he faced the party, made the same inquiry as had the
+officer.
+
+"Janjalla," cried Don Miguel Maraquando.
+
+Jack uttered the same reply.
+
+"Janjalla has fallen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+EXIT DON FRANCISCO GOMEZ.
+
+    Depart, incapable!
+    You are no pilot to be at the helm when the ship is in
+        danger;
+    The vessel of state labours in the turmoil of troublous
+        waters,
+    Rocks this side, that side, she is drifting to leeward,
+        shoals threaten her stout timbers.
+    Round her rage the tempests which would sink her in waves
+        of blood;
+    Only a skilful captain can pilot her into a safe haven.
+    You are not a skilful commander!
+    In fair weather you guided the ship in a meritorious fashion;
+    Now, when blow rebellious storms, you are not fit for the
+        steering; the danger renders you helpless--a child were
+        a better helmsman;
+    No longer can you hold the ship of Republican fortunes in her
+        right course.
+    Captain! President! you are Captain--President no longer!
+    Depart! give way to one who can steer with clear head and
+        keen eye.
+    Depart, incapable!
+
+
+"Dear one!" cried Dolores, as Jack embraced her, in the patio. "At last
+do I see you once more. Santissima! how pale! What ragged clothes! and
+beards on all your faces."
+
+"Indeed, Dolores, a siege is not conducive to luxury. But we will go to
+my house; bath, shave, and dress. When we return, you will behold us as
+civilised beings."
+
+"You are wounded!"
+
+"It is nothing--a mere scratch. How delighted I am to see your dear
+face once more, my Dolores."
+
+Eulalia put out her hand timidly under the shelter of her fan, and
+touched Philip gently on the hand. She was unable to do more, as Doña
+Serafina, severe, and vigilant, was present. Their engagement had not
+yet been made public.
+
+"Querido," she murmured, looking at her lover tenderly. "Constantly
+have I prayed for thee."
+
+Philip kissed her hand, and then that of Doña Serafina, to avert
+suspicion. The old lady was voluble, and after the first greetings were
+over, burst forth into speech with much dramatic gesture.
+
+"Alas, señores! How sad look you all. Don Pedro! Pobrecito! And the
+city is in the hands of the rebels. Ay di mi! Ah, the evil ones! Yet,
+if they win on land, they lose at sea."
+
+"What is it you say, Señora?" asked Tim, ever on the alert for news.
+
+"Have you not heard, Señor Correspoñsal? No; you have been away.
+Gracios á Dios! The torpederas have captured _The Columbus_."
+
+"Bravo!" cried Jack, delightedly; "this is indeed good news! And
+Rafael?"
+
+"Rafael is here," said that young man, hastily entering the court. "Ah,
+my dear friends, how delighted I am to behold you."
+
+"Even though we bring bad news?"
+
+"Yes; for I can tell you good. We followed _The Columbus_, and by
+threatening to sink her with torpedoes, forced her to strike her flag.
+Now she is lying in the harbour, with a crew of our own men. Her rebel
+sailors are all in prison."
+
+"What about _The Iturbide_?"
+
+"She is there also, but in a crippled condition. One of her masts was
+shot away by _The Columbus_ before she surrendered."
+
+"And what do you do now?"
+
+"Sail south to-morrow at dawn."
+
+"Alas!" said Jack, sadly, "you will be too late to relieve Janjalla."
+
+"Never mind," replied Rafael, hopefully; "we shall capture or sink
+_The Cortes_, and bring her back to Tlatonac with the transports. Then
+Don Hypolito will be irrevocably cut off from Acauhtzin."
+
+"That does not matter to him," interposed Philip, overhearing this
+remark; "he has most of his troops at Janjalla, and will simply hold
+the south instead of the north."
+
+"At all events, Señor Felipe, we have crushed him by sea."
+
+"It will be a more difficult task to crush him by land, especially as
+Don Francisco is so dilatory."
+
+"Don Francisco! Don Francisco!" cried Rafael, stamping his foot with
+rage. "He is not fit to be President. Through him have we lost
+Janjalla. Even my father, who was his firm supporter, has turned
+against him."
+
+"What do you say, Rafael?"
+
+"I cannot tell you yet; but there will be a stormy meeting of the Junta
+to-morrow."
+
+"You are going to depose Don Francisco."
+
+"It's not improbable."
+
+"More trouble," said Tim, reflectively. "There will be three Presidents
+shortly. Don Francisco, Don Hypolito, and--Don Miguel!"
+
+"No more, mi amigo," said Rafael, doubtful even in his own house. "It
+is dangerous to speak like that--as yet."
+
+He added the last words significantly, and turned away. Jack was saying
+good night to Dolores, as he was quite worn out, and wanted to get back
+to his own house for a good night's rest.
+
+"Dolores," he whispered, as he held her hand; "you have yet the opal?"
+
+"Yes; surely."
+
+"Can you bear to part with it for the sake of the city?"
+
+"You can do with it as you please, Juanito. But, what mean these
+words?"
+
+"I have a plan whereby I can detach the Indians from the cause of Don
+Hypolito, and thus weaken his army. But the carrying out of the plan
+may entail the loss of the opal."
+
+"Let it go, so that it save Tlatonac," replied Dolores, heroically,
+though, woman-like, she loved the jewel. "What is your plan?"
+
+"I must see Cocom about it first. Then I will tell you my secret; but
+now we must go. Adios, querida."
+
+When the four friends left the Casa Maraquando, they were surprised to
+find themselves followed by Maraquando and his son. On reaching Jack's
+house, Don Miguel begged the Englishman to give him a few moments'
+conversation, and explained how matters stood at Tlatonac.
+
+It appeared that Maraquando's party were disgusted at the way in which
+the war was being conducted by Don Francisco, and wanted him to resign
+the Presidential chair. This Gomez was unwilling to do, and as he had
+yet many supporters, it was doubtful if they could force him into such
+a course. Now, however, that the news of the fall of Janjalla, the sack
+of Puebla de los Naranjos, and the investment of Chichimec had arrived,
+Don Miguel thought that he would be able to show plainly that the
+continuance of Don Francisco as President meant ruin to the Government.
+
+The next day there was to be a meeting of the Junta, and Maraquando,
+explaining his designs to Jack, asked him for a full report of all that
+had taken place in the south, so as to plainly prove the incapacity of
+the President in conducting the war. The four friends thoroughly agreed
+with Maraquando's view of the matter, and told him all that he wished
+to know, after which they retired to rest. Don Miguel, on the contrary,
+went back with Rafael to his own house, and there found a few members
+of his party waiting him, whom he informed of the consequence of the
+terrible series of blunders made by Gomez.
+
+The next day there was a stormy debate of the Junta in the Palacio
+Nacional.
+
+"I blame his Excellency for all that has taken place," cried
+Maraquando, at the conclusion of a long and fiery speech. "By his
+negligence and timidity he has lost us our opportunity of crushing this
+rebellion in the bud. Had a few thousand soldiers been sent to Janjalla
+at the outbreak of the war, that city would not now be in the hands of
+the rebels. Nay, they would not have even gained a footing in the
+south. But, by withdrawing the garrisons from that seaport, from the
+inland towns, his Excellency had laid them open to capture, and they
+had been captured. Janjalla is in the power of Xuarez; by this time,
+for aught we know, Centeotl may have surrendered to his victorious
+army. Puebla de los Naranjos has been sacked by the Indian tribes, who
+should have been crushed at once. Now Chichimec is surrounded, and may
+fall at any time, yet no aid has been sent to the relief of the
+citizens. All these terrible disasters have been caused by the
+blundering of Don Francisco, by his incompetency. I call on him to
+resign his command into more capable hands, else will we see the foe at
+our gates, our city in ruins, and Cholacaca helpless, under the heel of
+the tyrant Xuarez!"
+
+Don Francisco, bursting with indignation, replied, He had done his
+best! If he had sent forward troops to Janjalla, they might have been
+defeated, and then the capital would have fallen an easy prey to the
+rebels, through lack of garrison. As it was, the city could hold out
+for months; the walls were strong, the garrison were resolute, there
+was plenty of provisions.
+
+He had held the army at Tlatonac to save the capital. Where, then, was
+the blunder in that? By sea, the forces of the Republic had been
+victorious. _The Pizarro_ had been sunk, _The Columbus_ captured, and
+now the torpederas were on their way to Janjalla harbour to force _The
+Cortes_ to strike her flag. He had succeeded by sea. He would succeed
+on land. When the army of Xuarez was before the walls of Tlatonac the
+fate of the country could be decided in one battle. He refused to
+resign his position as President.
+
+The partisans of Maraquando, the supporters of Gomez, broke out into
+noisy demonstrations, and the whole place was in an uproar. The one
+called upon Gomez to resign, the other denounced Maraquando as a
+traitor. It seemed as though neither would give in, as though the
+capital would be divided into two hostile factions, when a solution of
+the difficulty was proposed by Padre Ignatius.
+
+Making his appearance suddenly in the hall, the good priest first
+stilled the tumult by holding up his crucifix, and then begged to lay
+before the Junta a proposition which would suit all parties. It would
+never do, said the Padre, to depose Don Francisco. The pretext for war,
+alleged by Xuarez, was that Gomez ought to be deposed for breaking the
+Constitution of Cholacaca. They knew that His Excellency had not done
+so; that he had loyally upheld the freedom and laws of the Republic. If
+deposed by his own party, such a deposition would give colour to
+Xuarez's assertion that he had right on his side, and perhaps prejudice
+the inland towns in his favour. Better it would be to let Don Francisco
+still remain President till the date of the expiration of his office,
+four months hence, and in the meantime entrust the conduct of the war
+solely to Don Miguel Maraquando. By this arrangement his Excellency
+would still continue nominal head of Cholacaca, and the war could be
+conducted by Maraquando, without the responsibility resting on the
+President.
+
+This proposition, seeming to be the only possible solution of the
+problem, was unanimously accepted by both parties. It is true that
+Gomez, who hated Maraquando like poison, sorely grudged giving up the
+command of affairs to his rival; but as he saw that the Junta wished it
+to be so, he was forced to yield. Don Miguel was, therefore, elected
+General of the army of the Republic, and Don Francisco was permitted to
+retain the civil rule. Then the meeting broke up, and Maraquando went
+off to take measures for the immediate relief of Chichimec, while
+Gomez, much mortified at the slight he had received, retired sullenly
+to his palace.
+
+"What's the matter, Tim?" asked Jack, as they left the Palacio
+Nacional. "You ought to be pleased at witnessing such a stirring scene,
+instead of which you are like a bear with a sick head."
+
+"And haven't I a cause?" replied Tim, gruffly. "Look at all this shindy
+going on, and I can't send a telegram to my paper."
+
+"Oh, that's it, is it? Well, then, ask Philip to lend you _The
+Bohemian_, and go off to Truxillo at once."
+
+"Begad, that isn't a bad idea anyhow," cried Tim, stopping suddenly;
+"but I don't want to leave Tlatonac just now."
+
+"Well, you may be pretty certain Philip won't go, nor I. Why not send
+Peter? Write out your news here. Peter will take it, and old Benker
+will look after the yacht."
+
+"How far is it to Truxillo?"
+
+"A trifle over three hundred miles."
+
+"Do you think Philip will lend me the yacht?"
+
+"I'm sure he will. Let us ask him at once. He is flirting with Doña
+Eulalia in Maraquando's patio."
+
+Tim, who had quite recovered his spirits at Jack's happy suggestion,
+started off at once to the Casa Maraquando. There was no necessity,
+however, for them to go so far, for they met their friend coming down
+the Calle Otumba. He hailed them at once.
+
+"Tim! Jack! come along to the Puerta de la Culebra. News from
+Chichimec."
+
+"What do you say?" roared Tim, plunging towards the speaker.
+
+"Cocom came to the Casa Maraquando a few minutes ago, and told me that
+a messenger had arrived from Chichimec. He is at the Puerta de la
+Culebra."
+
+"The deuce!" cried Jack, in alarm, as they hurried along towards the
+gate; "perhaps it's another request for relief."
+
+"If so, they will soon have it," said Tim, quickly. "Don Miguel is
+going to send three thousand men this day to finish off these savages."
+
+"Ah, that is something like!" said Philip, approvingly; "there will be
+some chance of relieving the city with that force. I am glad Don Miguel
+has matters now in his own hands."
+
+"So am I. He'll end the war in no time. I say, Philip, lend me the
+yacht."
+
+"What for? You are not going to Janjalla again?"
+
+"No! I'm going further south. That is, I'm sending Peter with
+despatches."
+
+"Where to?"
+
+"Truxillo! He can send off my telegrams from there. Lend me the yacht,
+Philip, and I'll love you for ever more."
+
+"Oh, take her, by all means; but I hope she won't be smashed up by the
+warships of Xuarez."
+
+"He's only got one now," replied Tim, coolly; "and she'll have her
+hands full looking after the torpederas."
+
+"I forgot that! It's a good idea, Tim! Get all the news together you
+can, and Peter shall go out with _The Bohemian_ to-night, both of
+them in charge of Benker."
+
+"Do you think Peter will go?" said Jack, doubtfully.
+
+"Of course he will," said Tim, promptly. "The little man's of no use
+here. I'll make him Queen's messenger for once in his life."
+
+"Hallo!" cried Philip, at this moment, "there's old Cocom making signs.
+Ola, Cocom!"
+
+The old Indian, who was hobbling on the other side of the street, came
+over to them with an excited look on his usually immobile face.
+
+"Carambo, Señores! the news. The terrible news!"
+
+"What is it?" cried the three Englishmen simultaneously.
+
+"Chichimec has fallen!"
+
+Jack uttered an ejaculation of rage, and darted off to the gate,
+followed by Tim and Philip. They found an excited throng of people
+talking wildly together. Don Sebastian was just under the archway, with
+his glasses to his eyes, looking towards the plains beyond.
+
+"Is the news true of Chichimec's fall?" asked Jack pushing his way
+through the crowd.
+
+Don Sebastian turned slowly with a grave bow, and handed Jack the
+glasses.
+
+"Quite true, Señor. See! fugitives are arriving every moment."
+
+Jack clapped the glass to his eye, and saw that the plain was sprinkled
+with people all making for the gate of Tlatonac.
+
+"Why don't you send out a regiment to protect them, De Ahumada?"
+
+"It is going now. Behold, Señor."
+
+About five hundred men, well mounted, came trotting down the street,
+and began to file through the archway out on to the plain. Jack stood
+on one side and watched them go by in all their martial splendour.
+
+"How did the Indians take the town, De Ahumada?"
+
+"It was surprised last night," replied Don Sebastian, sadly. "I expect
+the sentinels were worn out with constant watching. Dios! It is
+frightful. First Puebla de los Naranjos, now Chichimec; Janjalla has
+already fallen, and Tlatonac----"
+
+"Won't fall," interrupted Jack, abruptly, as the last of the cavalry
+swept through the gate. "When things are at their worst, matters mend.
+Just now they are very gloomy. To-morrow they may improve."
+
+Tim stayed behind to make inquiries about the fall of Chichimec for the
+use of his paper, and Philip, in company with Jack, went off to look up
+Peter, and ask him if he would consent to act as Tim's messenger to
+Truxillo. They could not find him in their own house, and learned from
+a servant that he had gone in search of them to the Casa Maraquando. At
+once they repaired thither, and had just reached the door, when Peter,
+with a look of alarm on his face, rushed out of the house, almost
+falling into their arms in his hurry.
+
+"Philip! Jack! Have you heard?"
+
+"What is the matter, Peter?"
+
+"Don Francisco has shot himself! Don Miguel has just told me."
+
+Philip made a gesture of horror, and Jack ran into the house to see
+Maraquando, and learn the particulars of the case.
+
+It was perfectly true. Unable to bear the disgrace of being deposed
+from the active conduct of affairs, President Gomez had retired to his
+room, and shot himself through the heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE INDIAN RAID.
+
+    Painted braves came on the war-path,
+    Numerous as the leaves in summer,
+    Decked with feathers and with wampum,
+    All their faces fierce and fearless,
+    Streaked with colours like the sunset,
+    Rage was in their hearts of iron;
+    Spears grasped they, and bows and arrows,
+    And their horses, like the storm clouds,
+    Swiftly swept across the prairies,
+    Till the firm earth shook and trembled
+    'Neath the thunder of their thousands.
+    Loud they sang the song of battle,
+    Sang the song of war and bloodshed;
+    While the nations, women-hearted,
+    Hid within their walled cities,
+    Like the rabbits in their burrows,
+    When they heard that chaunt triumphal.
+
+
+Certainly, fate was dealing hardly with the Republic of Cholacaca. One
+blow followed another, and it seemed as though the final catastrophe
+would be the triumphal entry of Don Hypolito Xuarez into the capital.
+Janjalla was in his possession; he now threatened Centeotl, and the two
+towns of Puebla de los Naranjos and Chichimec had been destroyed by his
+savage allies. The unexpected death of Don Francisco Gomez put the
+finishing touch to this series of calamities, and the whole city was
+pervaded by a feeling of dismay. Disquieting rumours crept among the
+people that Xuarez had captured Centeotl and Hermanita--that he was now
+on his way to Tlatonac--that the death of President Gomez was due to
+his machinations. These fabrications, gaining additions as they flew
+from mouth to mouth, carried fear into the hearts of the citizens, and
+many were of the opinion that nothing was left save surrender to the
+insolent conqueror.
+
+The Junta met within an hour of the intelligence of Don Francisco's
+death, and unanimously elected Don Miguel Maraquando as President of
+the Republic. Even the party of the dead ruler supported this election,
+as they could not fail to see that Maraquando would make an
+exceptionally vigorous and firm-handed President. Though there was no
+doubt that Don Francisco had committed suicide out of pique at being
+deposed from the active command of affairs, yet the Junta, ignoring the
+manner of his death, and thinking only of his past services, decreed
+the late President a state funeral.
+
+The houses of the city were draped in black, the flags floated
+half-mast high, the minute guns boomed at intervals from the forts,
+and, with all due formalities, President Gomez was interred in the
+vaults of the Cathedral. When the ceremony was at an end, a weight
+seemed to be lifted off the city. The bad fortune which had
+persistently dogged the later months of Don Francisco's rule seemed to
+be passing away, and, under the vigorous leadership of Maraquando, the
+capital became wildly patriotic. One idea pervaded the minds of
+all--that the war was to be ended at once, and that Xuarez was to be
+crushed by prompt and well-conceived measures.
+
+After the Indians had sacked Chichimec, it was naturally expected that
+they would march southward and join Don Hypolito before Centeotl.
+Instead of this, however, the savages began to threaten the capital,
+and daily bands of well-horsed braves would scour the plains before the
+Puerta de la Culebra. Sometimes the soldiers on guard, exasperated by
+this insolent defiance of the principal city of Cholacaca, would dash
+out in small parties; but on such a sally being made, the Indians
+always disappeared. The bulk of their army still lay (as was
+ascertained by spies) at Chichimec, and it seemed as though these
+scouting parties were anxious to draw the troops of the Junta from
+behind the walls, so as to fall on them in the open plain.
+
+President Maraquando was anxious to march his whole army south, and
+encounter Don Hypolito in the neighbourhood of Centeotl. In order to do
+this, he would have to overcome the hordes of savages which formed a
+living barrier between Tlatonac and Chichimec. This entailed some risk.
+If beaten by the Indians, he would have to fall back on the capital in
+a crippled condition, and thus give Xuarez time to increase and
+discipline his army. Then, again, even if he did succeed in conquering
+these bloodthirsty tribes, he would in all probability lose many of his
+men, and be forced to encounter Don Hypolito's fresh soldiers with
+jaded and diminished troops.
+
+At one time he thought of waiting until the return of the torpederas
+from Janjalla, and then embarking his troops on _The Iturbide_,
+proceed southward to attack Xuarez in the rear. Even there the savages
+would have to be reckoned with, and during his absence, and that of
+the greater portion of his troops, would perhaps attack the capital.
+Besides, Maraquando did not wish to risk an expedition to Janjalla
+unless _The Cortes_ were either sunk or captured. Altogether, he was
+in a state of much perplexity, and the only way by which he could make
+a move was to detach the Indians from the cause of Xuarez. This task
+was accomplished by Jack Duval in what seemed to be almost a
+miraculous fashion.
+
+The new President entertained a great opinion of Duval's abilities. He
+invariably found him clear-headed and shrewd, capable of giving good
+advice, and wonderfully prompt in coming to a decision in time of
+emergency. Therefore, when, shortly after the death of Don Francisco,
+the young man called to see him at the Casa Maraquando, with a view to
+lay a certain proposition before him useful to the Republic, Don Miguel
+interviewed him at once, and gave him his fullest attention.
+
+Some time since, Peter, with Tim's notes, had started in _The
+Bohemian_ for Truxillo, and at the last moment Philip had decided to
+go with him. Jack desired to confer with Maraquando about his proposed
+scheme, and to be on the spot in order to carry it out. Tim was afraid
+to leave the capital lest he should miss some stirring event likely
+to be of value to his paper; but Philip had no special reason for
+remaining constantly at Tlatonac, unless for the sake of Doña Eulalia.
+Dr. Grench did not object to go to Truxillo in _The Bohemian_, but on
+observing that he would feel more at ease regarding the navigation of
+the vessel if Philip commanded her, the baronet promptly decided to
+go. It was a good thing for Peter that old Benker had not heard this
+reflection on his seamanship, else he would have been much displeased.
+At all events, Peter, by artfully putting the matter in this light,
+secured Philip for his companion, and the yacht had departed the
+previous day for Honduras. She was expected back in four days, and
+Philip determined on his return voyage to stand in close to the shore
+of Janjalla, and assure himself of the result of the expedition
+against _The Cortes_.
+
+Jack made his appearance in the patio in the company of Cocom, whose
+presence he required in the delicate proposal he had to make. He
+intended to appeal to the superstitious side of the Indian character,
+and wanted Cocom to back up his opinion so as to induce Don Miguel to
+give his consent to an experiment he desired to attempt connected with
+the harlequin opal. Don Miguel was on the azotea smoking endless
+cigarettes, and glancing over some papers relating to the Civil
+Government. His secretary was present, but when Duval appeared, the
+President sent him below with the documents, and received Jack and his
+factotum alone. Jack took a seat by the President, and Cocom, rolling a
+cigarette, squatted on the floor, wrapped in his zarape.
+
+"Where is the Señor Correspoñsal?" asked Don Miguel, solemnly, after
+the first greetings had passed between them.
+
+"At the Puerta de la Culebra," replied Jack, taking the cigar offered
+to him by the old gentleman. "I asked him to wait there, Señor, as in
+an hour or so the peon sent by your Excellency to Chichimec is expected
+back."
+
+"Bueno! But what news do you expect by the peon?"
+
+"News that the Indians contemplate an advance on Tlatonac!"
+
+"Por todos Santos! Don Juan, such a thing cannot be. The Indians would
+not dare to so insult the majesty of the Republic."
+
+Jack privately thought the majesty of the Republic had been pretty well
+insulted already, but wisely refrained from giving voice to such an
+opinion.
+
+"The Indians, Excelencia!" he said, smoothly, "are, according to
+trustworthy reports, six thousand strong, and thus think themselves a
+match for even the capital of Cholacaca. They have reduced Puebla de
+los Naranjos to ashes, they have sacked Chichimec without hindrance,
+and, excited by such victories, have rashly determined to attack
+Tlatonac on their own account without waiting for the arrival of
+Xuarez."
+
+"Do you really think they will dare to camp under our walls?" asked Don
+Miguel, still incredulous.
+
+"I really do think so, Excelencia," replied Jack, frankly. "If you
+think I am too rash in pronouncing such an opinion, question our friend
+Cocom. He has already rendered great services to you and to the
+Republic. Therefore, you must know that he speaks truth. Speak to him,
+Señor."
+
+The President turned his eyes towards the old Indian, who, impassive as
+an idol, sat at his feet smoking a cigarette. He answered Maraquando's
+inquiring look with a grunt of assent to Jack's remark.
+
+"I am a true Indian, Excelencia! Of the Mayas I am, and my name is that
+of their kings. Cocom speaks now the truth. Don Xuarez is also an
+Indian, he comes from the hidden city of Totatzine. He has an
+understanding with the high-priest, Ixtlilxochitli. Don Hypolito said
+war, and the Chalchuih Tlatonac, through the priests of
+Huitzilopochtli, said war. Therefore are six thousand Indians in arms.
+Now the opal is in the possession of the enemies of the god--in
+Tlatonac, a city hated by Ixtlilxochitli and Xuarez. They have told
+their fighting men that this war is a holy war, for the recovery of the
+sacred shining stone. Were it not for the opal, the Indians would not
+dare to come to Tlatonac even with six thousand braves. But it is a
+holy war. They will dare anything to recover the sacred stone.
+Therefore will they come here, Excelencia, and camp under your walls.
+This is the truth, I swear by the shrine of the Holy Mother of God."
+
+"It might be so," said Maraquando, musingly; "the opal is in Tlatonac,
+without doubt. My niece has it in her chamber, and knowing how sacred
+the Indians hold the gem, I doubt but that they will fight boldly to
+gain it again for the hidden shrine of their God, Huitzilopochtli."
+
+"Assuredly, Don Miguel. And to gain it they will come to Tlatonac."
+
+"That must not be!" cried the President, emphatically; "I will send an
+army against them, and encounter their host at Chichimec."
+
+"With what result, Señor? Even if you conquered, the victory would cost
+you many men, and thus would your army be weakened to encounter
+Xuarez."
+
+"True, true! Don Juan. But what then is to be done."
+
+"Let the Indian army come to Tlatonac. Let them camp under the walls.
+Close the gates of the city, and make no hostile sign."
+
+"What say you, Señor?" said Maraquando, in a fiery tone. "Would you
+have me leave this savage foe in peace till joined by Don Hypolito--by
+the rebel Xuarez?"
+
+"They will not be joined by Xuarez, Don Miguel. When the rebels arrive,
+they will find no savage allies under the walls of Tlatonac."
+
+"If it could be so, it would be well. But how, Señor, do you propose to
+make this savage army vanish without a blow?"
+
+"By means of the Chalchuih Tlatonac."
+
+"I do not understand, mi amigo. Explain, if you will be so gracious. I
+am all attention."
+
+Jack began to explain without further preamble.
+
+"Observe, Excelencia," he said slowly, so that Don Miguel could have no
+difficulty in following his reasons, "It is now noon--this night, if I
+mistake not, the Indian army will come to Tlatonac----"
+
+"Bueno!" interrupted Cocom, nodding his head like a mandarin, "I have
+heard this thing spoken with many tongues. Your messenger, Excelencia,
+will confirm what I say. The Indian army will march this night for
+Tlatonac. At dawn will you see them encamped round the walls."
+
+"Proceed, Don Juan," said the President, gravely.
+
+"As you can see, Señor Maraquando," pursued Jack, emphasising his
+remarks with his finger, "the savages will not arrive till night, so as
+it is now but noon, we will have time to make ready for their arrival."
+
+"Dios! You said make no preparations!"
+
+"Not hostile preparations! No, Señor; listen, I pray you. We have the
+Chalchuih Tlatonac, the properties of which are regarded with
+superstitious reverence by the Indians. What the opal commands they
+will do. When it glows red, they prepare for war. Let an azure ray
+shine, and they know that the god commands peace, and, at whatever
+cost, will lay down their arms."
+
+"How is this done, this glowing of red, of blue?"
+
+"I will explain, Señor. In the hidden city I saw it. The opal hung by a
+golden thread before the shrine of Huitzilopochtli, and this thread was
+twisted in a certain way by the priests. By careful calculation, they
+could tell how far it would untwist, so that the opal stone depended
+motionless, showing the colour they wished. If they desired war, the
+red side of the stone revealed itself--if peace the blue. To prophesy
+plenty, the yellow ray came to the front, and so on with all the
+tints."
+
+"Then you say, Don Juan, that if these Indians saw the opal glowing
+blue, they would lay down their arms?"
+
+"Assuredly, Señor! and withdraw at once to Totatzine, leaving Xuarez to
+meet the forces of the Junta alone. If the stone glows blue, they know
+it is the will of the god that they should not fight."
+
+Don Miguel smiled incredulously.
+
+"I doubt, Señor, whether these warriors, flushed with the sacking of
+Puebla de los Naranjos and Chichimec would obey the stone now, even
+though it glowed blue and thus proclaimed peace."
+
+"Excelencia!" broke in Cocom, earnestly, "you know, not the power of
+the Chalchuih Tlatonac. I, Señor am a good Catholic. I believe not in
+the devil stone; but my countrymen, Señor, think that the spirit of the
+god Huitzilopochtli dwells in the gem. They believe that he would
+punish them with plagues unto death were they to disobey his will as
+conveyed by the opal. The shining precious stone is the strongest thing
+in the world to them. Believe me, Excelencia, that when the warriors
+see the stone glow blue, even were they on the eve of entering
+Tlatonac, they would lay down their arms and retire to the forests."
+
+"I trust this may be so," said Maraquando, addressing himself to Jack,
+not unimpressed by the Indian's speech; "but where, Señor Duval, do you
+propose to let them see the opal?"
+
+"In the chapel of Padre Ignatius, outside the walls," replied Jack,
+promptly. "Cocom knows where there is an image of the war-god. He will
+set it up on the altar of the chapel. Before it, by a thread, we will
+hang the sacred stone. At dawn all will be ready, and Cocom can so
+twist the thread that when the opal hangs motionless it will glow blue.
+The Indians will arrive during the night. At dawn they will spread
+themselves through the suburbs, and enter the chapel of the good Padre.
+There they will see the image of their god, the sacred splendour of the
+opal. They will kneel down and worship, watching the twisting of the
+gem. When it stops and glows blue, then will they know Huitzilopochtli
+is satisfied with the sacking of the two towns, and now commands peace.
+Before noon, Excelencia, there will not be a single Indian left before
+the walls. They will retire into the forests, to the sacred city of
+Totatzine, and thus will Xuarez lose his allies."
+
+Maraquando listened to this proposal in silence, his cheek resting in
+the palm of his right hand, nor when Jack had concluded did he alter
+his position. He mused long and deeply, neither of his guests
+attempting to interrupt his meditations. This idea of detaching the
+Indians from Xuarez, by means of the opal, seemed to him to be
+childish. That an army of six thousand untutored savages flushed with
+victory should voluntarily retire at the bidding of Huitzilopochtli
+spoken through the stone, seemed improbable. But then Maraquando had
+never been to Totatzine, he did not know in what extreme veneration the
+opal was held by the Indians, and thus deemed Jack's proposition weak,
+when in reality it could scarcely have been stronger. Nothing is so
+powerful as superstition, and to work on the minds of the Indians
+through their abject belief in the virtues of the shining precious
+stone was a master-stroke on the part of Duval.
+
+"It seems to me," said Maraquando, at length raising his eyes, "that
+the carrying out of this scheme will entail the loss of the opal."
+
+"Without doubt, Señor," replied Duval, coolly; "but by such a sacrifice
+you gain more than you lose. The Indians will desert Xuarez, you will
+be able to march your army south, and conquer him in the neighbourhood
+of Centeotl before he has time to approach nearer to the capital. Then
+you can crush his nest of traitors in Acauhtzin. Better lose the opal
+than Tlatonac, and if we do not succeed in getting rid of the Indians
+it may be that the city will fall."
+
+"What says my niece Doña Dolores?"
+
+"I have spoken to her, Señor, and for the sake of the city, she is
+willing to run the risk of losing the jewel."
+
+Don Miguel smiled approvingly. He was patriotic himself, and liked to
+see the same quality displayed by all his family. At the same time, he
+was a just man, and knowing how Dolores loved the gem, did not care
+about taking advantage of her offer to sacrifice the same, unless she
+voluntarily consented to surrender the sacred stone.
+
+"We will ask the lady herself," he said, rising from his chair. "One
+moment, Señor; I shall return with my niece."
+
+He disappeared down the staircase leading to the patio, and Jack was
+left alone with Cocom.
+
+"It may be that the Indians will not dare to take the jewel," said
+Jack, looking at the old man.
+
+Cocom uttered a grunt which might have meant anything.
+
+"Rest content, Don Juan. Once the Chalchuih Tlatonac leaves the walls
+of the city, it will never return again. Back to the sacred shrine of
+Totatzine shall it go. The high priest has ordered it be sought for far
+and wide, lest the god afflict the people with plagues for its loss."
+
+"Still, if I remained in the chapel, and watched it."
+
+"You, Señor? Nay, that, indeed, would be rash. The Indians would slay
+you. Only one will watch the jewel; but that one cannot prevent the
+worshippers seizing it."
+
+"You mean yourself?"
+
+"It is said. I speak of Cocom. He shall sit by the image of the god,
+when the Indians enter the chapel of the good father."
+
+"But the Indians might slay you, Cocom."
+
+"That which is to be must be," replied the old man, stolidly. "Cocom
+must watch the sacred gem, so that it sends the blue ray of peace from
+its breast. The tribes have been told by Ixtlilxochitli that Cocom is a
+traitor, and false to the worship of the old gods. When he is seen, he
+must die."
+
+"But my friend, I----"
+
+"Be silent, Señor. Not you nor any man can turn aside the spear of
+Teoyamiqui. Why should I murmur if death be my portion? I am old, I am
+mutilated, I am weary of life. If I die I die, and for the safety of
+the white people. It may be, Señor, that, as says the good Padre, Cocom
+shall go to the heaven of the Christians. With the Virgin such going
+rests."
+
+Jack found no words to reply to this speech, and remained silently
+thinking of how he could save the old man from death. He had as yet
+arrived at no conclusion, when Don Miguel appeared with his niece on
+the floor of the azotea. Dolores ran towards Jack and threw herself
+into his arms.
+
+"Querido," she said in a tender voice, "my good uncle tells me of your
+scheme. It is that of which you spoke to me. It may save Tlatonac from
+savage foes, and thus do I aid you to the extent of my powers."
+
+She held out the opal towards him.
+
+"You may lose it altogether, Dolores."
+
+"No matter, Juanito. It may save the city."
+
+"And you consent to this sacrifice, Don Miguel?"
+
+"Yes, Señor. I think it will turn aside this host of savages. With them
+away, we can hope to conquer Xuarez. Otherwise----" Maraquando stopped
+suddenly, and made a gesture of despair.
+
+"Of course it is merely an experiment," said Jack, doubtfully.
+
+"But one which must be successful," cried Dolores, quickly. "Querido,
+can you doubt that, after what we saw in the sacred city? As the god
+speaks through the opal, so will the Indians act. Let it dart, then,
+its blue ray, and drive them back to their forests."
+
+"You are sure you can make it shine blue, Cocom?"
+
+"Señor," said the old man, with great dignity, "I give my life to prove
+that this shall be so."
+
+Jack took the opal from the outstretched hand of Dolores.
+
+"So be it!" he cried, fervently. "The opal has brought the Indians to
+Tlatonac; the opal shall send them back again to Totatzine."
+
+Tim suddenly made his appearance with a face full of excitement.
+
+"Jack! Señor Maraquando!" he said, quickly, in Spanish, "the messenger
+you sent to spy on the Indians at Chichimec has returned."
+
+"What does he say, Señor Correspoñsal?"
+
+"That the whole host of Indians are marching from Chichimec, and will
+be camped round the walls at dawn. Dios! We are lost!"
+
+"No," cried Jack, brightly, "we are saved!"
+
+"What the deuce will save us, Jack?" asked Tim, in English.
+
+"This!"
+
+Duval held up the harlequin opal. A ray of sunlight struck the jewel,
+and a blue ray darted out like a tongue of steel.
+
+"Bueno!" said Cocom, stolidly, "the Chalchuih Tlatonac prophesies
+peace."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE LUCK OF THE OPAL.
+
+    The red ray dies in the opal stone,
+    The god hath spoken,
+    Arrow and bow and spear be broken,
+    Red of war is the fiery token,
+    And lo! in the zone,
+    It pales, and fades, and faints, and dies,
+    As sunsets wane in the eastern skies.
+
+    The blue ray glows in the opal's heart,
+    The god is smiling,
+    Victims no more need we be piling,
+    On altar stone for his dread beguiling;
+    The blue rays dart
+    To tell us war must surely cease,
+    So in the land let there be peace.
+
+
+Jack at once proceeded to execute his project. Fortunately Padre
+Ignatius had gone south in _The Iturbide_, thinking his ministrations
+might be required by the wounded, else Duval would never have gained
+the good priest's consent to such a desecration of his chapel. As it
+was, Jack hoped to carry out his scheme, and restore the chapel to its
+original state before the return of the old man. The actual elevation
+of a heathen idol on the shrine of the Virgin, not being seen by Padre
+Ignatius, he would think less of the sacrilegious act, more especially
+when he would find on his return the altar in nearly the same state as
+when he left it. Being a Protestant, Jack had no scruples about the
+matter, and Cocom was such a queer mixture of paganism and Catholicism,
+that his views were not very decided. He believed in the Virgin
+certainly; but seeing that her altar was required to save the city,
+Cocom thought that she surely would not object to the conversion for a
+time of her chapel into a heathen temple. Besides, if this was not
+done, the Indians would be sure to destroy the shrine, so it was best
+to make an attempt to avert such a disaster, even in such an
+illegitimate way, rather than risk the whole place being destroyed by
+the savages. This was Cocom's idea in the matter, therefore he
+proceeded to put an image of Huitzilopochtli in the place occupied by
+the cross. Father Ignatius would have died of horror had he witnessed
+such daring.
+
+All the afternoon they laboured to transfer the chapel into a semblance
+of the temple of the war-god, and at length succeeded in making it a
+very fair representation. Huitzilopochtli, his left foot decked with
+humming-bird feathers, was set up on the shrine itself, a small altar
+on which a fire was lighted burned before him, and the walls were
+draped with mats of featherwork and pictured linen, whereon were
+depicted the hideous forms of Aztec deities. From the roof, by a golden
+thread, hung the famous opal, spinning in the dim light. After some
+calculation, Cocom made a hole in the roof of the chapel, so that when
+the sun rose over the walls of the city his beams would pour through
+the opening and bathe the gem in floods of gold.
+
+Where Cocom had discovered all this idolatrous paraphernalia Jack could
+not make out, nor would the old Indian tell. But it confirmed Duval in
+his belief that in the near neighbourhood of Tlatonac the natives still
+worshipped the gods of their ancestors, for the celerity with which
+Cocom had produced statue, pictured linen, and altar, pointed to the
+existence of some hidden temple close at hand. In fact, despite Cocom's
+asseverations to the contrary, Jack began to be doubtful as to his
+really being a Christian, for he betrayed far too much knowledge of
+paganism in its worst form to be quite orthodox. One thing, however,
+was certain, that, pagan or not, Cocom was greatly incensed against
+Ixtlilxochitli for maiming him, and was doing his best to thwart the
+plans of the savage old priest.
+
+Things having been thus arranged, towards sunset Jack tried to persuade
+Cocom to return with him to the city, and leave the opal to work out
+its own spell. This the obstinate octogenarian refused to do, averring
+that without his personal superintendence the scheme would fail. Jack
+unwilling that a man from whom he had derived so many benefits should
+be left unprotected amid a horde of bloodthirsty savages, insisted on
+remaining with him to keep vigil during the night. This offer Cocom
+also refused, and implored Jack to return at once to the city, and have
+the gates closed, as it was near sunset, and the Indian army would soon
+be close at hand.
+
+"Leave me here, Señor," he said, with quiet obstinacy. "It may be that
+I fall not into their hands. They may take the opal--that is sure--but
+they may not take me. If you remain, your white skin will attract their
+fury, and they may sacrifice you before that very altar you have
+assisted to rear. I am an Indian, a Maya. Dog does not bite dog. It may
+be that I shall escape."
+
+"Not if Ixtlilxochitli can help it."
+
+"Oh, that evil one! He would have my blood, I know, Don Juan. But
+behold, Señor, if I--as the Indians, my countrymen, think--took the
+opal from Totatzine, I now bring it back again. That may save me!"
+
+"But, Cocom----"
+
+"Depart, Señor; I have my own plans. What says the proverb of the white
+people? 'Every one is master of his own soul.' Go! I save mine as I
+will!"
+
+It seemed to Jack that Cocom was desirous of wearing the crown of
+martyrdom. However, it was useless to turn him from his purpose, as he
+was obstinately set on daring the fury of the Indians. Jack, for a
+moment, thought of employing force, and looked at the spare frame of
+the old man, with the idea of picking him up and bearing him inside the
+city. Perhaps something of his purpose showed itself in his eyes, for
+Cocom suddenly darted out of the chapel and disappeared. Though he
+searched everywhere, Jack was unable to find him, so proceeded to the
+Puerta de la Culebra, and reported his arrival to Don Sebastian, who
+was stationed there in command of the guard.
+
+"And the Indian, Señor?"
+
+"Refuses to come within, Don Sebastian. He says he is safe outside."
+
+De Ahumada shrugged his shoulders, and made the same remark as had
+Cocom some quarter of an hour before.
+
+"Bueno! Dog does not bite dog."
+
+Then he ordered the gates to be closed, which was accordingly done. It
+was now too late to alter existing circumstances, and the whole chances
+of detaching the Indian host from the cause of Xuarez lay with Cocom
+and the opal. Jack went off to the Casa Maraquando, in order to inform
+Don Miguel of all that had been done, and then rewarded himself for
+that wearisome afternoon by chatting with Dolores. It had been deemed
+advisable, by Don Miguel, to keep Jack's scheme secret, lest, should
+the attempt fail, and the opal be lost, the populace should lose heart
+in the forthcoming struggle with Xuarez. So long as the opal was in the
+city, they deemed themselves invincible; so, whether the attempt to
+detach the Indians succeeded or failed, Maraquando determined that the
+people of Tlatonac should still think that the sacred stone was in the
+possession of his niece.
+
+Late that night Jack went on the walls with Tim, and together they
+watched the Indians gather round the walls. Above the Puerta de la
+Culebra was fixed a powerful electric light, which irradiated a
+considerable portion of the space beyond the gate. Without the walls
+there was quite a town, as the huts of the peons stretched away in long
+lines, alternating with palms, cacti, aloes, and densely foliaged ombú
+trees. Close to the gate these huts clustered thickly together, but
+after a time became scattered, and finally ceased on the verge of the
+plains, where the ground was thickly covered with brushwood.
+
+The Indians, fearful of the guns protruding from the walls, and
+doubtful of the weird glare of the electric light, kept away beyond the
+line of huts, and finally camped in the open ground beyond.
+Notwithstanding the distance they kept from the town the powerful rays
+of electric light blazed full on their camp, and caused them
+considerable uneasiness. The two Englishmen could see their tall, dark
+forms, gliding like ghosts through the white radiance, and at times a
+mounted troop of horsemen would dash furiously across the circle of
+light, disappearing into the further darkness. Just below, a stone's
+throw from the wall, arose the little chapel of Father Ignatius,
+beneath whose roof Cocom, with the opal, awaited the dawn.
+
+For some hours Jack watched the strange sight that savage picture,
+starting out of the surrounding darkness, and ultimately retired to his
+house, hopeful that before noon of the next day all the Indians would
+have disappeared. Tim remained behind, talking to Don Sebastian, and
+scribbling notes in his book; but at last he also went to rest, and the
+wall was left in possession of De Ahumada and his guard. All night long
+the electric light flashed its beams on the camp, so as to guard
+against an unexpected attack by the Indians.
+
+At dawn, the savages were up and doing before sunrise. They gathered
+together in groups, and talked of how they were to attack this
+formidable city, whose colossal walls bid defiance to their puny
+weapons. They could see soldiers moving along the ramparts, the black
+muzzles of the guns frowning fiercely down, and wondered at the
+absolute indifference of the Republic, who thus permitted her
+hereditary enemies to camp before the gates of her principal city.
+Everything within the town was quiet, the gates were firmly closed, no
+peons were to be seen moving about the suburbs, and the Indians,
+blackening the plain with their thousands of men and horses stood
+perplexed before this intensely silent town.
+
+The east was flaming redly over the ocean waves. The Indians could see
+the long line of battlements black against the clear crimson sky. No
+wind blew across the desert, and the great banner of the opal hung
+motionless from its tall staff. Suddenly, in the red sky, a yellow beam
+shot up into the cold blue of the zenith; another and another followed,
+spreading like a gigantic fan. The savages threw themselves on their
+knees, and held up their hands in supplication to the great deity, who
+was even now being invoked with sacrifice in the hidden town of
+Totatzine.
+
+The gold of the sky seemed to boil up behind the walls of the town, as
+though it would run over in yellow streams. Then the dazzling orb
+appeared, and fierce arrows shot across the green suburbs to the sandy
+desert, where those thousands of naked Indians were kneeling. Suddenly
+a man started in surprise, and looked inquiringly at his companions.
+They listened as he had done, and also looked astonished. In a
+miraculously short space of time the whole host were in a state of
+commotion. Those in front stood still in a listening attitude, those
+behind pressed forward to hear this miracle which had startled their
+companions. Loud and shrill arose the song from the chapel of Padre
+Ignatius. It was the hymn of the opal daily chaunted by the priests of
+Huitzilopochtli in the city of Totatzine.
+
+The chiefs hastily gathered together, and consulted as to the meaning
+of this prodigy. Never before had the sacred song been heard beyond the
+shrine of the sacred city, and now its music was thrilling through the
+still morning air under the very walls of the capital. The mystery must
+be solved at any cost, and commanding their warriors to wait in the
+camp, all five chiefs, the leaders of the host, flung themselves on
+their horses, and galloped bravely up to the chapel. It was a dangerous
+thing to do, for at any moment those terrible guns might vomit forth
+fire and death; but the chiefs did not care. Fanaticism, dread of the
+gods, was their most powerful characteristic, and dismounting from
+their horses, they entered the door of the chapel whence the chaunt of
+the opal proceeded.
+
+At the entrance they stood transfixed with surprise, and for the moment
+deemed they were in the Shrine of the Opal at Totatzine. Half-veiled by
+clouds of white smoke rolling upward from a small altar, they could see
+the terrible features of Huitzilopochtli, in all his blood-stained
+glory. The mats of feather-work hung glittering from the walls; they
+marked the grotesque visages of their deities scowling from pictured
+walls, and behind the altar, the hidden minstrel chaunted the hymn of
+the opal.
+
+The opal! There it hung in the centre of the white smoke. A ray of
+golden light, like a finger from heaven, smote it with terrible glory.
+It was turning rapidly, as they had seen it in the temple of the god at
+Totatzine.
+
+"Chalchuih Tlatonac!" they cried, and all five prostrated themselves
+before the sacred gem. High and shrill rang out the song from the
+hidden singer, and the chiefs, with reverential awe, watched the
+spinning opal. Red, yellow, blue, green, the rays flashed out jets of
+many-coloured fire every second. It began to revolve more slowly.
+Slower and slower! a pause!--it hung motionless, and a ray of azure
+shone benignly from its breast.
+
+The song ceased, and a tall man, arrayed in white garments, came from
+behind the shrine, holding a blue cloak full length in his arms. This
+was the ritual prescribed at the shrine of Huitzilopochtli when the god
+spoke through the opal.
+
+"The god proclaims peace!"
+
+His voice broke the spell. The Indians dashed forward, and strove to
+seize him, but he eluded their grip, and vanished.
+
+"Peace! Peace! Peace!" they heard him cry three times. Their attention
+was fixed on the opal, and they did not pursue him.
+
+"The sacred stone!" cried the supreme chief; "we must bear it back to
+the shrine of the god. Forgive us, oh, holy one."
+
+He snapped the stone off the string, and darted out of the door,
+followed by his four companions. At the door an old Indian, now
+divested of his sacerdotal garments, met them, and rushed on their
+principal with a cry of anger.
+
+"The opal! Give me back the sacred gem!"
+
+"Cocom!" cried the chief, raising his tomahawk. "It was thou who
+thieved the gem! Die, vile wretch, who desecrated the shrine of the
+god."
+
+His companions restrained his wrath. The fear of the opal was on them.
+
+"Nay, Tezuco. The god says peace! The stone burns blue rays."
+
+"Bind him, then, and we will take him to Totatzine; there to be
+sacrificed on the altar of the offended god."
+
+In a moment Cocom, in spite of his struggles, was thrown across the
+back of the horse of one of the chiefs, and they all rode off rapidly
+towards the camp. In the centre of the throng, Tezuco halted, and held
+up his hand. Therein flashed the opal, and a cry of delight arose from
+the host, who in a moment recognised the gem, and at once prostrated
+themselves before its glory.
+
+"Children of the war-god. This hath been given to us again. We saw the
+stone revolve--we saw it stay. Blue was the ray of the gem. Blue, my
+children, is the sign of peace. Huitzilopochtli, the lord of war, is
+appeased. He proclaims peace. No longer wait we here. To Totatzine!"
+
+"To Totatzine!" roared the vast host, and, at a signal, rushed for
+their horses. War, plunder, Xuarez, all was forgotten. The blue ray of
+the opal proclaimed peace, and this vast host, laying down its arms,
+departed at the bidding of the god.
+
+The townspeople on the walls of the city saw with amazement the Indians
+suddenly, without any apparent reason, strike their camp, and file off
+in long lines towards the north. Astonished at the sight, Don Sebastian
+sent off a message to the President.
+
+In a quarter of an hour he arrived at the Puerta de la Culebra,
+followed by Jack and Tim.
+
+"Behold, Señor!" cried Jack, triumphantly pointing to the myriads
+tramping across the plain. "Did I not speak truly? The opal has done
+its work."
+
+"The opal! The opal!" murmured those around him, and the cry being
+caught up by the populace, passed from one mouth to another. The crowd
+on the walls, seeing in the departure of the Indians the influence of
+the opal, began to cry out madly. They deemed that the opal was still
+within the walls of Tlatonac.
+
+"Viva el opale! El Chalchuih Tlatonac!"
+
+"Bueno!" said Maraquando, with satisfaction, shaking Jack by the hand;
+"you were right, Señor. The Indians will give us no more trouble. Now
+we can crush Xuarez in the south. Señor de Ahumada open the gates!"
+
+In a few moments His Excellency, followed by Jack, Tim, and Don
+Sebastian, was galloping in the direction of the chapel. They reached
+it, dismounted, and entered. The opal was gone and Cocom also!
+
+"I knew we would lose the opal," said Jack, cheerfully; "but I thought
+they would kill Cocom. Fortunately they have only taken him prisoner."
+
+"To reserve him for a more cruel death in Totatzine, Señor," replied
+Maraquando, his delight slightly damped. "He has served the Republic
+well. I would he could have been saved."
+
+"Poor devil!" murmured Tim, in English, as they remounted their horses.
+"In any case, Jack, his death has saved the Republic. Now the savages
+have gone away, it won't be difficult to thrash Don Hypolito."
+
+At the city gates a new surprise awaited them. Don Rafael, mounted on a
+mustang, came galloping through the gate, and reined up his steed in
+front of his astonished father.
+
+"My father! Great news; good news! I have just returned in _The
+Montezuma_. We have captured _The Cortes_ and the transports."
+
+Don Miguel looked incredulous. This news, coming after the departure of
+the Indians, seemed too good to be true.
+
+"It is true, my father," said Rafael, proudly. "By noon to-day you will
+see them in the harbour. Now Don Hypolito has no fleet."
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Jack, tossing his hat in the air. "The luck of the
+opal!"
+
+Those near repeated his exclamation. It swelled into a roar, and
+throughout Tlatonac only one cry could be heard, "Vive el opale."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+UNDER THE OPAL FLAG.
+
+    Marching away; joyous and gay,
+    Rank upon rank with a splendid display,
+    Leaving the city at breaking of day.
+
+    Riding along, gallant and strong,
+    Round us the populace tearfully throng,
+    Greeting our going with patriot's song.
+
+    Under our feet, flower-buds sweet;
+    Tread we in marching through plaza and street,
+    Never our kinsfolk again may we meet.
+
+    Laurels to earn; foemen to spurn;
+    Only for glory we anxiously yearn,
+    Conquerors all we will hither return.
+
+
+"Juan," said Dolores, seriously, "I believe the opal brought us bad
+fortune. While it was in the city, Janjalla fell, Don Francisco died,
+and all went wrong. Now it is lost, the Indians have departed, the
+fleet of Xuarez is destroyed, and everything promises well for the
+future."
+
+"That is true, in one sense, yet wrong in another," replied Jack,
+smiling. "You must not forget that it was through the opal the Indians
+departed, and while it was in Tlatonac, _The Pizarro_ was sunk, and
+the two other warships captured."
+
+"I suppose never again shall I behold the opal, Juanito?"
+
+"Not unless you care to pay a second visit to Totatzine."
+
+Dolores shuddered. The memory of their peril in the hidden city was a
+painful one. Recent events had not obliterated the recollection of that
+terrible journey to the coast through the tropical forest.
+
+"I would certainly not care about seeing Totatzine again, querido. And
+yet I would--if only to save Cocom!"
+
+"It is impossible to save Cocom," responded Jack, a trifle sadly. "The
+only way to do so would be to lead an army to the hidden city, and
+rescue him. But how can such a thing be done in that narrow, secret
+way? Our soldiers would be cut to pieces in those rocky defiles."
+
+"There is no other way, I suppose?"
+
+"I am not sure, Dolores. That cañon road leads to the outer world. If
+we could only enter the valley where Totatzine is built by that way, we
+might succeed in capturing the city; but I am afraid such an entrance
+will never be discovered."
+
+"Ay di mi. Then poor Cocom is lost."
+
+"It is his own fault, querida. I tried to save him; but he refused to
+obey my orders. Still, there is one chance of aiding him, though I am
+afraid but a faint one."
+
+"And that, my Juan?"
+
+"Listen, angelito! The sacrifice of the cycle does not take place for
+two months. I have escaped it, but Cocom may now be selected by
+Ixtlilxochitli as the victim. If we can crush Xuarez and finish the war
+within the next few weeks, it may be that we can march troops to the
+sacred city, and save his life."
+
+"But how can you get to the city? By the secret way?"
+
+"No; by the cañon road. See, Dolores! I have an idea!"
+
+They were sitting on the azotea, two days after the Indians had
+retreated from Tlatonac. Rafael had just left them, full of glee at the
+proposed expedition to Janjalla, and it was then that Dolores had made
+the remark about the opal which lead to the conversation regarding
+Cocom, Totatzine, and the cañon road.
+
+In her lap Dolores had a pile of flowers, which she was arranging for
+the use of the house. Jack took a handful of these, and, kneeling down
+on the floor of the azotea, proceeded to illustrate his theory by
+constructing a map with the blossoms.
+
+"Behold, my own!" he said, deftly placing a bud here and there, "this
+rose is Totatzine, situate fifty miles from the coast in a straight
+line. Here is Tlatonac, indicated by this scarlet verbena. From the
+point where we embarked in the canoe to the capital is twenty miles."
+
+"I understand," said Dolores, much interested in this explanation.
+
+"From Totatzine to the point where we embarked, and from thence to
+Tlatonac, is what we call a right angle. Now, if I draw a straight line
+from the capital in a slanting direction, you can see that it passes
+through Totatzine."
+
+"I see that, querido! but the third line is longer than the other two."
+
+"It is longer than each of the other two lines if you take them
+separately. Shorter if you take them together. You do not know Euclid,
+Dolores, else you would discover that any two sides of a triangle are
+together greater than the third side."
+
+"Wait a moment, Juanito!" exclaimed Dolores, vivaciously. "From
+Totatzine to the point where we embarked is fifty miles, from thence to
+Tlatonac twenty miles--in all, seventy miles. But by your reasoning
+this third line is not seventy miles."
+
+"Of course not! Still I believe it is quite seventy miles from Tlatonac
+to Totatzine by this new way."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"Because we cannot go thither in a straight line. If we went by this
+one I have drawn, the distance would be much shorter than by the secret
+way of the sea. But as we have to follow the railway it is a longer
+journey--quite seventy miles. See! This is Cuavaca, at the foot of
+Xicotencatl--thirty miles from Tlatonac; from Cuavaca to the terminus
+of the railway it is twenty miles; from thence to Totatzine possibly
+another twenty--in all seventy miles. So you see that the distance each
+way, owing to the configuration of the country, is precisely the same."
+
+"Yes; but what of that?"
+
+"Can you not see? At the point where the railway stops it is only
+twenty miles to Totatzine. Now, if, as I suspect, there is a road
+leading up the cañon to the city, the distance from the termination of
+the railway works to that road cannot be very far. If, therefore, we
+discover the hidden road, we can take our troops up by rail, march the
+rest of the distance, and enter Totatzine through the mouth of the
+cañon."
+
+"Oh!" cried Dolores, astonished at this idea. "And you propose to
+attempt this entrance?"
+
+"If it can be found. Unfortunately Cocom is the only Indian who could
+supply such information, and he is a prisoner to Ixtlilxochitli."
+
+"But if he knew of this cañon road, why did he not lead us by that way
+instead of towards the coast?"
+
+"You forget the whole country is overrun by Indians. We could not have
+disguised ourselves as pilgrims had we gone by the cañon road. That is
+evidently the secular path. The other way to the coast is sacred."
+
+"It might be done, Juanito."
+
+"Yes; but it cannot be done till Xuarez is conquered and the war is
+ended."
+
+"Santissima!" sighed Dolores, sadly; "and when will that be?"
+
+"Very shortly. Now we have succeeded in getting rid of the Indians, we
+shall be able to crush Xuarez at one blow."
+
+"When do you march south?"
+
+"To-morrow at the latest."
+
+"Will Señor Felipe be back?"
+
+"No, I am afraid not. In three days I expect the yacht will return. By
+that time who knows but what we may not have conquered the rebels?"
+
+Shortly afterwards this conversation came to an abrupt conclusion as
+Don Miguel sent a special messenger to call Jack to the Palacio
+Nacional. In those days Jack was a very important personage. Maraquando
+was so impressed by the way in which the Indians had been dealt with
+that he entertained a higher opinion than ever of Duval's capabilities,
+and frequently appealed to him for advice. Nor did this create any
+jealousy, for the Cholacacans were now beginning to regard Duval as one
+of themselves. He was going to marry the niece of their President; he
+was the engineer who had constructed the railway; he was deeply
+interested in the future of the Republic; so it was generally supposed
+that when the war was at an end he would be naturalized, a citizen of
+Cholacaca, and take up his abode there altogether. A clever, brilliant
+young man like Jack was a distinct acquisition to the country, and the
+liberal-minded Cholacacans welcomed him accordingly.
+
+From the deepest despair the city had passed into a state of great
+elation. With the death of Gomez, all the bad fortune of the Republic
+seemed to have vanished. Since Maraquando had seated himself in the
+Presidential chair, all had gone well, and the superstitious
+Tlatonacians looked upon him as a ruler likely to bring good fortune to
+the Republic. Nor was such a belief to be wondered at, seeing how
+suddenly the tide of fortune had turned within the last few days in
+favour of the governmental party.
+
+The Indians had departed, and thus was Don Hypolito deprived at one
+swoop of half his power. _The Cortes_ menaced by _The Columbus_, _The
+Iturbide_ and the torpederas had surrendered, and now with the
+transports were lying in the harbour of the capital. Xuarez, by the
+loss of his fleet, was cut off completely from the north, and shut up
+in Janjalla with but six thousand troops.
+
+After these events had transpired, the Junta met in the hall of the
+Palacio Nacional to map out the coming campaign. The whole of the
+members were on the side of Maraquando. Before the peril which
+threatened the Republic in the south all party differences had
+disappeared, and the representatives of the several provinces united in
+upholding the policy of Don Miguel. This judicious unity was the
+salvation of the Republic.
+
+The capital was garrisoned by ten thousand troops plentifully supplied
+with cannon, ammunition, and rifles. This force was under the command
+of General Benito, who had been elevated to the command after the death
+of the ill-fated Gigedo at Janjalla. The troops were in a great state
+of excitement, as it was well known that they were no longer to be held
+back within the walls of the capital. Maraquando had decided to throw
+forward nine thousand men as far as Centeotl, and leaving one thousand
+to defend Tlatonac, try conclusions with the rebels in the open plains.
+
+At the second conference of the Junta, this decision was somewhat
+modified by the advice of Benito. That astute commander pointed out
+that in Janjalla lay the strength of Xuarez. If he was defeated at
+Centeotl, he could fall back on the southern capital, whereas, if that
+was in the power of the Government, he would have no chance of retreat,
+and be thus crushed at one blow. The main thing, therefore, was to
+capture Janjalla, and deprive the rebels of this last refuge in case of
+defeat.
+
+It was Rafael who supported the General, and proposed a plan by which
+the southern city could be taken.
+
+"Señores," cried Rafael, vehemently, "what General Benito says is
+true. We must leave Xuarez no refuge. He must be crushed between our
+armies in the north and south. Behold, Señores, in the harbour of our
+city lie two warships taken from the enemy, now manned by faithful
+sailors of the Junta. Also the armed cruiser _Iturbide_, and the two
+torpedo-boats _Zuloaga_ and _Montezuma_, one of which I have the
+honour of commanding. Give us, Señores, the order to steam south. Put
+two thousand troops on board of the transports. Then we will lie in
+the harbour of Janjalla, and bombard the town. As Don Hypolito has
+probably gone north with the bulk of his army to Centeotl, the town
+will be ill defended. In the end it must surrender, and then we can
+land our troops and push forward to gain the rear of the rebels. From
+the north, Señores, seven thousand men will march under the command of
+General Benito. Thus Xuarez will find himself between two armies, and
+be forced to surrender or submit to be cut to pieces. The rebels will
+be defeated and the war will be ended."
+
+This proposition commended itself to the Junta, and was ultimately
+adopted. At once the fleet, under the command of Captain Pedraza, was
+sent south, with instructions to bombard and capture Janjalla. Then to
+lead the troops and push forward to effect a conjunction with General
+Benito at Centeotl. The warships, the cruiser, torpederas, and
+transports, left the harbour of the capital that afternoon amid great
+excitement, and then the populace rolled from sea-gate to land-gate in
+order to witness the departure of the army for the south.
+
+As yet _The Bohemian_ had not returned from Truxillo, a delay which
+vexed Tim mightily, as he wanted to send the boat off again with fresh
+despatches. Besides, he knew that Philip would be annoyed at missing
+the battle which was to decide the fate of the war. When he had left
+for Truxillo, there had been no chance of the loyalists and rebels
+meeting in open battle; but of late events had developed so rapidly
+that it was impossible to delay matters further. The army was marching
+for Centeotl, and Philip was absent at Truxillo.
+
+Only one person was pleased at this. Eulalia was afraid of losing her
+lover in what promised to be a terribly sanguinary affair, and was
+therefore pleased that he was out of danger. She had not the Spartan
+spirit of her cousin, who, though downcast at the prospect of being
+separated from Jack, yet bade him march forward with the army to
+conquer the rebels, and made no attempt to detain him by her side.
+
+Two thousand infantry had embarked on board the transports for
+Janjalla, and now the army, consisting of five thousand foot and two
+thousand horse, left for the front by the Puerta de la Culebra.
+Maraquando was nominally Commander-in-Chief of the forces, but, his
+presence being required at Tlatonac, he left the conduct of the
+campaign to General Benito. The army of Janjalla, proceeding thither by
+sea, was commanded by Colonel Palo, and he was directed, when the
+southern city was captured, to march to Centeotl, and effect, if
+possible, a junction with the troops from the north. There were also
+forty field-guns, and a battery of gatlings, with a corps of engineers.
+Thus provided, the army of the Government deemed themselves invincible.
+
+When they set out, Maraquando solemnly delivered to Benito the great
+standard of the opal, which had never before left the walls of the
+capital. Now, in all its splendour, it floated over the heads of the
+soldiers, a shining star, with its glitter of feather-work and jewels,
+leading them south to victory. With that standard the army could
+scarcely conceive that there was any chance of defeat.
+
+All signs of the Indians had disappeared. There was no doubt that,
+obeying the opal, they had retired to the sacred city, and there
+delivered the recovered treasure to the high priest. Doubtless
+Ixtlilxochitli, still desirous of aiding Xuarez, would stir them up to
+war; but before they could again emerge from the forests, General
+Benito hoped to cut the army of Don Hypolito to pieces, reduce the
+south to order, and then marching north, defeat the savage forces under
+the walls of the capital. The great strength of the Republic lay in the
+fact that by strategy they had succeeded in isolating Xuarez in the
+south. Owing to the loss of his fleet, he could no longer depend upon
+help from Acauhtzin, and now that his Indian allies had deserted him,
+he was forced to meet the Royalist army with a comparatively small
+army.
+
+On Monday afternoon the transports, filled with troops, and convoyed by
+the warships, left for Janjalla, and at dawn on Wednesday the army
+began to march out of the Puerta de la Culebra on its way to the south.
+Jack took a fond farewell of Dolores, and soothed her with promises of
+his speedy return. Don Miguel, with some members of the Junta,
+accompanied Benito some miles on his way, and then returned to the
+capital to wait the upshot of this bold attempt to end the war at a
+single blow.
+
+From Tlatonac the army marched to Chichimec, which they found in ruins.
+Hardly a soul was left in the town, for those who survived the massacre
+had fled southward to Puebla de los Naranjos. It was true that there,
+also, they would find but ruins. This they did not know, as the
+telegraph-wires had been cut by the Indians, but as those savages were
+between Chichimec and the capital, the unfortunate townspeople were
+only able to escape southward.
+
+Leaving Chichimec, Benito marched to Puebla de los Naranjos, and there
+found a considerable number of fugitives from the former city. He was
+informed that Centeotl still held out against the rebels, though Xuarez
+was besieging it hotly, and that Hermanita was untouched by either
+savage or rebel. This news was very comforting, and desirous of
+reaching that town by nightfall, the General pushed forward his troops
+by forced marches. By eight o'clock the army came in sight of
+Hermanita, and were joyfully greeted by its citizens, who threw open
+their gates to receive these whom they justly regarded as their
+deliverers. That night the troops occupied the town.
+
+Centeotl was but twenty miles further on, and Benito was desirous of
+ascertaining the position of Xuarez before venturing to give battle.
+He sent out Indian spies, and these speedily brought reports as to the
+numerical strength of the rebels. It appeared that Xuarez had in all
+about seven thousand troops, as he had been joined by several of the
+smaller towns of the Republic. He had left but five hundred to
+garrison Janjalla, never for a moment dreaming that, guarded as was
+the town by _The Cortes_, it would be attacked by the loyalists from
+the sea. Now having lost his sole remaining warship, he could not help
+seeing that his position was desperate. By his spies, he learned that
+the army under Benito was camped at Hermanita, and that Janjalla was
+being bombarded by the fleet of the Junta.
+
+At one time he thought of falling back on Janjalla, concentrating all
+his force within its walls, and holding out against the loyalists,
+until reinforced by his Indian allies. As yet he knew not that they had
+deserted him and withdrawn to their forests. Had he been aware of his
+isolated position, he might have come to terms with the Junta, but
+relying on the aid of the savages, and trusting to Ixtlilxochitli's
+promises, he felt confident that he would gain a victory. As Janjalla
+was being bombarded by the warships, he decided not to fall back there,
+as he would but expose his troops to a double danger: the land army of
+Benito and the bombs from the sea.
+
+What he proposed to do was to meet Benito at Centeotl, defeat his army,
+and then either occupy that town, and hold out till his allies came
+south, or march north to effect a conjunction with them before the
+capital. As to Janjalla, he could do nothing to relieve it. It was
+absolutely necessary that he should keep his troops together, so as to
+meet the army of the Republic under Benito. Before Janjalla fell into
+the hands of the Junta, he hoped to conquer the land forces. It was all
+a chance, and he fully recognised that his position was most perilous.
+The only hope he had of turning the tide of fortune in his favour was
+to be joined by the Indians from the north.
+
+The warships had left Tlatonac on Monday afternoon, and General Benito,
+knowing the weak garrison at Janjalla, calculated that the city would
+succumb to the bombardment by Friday at the latest. It was now the
+morning of that day, and he determined to march his troops forward to
+meet the rebel army. From Janjalla, from Hermanita to Centeotl, it was
+but twenty miles each way; and assuming that Janjalla was captured, as
+there was every reason to believe, General Benito hoped that the two
+thousand troops from the south, and his own forces from the north would
+meet at Centeotl about the same time.
+
+With this idea, he marched with his full strength to Centeotl, for now
+that the Indians had vanished, he had no fear of being attacked in the
+rear, and if forced to retreat, could fall back on Hermanita, that city
+being defended by its ordinary garrison. Don Hypolito, so as not to
+expose his troops to the double fire of town and plain, left the
+shelter of the walls, and occupied a low range of hillocks running at
+right angles from the city. Between him and Benito flowed the river
+broad and sluggish.
+
+By noon the armies faced one another. At one o'clock the first shot was
+fired, and the battle of Centeotl began.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE BATTLE OF CENTEOTL.
+
+    The squadrons move across the plain,
+    Beneath a rain
+    Of deadly missiles falling, falling.
+    Oh, could we gain
+    Those heights beyond, where guns are calling,
+    Of deeds appalling,
+    One to the other not in vain,
+    Then might we conquer in the fray,
+    And victors be e'er close of day.
+
+
+The stream lying between the two armies was called the Rio Tardo, from
+its slow-flowing current, and emerging from the interior mountains,
+pursued its way in many windings to the sea. Centeotl was built on the
+left bank, so that the loyalists were unable to occupy the town without
+crossing the river, and to do so they would have had to force a passage
+at the point of the sword. The battle took place about three miles from
+the city, on a large plain streaked here and there with low ranges of
+sandy hills, and intersected by the broad stream of the Rio Tardo.
+
+On one of these ranges Don Hypolito had planted his artillery, and
+swept the river with his heavy guns. He also disposed his infantry
+along the banks, whence they kept up a regular fire of musketry on the
+loyalists. The bridge at Centeotl had been destroyed prior to the
+arrival of Benito, so that there was no way of crossing, save under
+fire from the foot soldiers, or in the teeth of the battery posted on
+the sandy ridges.
+
+Behind this battery Xuarez held his cavalry in reserve, lest the
+loyalists should accomplish the passage of the river, and the
+combatants come to closer quarters. Between Centeotl and the position
+he had taken up, he placed a line of some thousand horse, with the
+object of preventing an attack by the besieged in his rear. In the
+disposition of his troops, he showed a wonderful skill in taking
+advantage of the capabilities of the ground, and General Benito saw
+plainly that it would be with considerable difficulty that he could
+effect a crossing of the Rio Tardo.
+
+On his side there were no ranges of hills upon which he could post his
+artillery, or by which he could protect his men. Nothing but a desolate
+plain covered with brushwood incapable of offering the least shelter
+against the devastating fire of the insurgents. His only way of
+crossing the river was to silence the battery on the sandhills. With
+this object, he brought up his field-guns, and opened a heavy cannonade
+on the heights beyond. The rebels replied, and for over two hours this
+cross fire went on without intermission on either side. Benito trusted
+by this gunnery to deceive the insurgents as to his real purpose, which
+was to attempt a crossing with five hundred horse three miles further
+up the stream, near the ruins of the bridge. By doing so he could take
+Xuarez in the rear, and while the rebels were employed in facing this
+new danger from an unexpected quarter, hoped to cross the river with
+his full force.
+
+Don Hypolito evidently suspected this stratagem, for he kept a sharp
+eye on the disposition of the loyalist army in the direction of
+Centeotl. When he saw a body of horse move citywards to effect a
+crossing, he at once sent a troop of cavalry to dispute the passage.
+Benito seeing this, despatched a battery of six gatlings to support his
+troops, trusting that under the cover of these guns playing on the
+enemy they could force the stream. At once Xuarez brought up his
+field-artillery, and in a short space of time the cannonading lower
+down the river was being repeated further up at the ruins of the
+bridge.
+
+The right wing of the loyalist army, consisting entirely of infantry,
+was thrown forward in the direction of Centeotl, and kept up a
+fusillade, under cover of which the cavalry in scattered groups tried
+to cross. The insurgents, however, could not be dislodged from the
+opposite bank, and it was impossible to accomplish the passage under
+their persistent musketry. For close on three miles along the banks of
+the river this line of sharp-shooters extended, and at each end of the
+line artillery thundered incessantly. Men on either side were dropping
+every moment, and it seemed as though each army would annihilate the
+other without either crossing the stream. For four hours the battle had
+been raging without the combatants coming to close quarters, and
+Xuarez's soldiers remaining ever on the defensive, began to grow
+impatient. On the other hand, the Royalists trying to carry the passage
+of the stream by dash after dash, were warming up to their work.
+
+It would have been madness for Don Hypolito to cross the stream, and
+with his few attack the many of the loyalists. The river was his great
+safeguard, and so long as that interposed its waters between him and
+the enemy, he felt comparatively safe, trusting to hold his position
+until the arrival of the Indians from the north, whom he counted upon
+taking the enemy in the rear. He saw plainly that his men were growing
+weary of remaining solely on the defensive, and submitting to be cut to
+pieces by the fire of Benito's artillery; but, until he saw a prospect
+of being reinforced by the Indians, he was powerless to do anything but
+stubbornly prevent the loyalists from fording the stream.
+
+General Benito saw that the rebel leader was unaware of the
+disaffection of the allies, and relied on their arriving shortly to
+turn the tide of war in his favour. With a view, therefore, to
+dishearten him, he ordered an Indian scout, attached to his staff, to
+ford the river if possible, below the battery point, present himself to
+Xuarez as a deserter from the loyalists, and inform him that the
+Indians had retreated. The scout at once obeyed, and attempted to swim
+the river, but just as he was close on the opposite bank, a rifle-shot
+struck him, and it was with the greatest difficulty that he regained
+the shore. Several rebel soldiers ran up to finish him with their
+bayonets, but he implored them to take him to Xuarez, as he was in
+possession of certain facts relating to the allies.
+
+On being brought into the presence of the rebel leader, he had just
+time to tell Don Hypolito of the uselessness of counting on the
+Indians, and shortly afterwards expired. Xuarez thought at first it was
+a device of the loyalists to gain time, but as hour after hour went on,
+and no Indians appeared, he began to believe that he was indeed foolish
+to depend upon help from that quarter. The full terror of his position
+came on him at once. He saw that, deserted by the Indians, cut off from
+Acauhtzin, the whole success of the rebellion against the Junta
+depended upon his cutting the army of Benito to pieces. Janjalla was
+behind him, and he several times thought of falling back on that town,
+but the knowledge that it was being bombarded by the loyalist fleet
+withheld him from committing such a folly. Centeotl was held in the
+interests of the Junta. There was no chance of safety there, so he saw
+that he must remain in his present position, and either tire out Benito
+by holding his position stubbornly, or dash across the river with the
+main portion of his troops, and try the fortune of war in a
+hand-to-hand fight.
+
+With characteristic boldness he decided on the latter of these
+alternatives, and sent forward a thousand cavalry to cross the river,
+and carry the war into the enemy's camp. Midway between the two
+batteries, which still kept up their fire, he brought fifteen
+field-guns to bear on the masses of infantry on the other bank, armed
+only with their rifles, hoping to cut them to pieces, and thus afford
+his cavalry a safe landing. Benito ordered five gatling guns to silence
+the field battery, and prevent, if possible, the landing of the
+insurgent cavalry. Unfortunately, his orders could not be accomplished
+smartly enough, and before the gatlings could be brought into position,
+the field-guns of Xuarez had opened a heavy fire on the infantry, under
+cover of which five hundred horse-men crossed the stream. The landing
+once effected, others followed, and the cavalry rode down the infantry
+like sheep, while right and left the balls from the field-guns of
+Xuarez cut passages in the crowded masses. For the moment the advantage
+was decidedly with Don Hypolito.
+
+At once a thousand cavalry, held in reserve behind the battery, were
+hurled forward on the horsemen of the rebels. Five hundred had now
+crossed the stream, and there held the loyalists at bay while their
+comrades formed. The rebel regiment pierced like a wedge into the mass
+of infantry, and met the cavalry of Benito some distance from the bank
+of the river. What with these horsemen, and the incessant firing of the
+field-guns, the infantry of Benito were thoroughly demoralised, and
+flying in all directions. The cavalry of Xuarez, with admirable
+discipline, formed into lines as soon as they crossed the river, and
+steadily drove the horsemen of the loyalists backward.
+
+Xuarez at once took advantage of this gain, and, behind his cavalry,
+sent regiment after regiment of infantry with orders to carry the
+battery of Benito by storm. In vain the foot-soldiers of the loyalists
+were hurled against the advancing mass of rebel horse and foot now
+marching steadily for the battery. They did not give way one inch.
+Xuarez hoped to capture the battery, turn the guns against the
+loyalists, and then bringing the rest of his troops across the stream.
+
+This unexpected manoeuvre had taken Benito by surprise, and there was
+but little doubt that if the battery were captured a panic would ensue
+amongst his own men, and thus give Xuarez a decided advantage. The
+columns of rebels pouring across the stream pierced the host of
+loyalists like a wedge and bore steadily down on the battery which was
+still under the heavy fire of the insurgent artillery posted on the
+sandhills.
+
+Things looked black at that moment for the loyalist army, but at this
+critical juncture the troops of Benito succeeded in forcing the passage
+of the stream further up near the city. What the Opposidores had done
+in the centre of the line they did at its end, and, under cover of a
+heavy fire from their gatlings, managed to cross the stream and capture
+the field-guns of the enemy. These were at once utilised and turned on
+the rebels, and in a few minutes were pouring a deadly fire into the
+masses of cavalry and infantry sent to hold the bridge passage by
+Xuarez. An officer galloped post-haste to Benito, informing him of the
+crossing of the stream, and the General recognising that he might cut
+off the forces of Xuarez on the left bank, sent to the bridge all the
+soldiers he could spare, amounting to some fifteen hundred.
+
+Meanwhile the cavalry of Xuarez, supported by several regiments of
+infantry, were trying to carry the battery of the loyalists by storm.
+Their own artillery was now silent, as so inextricably mingled were
+rebels and loyalists round the battery that it was impossible for the
+gunners of Xuarez to fire without cutting their own men to pieces. The
+rebels were still steadily pouring, column after column, across the
+stream in the rear of the cavalry, when suddenly their line was cut in
+two by the victorious loyalists from the bridge.
+
+These had utterly beaten the rebels defending the passage, by turning
+their own guns on them, and now those latter were flying towards the
+centre of the scene of operations, followed by a scattered body of
+cavalry, cutting them down in all directions. The loyalist infantry
+quickly crossed the river, and followed in the rear of the horsemen,
+but, being on foot, were necessarily far behind. The rebels attempted
+to re-form and reach the point where their columns were fording the
+stream but, flushed with victory, the cavalry of Benito passed clean
+through the mass, cutting off all further rebels from joining their
+comrades on the opposite shore.
+
+At the same time, owing to the deadly fire of the loyalist battery, the
+invading soldiers of Xuarez were beginning to give way, and slowly fell
+back inch by inch towards the point where they had crossed. They were
+unable to get back, however, as the cavalry of Benito held them in
+check on the opposite bank, and seeing this, the General threw forward
+two regiments across the stream further up, where the bank, owing to
+the clean sweep made by his cavalry, was undefended.
+
+The rebels now found themselves between two masses of their foes,
+between two fires, with nothing but the river between. They slowly
+retreated before the infantry, pressing forward from the direction of
+the battery, and falling back on the right bank of the river, found
+themselves unable to cross in the teeth of the loyalist cavalry holding
+the opposite bank, while the foot-soldiers behind fought viciously with
+the rebels. The cavalry and infantry of Xuarez thus caught became
+demoralized, and unable to keep a firm front to the loyalists, broke up
+into terrified masses, which were either cut to pieces, or forced into
+the stream, where they were shot down by their enemies on the opposite
+bank.
+
+It was now close on six o'clock, and, after five hours' incessant
+fighting, the advantage was now with the army of the Junta. Benito held
+the passage of the bridge near Centeotl, and from thence down to the
+battery, the banks of the stream on both sides were held by his own
+men. The enemy beaten on the right bank, were slowly falling back on
+the left, and concentrating themselves round the hillocks, from which
+thundered their artillery. Behind the battery, Xuarez still held three
+thousand men in reserve, and these he brought forward, with the
+intention of hurling them in one last effort of despair, against the
+advancing masses of the loyalists.
+
+General Benito no longer held back his army, but in person led his
+soldiers across the river. In a miraculously short space of time the
+combat was transferred from the right to the left bank of the Rio
+Tardo, and the whole force of the loyalists, with the exception of the
+corps of engineers attending to the battery, had crossed the river, and
+were pressing forward to carry the citadel of Xuarez by storm.
+
+What with killed and wounded, and prisoners taken, the number of
+fighting men on either side was terribly reduced; yet, numerically
+speaking, the advantage lay with the loyalists, who could oppose seven
+thousand men to four thousand on the part of Xuarez. Confident in his
+position, and in the shelter afforded by the sandhills, Don Hypolito
+gathered his four thousand round the base of his batteries, and played
+his guns with deadly effect on the advancing masses of the loyalists
+over the heads of his own men. It was now a hand-to-hand struggle, and
+though the loyalists had the advantage over the rebels in numbers, yet
+as they were unable to bring their guns across the river, the combat
+was more or less equalised. The deadly fire from the sandhills played
+havoc with their ranks, and they were mowed down in hundreds. Having no
+artillery to oppose these guns, and being unable to silence them by the
+battery on the opposite bank, the only hope of thrashing the enemy lay
+in carrying the sandhills by storm. This Benito, with desperate
+courage, now proceeded to do.
+
+As yet, Xuarez had managed to keep the loyalists in front, and
+gathering his lines from the river bank to some distance into the
+plain, desperately resisted the attempts of the attacking force to
+break through and storm the battery. To protect his rear from the river
+side, he sent two hundred cavalry to the back of the sandhills, to
+guard the stream lest any straggling parties of loyalists should cross
+at that point and assail him unexpectedly. He was now entirely on the
+defensive, and, unless he succeeded in putting the loyalists to flight
+with his artillery, saw not how he could hope to win the victory.
+
+How bitterly did he regret the desertion of the Indians, the cause of
+which disaffection he could not understand. With them coming from the
+north, he might have effected a conjunction by crossing the river as he
+had done, and thus captured the battery of Benito. As it was, however,
+his soldiers had been beaten back, the loyalists had crossed the river,
+and now his whole force was concentrated round the sandhills, upon
+which was placed his artillery.
+
+In his despair, Don Hypolito longed for the darkness, in the hope that
+under cover of the night he might be enabled to fall back on Janjalla.
+Long since he would have done this but for the timely information that
+the town was blockaded by the warships of the Junta. It seemed like
+madness to retreat into such a death-trap, and yet if it could hold out
+against the bombardment until he arrived, he would at least have walls
+behind which to fight. He regretted intensely that he had not captured
+Centeotl and thrown himself therein to defend himself against the
+loyalists. Surrounded by stone walls, he could hope to wear out the
+troops of the Republic, and perhaps destroy them in detachments, but as
+it was he had no shelter. His whole front was being assaulted by the
+loyalists, and behind he had but his battery and a possible chance of
+falling back on Janjalla in the night-time.
+
+The whole plain from Centeotl to the point of action was now in the
+hands of the loyalists, and seeing this the Jefe Politico of the city
+threw open the gates and sent forward men with provisions and wine to
+the wearied troops. Three hundred soldiers yet remained within the
+walls, and these also marched out to join the army of the Republic, and
+attack Xuarez in his last position. It was now past seven o'clock, and
+the darkness was rapidly coming on. Don Hypolito hoped that the
+loyalists would withdraw and renew the combat next day. In the
+interval, his men could rest and sustain themselves with food or fall
+back at once on Janjalla.
+
+This respite, however, Benito declined to give. While the light lasted,
+he determined to keep up the fight, and if possible dislodge Xuarez
+from his position before the morning. Deeply did he regret that he had
+no electric lights, by the glare of which to conduct the battle; but as
+it was he took advantage of the clear twilight, and pushed forward his
+men vigorously in attempting to break down the stubborn line of defence
+offered by Don Hypolito.
+
+It is questionable how long this state of things would have lasted, as
+the rebels obstinately fought on, and though Benito hurled column after
+column against them, not one inch would they yield. The artillery also,
+from the heights above, was sweeping down his rearward troops. He sent
+one thousand across the river again, to attempt the rear of the enemy,
+under cover of the fire of fifteen gatlings, but Xuarez turned four
+heavy guns on the passage of the river, and stopped the crossing with
+ease.
+
+"Carrajo!" muttered Benito, shutting up his glass in a rage, "they will
+hold out till it is dark, and then we must stop. During the night they
+will fall back on Janjalla."
+
+"And into the hands of our men!" replied Jack, who was standing beside
+the general. "No, Señor, Don Hypolito knows it is worse than useless to
+retreat from his present position. When the morning dawns, you will
+find him still on those hills."
+
+"Bueno! All the same, Don Juan, I would like to finish him off
+to-night."
+
+"Then send scouts from Centeotl to see if our men are advancing from
+Janjalla."
+
+"It might be that the city is not taken."
+
+"That is true. On the other hand, it might be that the city is."
+
+Coincidences occur in real life as well as in novels and here occurred
+a case in point. Tim, who had been to Centeotl to make inquiries,
+galloped up to Benito at this moment and saluted.
+
+"General," he said rapidly, "messengers have just arrived from
+Janjalla. The city is in the hands of the Junta, and our troops, to the
+number of two thousand, are pushing forward by forced marches."
+
+"Janjalla in our hands?" cried Benito, joyfully. "Then Xuarez has no
+refuge on which to fall back."
+
+The army shouted on hearing this cheering news, and looked upon the
+destruction of the rebels as a foregone conclusion, as indeed it was.
+Xuarez heard the shouting, and, becoming aware of the cause by the
+frequent cries of "Janjalla," ground his teeth with rage, as he saw how
+fortune was against him.
+
+"Señores," he said to his officers, "we are condemned to stay here.
+There is now no hope of falling back on the seaport. We can but face
+the enemy, and fight bravely. I should have heard of this fall before,
+as my scouts are all over the country to Janjalla."
+
+Nevertheless, in spite of this discouraging news, he urged his men to
+fight bravely, hoping that the night would come, and force the
+loyalists to withdraw for some hours. In that time his army could rest
+and eat, while he himself might think of some plan by which to
+circumvent the tactics of General Benito. He was quite ignorant that
+two thousand men were marching from Janjalla to attack him in the rear.
+
+The last glimmer of the sunset had long since died out of the sky, and
+it was now comparatively dark. As yet, the reinforcements from Janjalla
+had not arrived and Benito was almost on the point of ceasing the fight
+till dawn, when the moon arose in the west. Her appearance was welcomed
+by him with joy, for her light was quite brilliant enough to enable the
+assaulting party to continue fighting; and incessantly pressing on the
+wearied troops of Xuarez seemed the only chance of beating him from the
+sandhills and scattering his army. Don Hypolito cursed the moon
+audibly, for he saw that his last chance of escaping in the darkness
+was gone. Nothing remained for him but to fight on doggedly.
+
+Then his scouts arrived, and he learned that in an hour two thousand
+men would attack him in the rear. With a cry of rage, he hurled his
+field-glass down the hill.
+
+"Fortune is against me," he muttered, biting his lip with wrath; "my
+star goes down in blood. Attacked front and rear, I cannot hold out
+much longer."
+
+Yet he was too brave to give in, and, seeing that the town of Centeotl
+was left defenceless, as its garrison had joined Benito, he hoped to
+make a detour, and throw himself with his remaining troops into the
+city. One thousand men he could leave to defend the battery and draw
+off the attention of the loyalists, and with his remaining two thousand
+march silently away to the south, then make a detour for the city. Then
+the reinforcements would come up in vain, for he and his men would have
+slipped away like an eel from between the two armies. He never thought
+of the fate of the thousand men he was leaving behind. But at that
+moment he would have given anything to gain time to reconstruct his
+plans, and would have sacrificed a million lives so that his campaign
+should not end in disaster.
+
+This mad scheme to occupy Centeotl in the teeth of the enemy was
+destined to fail for lack of time. Before he could move a single column
+towards the city, the sound of distant firing was heard, and the
+reinforcements came up in the rear at a quick trot. The whole force of
+Xuarez was disposed along the front of the battery, protecting it from
+the assaults of Benito's army. Undefended in the rear, save for two
+hundred cavalry guarding the river, it offered itself freely to the
+reinforcements for storming. Don Hypolito brought round troops rapidly
+from the front to oppose this new danger. The cavalry dashed recklessly
+between the battery and the advancing infantry from Janjalla. Three
+guns, with depressed muzzles, rained down shot on the masses of
+infantry. It was all in vain. The fresh troops, elated by the fall of
+Janjalla, and the crossing of the river by General Benito, passed clean
+over the thin line of cavalry drawn up to beat them back. A mass of men
+obliterating man and horse, rolled upward towards the hastily formed
+lines of weary soldiers, brought round from the front to protect the
+rear. These succumbed in a few minutes, and the guns no longer being
+able to do damage by reason of the enemy being directly under their
+muzzles, the reinforcements swarmed up the slanting slope of the
+sandhills with cries of victory.
+
+Benito heard those cries, and at once guessed that the troops from
+Janjalla were carrying the battery by storm. Hitherto he had been
+holding five hundred cavalry and two thousand infantry in reserve.
+These were now brought forward and hurled on the soldiers of Xuarez
+massed at the foot of the sandhills. The rebels looked in front, and
+saw this mass threatening to overwhelm them; they looked behind, and
+lo! over the brow of the sandhills poured a black crowd of men over
+whose heads floated the yellow standard of the Republic. The guns were
+silenced, the gunners bayoneted, and the red flag of Xuarez dragged
+from its pole at the top of the hill. Xuarez himself, surrounded by a
+ring of his officers, waved his sword for a moment, and then the wave
+of men passed over him. A cry spread throughout the host of rebels that
+he was lost. The men at the base of the sandhills, seeing the wave of
+men rolling downward, lost heart and broke up into scattered masses. On
+came the army of Benito, and between the two forces the insurgents
+crumpled up like paper.
+
+In all directions they fled like sheep, and were chased for miles by
+the victorious Republicans. Benito, a merciful man, strove to restrain
+the zeal of his soldiers. It was all in vain, they were drunken with
+victory, and sabred and shot the wretched fugitives without mercy. The
+smoke hung heavily over the field of battle, and when it cleared away,
+the victorious troops of the Junta saw the great standard of the
+Republic floating proudly in the place lately occupied by the battery
+of the enemy.
+
+Don Hypolito had disappeared, his army, broken to pieces, was flying in
+all directions. From the triumphant army massed round the sandhills,
+rose a roar of joy which made the earth tremble. The wind which had
+blown away the smoke, shook out the folds of the opal flag, and the
+Cholacacans saluted the invincible banner with cheers.
+
+"Viva el opale! Viva el Republica!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE TRIUMPH OF THE REPUBLIC.
+
+    Mars, god of war,
+    Whom we abhor,
+    Hath doffed his helm,
+    And laid his lance and shield aside.
+    He will no more
+    Lay waste our store,
+    Nor overwhelm
+    Our lands beneath his crimson tide.
+
+    Peace comes anon,
+    Now war hath gone,
+    Her olive bough
+    Of gentleness and quiet she brings
+    Beneath her sway,
+    No deadly fray
+    Can fright us now;
+    From battle plains the harvest springs.
+
+
+Three weeks after that memorable victory at Centeotl, the city of
+Tlatonac was holding high festival in honour of the triumphant Junta.
+Every street was illuminated and decorated with flowers. In the
+principal places, fireworks, so dear to the hearts of the Cholacacans
+were being let off, and the ships lying in the harbour were brilliant
+with lights. The populace in their gayest attire walked singing through
+the streets, visited the pulque shops, and gathered in groups to
+indulge in their national dances. Bands stationed in different squares,
+played the Opal Fandango, The March of Zuloaga, and soldiers, the
+heroes of the hour, were to be seen everywhere, being fêted and
+caressed by the grateful citizens.
+
+Before the Palacio Nacional a dense crowd had collected, and the place
+itself, brilliantly lighted up, was occupied by a gaily dressed throng.
+His Excellency the President was giving a ball in honour of the
+establishment of peace. On one of the balconies Jack and Dolores were
+seated, watching the varied throng below, and talking of past events.
+For the hundredth time Dolores was asking Jack about the battle, and
+all that had taken place thereat.
+
+"I am sure, Dolores, you must be wearied of this more than twice-told
+tale."
+
+"No, Juanito! It is a tale of which I never weary. Come, querido, tell
+me once more. Begin, 'After the battle----'"
+
+"After the battle," repeated Jack, humouring her fancy. "Well, the
+first thing we did after the battle was to search for the body of Don
+Xuarez. He had been last seen on the summit of the sandhill by his
+battery. When the reinforcements took that position by storm, Xuarez
+vanished, and though we searched everywhere for his body, it could not
+be found."
+
+"So then you knew that he had escaped?"
+
+"It was presumed so; but even now we are not certain as to what has
+become of him. However, he had vanished; and giving up the search for
+him, dead or alive, in despair, General Benito left a few hundred men
+to garrison Centeotl, and pushed on at once to Janjalla. In the harbour
+we found the fleet, which had captured the town by bombarding it, and
+Captain Pedraza, under instructions from Benito, took the ships back to
+Tlatonac."
+
+"Ah, I remember how joyful we were when they entered the harbour and
+announced the victory. Everyone in Tlatonac was mad with joy."
+
+"Dios! They are mad enough to-night," said Jack, smiling, as he looked
+down on the crowd; "but under the circumstances, I think it is
+excusable. The fall of Acauhtzin, the last stronghold of the
+Opposidores, is worth being excited about. Did Rafael tell you all
+about it, Dolores?"
+
+"Not so much as he might have done," pouted Dolores, unfurling her fan;
+"but you see, Juan, there is Doña Carmencita----"
+
+"Of course! Poor girl! Fancy her father being killed when the city was
+being bombarded!"
+
+"A great loss, was it not?" sighed Dolores, her eyes filling with
+tears. "Ay di mi. How sad would I feel had I lost my dear uncle."
+
+"It is the fortune of war," said Jack, calmly. "Instead of our troops
+capturing Acauhtzin and killing Tejada, it might have been Xuarez
+storming Tlatonac and shooting Don Miguel. One thing, at least, Doña
+Carmencita has to be grateful for: Rafael rescued her unharmed from the
+burning city, and now she is to be his wife."
+
+"And I am to be yours!"
+
+"Yes; and Eulalia is to be Philip's," finished Jack, promptly. "I
+thought Don Miguel would never give his consent to that marriage."
+
+"Eh, Juanito!" said Dolores, with a mischievous smile, "I think my
+uncle did so to console Don Felipe for losing his chance of being at
+the battle."
+
+"Poor Philip! Only one battle of any consequence, and he missed it by
+being away at Truxillo."
+
+At this moment Dolores was summoned away from her lover by Doña
+Serafina. The old lady was a very severe duenna when not asleep, and as
+Dolores was yet unmarried, did not approve of her being too much in the
+society of her future husband. A little jealousy was mingled with this
+strict regard for etiquette, as Doña Serafina had utterly failed to
+fascinate Peter. All her smiles and insinuating remarks had been quite
+thrown away on the little doctor, who showed no disposition for
+matrimony, and scrupulously ignored the languishing looks of his
+elderly admirer. Finally, Serafina gave up the pursuit of this medical
+male as a bad job, and revenged herself indirectly on the sex by being
+particularly sharp with Eulalia and Dolores, both of whom were rarely
+permitted to be more than a few minutes with their respective lovers.
+These last blamed Peter in no measured terms for thus depriving them of
+the society of their future wives; but the doctor absolutely refused to
+sacrifice himself any longer on the altar of friendship. He announced
+this in a conversation which took place in the patio of Casa Maraquando
+after the ball.
+
+"I would do anything for you I could," he explained plaintively to Jack
+and Philip; "but I really cannot go on paying attention to Doña
+Serafina. She thinks I am in earnest!"
+
+"And so you ought to be, you little monster," said Tim, quickly. "It's
+time you were married."
+
+"Well, then, why don't you set the example?"
+
+"It's easy talking! I have no one to love me."
+
+"Journalism is a jealous mistress," observed Philip, laughing. "Tim is
+devoted to 'Articles from a Special Correspondent.'"
+
+"True for you," replied Tim, complacently; "but my occupation's gone.
+Didn't I send my last article about 'The Fall of Acauhtzin' from
+Janjalla? and isn't the war over?"
+
+"The war is certainly over!" said Jack, lighting a cigarette; "but the
+danger of another war is not yet past."
+
+"What do you mean, Jack?"
+
+"Don Hypolito still lives; and while he lives, the Republic is not
+safe."
+
+"Still lives!" echoed Philip, in surprise. "Why, Jack, I don't see how
+you can make that out. He was not found on the field of battle, nor in
+Janjalla, nor in Acauhtzin. He must be dead!"
+
+"No; Don Hypolito is not the man to die so easily. Where he is, I do
+not know, but I am certain he is yet alive."
+
+There was silence for a few minutes, as each was busy with his own
+thoughts regarding the probable resurrection of Xuarez. After the
+battle of Centeotl, he had vanished utterly from the face of the earth.
+It was thought he had fled to Janjalla, or perchance to Acauhtzin; but
+in neither of those towns could he be discovered. After a bombardment
+of five hours, the latter city had surrendered to the warships. Don
+Josè, the Governor, in the absence of Xuarez, had been killed by the
+bursting of a bomb, and many of his officers had shared the same fate.
+Of Xuarez, however, nothing could be discovered, and Don Miguel was
+much disturbed thereat. With a restless spirit like the rebel leader
+still working in secret, the danger was not yet at an end, and the
+President was determined to spare no effort to bring Xuarez, to
+justice. While the four friends were thinking over this matter, Don
+Rafael, who had been holding a private conversation with his father,
+entered the patio.
+
+That young man was the hero of the bombardment of Acauhtzin. He had
+recovered Doña Carmencita; his father had consented to his speedy
+marriage with that lady, and he was idolised by his fellow-citizens.
+With all this good fortune, he should have been gay and lighthearted;
+but as he entered the patio, he certainly looked anything but happy.
+
+"Dios! What ails you, Rafael?" asked Jack, as his friend threw himself
+into a seat, and sighed heavily. "Anything wrong?"
+
+"Carambo! Everything is wrong. My father refuses his consent to our
+marriages."
+
+"What?" interrupted Philip and Jack, in dismay.
+
+"Till Xuarez is discovered and punished," finished Rafael, dismally.
+
+"Ah!" said Philip, with a breath of relief, "it might have been worse.
+I thought you were about to say Don Miguel had refused his consent
+altogether."
+
+"Dios! I don't know if it does not amount to that," replied Rafael,
+shrugging his shoulders. "How are we to find this ladron of a Xuarez?
+He is not at Acauhtzin. He is not in the south. Where then are we to
+look for him?"
+
+"Can you not find out?----"
+
+"I can find out nothing, mi amigo. For my part, I believe he is dead."
+
+"For my part, Señor Rafael, I believe he is alive," retorted Tim,
+gruffly.
+
+"Eh! And where do you think he is to be found, Señor Correspoñsal?"
+
+"Quien sabe," said Tim, carelessly. "But you know, Señor, that after
+the battle of Centeotl, I rode to Janjalla, to wire my report to
+England?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"While there, I heard two prisoners talking. They, deeming me to be a
+foreigner, and not knowing that I was conversant with Spanish, spoke
+freely."
+
+"Bueno! And they said?----"
+
+"Nothing about Don Hypolito, but talked of Pepe."
+
+"Pepe!" echoed Philip, quickly. "The zambo who decoyed Dolores from
+Tlatonac--the lover of Marina?"
+
+"The same. Pepe, it appears, had followed Xuarez to Janjalla, being,
+as we know, the prince of spies. When _The Cortes_ was taken, and
+Xuarez was thus cut off from getting back to Acauhtzin, Pepe happened
+to be in Janjalla. The troops of Xuarez were wondering, in the case of
+defeat, how they could escape from the hands of our men. Pepe laughed,
+on hearing their doubts, and said he could easily escape to Totatzine."
+
+"To Totatzine?"
+
+"To the sacred city. He said no one could follow him there, and that he
+knew of a secret way in the south, which would take him thither."
+
+"But, Jack, the secret way you came is to the north of Tlatonac," said
+Philip turning towards Duval.
+
+"Very true! But for a long time I have had my suspicions that there is
+a second way to that city, by the cañon road, of which I told you. It
+is by that way, to my mind, that Pepe intended to go."
+
+"Yes, mi amigo!" said Rafael, triumphantly; "but you quite forget. Pepe
+was captured in the south, after the battle of Centeotl, and is now in
+prison at Tlatonac, awaiting punishment."
+
+"Very true! He did not escape to Totatzine, as he intended. But where
+was he captured? At the battle of Centeotl. Now, seeing that Don
+Hypolito has disappeared, it is just possible that Pepe told him of the
+second secret way to the sacred city, and that Xuarez may have escaped
+thence."
+
+"Dios!" exclaimed Rafael, springing to his feet. "Think you, Señor
+Correspoñsal, that this dog is now at Totatzine?"
+
+"I am not sure, but it might be so. Ixtlilxochitli is his friend. There
+he would be safe, and if at the battle of Centeotl Pepe told him of
+this southern way to the city, when he saw that all was lost, he
+probably took advantage of the information."
+
+"Why not find out if this is so, from Pepe?" suggested Jack, when Tim
+ceased speaking.
+
+"He will tell nothing," replied Rafael, in disgust. "This zambo is a
+mule for obstinacy."
+
+"We might try, at all events," said Philip, cheerfully. "Where is Pepe,
+mi amigo?"
+
+"In the prison of the Palacio Nacional. If you think, Señores, there is
+any chance of getting information from the zambo, let us seek him now."
+
+"Why to-night?" said Peter, looking at his watch, "or rather this
+morning. It is two o'clock. You are all weary with the ball. Better
+wait till to-morrow."
+
+"No!" exclaimed Rafael, throwing his heavy cloak over his shoulder. "We
+will go now. My father absolutely refuses to let any of us marry until
+we discover Xuarez. I want to know where he is to be found at once,
+otherwise I shall get no rest. As for you, señor----"
+
+"I will come, by all means," said Philip, putting on his sombrero. "It
+is also to my interest to find Xuarez, else I may not marry your
+sister, Rafael."
+
+"We will all go!" said Jack, rising to his feet. "Tim, you may get some
+copy, and make an article of it--'The Confessions of a Spy.' Peter, you
+can go to bed, as this matter does not interest you in the least."
+
+"Oh, doesn't it?" said Peter, indignantly. "I am as anxious as you are
+to see you married, Jack. But with your permission, I shall go to bed,
+because I do not think you'll get any information out of Pepe."
+
+"We'll try, at all events," observed Philip, emphatically. "I want to
+marry Eulalia."
+
+"And I," said Juan, following his friends to the door, "want to do
+three things, none of which I can accomplish unless Pepe tells us of
+the secret way."
+
+"And the three things, Jack?" asked Tim, curiously.
+
+"First, I want to marry Dolores. Second, I desire to save the life of
+Cocom, who is a prisoner at Totatzine; and, third, I am anxious to
+obtain possession again of the harlequin opal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE CAÑON ROAD.
+
+    This is a tropical forest,
+    Where myriad leaves forming a roof overhead, keep out the
+        effulgence of sunlight,
+    So that beneath is the region of shadows and dimness;
+    Yet in this spectral twilight rise cities, magnificent,
+        lonely;
+    Built in the far-distant days of giants--great architects
+        they!
+    Sky-piercing pyramids, plinth, and column, and capital.
+    Line upon line of pillars, that loom in the darkness eternal,
+    Staircases huge, vast halls, and temples majestical;
+    Now no longer receiving the throngs of worshippers holy,
+    Only the bat flits through the ruins; ravenous beasts now
+        wander
+    Through street, and square, and palaces gorgeous.
+    Who built all these splendours? We know not who built them.
+    Yet do they loom in the twilight region of shadows,
+    Encircled by tropical forests.
+
+
+As a rule, Dr. Grench was an early riser, and denied himself the
+luxurious idleness of morning slumbers, but on this special occasion he
+did not wake at his usual hour. The dancing of the previous night had
+proved too much for the virtuous Peter, who always went to bed early,
+consequently he was very tired, and by no means pleased at being
+awakened unexpectedly by Jack. Peter was in the middle of a delightful
+dream, in which he was hunting unusually large beetles. After a time,
+however, the beetles began to hunt Peter, and one, having caught him,
+was shaking him severely. The shaking woke him up, and the beetle
+changed to Jack, who was trying to pull Peter out of bed.
+
+"What's matter?" grumbled Peter vaguely, struggling into a sitting
+position. "I don't want to get up."
+
+"You must," said Jack, serenely, "or we shall start without you."
+
+"Start? what? where? when? Beetle-hunting?"
+
+"Peter, you are not awake! What do you mean by such delirious talk? Put
+on your clothes, and come down to breakfast. We're all waiting."
+
+Jack vanished, and Peter, wondering what was the matter, got out of bed
+with manifest reluctance. A cold bath drove the fumes of sleep from his
+head, and dressing rapidly, he repaired to the dining-room, where he
+found his friends and Rafael making a hasty meal. Peter stared, and
+began to ask questions.
+
+"Now what is----?"
+
+"Oh, here's Peter," said Philip, looking up with a smile. "Come on,
+sluggard, and have something to eat. We are going to Cuavaca by train."
+
+"Train!" repeated the doctor, taking his seat. "What train?"
+
+"Jack's train, you idiot," said Tim, giving Peter a dig in the ribs.
+"Your wits are wandering!"
+
+"I think yours must be," retorted Peter, addressing the company
+collectively. "What is the meaning of this early rising?"
+
+"We are going to Cuavaca."
+
+"Never heard of it."
+
+"Then you hear of it now," said Jack, crossly; "how stupid you are,
+Peter. I will explain: we saw Pepe, the zambo, last night, and on
+condition that his life is spared, he has promised to guide us to the
+city of Totatzine by this second secret way."
+
+"Oh! and Cuavaca?"
+
+"Cuavaca is a town thirty miles inland. The railway line is laid down
+to that place, and twenty miles beyond. We are taking a thousand troops
+to Cuavaca, and intend to leave them there, while Pepe shows us the
+cañon road. Then we will lead them by that way to Totatzine, save
+Cocom, take Xuarez prisoner, and secure the opal."
+
+"But," said Peter, argumentatively, "is the end of your railway near
+this hidden city? or does a trackless forest lie between the terminus
+and the cañon road?"
+
+Jack made a diagram on the tablecloth with knives and plates.
+
+"Look, Peter! This is Tlatonac. This Cuavaca. We go to the latter place
+by rail. From Cuavaca the railway is constructed another twenty miles,
+and stops in the middle of a vast forest. Here, according to Pepe, is
+Totatzine, sunken out of sight in its hollow valley. Between the end of
+the railway and Totatzine is a distance of twenty miles, more or
+less----"
+
+"Of tangled forest and brushwood!"
+
+"Nothing of the sort. Don't I tell you Pepe has promised to show us the
+secret way--the other secret way? The entrance is from a ruined city,
+about a mile to the right of the railway works. We find out that city,
+take our men from Cuavaca to it, and thence march up the cañon road to
+Totatzine."
+
+"Dios! Don Juan!" exclaimed Rafael, who had been looking at Jack's
+table-map. "It seems to me that if the railway goes on it will pass by
+and reveal this hidden city."
+
+"Not it. Had there been a chance of its doing so, we would have had
+trouble with the Indians pulling up the rails. No, mi amigo. The line
+is surveyed a long distance further on. If it turned to the right, it
+might certainly hit Totatzine; but, as you see, it trends to the left,
+and if used for a century could never reveal the existence of the
+sacred city. Ixtlilxochitli saw that, and did not mind the railway
+passing, so to speak, by his door. The city is too well hidden by its
+encircling mountains and by the windings of the cañon to be discovered
+without special exploration."
+
+"But it seems to me awfully stupid that the priests should take so much
+trouble over the one secret way and never bother about the other."
+
+This observation of Philip's seemed to strike Jack, and he reflected a
+few moments before he replied.
+
+"What you say is very true, Philip," he replied slowly; "the secret way
+leading to the sea is very complicated, and even then the priests
+always blindfold pilgrims on the platform. This other road, leading
+from the ruined city, must be blocked up by rubbish, and what not.
+There is a wall across the entrance to the cañon, but it is pierced by
+a gate always open. No one comes by the narrow track, so I expect the
+entrance to that road has been choked up, and the way fallen into
+disuse."
+
+"Then how did Pepe find it out?"
+
+"Lord knows! But the secret must be his alone else the priests would
+have destroyed the cañon path leading to the pierced wall, and so cut
+off communication entirely from that side of the town."
+
+"I hope Pepe is not leading us into an ambush," said Peter, anxiously,
+as they arose to go.
+
+"If he does, it will cost him his life," replied Philip, grimly. "Pepe,
+my dear doctor, marches before us with a pistol at his head. The first
+signs of treachery, and he falls dead. I don't think he'll risk that
+catastrophe."
+
+By this time Peter had concluded his breakfast, and they all set out to
+the Puerta de la Culebra, near which, beyond the walls, was the railway
+station. On the previous night Pepe, under promise of his life being
+spared, had admitted that Don Hypolito had fled northward overland to
+Totatzine, gaining the city by the inland secret way. This road Pepe
+promised to reveal on condition that the President spared his life.
+Next morning, Rafael told his father of the offer, and, as Don Miguel
+was anxious to capture Xuarez, he readily assented to the proposition
+of the zambo.
+
+Of course the six thousand Indians, who had been disbanded by the
+influence of the opal, were not in the sacred city. Their villages were
+far to the north, near Acauhtzin, and as they only came south to the
+festivals of the opal, by the secret way of the sea, it was unlikely
+that the troops led by Rafael and Jack would encounter any resistance.
+The forests where the railway ended, and where, according to Pepe, the
+cañon road began, were singularly devoid of population. This might have
+been caused by the jealousy of the priests, lest some wandering Indians
+should find the entrance to the cañon road from the ruined city. If so,
+this jealous suspicion caused their ruin; for, had the district been
+infested with Indians, they, seeing an unusual concourse of soldiers at
+Cuavaca, would at once have warned the priests of the intended invasion
+of Totatzine. Then the cañon road could have been easily defended
+against the troops from Tlatonac by a small body of defenders, and the
+disaster averted. As it was, however, the inhabitants of the sacred
+city were entirely ignorant of their danger until the foe was under
+their walls.
+
+The railway line was completed as far as Cuavaca, a little inland
+village which promised to shortly develop into a city, owing to its
+being the future starting place, whence lines were to run north and
+south throughout the whole length of Cholacaca. From the capital to
+this terminus extended a vast plain for over thirty miles, so that
+there was no difficulty in laying the line, and it had been speedily
+completed under the vigorous superintendence of Jack. There were no
+engineering difficulties to be overcome, and the railway ran easily in
+a straight line over the plains to the foot of the volcano Xicotencatl,
+where Cuavaca was situated. From this point began a rugged and
+mountainous country, which extended northward as far as Acauhtzin.
+Twenty miles of railway had been constructed with great difficulty, as,
+owing to the configuration of the country, the line was singularly
+curving and irregular. Bridges had to be built across cañons, tunnels
+had to be pierced through solid rock, and embankments, faced with stone
+walls, constructed where the ground fell away rapidly to moderately
+sized plains. The district was situated in the tierra templada, about
+ten thousand feet above sea level; but, the grade constantly ascending
+as the iron road went northward, it was calculated by Jack that the
+last portion of the way would run some short distance below the snow
+line of the tierra friá.
+
+This expedition to capture Totatzine was not without its dangers. It
+was the season of festival and the sacred city would doubtless be
+filled with fanatical worshippers, who would fiercely resist the
+attempted seizure of their shrines. A thousand well-armed infantry were
+sent to Cuavaca by Don Miguel, and, leaving these quartered in the
+village, Jack, with his three friends and Rafael, guided by Pepe, went
+forward to search for the secret entrance. When this was found, they
+intended to return and take the troops by railway twenty miles, and
+thence lead them by the secret entrance up the cañon road. When this
+was done, a reinforcement of another thousand soldiers was to arrive at
+Cuavaca, and await instructions there, lest the first should fail to
+capture the city. The engines running on the line from Cuavaca were
+singularly powerful machines, strongly built, so as to ascend the
+gradient to the northward, and there were plenty of trucks in which
+troops could be taken to the end of the railway. Jack also had a few
+carriages shifted from the Cuavaca line to that running northward, so
+that the whole body of soldiers now stationed at the little town could
+be conveyed to the hoped-for entrance of the cañon road in a remarkably
+short space of time.
+
+By noon all the troops were quartered at Cuavaca, and then Jack started
+by the northern line for the cañon road. He only took an engine with
+one carriage, so as to travel as rapidly as possible. At first he
+wanted to go forward himself with Pepe, but Philip would in no way
+consent to his doing this.
+
+"You can't trust that zambo, Jack," he said, decisively; "he might take
+advantage of your being alone, and knock you on the head."
+
+"Scarcely, when I am armed and he is not. If only we two go, we can
+travel on the engine. If you all come, I must fix on a carriage."
+
+"Well, that won't make much difference," retorted Philip, quickly. "We
+are all keen on the business, and want to see how matters turn out.
+Tim, Peter, Rafael, and myself are all coming with you, Jack; so hitch
+on a carriage to your engine right away."
+
+This was accordingly done without further objection on the part of
+Duval, and they left Cuavaca about one o'clock, travelling rapidly so
+as to reach the terminus with as little delay as possible. According to
+Pepe, it would take some hours for them to discover the ruined city,
+and they did not expect to return before six o'clock. Then it would
+have to be decided whether they would take the troops on to the ruined
+city at once, or wait till the next day.
+
+Cuavaca was situate at the base of the great volcano Xicotencatl, which
+reared its white peak high above the surrounding mountains. North and
+south stretched ranges from the central point with summits more or less
+covered with snow, and from Cuavaca began dense forests which clothed
+the slopes of these mighty hills. Leaving the village by the side
+towards the north, the engine with its solitary carriage ran through a
+moderately long tunnel piercing a high range of hills, which shot
+outward at right angles from the principal mountains. From thence it
+emerged on to a deep valley, and skirted the side of the hills in a
+winding track cut out of the solid rock. Jack was on board the engine
+with the driver, personally superintending the journey, and his three
+friends with Rafael were admiring the view from the windows of the
+carriage. Pepe, guarded by two soldiers, was seated at the end of the
+carriage, and looked anything but cheerful under such surveillance.
+
+The scenery was truly wonderful. Sliding along the side of the
+mountains, those in the carriage looking out, saw not the line on which
+they were running, but looked down eight or nine hundred feet into the
+depths below. Sometimes the line was built of solid masonry clamped
+with iron, and it was anything but pleasant to think how the train was
+clinging like a fly to the perpendicular sides of the giant hills.
+Below swirled rapid torrents raging over black rocks, or flowing in
+broad streams between flat mud-banks. The engine would proceed along a
+level for some distance, then pant slowly up an ascending gradient;
+suddenly turning a sharp curve, she would shoot breathlessly down a
+decline on to a long narrow bridge thrown across a wide expanse of
+river bed intersected by thin streams, which at time of rain joined
+their forces into one vast flood. Owing to the infinite windings of the
+line, it was built on the narrow gauge system, so as to permit the
+quick turning of curves, and when the engine, leaning to one side, shot
+round these turnings, the sensation was anything but pleasant.
+
+"It's a most wonderful line, so far as engineering goes," said Philip,
+drawing back from the window with a sudden qualm, as the carriage
+rocked dangerously; "but it is devilishly unpleasant. If we went over!"
+
+"There wouldn't be much of us left," said Tim grimly. "Begad, Philip,
+I've been in a mighty lot of railway trains, but this line of Jack's
+beats Banagher, and Banagher beats the devil."
+
+"Santissima!" said Rafael, uneasily, "I trust, Señores this devil of an
+engine will not fall over the cliff."
+
+"I'd never travel on this line for pleasure," cried Peter, who was
+seated on the opposite side to the precipice for safety; "nor do I
+think it will be much patronised by people when opened."
+
+"The sea for me," remarked Philip, thankfully; "anything but being
+boxed up in this place, with a chance of falling five or six thousand
+feet without hope of getting out of the carriage."
+
+In truth the journey was singularly unpleasant in many places. Jack had
+constructed his line thoroughly well; but there was no denying that the
+sudden turns, the unexpected descents, the narrow bridges, and the
+frequent tunnels, were enough to shake the nerves of the strongest man.
+On all sides arose the snow-clad peaks, far below ran rivers, spread
+forests, gaped cañons and between heaven and earth crawled the train,
+holding on to the sides of mountains. The colours and lights sweeping
+over the scenery were exquisite, the landscape below, above, was grand
+and impressive, but the four men in the carriage felt somewhat nervous
+at this tremendous journey. In ordinary cases, they were brave enough,
+and prepared for any emergency; but boxed up in this carriage they felt
+helpless should an accident occur. As to Jack, he was used to such
+travelling, and looked at his work with great pride.
+
+At length the engine shot from a deep and narrow cutting into the
+depths of a broad-spreading forest, clothing a deep valley. Through its
+centre ran a torrent, and the line skirted this to the left, through
+dense woodland, towards the high peaks of a mountain in the far
+distance. Midway in this valley the engine slowed down, and ultimately
+stopped. Philip, looking out of the window, saw a wide clearing, with
+upturned soil, fallen trees, and here and there huts erected. It was
+the terminus of the railway; and, thankful to have arrived in safety,
+they all jumped out on to the sward with alacrity.
+
+Beyond this clearing appeared a track cut through the forest, trending
+in the direction of the distant peaks, but the line stopped at the
+beginning of this avenue. Scattered rails, piles of sleepers, the
+abrupt termination of the line, showed that it went no further. Between
+this point and the unknown city of Totatzine intervened a distance of
+twenty miles. The little party, with their guns and revolvers all in
+order, stood looking around them at the unfinished line. Pepe, guarded
+by the two soldiers, was sullen and watchful.
+
+"And where is Totatzine?" said Rafael, staring round this wilderness of
+trees.
+
+Pepe pointed to the north-east, beyond the peaks.
+
+"It is there, Señor. In the hollow of the hills."
+
+"And the buried city?"
+
+"Bueno! I will show it to you, Señores."
+
+"One moment, Pepe," said Jack, staying the zambo, as he turned off to
+the left, "how can you tell the way to this city from here?"
+
+"Dios! Señor Americano, I escaped from Totatzine to this place four
+months ago. I was sent by Don Hypolito before the war to the priest
+Ixtlilxochitli, and he detained me in the city. I could not find the
+secret way to the sea, and one night went out through the wall on to
+the cañon road. It led me many miles along the side of the cliffs, then
+down a staircase into a forest; at length, Señores, it took me through
+a tunnel. I had to climb over some rubbish of stones and earth up
+another staircase, and found myself in a large city of ruins. Leaving
+that, I pushed through the forest to the left, and came upon this
+clearing, where I found the men of the Señor Americano at work. They
+took me to Tlatonac, and there I remained till I went to Acauhtzin with
+Marina, as the Señor knows."
+
+"Did you tell my men of your discovery of this way?" asked Jack,
+abruptly.
+
+"No, Señor Americano. I feared the vengeance of the priests."
+
+"Was the railway at this point four months ago, Jack?" asked Philip,
+looking round at the clearing.
+
+"Yes. There was a possibility of war, and I was just going to England
+to get you to come here. The works were left in the condition you now
+see them. If this zambo escaped, as he says, he could easily have
+reached Tlatonac from this point."
+
+"Bueno!" said Rafael, in a satisfied tone, "thus far his story is true.
+Let us go forward, amigos."
+
+Jack made a sign to Pepe, who at once proceeded to walk towards the
+woods on the left, guarded by the two soldiers. His escort was well
+armed, so the zambo did not try to escape, knowing that before he could
+run a few yards he would have a bullet in his skull. The rest of the
+party followed, keeping their revolvers handy, in case of a possible
+surprise from Indians. They saw none, however, as the forest was
+completely deserted by all humanity. Pepe pushed forward through the
+brushwood, and they followed. In case they should lose their way, they
+blazed the trees with the hatchets with which they had taken care to
+provide themselves. Jack was resolved not to trust the zambo too far.
+
+For about a mile they proceeded through a comparatively well-defined
+track in a north-western direction, then suddenly turned so as to face
+the distant peaks some fifteen miles away. This new path gradually
+broadened out into a wide avenue, and at the end of three miles,
+buildings, and ruins of walls began to make their appearance in a
+scattered fashion. At length, at the conclusion of another mile, they
+entered a paved road, adorned on either side by statues of Aztec
+deities, similar to those on the platform facing the sea.
+
+"I cannot believe that this city is unknown," said Jack to Philip, as
+they marched on abreast behind Pepe and his guards.
+
+"Why not? No one would suspect its existence from the railway
+clearing."
+
+"No, that is true! But occasionally there must be some tribes of
+Indians about here, and they would be sure to hit upon it. Between the
+clearing and the beginning of this broad road it is but four miles, and
+the tracks seemed pretty well defined--clear enough at all events, to
+guide anyone hither. Once in this avenue, and it is easy to strike the
+city--as now."
+
+They had emerged suddenly into a vast space, built over with mansions,
+palaces, temples, and mighty walls. A pyramid of earth, surmounted by a
+ruined teocalli, was placed in the centre of the city and the wide
+streets shot off from this omphalos in a similar way to those of
+Totatzine. In fact, on exploring the city thoroughly, Jack came to the
+conclusion that those who had built Totatzine had also constructed this
+place. The plan was precisely the same, and, judging from the massive
+buildings, the carven façades of the walls, the broad terraces, and the
+enormous flights of steps, it must have been a populous place of some
+importance.
+
+"Judging from what we see, I think it must be a royal city," said
+Philip, looking awestruck at these colossal works of the dead. "Here,
+perchance, the king had his seat, and the secret way was constructed
+from this place to the sacred city of Totatzine, where the god
+Huitzilopochtli had his shrine."
+
+"At all events, I have no doubt that this city is well known to the
+Indians of the present day," replied Jack, decisively; "though
+doubtless the entrance to the cañon road, choked up by rubbish, has
+escaped their notice. Did they know of its existence, Ixtlilxochitli
+would have closed up the narrow track leading round the precipice into
+the interior wall."
+
+It was now between four and five o'clock, so they had not much time to
+lose if they desired to find the entrance before sunset. The engine, in
+charge of the driver, had been left in the clearing, Jack judging it
+would be quite safe there, as no Indians seemed to be in the vicinity.
+They had brought provisions with them, and if it was necessary, could
+camp out in the clearing till dawn, when they could go back to Cuavaca
+to bring the troops.
+
+Pepe marched forward into the central square, and then led them towards
+the extreme end of the city. Here a surprise awaited them, for they
+found that the town was built against a vast cliff, some eighty or
+ninety feet in height. A lengthy temple, reached by a flight of steps,
+was cut out of the solid rock, with ranges of pillars massive in the
+design and architecture.
+
+"Wonderful!" cried Philip, in amazement, as he surveyed the Cyclopean
+ruins; "these temples are like those of Petra. What great men must they
+have been who built such shrines! A great civilisation once flourished
+here, Jack."
+
+"Without doubt," said Tim, who was much impressed by these grand
+remains; "these Toltecs, or whatever you call them, were greater than
+the Aztecs. Cortes, to my mind, found a vastly inferior civilisation
+than had been when these cities were built."
+
+"Carajo, Señor Correspoñsal!" cried Rafael, overhearing his remarks;
+"we have nothing like this in Tlatonac."
+
+"Nor are likely to have," said Peter, dryly; "the Toltecs were greater
+builders than the Spaniards."
+
+Guided by Pepe, they entered into this rock-hewn temple, and found
+themselves in a vast hall. At the back of the shrine, now unoccupied by
+any idol, appeared a ruined archway choked up with rubbish. The
+explorers had taken the precaution of bringing torches with them,
+knowing there was a tunnel to be gone through. From this entrance, as
+Pepe informed them, it was fifteen miles to the hidden city of
+Totatzine. Lighting the torches, they climbed over the rubbish and
+fallen stones heaped in front of the archway, and began to ascend an
+immense staircase. Jack and Philip went first of all, followed by Pepe
+and his guards, after whom came the three remaining members of the
+party.
+
+Up this staircase they ascended, and, at length emerging into the light
+of day, found themselves on a vast plateau, thickly covered with
+forests. A well-paved road, still gently ascending, stretched through
+these woods into the infinite distance. It was overgrown with brushwood
+and giant trees; still they found no difficulty in getting along, owing
+to the admirable way in which the stone blocks had been laid. This road
+ran for five miles, and then suddenly disappeared down a shallow flight
+of steps, under a low archway. Here Pepe stopped, and pointed downward.
+
+"These steps, Señor Americano," he said, addressing Jack, "lead down
+for a quarter of a mile, then along a tunnel for three-quarters of a
+mile. It brings you out on to the bed of the torrent flowing through
+the cañon. The narrow path leads from its mouth for nine miles to the
+pierced wall. When there, you are just below the walls of Totatzine."
+
+Jack and his friends held a consultation as to the wisdom of proceeding
+further that night. The darkness was coming on, and it would be as well
+to get back to the clearing before the night. There they could camp
+out, and return to Cuavaca for the troops at dawn.
+
+"For my part," said Philip, quietly, "I do not think we need explore
+further on our own account. Pepe has spoken truly up to the present,
+and without doubt this tunnel leads to the torrent of the cañon and the
+narrow path, as he describes. Let us return to the clearing, go back to
+Cuavaca, and bring on the troops. They can camp in the ruined city
+to-morrow night, and next morning can march to Totatzine."
+
+The rest of the party agreed to this plan, and, leaving the shallow
+tunnel at the foot of the protecting range of the Totatzine mountains,
+they returned to the camp. Now that he had shown them the way, Pepe
+wanted to be set free; but this the whole party unanimously refused to
+do.
+
+"No, no, my friend," said Rafael, making himself the mouthpiece of the
+others, "you may warn the Indians we are coming. Till Totatzine be
+taken by our troops, you are a prisoner."
+
+Pepe was forced to abide by this decision, and composed himself to
+sleep in the clearing, watched vigilantly by his guards, who, knowing
+that his escape might bring the savages on them, kept a keen eye on his
+slumbers.
+
+"To-morrow," said Jack, as they turned in, "we will return to Cuavaca
+for the troops, and before nightfall they shall camp in the ruined
+city."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE DESTINY OF THE OPAL.
+
+    The spirit of fire,
+    The sylph of the air,
+    The gnome of the earth,
+    The dangerous wave-dwelling fay;
+    All madly desire,
+    The opal-stone rare,
+    Which at its birth,
+    They gifted with rainbow hues gay.
+
+    Earth-gnome caressed it,
+    Sylph did enfold it,
+    Wave-nymph doth chain it,
+    In spite of the flame spirit's desire;
+    Two have possessed it,
+    Now doth one hold it,
+    Yet will he gain it,
+    The terrible spirit of fire.
+
+
+There were many Indians in Cuavaca, and had these entertained any
+suspicion that there was a second secret way to the sacred city by the
+cañon road, they would have at once warned Ixtlilxochitli of the
+impending danger to the Chalchuih Tlatonac. As it was, however, they
+could not conceive the reason of the troops leaving Cuavaca for the
+interior of the country. From their wanderings in that district, they
+knew perfectly well that the line stopped suddenly in the midst of a
+dense forest, and there appeared to be no reason that soldiers should
+be sent thither. The generally received opinion among them was, that as
+the Indians of the north had been on the war-trail, these soldiers were
+sent up by the Government to punish such rebellion. With this idea, the
+peons of Cuavaca took no heed of the expedition, knowing that it would
+be impossible for civilised troops to discover their brethren in the
+vast forests among the rugged mountains.
+
+Thus, when next day at noon the explorers returned to lead the soldiers
+to the buried city, none of the Indians suspected the truth. Indeed,
+the troops themselves were in absolute ignorance as to their
+destination, as Rafael, thinking the Indians of Cuavaca might learn too
+much, ordered the soldiers to blindly obey his orders, and not question
+as to where they were going. Thus he hoped to camp a thousand men that
+night within the streets of the ruined city, and surprise Totatzine by
+dawn, when the priests and the populace would be engaged in worshipping
+the opal. The wall towards the cañon would be quite undefended, as
+never within the memory of the priests had anyone come into this city
+from that direction. Ixtlilxochitli thought that the way was quite
+blocked up, and never for a moment deemed that his bitterest foes would
+capture the city from the cañon road.
+
+All that day the trains went back and forward between Cuavaca and the
+clearing, taking troops into the interior of the country. So soon as
+they arrived at the railway terminus, they were marched off through the
+woods to the buried city, and there ordered to camp for the night, or
+at least till such time as their leaders chose to guide them forward.
+By sunset a thousand well-armed, well-disciplined troops were bestowed
+in the ruined city of the Toltecs, within fifteen miles of the opal
+shrine, and yet not a soul, save the leaders, knew that this was the
+case.
+
+The troops having been brought thus far, Rafael, as leader of the
+expedition, held a council of war as to the advisability of remaining
+there for the night, or pushing on to the narrow path of the cañon so
+as to surprise the inhabitants of Totatzine by dawn. Jack and Tim were
+strongly in favour of marching at once, and as Philip afterwards came
+round to this opinion, Rafael almost made up his mind to move forward
+without delay.
+
+"From here to the cañon torrent it is mostly tunnels," urged Jack,
+persuasively; "so whether we go by day or night it does not matter, as
+we must carry torches. We can easily march along that road on the
+plateau between the two tunnels, and when we enter the last one, can
+arrive at the bed of the torrent about midnight. Let us camp there with
+as many men as possible, and then march along the narrow path at the
+first glimpse of daylight. Thus we will be able to assemble on the
+platform under the pierced wall while the populace and priests are in
+the great square of the teocalli. They will be unprepared, and we can
+capture the city without almost a blow."
+
+"But they will be equally unprepared during the day," said Rafael, with
+some hesitation, "so why not wait here till dawn?"
+
+"They will not be unprepared during the day," replied Jack, decisively,
+"that pierced wall has people on it occasionally. Sometimes they come
+out on to the platform overlooking the torrent. If these saw our
+soldiers coming two abreast along the narrow path they would give the
+alarm, and the defenders of the city could kill our advance guard and
+block up the road. Now, if we can get five or six hundred on to the
+platform by sunrise, they can keep the populace at bay until the rest
+of our men arrive, then the city will be easily taken."
+
+"Only two men can walk abreast on the path?" asked Philip, dubiously.
+
+"As a matter of fact, three can walk abreast, but it is safer with two.
+The path is cut out of the side of the cañon, and is very dangerous. It
+must be attempted by daylight. Nine miles of narrow path in the dark
+would end in our losing our men. Besides, who knows but what that
+infernal Ixtlilxochitli, to make things quite safe, may not have
+destroyed portions of the path?"
+
+"If he's done that, there won't be much chance of our taking the city,"
+said Tim, in disgust.
+
+"True, Señor Correspoñsal," replied Rafael, gravely; "all things
+considering, I think it will be best to take Don Juan's advice, and
+march two or three hundred men to the torrent camping-ground to-night."
+
+This plan being adopted, the council broke up at once. It was decided
+that Jack and Rafael should push on with three hundred men guided by
+Pepe. These were to camp at the entrance of the tunnel where it led to
+the narrow path by the torrent. At dawn the remaining seven hundred
+men, under the leadership of Philip, Tim, and Captain Martez, should
+follow, and by the time they arrived at the torrent camping-ground, the
+advance troop would have reached the platform under the pierced wall,
+which they could hold till the reinforcements arrived. As a matter of
+fact, Jack and Rafael hoped to have the full strength of their men on
+the platform and in the city before the inhabitants took the alarm;
+but, in any event, three hundred could hold the narrow path entrance to
+the platform while the rear came up steadily. Having settled these
+important details, they all made a hearty meal, and, after bidding
+their friends an affectionate farewell, Jack and Rafael, with their
+little band, pushed forward.
+
+The men now knew that their destination was Totatzine, and so many
+rumours were current in Cholacaca over the amount of treasure concealed
+in this sacred city that they were madly desirous of getting to the
+town. Without hesitation they followed Don Rafael and the Englishman up
+the grand staircase, from the entrance whence all rubbish had been
+cleared away. On arriving at the top, they saw the broad paved road
+stretching straight before them in the semi-darkness, and still keeping
+their torches lighted to guide them on their way, marched steadily
+along the five miles until they arrived at the foot of the great peaks.
+Here was the shallow tunnel, also choked up by rubbish. This was
+speedily cleared away by a hundred willing hands, and then the leaders
+making Pepe go down into the darkness between his guards, followed with
+their men. The zambo made no attempt to escape, as now seeing the power
+of the Junta, and knowing that his life was safe, he had quite gone
+over to the side of Don Hypolito's enemies.
+
+The staircase led downward into the bowels of the earth for over a
+quarter of a mile, then suddenly admitted them into a vast gallery
+through which the air blew keenly. Jack was unable to restrain his
+admiration at the mechanical skill which the Toltecs--if they had been
+the engineers--displayed in thus piercing these vast tunnels through
+the solid rock. The red glare of the torches showed them that the sides
+were cased in brick painted with images of the gods, and the path under
+their feet was smoothly paved with stonework, worn by the feet of
+countless generations. To accomplish such marvels, these long-dead
+nations must have possessed wonderful engineering capabilities, and
+employed thousands and thousands of slaves. The latter might have been
+taken in war, and forced to labour at these colossal works, but where
+the Toltecs learned engineering was more than Jack could discover.
+
+The tunnel was only a mile long, and in a short space of time they
+emerged on to a vast natural platform at the very bottom of the cañon.
+To the left, looking from the tunnel, the great gap ended at the
+distance of a quarter of a mile, and through the opening they could see
+the flat extent of plains, and the distant pinnacles of mountains. On
+the right the cañon turned suddenly to one side, and they saw
+themselves shut in, so to speak, by vast rocky walls towering up to the
+height of some thousands of feet. The torrent gushed and raged a little
+distance below the natural terrace, and on one side of it arose a
+narrow flight of steps leading to the path which ended at the sacred
+city itself.
+
+So difficult had been the way that it was now nearly midnight, so the
+wearied troops camped on the terrace, and made a meal as best they
+could. There was but little chance of their presence being discovered
+by any human being in that desolate cañon, but Rafael, judging it best
+to be on the safe side, forbade them to light fires. Fortunately the
+night was warm, every man possessed a zarape, and they slept in
+comparative comfort.
+
+It was a critical period, as discovery by any wandering Indian meant
+death to the whole band in that narrow gulch; but, to Rafael's relief,
+the dawn broke showing not a human being to be in sight. They saw the
+narrow path winding like a thread along the rocks in the distance, and
+it looked a dangerous way to go. It was, however, the only way to the
+city, and once they arrived under the pierced wall, they could keep the
+path open for their reinforcements to follow.
+
+Jack made the men eat a hearty meal before starting, and would liked to
+have made them drink hot coffee, but that there was a risk in lighting
+fires. At the first faint light of morning, which was about six
+o'clock, the men having finished their meal, looked to their rifles and
+ammunition, flung their zarapes round their shoulders, and prepared to
+ascend the narrow staircase.
+
+Still keeping Pepe before all as guide, lest he should send them
+forward into some unknown danger, the two young men mounted to the
+path, and in the space of an hour the whole company were winding along
+two abreast. Below they looked down thousands of feet, above the cliffs
+arose stern and precipitous, but the path, though narrow, was well-made
+and safe, so, two by two, they marched forward in silence.
+
+"In a couple of hours the rest of the troops will reach the torrent,"
+said Jack to Rafael, as they walked along; "and by the time we gain the
+pierced wall, they will not be far behind."
+
+"Once we are on the platform you speak of, I do not care, Juan,"
+replied Rafael, grimly; "but I hope by all the saints the Indians will
+not see us before we can get off this path. They could cut us off with
+the greatest of ease."
+
+"Never fear," said Duval, casting an anxious look at the sky, still
+cold and grey; "at sunrise they will all be in the great square
+worshipping the opal. Totatzine, you know, Rafael, is a sacred city,
+and it is death for any inhabitant to remain away from the morning
+sacrifice. That is how the priests keep their hold on the people."
+
+"But the women?"
+
+"They will be present also."
+
+"It must be a large plaza," said Rafael, disbelievingly.
+
+"Very large. Much larger than the Plaza de los Hombres Ilustres at
+Tlatonac."
+
+"Dios! What clever people those Toltecs must have been."
+
+As they proceeded, the cañon wound to right and left, shutting itself
+in at every curve with its own walls, so that they never saw more than
+a short distance before them. Jack feared lest the path should suddenly
+come to an end behind one of the curves; but as Pepe, who knew the way,
+marched boldly on, this did not seem possible. The grey sky began to
+flash crimson, and the stars to the eastward died out in the rosy hues
+of dawn. They could see the torrent far below like a white thread, and
+hear its voice, hoarse and incessant, rising upward. The serrated
+summits of the cañon rocks loomed black against the changing sky.
+
+On, on, and on. The road never seemed to come to an end, but stretched
+ever before them narrow and perilous-looking, a hanging-way between
+heaven and earth.
+
+"I hope to the Lord none of the men will grow dizzy, and fall over,"
+said Jack, anxiously; "the path is so narrow, the depth so terrible."
+
+"No fear of that, mi amigo," replied Rafael, cheerfully; "they are all
+too determined to get gold and silver in Totatzine to lose the chance
+of not arriving there. Believe me, Juan, they are as anxious as we are
+to get to the end of this infernal path. By the way, Martez and Señor
+Felipe must be on it by now, with their men."
+
+Jack glanced at his watch.
+
+"Yes; we have been over two hours now, marching. I expect Martez will
+press onward as quickly as possible, so as to join us without delay.
+Hullo!"
+
+"What is the matter?"
+
+"I saw a glimpse of green just now. We are nearly at the end of the
+journey."
+
+The word passed along the narrow line of men, and they grasped their
+rifles tighter, with fierce joy at the thought that they would soon be
+in the heart of the golden city, so famous throughout Cholacaca. The
+path began to slope downward gently. It turned round a corner sharply,
+and lo! before them, Jack and his friend saw the sacred town, sparkling
+like a jewel, in the hollow of the green valley. A wall, glistening
+like silver, stretched along the whole front of the cañon, and before
+this was a broad stone platform, on which a thousand men could assemble
+with ease. Below was the torrent, and on this side of the rocks was a
+narrow path, ending abruptly in a precipice. Jack pointed out this
+latter to Rafael.
+
+"Do you see that, my friend?" he said, slowly; "it leads from the
+secret entrance to the other path below the bridge, in the centre of
+the town. If you took that way, you would fall into the torrent, and be
+lost for ever."
+
+"Dios!" said Rafael, awestruck, "what devils are these priests."
+
+The platform and wall were absolutely deserted. The gates were wide
+open, and through the vast arch-way they could see into the streets of
+the town. A rosy flame, with yellow shafts, appeared behind the arid
+peaks of the east, and loud and shrill the invaders heard the sacred
+hymn, saluting the rising luminary. For centuries that song had not
+been heard by the white man--not since Montezuma's altars had ceased to
+smoke had civilised beings seen what they now saw. A vast pyramid in
+the centre of the city, crowned with a silver temple, and dotted at the
+summit with tiny figures invoking the gods. It was the last time that
+song would ever rise; the last time the sun would be saluted with
+bleeding victims and rolling incense; for the last stronghold of the
+Aztec deities was discovered. The waves of advancing civilisation were
+about to roll over this primeval city, and blot it and its fierce
+deities out for ever.
+
+Silently, with anxious hearts, the little band turning the last corner
+of the path, stepped downward on to the platform. When Jack found
+himself there, he breathed a sigh of relief. Even though the Indians
+found them now, they could not stop them in their onward course. His
+men poured on to the platform, fell into line silently, and thus
+established a defence at the mouth of the narrow path, while their
+comrades rapidly came onward to their assistance. The city was as good
+as won. But Xuarez----
+
+"We must take care that Don Hypolito does not escape, Señor," said
+Rafael, anxiously, as the troops massed themselves under the pierced
+wall.
+
+"Leave that to me, Rafael. I have an account to settle with Xuarez. He
+shall not escape me."
+
+"Shall we attack the city at once?"
+
+"I think so. It will be as well to get inside the walls, lest we should
+be discovered and the gates closed. Leave fifty men on the platform, mi
+amigo, so as to hold it open for the reinforcements, then we can
+penetrate into the town."
+
+"Making for what point?"
+
+"The great square. We must capture the bridges, and so hold the people
+who are now worshipping on one side of the city. They shall thus not be
+able to get their weapons."
+
+"The reinforcements will arrive shortly."
+
+"In about an hour, I fancy. I told Martez to march as rapidly as
+possible, and I have no doubt he is pushing on with all speed. Come,
+then, Rafael! Let us march into the city, and don't forget to seize
+Xuarez and the opal! Also we must rescue Cocom."
+
+"What about Ixtlilxochitli?"
+
+"Oh, throw him into the torrent," said Jack, savagely; "he was going to
+offer me up to that infernal deity of his. I believe he is making a
+sacrifice now."
+
+"Perhaps it's Xuarez."
+
+"I hope so! We will be spared the trouble of shooting him."
+
+By this time the full number of men had arrived on the terrace, and
+leaving fifty men to guard the path, Jack, in company with Rafael,
+pushed forward through the gate into the city. No sooner had they got
+inside, and were marching down the street leading to the principal
+bridge, than some women saw them. Thunderstruck at their appearance,
+these paused, and then began to yell loudly. Rafael sent forward some
+soldiers to seize them, but they disappeared, running in the direction
+of the great square.
+
+"Carajo!" muttered Maraquando, savagely; "they will alarm the town.
+Forward, men! Keep close together. Señor Duval, take fifty men, and
+hold the lower bridge. I, with one hundred, will keep the middle one,
+and you, Señor Riconada, can hold the bridge near the wall with the
+rest of our forces. Thus we will be able to keep all the Indians in the
+square till the arrival of our friends."
+
+Jack and Riconada hastened to obey these orders and blockaded the three
+bridges. Scarcely had they established themselves when the serpent-skin
+drums on the summit of the teocalli began to roll out the alarm.
+Frantic with rage and astonishment, the worshippers streamed towards
+the three bridges so as to repel the daring foes. No one could
+understand how these invaders had entered the city, and Ixtlilxochitli
+smitten with fear, called on the children of Huitzilopochtli to defend
+their god. The crowd pouring towards the bridges were driven back by
+the soldiers, and as they were without weapons, owing to having gone to
+the square for sacrifical purposes, they could do nothing.
+Ixtlilxochitli was equal to the occasion, and from some secret store
+produced shields and spears, bows and arrows, and swords of obsidian.
+The drums rolled, the trumpets shrilled, and the priests on the
+platform of the teocalli frantically invoked the god, while those whom
+they had aroused desperately attempted to force the bridges.
+
+A feeling of superstitious terror was in the breasts of the Indians.
+These terrible white men, whom no obstacle seemed to hinder, had
+entered Totatzine as though by magic. How they had evaded the spies and
+overcome the difficulties of the secret way none knew, much less how
+they had discovered the passage. No one thought of the cañon road, not
+even Ixtlilxochitli, who never dreamed of danger from that quarter. All
+the inhabitants of Totatzine knew was that their worst foes were in the
+heart of their sacred city, and that, unless they drove them forth at
+once, the Shrine of the Opal would be lost for ever.
+
+Flights of arrows fell round the soldiers holding the three bridges,
+and many were killed, as they had no shields with which to protect
+themselves. On the other hand, the round bucklers held up by the
+savages were no hindrance to the bullets of the invaders, and as the
+soldiers kept up a steady fire into the dense mass of worshippers, the
+ground was soon cumbered with the dead and dying.
+
+Jack in vain looked for Xuarez, but could see no sign of him. On the
+summit of the teocalli he saw a vast crowd of priests crying on the
+war-god to defend his shrine, and thought for a moment, as the black
+mass parted, that a man was lying on the stone of sacrifice. But the
+next instant the throng closed together again, and he was forced to
+give his attention to the task of defending the causeway. His soul
+revolted against this butchery, and he ordered his soldiers to deal as
+gently as possible with the comparatively defenceless enemy.
+Nevertheless, he knew that the safety of himself and his friends
+depended on keeping the Indians blockaded until the reinforcements
+arrived, and was forced to massacre the crowds which hurled themselves
+with fanatical devotion against his men.
+
+Owing to the depth of the torrent, there was no way of crossing it save
+by the bridges, and these being held by the invaders, it was impossible
+for the Indians to fight to any advantage. Wave after wave rolled
+across the narrow bridges, and midway were repelled by the incessant
+fire of the Tlatonacians. The spears and arrows of the Indians did
+deadly work, and the centre of the causeways were soon filled with
+corpses, white men and red men mingled promiscuously together. Jack saw
+plainly that the three bridges could be held by them for hours, yet
+wished from his soul that Martez and Philip would come up with the
+reinforcements, if only to put a stop to this wholesale massacre.
+
+Thousands of Indians were pent up in the square of the sacrifice, all
+arrayed in festal robes of white with chaplets of flowers. These latter
+were now torn off and cast underfoot, the white garments were spotted
+with blood--the blood of their friends--and, frantic with rage, the
+multitude did all that valour could do to break through the handful of
+men holding the bridges. The drums were rolling their thunder
+incessantly, the trumpets shrieked like human beings, priests bellowed,
+the worshippers yelled, and constantly could be heard the ominous
+cracking of the rifles, as every shot carried death into the white mass
+heaving tumultuously in the square.
+
+All at once a trumpet beyond the walls rang out clear and thin.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Jack, waving his sword, "the reinforcements at last."
+
+It was indeed the seven hundred men, who had arrived sooner than was
+expected. Martez, anxious to aid his leader as speedily as possible,
+had marched his men rapidly along the narrow path, and now they were
+steadily streaming through the gate, making for the several bridges
+where the fight seemed hottest. As the priests were shouting down
+encouragements to the people below, Rafael decided to attack the
+teocalli, and stop this work. Once the shrine was taken, and it was
+possible the Indians might yield without further trouble, a thing he
+heartily desired, as, like Jack, he was weary of this massacre.
+
+Tim and Martez stayed with Don Rafael, while Philip joined Jack, and
+Peter, who was quite war-like in appearance, went to the town bridge,
+where Riconada was fighting. At a given signal, all three bodies of
+soldiers commenced to converge towards a single point, that being the
+teocalli. The priests saw this manoeuvre, and bellowed with fear.
+Many threw themselves down the steep sides of the pyramid, in vain
+offering themselves to the war-god in the hope that he would decree
+victory to their fellow-countrymen. The women in the square were
+shrieking wildly, and hurling stones, wrenched from the houses, at the
+soldiers as they pushed the mass of men steadily before them. From the
+summit of the pyramid a cloud of incense rolled heavenward, and
+Ixtlilxochitli, in the red robe of sacrifice, stepped forward to the
+verge of the steps, holding up the opal in order to encourage his
+people.
+
+A yell arose from friend and foe alike as they saw the glint of the
+stone, and the Indians closed resolutely round the base of the teocalli
+in a vain attempt to prevent the enemy from taking it by storm. All
+their valour and self-sacrifice was in vain. The three compact bodies
+of men pushed forward, shoulder to shoulder, through the white mass,
+leaving behind three several streaks of red and yellow, the uniformed
+bodies of their fellow-countrymen. Ixtlilxochitli saw these rivers of
+fierce soldiery converge towards the staircase of the teocalli, and
+yelling aloud to Huitzilopochtli, flashed the opal incessantly in the
+sun.
+
+"There is Xuarez!" panted Philip, in the ear of Jack, as they cut their
+way onward.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"By Ixtlilxochitli. That chap in red. He is bound. By Jove, Jack, I
+believe the old fiend meant to sacrifice him."
+
+"Pity he didn't," retorted Jack, grimly; "look out Philip. Ah, there is
+Tim. Hurrah, Tim! See which of us will reach the staircase first."
+
+Even in the midst of danger, Jack could not help joking, and Tim burst
+out laughing as he hurled his huge form by Rafael through the crowd.
+
+All at once their mirth ended. At the foot of the teocalli they
+stumbled over a nude corpse with a ragged wound in the breast. It was
+the body of Cocom.
+
+"He has been sacrificed," cried Jack, fiercely. "Forward men! Avenge
+his death."
+
+The advancing troops cheered loudly, and pressed steadily on towards
+the great pyramid.
+
+The soldiers in the other part of the city had set fire to the
+dwellings, and already the flames were rising heavenward. Mad with
+rage, the Indians fought on doggedly, but could do nothing against the
+discipline of regular troops; inch by inch they gave way before the
+line of steel pressed against their breasts. The invaders stepped over
+corpses on their way to the teocalli, and those lying on the ground not
+yet dead, twining their arms round the legs of their foes, strove to
+throw them. The noise was something deafening, and the whole square was
+one vast field of carnage.
+
+Jack and Rafael, with their respective troops, reached the foot of the
+staircase at the same time, and began to climb up. The priests, frantic
+with terror, threw down huge stones, tore the tiles off the shrine, and
+hurled them viciously at their foes. The drum was still beating, the
+incense rolling, and high above the din could be heard the strident
+voice of the old high-priest calling on his gods.
+
+"Jack! Rafael! keep your eye on Xuarez; he is free," replied Philip, as
+they fought their way upward.
+
+Such, indeed, was the case. Don Hypolito had managed to get his hands
+free, and was now struggling with Ixtlilxochitli. Why he did so, none
+of the Englishmen could make out, unless it was to kill the old man for
+trying to sacrifice him to Huitzilopochtli. The attendant priests
+closed round the struggling figures to help their head, and thus
+omitting to defend the teocalli, in a few moments the assailants were
+on the top.
+
+Jack sprang up first on to the platform, closely followed by Tim. The
+crowd of priests rolled on either side, rolled over the sides of the
+pyramid, falling into the frantic mass below. Then they saw the design
+of Xuarez.
+
+"Catch him Tim; he has the opal!"
+
+Xuarez, with torn clothing and pale, blood-stained face, stood against
+the shrine with the opal flashing in one hand and a spear in the other.
+Jack dashed forward to seize him, and Xuarez, with a yell of rage,
+hurled the spear. In a second Tim had thrown himself between the weapon
+and Jack, receiving it full in his breast. He fell back with a cry into
+Philip's arms, and Jack, mad with anger at his friend's disaster, flung
+himself forward on Xuarez. The rebel leader dashed to one side, and
+threw himself over the smooth side of the pyramid, sliding downward on
+his back. Jack, with his revolver firmly grasped in his right hand,
+followed in the same way; but before he reached the ground a red mass
+shot rapidly past him.
+
+"Ixtlilxochitli."
+
+The rebel leader, holding the opal on high, dashed through the crowd of
+Indians, who opened a path before the sacred gem, followed closely by
+the red figure of the high priest. Jack saw the idea Xuarez had in his
+head. He was making for the secret way under the bridge, hoping to
+escape to the mountains with his booty. At once he followed the flying
+figures, but the crowd closed around him, and he had much to do to
+protect himself. Martez saw his danger and sent a body of soldiers to
+his assistance. In a few minutes, he was safe on the bridge surrounded
+by his friends. Xuarez and Ixtlilxochitli had disappeared through the
+secret entrance.
+
+Determined to revenge the wound of Tim and secure the opal, Jack would
+have followed, when he heard a hundred voices on the platform beyond
+the pierced wall shout out the name of Xuarez. Wondering the reason of
+this, he darted up the street, followed by a few troops, and on gaining
+the platform, looked over to where the soldiers were pointing.
+
+On the rocky ledge below, he saw two men struggling for the possession
+of the opal. Xuarez, hotly pursued by the old priest, had taken the
+wrong turning below the bridge, and they were now reeling on the verge
+of destruction. Nearer and nearer they came to the brink, then Xuarez,
+evidently seeing he was lost, threw the harlequin opal into the
+torrent. The great gem described a curve in the air, flashed rainbow
+hues in the sunlight, then dropped sheer into the boiling torrent
+below--lost for ever to the world. In another second, Ixtlilxochitli
+had forced Xuarez over the ledge, and the two men, locked in one
+another's arms, shared the fate of the gem.
+
+Jack stood on the edge of the platform, looking in silent horror at the
+fate of the rebel leader, when he heard his name cried out loudly, and
+turned to see Peter hurrying towards him with a face of horror.
+
+"Jack! Jack! Tim!"
+
+"Tim!" echoed Jack, with a pang of fear, "is he wounded?"
+
+"He is dead."
+
+Jack waited to hear no more, but, followed by Peter, raced back to the
+teocalli. With the fall of the shrine had fallen the city, and Jack,
+crossing the square untouched, ran up the staircase rapidly. There, on
+the summit, supported in Philip's arms, with Philip's tears dropping on
+his dead face, lay Tim, merry-hearted Tim, whom they all loved so
+truly.
+
+"Oh, Tim!" cried Jack, with a burst of anguish, and fell on his knees
+beside the dead body.
+
+Below the tumult continued, the incense still rolled upward; but the
+last sacrifice had taken place in the teocalli of Totatzine, and Tim
+was the victim.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+FAREWELL, TLATONAC.
+
+    Let us sail eastward, where the sun
+      Slow rises o'er the crimson wave,
+    Our western toils at last are done,
+      And rest, for ever, rest we crave.
+
+    Oh, see the shore fades far away,
+      A dim spot in the distant blue,
+    And eastward breaks the coming day
+      Which bids our life-day dawn anew.
+
+    Old times are at an end,--our lives
+      Have had their share of sighs and tears;
+    Now, loyal friends, with loving wives,
+      We hopeful look to coming years.
+
+
+A cheer arose from the crowd at the sea-gate, the warships dipped their
+flags in salutation, the guns thundered from the forts, and _The
+Bohemian_ steamed slowly out of Tlatonac Harbour. At her mainmast
+fluttered the Union Jack, over her stern drooped the Opal flag, for the
+daughter and niece of His Excellency Don Miguel Maraquando were on
+board, on their way to England, with their husbands, Sir Philip Cassim
+and Jack Duval. That same day had they been married by Padre Ignatius,
+and were now departing for the honeymoon, therefore did the guns
+thunder, the people cheer, the flags dip.
+
+Six weeks had elapsed since the fall of Totatzine, since the death of
+poor Tim, and many events had taken place during that interval. When
+the teocalli was captured and the priests slain, the Indians, deprived
+at one blow of gods and leaders, yielded in despair to their
+conquerors. Don Hypolito dead, Cocom sacrificed, the opal lost, nothing
+more could be obtained from the town, so Rafael withdrew his troops by
+the cañon road, and returned to announce to the Junta that they need no
+more fear the restless ambition of Xuarez.
+
+Poor Tim's body was taken back to Tlatonac by his sorrowing friends.
+For a long time they could scarcely believe that he was dead. Tim, who
+was so light-hearted and full of spirits; but alas! there was no doubt
+that he had died almost instantaneously on the platform of the
+teocalli. The spear, thrown with vigorous hate by Xuarez, and intended
+for the breast of Jack, had dealt a fatal wound, and Tim had but time
+to grasp Philip's hand in faint farewell before he passed away. The
+three survivors were wild with grief at this loss, so cruel, so
+unexpected, and reverentially carried the body of their old
+schoolfellow to the capital for burial. In view of Tim's services
+during the war, and the regard entertained for him by the Cholacacans
+one and all, the Junta decreed a public funeral to the remains; so
+Tim's body, with much pomp, was consigned to the vaults of the
+cathedral, amid the firing of cannon, the knolling of bells.
+
+It was some weeks before the three Englishmen could recover
+sufficiently from this cruel blow to attend to necessary matters. Now
+that the country was at peace, and Don Hypolito slain, the President
+gave his hearty consent to the marriages of Dolores, Eulalia, and
+Carmencita. The weddings were very quietly celebrated, as neither Jack
+nor Philip felt inclined for revelry now that Tim was dead; and,
+indeed, so many of the Tlatonacians had lost relatives in the late
+war, that public festivities would have been out of place. Therefore
+the weddings were celebrated by Padre Ignatius in a very quiet
+fashion, and afterwards Jack and Philip, with their respective brides,
+departed for England in _The Bohemian_, while Don Rafael and
+Carmencita went north to Acauhtzin in a warship.
+
+It was Philip's intention to establish himself and Eulalia in his
+ancestral home in Kent, and live the useful life of a country
+gentleman, varied by occasional voyages in _The Bohemian_. He could
+not make up his mind to part with the yacht, nor did Eulalia wish him
+to do so, and having proved herself to be a capital sailor, she took
+as much interest in the boat as did Sir Philip himself. Eulalia,
+having been shut up all her life in Tlatonac, now showed a decided
+desire for rambling, so it seemed as though even marriage would not
+cure Philip of his gipsy proclivities. Still before such matters were
+decided upon, the baronet deemed it advisable to instal his Spanish
+wife in the family mansion, and introduce Lady Cassim to the country
+people.
+
+As to Jack and Dolores, they were only paying a flying visit to the old
+country for a few weeks, as Duval had finally made up his mind to
+settle in Tlatonac, and become a naturalized citizen of that city. The
+life suited him; he was married to a native lady of the place, and,
+moreover, the Junta had given him full control of all engineering works
+connected with the country; so Jack, with the full approval of Peter
+and Philip, thought he could not do better than establish himself in
+this new land. The country was rich in natural productions, in timber,
+ores, and precious stones, so when Jack's railways opened it up
+throughout the whole length, there was no doubt but that Cholacaca
+would become one of the most flourishing Republics of the Americas.
+
+Owing to the severe lesson at Totatzine, it was anticipated that the
+Indians would be too cowed to give the Government further trouble, and
+this proved to be the case. The last stronghold of the old gods had
+fallen, and the sacred city, which had been the centre of incessant
+conspiracy against the Republic was quite broken up. With the vanishing
+of the opal, it lost its character of a sacred town, and now being
+thrown open to the world by the discovery of the secret paths, no
+longer possessed any mysterious charm for the Indians. With no centre,
+with no crafty priesthood, the power of the tribes, instead of being
+concentrated, became scattered, and there is no doubt that in the near
+future, when the country is a network of railways, that the savage
+tribes will vanish before the advancing flood of civilisation.
+
+Peter did not come in _The Bohemian_, as he had accepted the
+invitation of a celebrated naturalist to visit him up Mexico way, and
+hunt beetles and butterflies in company. Faithless Peter, he refused
+to marry Doña Serafina, and fled the smiles of his elderly charmer,
+for they, to him, dearer delights of entomology. Baffled in one
+quarter, Doña Serafina was successful in another, for she turned her
+attention to Don Alfonso Cebrian, and succeeded, after some
+difficulty, in marrying the Intendante of Xicotencatl, who had for
+some years been a widower. Serafina found on marriage that she
+possessed a step-daughter, with whom she could not agree, but speedily
+settled her future by marrying her off to Captain Velez, who thus
+became the Intendante's son-in-law after all.
+
+After leaving Tlatonac, the four people on board _The Bohemian_ were
+talking of these things on deck, in the warm sunshine. It was the
+afternoon of a perfect day, and the yacht steamed merrily along
+towards the distant ocean. To the surprise of Philip and Jack, the
+ladies proved to be excellent sailors, and were quite fascinated with
+the yacht, much to the gratification of old Benker, who, for the first
+time in his crusty old life, approved of the existence of the female
+sex.
+
+When they were tired roaming about and making inquiries about this,
+that, and the other thing, they settled down in comfortable deck-chairs
+to talk about the future with their respective husbands. Dolores and
+Jack were returning to Tlatonac shortly, so had but the same life to
+look forward to; but Eulalia was secretly dismayed at the prospect of
+being an English lady.
+
+"Querido!" she said to Philip, looking at him over the top of her big
+black fan, "I cannot talk your tongue. And your English ladies! I hear
+they are so cold. And your climate. Oh, Felipe, I fear your climate."
+
+"Who told you all these nice things, Eulalia?" asked Philip, smiling.
+
+"Don Pedro."
+
+"My dear girl, you must not believe what Peter says. He doesn't know a
+thing, except what relates to beetles. You are learning to talk English
+very quickly, and as to the English ladies--they will all fall in love
+with you."
+
+"And the climate of England," added Jack, wickedly, "is the best in the
+world."
+
+"No!" replied Philip, laughing, "I cannot conscientiously say that. But
+neither Eulalia nor myself will stay much in England. We shall travel."
+
+Eulalia clapped her hands with glee on hearing this delightful
+proposal, and Dolores settled the future course of such travelling.
+
+"Wherever you may go, Señor Felipe," she said smiling, "forget not that
+Juan and myself dwell in Tlatonac, and shall expect you both once a
+year."
+
+"More or less!" cried Jack, lazily. "Come in a year, Philip, and you
+will see how Cholacaca is going ahead. I will have that railway to
+Acauhtzin ready before you know where you are. All those little forest
+towns will soon be in communication with the outside world----"
+
+"And Totatzine?"
+
+"Ah, Totatzine has lost its mysterious charm of the unknown. I'll turn
+it into a resort for invalids, or a Central American Monte Carlo. Where
+Huitzilopochtli was worshipped, future generations will adore the
+goddess of play."
+
+"At that rate, you will still have victims offered at the shrine," said
+Philip, grimly; "but, after all, Jack, it was a pity we lost the opal."
+
+"Can it not be found again?" asked Dolores, who deeply regretted the
+vanished jewel.
+
+Jack shook his head.
+
+"I am afraid not. Xuarez threw it into the torrent. Heaven only knows
+in what profound depths it now lies. Perhaps it is best so. While it
+was on earth, it caused nothing but trouble, from the time it was in
+the possession of Montezuma, to the death of Xuarez."
+
+"Now it is lost, I suppose the superstition will die out!"
+
+"Superstition dies hard. All kinds of legends will grow up about that
+famous gem. It will still be remembered for many years, the more
+especially as Tlatonac is still, and ever shall be, the City of the
+Opal."
+
+"And Dolores is still the guardian of the opal," said Eulalia,
+pensively.
+
+"A guardian of a stone that has now no existence," replied Dolores,
+laughing; "but, after all, I had rather the jewel was lost than my
+Juan."
+
+"Ah, Dolores!" said Jack, with a sad smile, "had it not been for the
+Señor Correspoñsal, your Juan would have been lost."
+
+"Poor Tim," muttered Philip, softly, turning away to conceal his
+emotion.
+
+The tears sprang to Dolores' eyes, and Eulalia was scarcely less
+affected. It seemed too terrible that they should all be so happy, when
+poor Tim, whom they loved so much, should be lying in the grave. The
+bitterest part of it was that the death had taken place just when the
+war was over. Tim had escaped the siege of Janjalla, the battle of
+Centeotl, only to fall in a skirmish at the obscure town of Totatzine.
+It was fate!
+
+They remained silent for a few minutes, thinking of the dead man, and
+then Philip aroused himself with an effort.
+
+"Come!" he said, with a smile. "We must not be melancholy on our
+wedding-day. Poor Tim himself would have been the last to countenance
+such folly. We can talk of other things. Of Rafael, for instance."
+
+"There is not much to talk about Rafael," said his sister, lightly; "he
+is married to Doña Carmencita. He is now Governor of Acauhtzin, and
+when Cholacaca has a fleet, he shall be its almirante. I think Rafael
+is very fortunate, Felipe."
+
+"Not so fortunate as I am," replied the baronet looking at her fondly.
+
+"Nor as I!" cried Jack, slipping his arm round Dolores' waist. "Ah,
+Philip, how many things have taken place since we sailed over these
+waters! Did I not tell you you would bring home a bride?"
+
+"You did, and I half believed you. For once, you have prophesied
+correctly. I am grateful to you, Jack, for having led me to secure this
+prize. When you came back to England, I was settling down into a crusty
+old bachelor; but now you will find me a devoted husband--all through
+your coming to England."
+
+"Say, rather, all through the agreement we made at Bedford School, so
+many years ago. That boyish freak has brought us good fortune and
+charming wives."
+
+"Yet Peter is still a bachelor."
+
+"Oh, Peter will marry a beetle! I expect we shall see him in England
+shortly. For myself, I do not complain of Fate; nor does Dolores."
+
+Jack bent down tenderly, and kissed Dolores, which example seemed so
+good to Philip that he at once followed suit.
+
+The sun was setting in the west, and the sky was one blaze of colours.
+Pale rose, tawny-yellow, and high above, the delicate blue of the
+departing day. The sky, the sea were all glittering with rainbow hues
+of unexampled brilliancy. The yacht, leaving all this splendour behind,
+steamed steadily onward towards the coming night.
+
+"It is like the Chalchuih Tlatonac," said Dolores, pointing to the
+sunset.
+
+"And we are leaving it behind," replied Jack, taking her hand; "but I
+do not regret it, querida. If Fate has denied me the harlequin opal,
+she has given me a dearer and more precious gift--yourself."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Harlequin Opal, Vol. 3 (of 3), by Fergus Hume
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43189 ***