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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 22:49:02 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 22:49:02 -0800 |
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diff --git a/old/65656-h/65656-h.htm b/old/65656-h/65656-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index beebabf..0000000 --- a/old/65656-h/65656-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15224 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> - -<head> - -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> - -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> - -<title> -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Roughriders of the Pampas, -by Captain F. S. Brereton -</title> - -<style type="text/css"> -body { color: black; - background: white; - margin-right: 10%; - margin-left: 10%; - font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; - text-align: justify } - -p {text-indent: 4% } - -p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } - -p.t1 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 200%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t3 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - text-align: center } - -p.t3b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t4 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - text-align: center } - -p.t4b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t5 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 60%; - text-align: center } - -h1 { text-align: center } -h2 { text-align: center } -h3 { text-align: center } -h4 { text-align: center } -h5 { text-align: center } - -p.poem {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10%; } - -p.thought {text-indent: 0% ; - letter-spacing: 4em ; - text-align: center } - -p.letter {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.salutation {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.closing {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.footnote {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -.smcap { font-variant: small-caps } - -p.transnote {text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.intro {font-size: 90% ; - text-indent: -5% ; - margin-left: 5% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.quote {text-indent: 4% ; - margin-left: 0% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.finis { font-size: larger ; - text-align: center ; - text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 0% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.capcenter { margin-left: 0; - margin-right: 0 ; - margin-bottom: .5% ; - margin-top: 0; - font-weight: bold; - float: none ; - clear: both ; - text-indent: 0%; - text-align: center } - -img.imgcenter { margin-left: auto; - margin-bottom: 0; - margin-top: 1%; - margin-right: auto; } - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Roughriders of the Pampas, by F. S. Brereton</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Roughriders of the Pampas</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>A Tale of Ranch Life in South America</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: F. S. Brereton</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 20, 2021 [eBook #65656]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Al Haines</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROUGHRIDERS OF THE PAMPAS ***</div> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-front"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-front.jpg" alt="DUDLEY ESCAPES WITH HIS PRISONER" /> -<br /> -DUDLEY ESCAPES WITH HIS PRISONER -</p> - -<h1> -<br /><br /> - Roughriders of the Pampas<br /> -</h1> - -<p class="t2"> - A Tale of Ranch Life in South America<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> - By<br /> -</p> - -<p class="t2"> - Captain F. S. Brereton<br /> -</p> - -<p class="t4"> - Author of "How Canada Was Won," "With Wolseley to Kumasi,"<br /> - "Jones of the 64th," "With Roberts to Candahar,"<br /> - "Roger the Bold," etc., etc.<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - Illustrated by<br /> - Stanley L. Wood<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - H. M. Caldwell Co., Publishers<br /> - New York and Boston<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t4"> - <i>Copyright, 1908</i><br /> - BY H. M. CALDWELL Co.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="t4"> - <i>Published simultaneously in the United States, Great Britain,<br /> - Canada, and British Possessions</i><br /> -</p> - -<p class="t4"> - Electrotyped and Printed at<br /> - THE COLONIAL PRESS:<br /> - C. H. Simonds & Co., Boston, U.S.A.<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> - Contents<br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - CHAPTER<br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - I. <a href="#chap01">Outward Bound</a><br /> - II. <a href="#chap02">A Confidential Friend</a><br /> - III. <a href="#chap03">The Home on the Pampas</a><br /> - IV. <a href="#chap04">An English Gringo</a><br /> - V. <a href="#chap05">Showing his Mettle</a><br /> - VI. <a href="#chap06">Our on the Rancho</a><br /> - VII. <a href="#chap07">An Indian Invasion</a><br /> - VIII. <a href="#chap08">Dudley Leads the Gauchos</a><br /> - IX. <a href="#chap09">Fighting the Enemy</a><br /> - X. <a href="#chap10">An Important Discussion</a><br /> - XI. <a href="#chap11">White Brigands</a><br /> - XII. <a href="#chap12">An Unexpected Meeting</a><br /> - XIII. <a href="#chap13">In a Tight Corner</a><br /> - XIV. <a href="#chap14">Back to the Rancho</a><br /> - XV. <a href="#chap15">Dudley Makes a Discovery</a><br /> - XVI. <a href="#chap16">Hemmed in on Every Side</a><br /> - XVII. <a href="#chap17">Fighting in the Forest</a><br /> - XVIII. <a href="#chap18">A Dash for the Pampas</a><br /> - XIX. <a href="#chap19">Antonio Sarvisti is Surprised</a><br /> - XX. <a href="#chap20">Brought to Book</a><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> -List of Illustrations -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-front">Dudley Escapes with his Prisoner</a> (<i>See</i> <a href="#p342">page 342</a>) <i>Frontispiece</i> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-068">"Its hoofs fouled the top, and in a second horse and -man went headlong"</a> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-117">"All the while the gaucho clung like a leech to it"</a> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-158">"Dudley's revolver snapped sharply"</a> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-202">"Dudley looked incredulously at the stranger, and -then uttered a cry of astonishment"</a> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#img-269">"He stood to his full height on the saddle, one hand -over his eyes to shade them from the light"</a> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap01"></a></p> - -<p class="t2"> -Roughriders of the Pampas -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER I -<br /><br /> -OUTWARD BOUND -</h3> - -<p> -"One moment please, steward!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Bring a little soup and a piece of bread at once, -please." -</p> - -<p> -"Soup, sir. Yes, sir." -</p> - -<p> -The steward bustled off, and returned within a -minute with a steaming bowl of pea soup. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you," said the tall passenger who had called -for it, nodding pleasantly, and with a knowing wink. -"Not for me, steward. For this young gentleman -here. Now, sir, tackle that. You will feel a man -again. There, don't think me interfering and presumptuous. -We are fellow passengers, and you are in want -of a little help and advice. Come, set to work at it and -you will feel yourself again. You've been feeling very -ill. Everyone does that at first, and we have had a -dusting in the bay. But that soup, believe me, will -do a world of good to you." -</p> - -<p> -The tall stranger leaned on the edge of the saloon -table and spoke kindly to the pale-faced youth sitting -exactly opposite him. He had noticed Dudley Compton -on the day of sailing, for there was something -striking about the young fellow. Then he had lost -sight of him for three days, for outside the mouth of -the Mersey the brig had run into a nasty sea, and had -held on right into the Bay of Biscay, lashed all the -way by a stiff gale, which had caused her to flounder -and roll, and had kept her decks incessantly washed -by the spray and the rollers which broke aboard. Of -the twenty or more passengers aboard but two had put -in an appearance at meals in the saloon, and for them, -hardy travellers though they were, eating had been a -matter of difficulty, for the table was decked with -fiddles, and every scrap of crockery and glassware was -secured. To eat soup one had to cling to the basin -with one hand and to the spoon with the other, while -one balanced oneself in his seat as skilfully as the -elements allowed. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley had been utterly miserable. He had not -been five miles to sea before, and he had succumbed to -nausea within two hours. For three days he had lain -in his bunk, tossed this way and that, utterly prostrate, -and careless of the many bruises he received, for he -was thrown out of his berth on several occasions. -Now his natural courage had forced him to get up, for -he was not the lad to lie and sulk at any time, and not -the one to be easily beaten. -</p> - -<p> -"I feel horribly ill and giddy," he said to himself -that morning, "and I really shouldn't mind much if -I heard we were sinking or had run on a rock. But -a fellow can't stand more of this kind of thing. They'll -think I'm shamming. I'll make an effort to get up." -</p> - -<p> -He crawled from his bunk and struggled into his -clothing, a process accomplished by dint of clinging to -the bunk, and very often interrupted by a pitch and a -roll which sent him into the corner of the narrow box -which went by the name of cabin. He clambered to -the deck and was promptly requested to retire by a -bandy-legged seaman, clad in shining oilskins. -</p> - -<p> -"Can't come out here, sir," he said politely, helping -the passenger into the saloon entrance. "There's still -seas a-sweepin' her decks, and yer don't want ter go -overboard, now do yer?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know. I hardly care what happens," answered -Dudley desperately. "I shall be ill again if I -go down to the saloon." -</p> - -<p> -"Ill! You've been that this three days. Pull yerself -together, sir. Never say die! Why, Nelson hisself -was always that sick the first two or three days at sea -that he wasn't fit to fight his own shadder, much less -the Frenchies. But he pulled hisself up. He wasn't -the lad to go under without a struggle. Jest you slip -down to the saloon and call for food. It'll set yer up, -sir." -</p> - -<p> -The kindly sailor assisted Dudley to the door of the -saloon, and left him there with an encouraging nod. -Dudley struggled across the narrow saloon, a cosy -enough place as accommodation went in those days, -but a wretched enough saloon when compared with -those provided on modern-day leviathans. A roll of -the ship sent him with a lurch against the table; he -grabbed at the fiddles, almost tore them from their -place, and was flung into a seat immediately opposite -the only other occupant of the saloon. He was giddy. -The hot atmosphere choked him after the breath of -pure air which he had inhaled on deck. He felt faint, -wondered whether he should struggle back to his cabin -and give himself up to despair, and then the voice of -the passenger broke on his ears. -</p> - -<p> -"Now tackle the soup, and you'll see," he heard. -"There's a spoon. Hold on to the bowl, wedge yourself -into the seat, and enjoy your meal. Bravo! I see -that you will be the very first of our invalids to get -over this little trouble. Steward!" -</p> - -<p> -"Sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"A cup of coffee, black and strong, and a few -biscuits, for this gentleman." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley felt better already. The very fact of having -someone to talk to was a relief, and it took his -attention from himself for the moment. He found that the -soup tasted as no other soup had done before. -Wonderful to relate, he suddenly discovered that he had an -appetite, and recollected that he had starved for three -whole days, a sacrifice in which he had never before -indulged. -</p> - -<p> -"Like it?" asked the stranger shortly. -</p> - -<p> -"The best I've ever tasted," answered our young -hero, a thin smile wreathing his lips. "I'm hungry." -</p> - -<p> -"And so you ought to be. Steward, just bring -along a plate of beef, and see that there is nothing but -lean. This young gentleman is hungry." -</p> - -<p> -There was a broad smile on Dudley's face now, for -the hot soup had warmed him right through, and -seemed as if by magic to have driven his giddiness and -nausea away, such is the rallying power of youth. He -took a closer look at the passenger sitting opposite, and -found something attractive in his face. He sat high in -his chair, and had every appearance of being tall. He -was remarkably thin and wiry, as if he were trained -to the very last ounce, for no one could suggest that -illness had anything to do with his condition. His -powerful bronzed face, with its fair, flowing moustache, -its prominent nose and cheek bones and piercing, -kindly eyes, discouraged that idea, while there was no -sign of frailty about the broad shoulders, the deep -chest, and the powerful, sun-tanned fingers which were -clasped upon the table. This was a man who was -engaged in an active, strenuous life, and, inexperienced -though Dudley was, something told him intuitively -that his new friend had gone through many an ordeal, -had faced death, and had battled often for existence. -</p> - -<p> -"Wondering who I am, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -The question was asked abruptly and not unkindly, -for there was the suspicion of a smile on the stranger's -face. Dudley blushed, and stammered. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," he admitted, "I was. You see——" -</p> - -<p> -"There's something different about me from the -men you have been in the habit of coming across." -</p> - -<p> -There was undoubtedly. Why, even the clothes -which this stranger wore were strange to Dudley. -They were of a smooth, dark cloth, probably of foreign -manufacture, while the cut was decidedly different -from that in vogue in England. There was a soft, -white shirt beneath the coat, a soft collar attached, and -a brilliant-coloured tie of very ample dimensions issued -from beneath the collar and fell in soft folds over his -shirt and the lapels of his coat. Added to all this, a -wide-brimmed felt hat, with an ostrich plume thrust -into the band, lay on the seat beside him, the sort of -article which one would hardly have expected to have -come across at sea, and certainly not in England in -those prim days. -</p> - -<p> -"Well? Am I right? Speak out, lad, and don't -fear to offend me. My name's Blunt. Harvey Blunt, -at your service. Blunt by name and blunt also by -nature, I fear." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley smiled, for the stranger beamed on him as -he spoke, his kindly face and eyes belying his words. -He might be blunt in speech, and perhaps for all -Dudley knew had cultivated the habit for some special -reason. He might be a man who commanded many -workers, and short, sharp orders were appreciated and -quickly obeyed. But he was certainly not offensively -blunt, and there was a kind heart under his jacket. -Dudley reckoned all that out swiftly, while he noticed -that Mr. Blunt spoke English perfectly, but sometimes -with the faintest foreign accent, while later, as they -conversed, he heard many strange exclamations issue -from his lips, and he was at a loss to understand what -they meant or in what language they were uttered. -</p> - -<p> -"A lad who thinks and notices," Mr. Blunt was -saying to himself, as he watched the young passenger -opposite. "I like his looks. He is a fine sample of -the English boy, well set up, manly, with a lot of -character and determination about him, and yet with -manners. Ah, I like a lad who is always polite! Well, -sir?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley laughed outright now. He had finished his -soup, and was now discussing a big plate of beef, while -a steaming cup of coffee was wedged into the corner -of the fiddle just at his elbow. -</p> - -<p> -"I must admit that you are a little different, sir," -he said. "To begin with, your clothes are not like -those we wear, and then, well, you look to me as if you -had always lived in the open, and had slept there, too. -You look, what we call at school, 'as hard as nails, and -awfully fit.'" -</p> - -<p> -"English or not?" was the next question, flashed at -him without a second's intermission. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, undoubtedly, but accustomed to use another -language." -</p> - -<p> -"Right! Right, all the way through! A lad who -thinks, who uses his headpiece! Good!" -</p> - -<p> -The stranger brought a big bony fist down on to -the edge of the fiddle with such force that had Dudley -attempted to do the same he would have suffered -considerable pain. But Mr. Blunt did not seem to notice -any. He smiled at Dudley while he repeated the -words. As for the young fellow opposite him, he went -red to the roots of his hair, while his thoughts flew -away back to the school which he had so recently -quitted. Had anyone there given him credit for keen -perception, or even taken the trouble to imagine that -Dudley Compton ever had a serious thought? -</p> - -<p> -"He is hopeless where work or thought is concerned," -the headmaster had said to Dudley's guardian, -only a year before. "You will do nothing with him -in an office. Send him abroad. He is a jolly lad, -good-tempered, steady, and with plenty of pluck, but -little head." -</p> - -<p> -And here was a stranger praising Dudley for the -very thing which his late master had never imagined -him to possess. Straightway he resolved to cultivate a -habit which evidently gave pleasure to this tall -gentleman. -</p> - -<p> -"Going out to join your parents?" was the next -question, fired at Dudley as he devoured his meal. -"Where do you disembark? Don't answer if you wish -to keep such matters to yourself. I'm not inquisitive, -but we seem to have struck up a pleasant acquaintance, -and, after all, there are few enough English over in -South America, and it's always nice to meet one and -exchange views. I'm getting off at Montevideo, where -I transship, and make up the River Paraná. Ever been -out before?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never. And I am not going to join my parents, -sir, for they are dead. I'm an orphan, and have been -so for the past ten years." -</p> - -<p> -"Dear, dear! You're about seventeen, I take it. Eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be in a month, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you have nothing to complain of with regard -to English feeding. You are five feet nine, I should -reckon." -</p> - -<p> -"And a half," exclaimed Dudley, his nausea and -sickness now entirely forgotten, while the blush of -robust health was fast returning to his cheeks. "Five -feet nine and a half inches, in my socks, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"And your name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dudley Compton, sir. I'm going out to Montevideo, -where I have to make enquiries for a Mr. Bradshaw. -He was a great friend of my guardian, and -wrote a year ago to say that I was to come out to his -ranch and he would give me work. Later I shall buy -a farm for myself." -</p> - -<p> -"Humph! You will do well to serve an apprenticeship -first, and get to know the country. Besides, until -the Indians are settled, and civil war has come to an -end, it is not over safe to be in the neighborhood of -Montevideo, much less to expend good money on a -farm. So you are going out to join a Mr. Bradshaw, -Mr. James Bradshaw, a short, wiry gentleman, who -came out twenty years ago?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is the description," agreed Dudley, "but I -have never seen him. It is a year since he wrote to my -guardian." -</p> - -<p> -"Humph! Then there is disappointment for the -boy," Mr. Blunt exclaimed beneath his breath. "I -will not tell him now. I'll wait till he has got his sea -legs and has overcome his homesickness. Anyone -could see with half an eye that the lad was feeling -lonely and forsaken. Come, we will make for a little -nook I know of," he said aloud, seeing that Dudley -had finished his meal. "It is just outside the saloon -entrance, and the captain has rigged an awning so as -to keep off the worst of the spray. Get a good -overcoat on and join me here." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley felt a different creature as he rose from his -seat, and staggered out of the saloon, clinging to the -edge of the table, to the back of the fixed seats, and to -the walls as he made his way towards his cabin. And -what a different aspect it presented now. Before, it -seemed but a dismal hole, black and forbidding. Now, -the white paint, and the fact that he looked at it with -an eye which was no longer jaundiced, gave it a -home-like appearance. He wedged his body into a corner, -reached for the rough topcoat which he had purchased -before sailing, and, cramming a hat on to his head, he -returned to the saloon. Mr. Blunt was already there, -his sombrero pulled down over his eyes and secured by -a cord beneath his chin, while a cloak of ample -proportions and of foreign appearance covered his -shoulders and fell to his knees. -</p> - -<p> -"The class of thing you will wear soon," he said, -noticing Dudley look at it. "This is a poncho, and -many a time have I been grateful for its services. It is -the cloak generally used in South America. Now, up -we go. Hang on to the rail, and follow me across the -deck." -</p> - -<p> -He ran up the companion, stopped for a few moments -at the exit from the saloon to the deck, and then -darted out, a gust of wind sweeping under the wide -flap of his sombrero as he did so and turning it back -over the top. Dudley followed swiftly, and in a few -seconds he was ensconced with his new friend under -a canvas awning rigged between the mizzen mast and -the end of the companion. It was but a flimsy shelter, -it is true, but it kept the clouds of spray from -drenching them, while it was seldom that a wave of any -proportions broke over the rail. Dudley sat well back -on a roll of rope and watched the sea breaking about -the vessel, thoroughly enjoying this magnificent sight, -and forgetful of the fact that barely two hours ago -all his misery and discomfort, not to say desperation, -was due to the waves which he was now watching. It -seemed wonderful to him that any ship could live in -such a sea, and he was more than half surprised to -note how placid and obviously content the two men at -the wheel were. -</p> - -<p> -"Settling down to a nice blow, with the wind right -aft, and therefore carrying us fast to the end of our -journey," sang out Mr. Blunt, for the ordinary tones -of the voice were swallowed in the roar of the wind, -in the rattle and scream of the rigging. "We are -running out of the Bay, and shall be setting our course -for Lisbon before the night falls. Then we touch at -Cape St. Vincent, and at once set our bows west and -south, making for Rio de Janeiro. A week from there -will take us to Montevideo, and then the old life -again!" -</p> - -<p> -Between the gusts of wind he told Dudley how he -had gone to South America, to the province of Entre -Rios, many years before, and how he had acquired an -estancia. Then he charmed him with a description of -his life, mounted on the finest horse at the first streak -of day, rounding up cattle which were more than half -wild, or galloping over the wide plains in the effort to -secure some of the numerous herds of fine horses -which roamed the country, utterly wild and untamed. -There were Indians, too, and outlaws to be contended -with, and a thousand other dangers which made a -man a man, and brought out all that was fine in him. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley listened with wide-open ears, enraptured -with the tale, and glowing at the thought that this -was to be his life once he arrived at Mr. Bradshaw's -farm, never dreaming that the kindly friend beside him -had sad news to convey. For Mr. Blunt was aware -that this same Mr. Bradshaw had been killed six -months before in an Indian raid, and that Dudley -could therefore no longer count upon his help. Then -Mr. Blunt demanded more news of himself, and Dudley -told that he had been left an orphan when very -young, that a guardian had taken care of him till he -was nine, and had then sent him to a school at -Blackheath. -</p> - -<p> -"He was a bachelor, and always very kind," he -said; "but he was such a very busy man that he had -very little time to devote to me, and, in fact, we were -almost strangers. I seldom saw him in term time, -while during the holidays we saw little of each other, -as he did not return from London till late every -evening, and left early on the following day. I think he -had an idea that I should go into his office, but——" -</p> - -<p> -"You hardly looked on that with favor," interposed -Mr. Blunt with a knowing smile. "An office stool was -not as attractive, perhaps, as the life which -Mr. Bradshaw lived?" -</p> - -<p> -"Hardly, sir. I had heard my guardian often speak -of him, and of the life which he lived, and I own I -longed to try it. But then, too, the headmaster seemed -to think that I should be useless at a desk. He said -as much openly." -</p> - -<p> -"Which only proves him to be somewhat lacking in -perception," was the short answer. "A youth with -average intelligence never knows what he can do till -he tries, so why discourage him beforehand? However, -here you are, and I am sure you will like the life -out in Entre Rios. It is rough, full of difficulty and -danger, but one is a man there, as free as the air, and -engaged in work far more natural to human beings -than is that of the clerk, cooped in a stuffy office and -poring over figures. Can you ride, lad?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley owned that he could, just a little. "I have -often mounted a horse on the heath, and have even -galloped and stuck on over a few jumps." -</p> - -<p> -"And fallen off on other occasions. Then here's a -word of advice. If you are asked if you can ride, -don't be anxious to admit to any proficiency. You will -be a 'gringo' out there, a foreigner, newly arrived, -what is sometimes called a greenhorn, and the gauchos -are fond of making fun. Can you shoot? Never fired -a gun or a revolver! Time you commenced to learn, -then. We'll have a little practice as soon as the sea -calms down. You'll want to know the business end -of a gun before you reach South America, for ruffians -abound there. You see that block in the rigging? -Well, before you consider you can shoot you must be -able to hit it a score of times running, turning on it -swiftly, and firing without a pause. It can be done. -I could do it now, even with all this movement. It is -simply custom, a knack of hand and eye, a useful -knack which has saved my life on more than one -occasion. Do you smoke, lad?" -</p> - -<p> -The questions were fired at Dudley with surprising -shortness, which almost made him gasp. -</p> - -<p> -"Sometimes," he admitted guiltily. "Not very -often." -</p> - -<p> -"Good again. The fellow who commences to smoke -too soon upsets his digestion, and therefore his -development. A cigar is a fine thing, and helps a man when -he's troubled. The weed soothes, somehow. You'll -start some day and admit the same." -</p> - -<p> -The very mention of a smoke caused Mr. Blunt to -feel in the pocket beneath his poncho, and to extract -a long cigar and a match of brilliant hue. Dudley -watched him as he dexterously struck the match and -kept it alight in spite of the wind, while his nostrils -detected the rank fumes which came from the match. -His new friend drew at the weed, and every line of his -fine open face denoted enjoyment. Then the eyes, -which had for a second or more looked somewhat -dreamy, fixed themselves on Dudley's face, and -scrutinized every feature. -</p> - -<p> -"Hum!" thought Mr. Blunt, "not a bad-looking -youngster either, now that the food he has had and -this keen air have brought the color to his face. I -expect he was a good fellow at school; popular and -all that. Perhaps he left to the regret of all, masters -as well as boys. Eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon!" demanded Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"Not at all," was the answer. "I was thinking -aloud, I fear. It is a foolish habit. But tell me, -Dudley, are you not somewhat young to be sent out to -South America? You tell me you are not quite seventeen. -Most youngsters are older than that when they -come out. Was there any special reason for your -leaving home early?" -</p> - -<p> -He asked the question in his usual manner, his eyes -all the time fixed on the face of the young fellow -before him. He saw the color rise on Dudley's cheeks. -He could almost have declared that he saw tears welling -up into the eyes, but he could not be sure, for with -such a wind blowing any one might have tears in his -eyes. The lad faced his questioner unflinchingly, -coughed huskily as if something obstructed his throat, -and then answered boldly. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," he said, "there was a reason. I was to -have come out here when I was seventeen and a half -but something occurred to send me earlier." -</p> - -<p> -"Something occurred. Exactly so! Just as I -thought. And that was——? But there, I am too -inquisitive. Your pardon, Dudley. Do not even -mention the matter further unless you wish to do so." -</p> - -<p> -"I do wish it, sir," said Dudley with decision, and -in such altered tones that Mr. Blunt's attention was -again attracted. "I will give you my confidence, -knowing that you will not divulge a word. I was -expelled." -</p> - -<p> -"Expelled! Sent away from the school! Gracious! -For what?" -</p> - -<p> -There was a startled look in Mr. Blunt's eyes. He -swung round on his young friend again, for he had -turned his head away a moment before, and sat there -staring incredulously at him. -</p> - -<p> -"For what? The crime?" he demanded. "It was -not a serious one, that I'll be bound." -</p> - -<p> -"I was expelled for theft. When I left the school -I was branded forever as a mean and despicable -thief." -</p> - -<p> -There was a strange tremor in Dudley's voice. -Mr. Blunt was certain now that those were tears in -the corner of the eyes. But still the lad faced him -without a waver. He made his admission boldly, -decidedly, with no attempt to lessen the significance of -his words, and as he spoke, despite the tears in his -eyes, and the tremor in his voice, Dudley Compton's -head went higher, while there was a look on his face -which spoke of pride, and of full consciousness of his -own innocence. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap02"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER II -<br /><br /> -A CONFIDENTIAL FRIEND -</h3> - -<p> -"A thief! Expelled from his school for theft, and -sent out to South America to get him out of the way! -Impossible! The boy is not lying. I swear he is honest, -or ever after this I cease to believe that I am even -the poorest judge of men." -</p> - -<p> -Quite unconsciously Mr. Blunt uttered the words -aloud, while he looked searchingly at Dudley. As for -the latter, he had made his admission, he had told this -new friend of his bluntly that he had just recently been -expelled from his school for theft, and now he still -regarded him without flinching, and in a manner which -went far to persuade this tall man from the pampas -that he was innocent. Mr. Blunt had not been meeting -all manner of men during his life without encountering -many rogues as well as honest men. The experience -he had gained in various parts of the world was always -proving serviceable, and now more than ever before -perhaps. He prided himself on his judgment. That -judgment told him without error that Dudley Compton -was not a thief, despite the fact that the lad had just -admitted that it was for theft that he had been expelled -from his school. It was just like the kind-hearted -fellow he was for the tall, raw-boned stranger at once -to stretch out a huge brown paw and snatch hold of -Dudley's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me all about it," he said simply. "Tell me -how it all occurred, and why you were selected as the -culprit. Come, it may help you to talk. This matter -has been weighing on your mind for some time and -making you miserable. You will be happier and easier -when you have given your confidences to me. Speak -out, and do not fear that I shall not listen with -sympathy." -</p> - -<p> -He pressed Dudley's hand very gently, and looked -away over the rail of the tossing ship. For his words, -his sympathy, his openly expressed belief in his young -friend had had their effect. Dudley Compton had for -many a day now bravely borne the trouble which was -on his mind, and had been there ever since the hour -that he was expelled. His guardian, a busy man whose -time was so occupied that he had little opportunity of -going into outside matters, was possessed of very little -sympathy. He was, in fact, not the best guardian for -a lad, for he did not understand boys, and his mind -was so wrapped up in business matters, so encompassed -as it were by office affairs, that he could only look at -outside questions superficially. He was disgusted that -his charge should have been accused of thieving, and -he thought it only natural that, when asked as to his -guilt, Dudley should make the best of a bad matter -and declare his innocence. -</p> - -<p> -"Strange! Strange!" he had said, when their -interview was over. "I have seen very little of the boy; -too little in fact. But all have been fond of him and -have given him a good character. I would not have -thought him capable of such an act. But there——" -</p> - -<p> -It never occurred to him to go deeply into the matter. -He took it for granted that the evidence against -his ward was convincing, and, that being so, he at once -arranged to send him out to Montevideo, where in any -case he would have gone after the next term. That -done, he said good-by to the lad, gave him some -excellent and prosaic advice, and, having seen him safely -aboard, promptly dismissed the subject of theft from -his mind, and in a short while he had allowed even the -memory of his ward to be clouded by those business -affairs which were the main object of his existence. -He was not an extremely selfish man; but he was one -of those business gentlemen who, being bachelors, and -immersed in city affairs, give themselves up to them -heart and soul, allowing them to take all the time and -attention which other men would give to home affairs. -</p> - -<p> -"There! Speak out. I'll listen and tell you what -I think," said Mr. Blunt. "I've had trouble myself -and know what it is. Tell me the whole tale." -</p> - -<p> -He still looked away over the rail at the tossing sea, -for his words, and his sympathy expressed by the gentle -grip of his big and powerful fingers, had a strange -effect upon Dudley. He had been stunned at first by -the disaster which had befallen him. Then he had -closed his lips firmly. He had become hard, and had -wrapped up his feelings in an impenetrable cloak of -silence. This tall Englishman, with his soft, kindly -voice, his openly expressed belief in him, and his -sympathetic grip, had broken Dudley's hardness and -resolution. He gulped at the lump which had suddenly -risen in his throat, tears welled up in his eyes and -trickled down his cheeks, while a half-suppressed sob -escaped him. The sound brought all his manhood -back. He drew his hand out of Mr. Blunt's, straightened -his back, and dashed the tears from his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"I will speak," he said. "I have not told a soul up -to this, but now I can say safely what I have to say. -I am no thief, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Look at me," came swiftly from his friend. -"Look me in the eyes and say that again on your -honor." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt swung round, and now, instead of regarding -the sea, stared at our hero. Dudley met his gaze -at once, returned his glances without a waver, and -spoke with the utmost deliberation. -</p> - -<p> -"I swear on my honor as a gentleman that I am not -a thief," he said solemnly. "If you care to hear the -tale, I shall be glad to tell it to you. It will help me -immensely, for it has been weighing on my mind." -</p> - -<p> -"Then fire away, lad. I'll listen carefully, and let -you know what I think at the end. But I say now, -too, that you are no thief. I am sure of it. No -youngster of your stamp could look me in the eyes -las you have done and not be truthful. Fire away, and -let me have the whole story." -</p> - -<p> -His cigar was going again by now, and he sent big -clouds rushing from his mouth, clouds which were -caught at once by the wind and whisked away out -over the sea. -</p> - -<p> -"I was at Blackheath, at a school where there were -one hundred and eighty boys," said Dudley slowly. -"I had been there for five years, and as I have told you -it was arranged that I should leave after the next term, -and go out to South America. I lived at home, at my -guardian's, and saw very little of him. I suppose he -paid all my bills, and made provision for pocket money. -He was fairly liberal, so that I often had a shilling, -and sometimes many, in my pocket to use as I liked. -I was a prefect." -</p> - -<p> -"A prefect!" interrupted Mr. Blunt. "Then you -were not such a dunce?" -</p> - -<p> -"I was in the upper sixth, halfway up the form, sir; -but though not a dunce I was considered anything but -quick. That is why I was not selected by my guardian -for office work." -</p> - -<p> -"And perhaps you will have occasion to bless the -fact to the end of your days. Give me a free and open -life, where a man may work for hours healthily and -without fatigue. But I am interrupting. You were in -the sixth. You were not a dunce, and yet not brilliant. -Many and many a lad could be described in a similar -manner, and of those quite a few astonish their parents -later when they have discovered, perhaps by pure -accident, the life for which they are suited. They get -congenial work and put their backs into it. Set their -shoulders to the wheel, in fact, and do well. But, -there, there, I am off again! You were fond of -games? You liked cricket?" -</p> - -<p> -"Rather, sir. I always liked the game, and was -captain. In fact I was captain of the school for all -games, and about tenth from the top in classwork." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you had friends?" asked Mr. Blunt. -</p> - -<p> -"Plenty, sir, I think," was the answer. "The -fellows were very good to me when I left." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for a while, and Mr. Blunt turned -away discreetly again, for he saw that Dudley was -manfully endeavoring to suppress his emotion. As for -the lad himself, as he mentioned his friends his -thoughts flew away back to the school, where he had -been so happy, and so popular if he had not been too -modest to say it. He remembered with a pang how old -school friends and chums had mustered round him -when the dreadful news was issued to all, and he, -Dudley Compton, their games captain, was declared a -thief. In a hundred little ways they had shown their -belief in and sympathy for him. Indeed, Dudley could -have told how with very few exceptions the whole -school had been in his favor, how for a few hours the -question of his innocence or guilt was discussed with -eagerness and no little warmth, and how, as he drove -away from the doors of the place he liked so well, -heads and arms were thrust out of every available -window and wild cheers were flung after him. Yes, -he had had heaps of friends, and many and many a -time had the memory of their simple belief in him -comforted the poor fellow's aching heart. -</p> - -<p> -"Captain of the school? Then you were popular, -that's clear," said Mr. Blunt decisively. "Go on, lad. -You had plenty of friends." -</p> - -<p> -"Plenty, sir. I often think of them. In the upper -sixth we were a happy family, and all got on splendidly -together. One fellow, named Joyce, was perhaps -an exception." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! Joyce. That was his name. We are coming -nearer to the matter," exclaimed Mr. Blunt, taking his -cigar from his lips. "Yes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Joyce had wealthy parents, who allowed him a -liberal amount of pocket money. He was one of those -fellows who cut a big dash, who dress better than the -other chaps, wear a lot of linen and scatter their money -fairly freely. In fact, he was very liberal, particularly -if he wished to secure the friendship of some particular -fellow." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! I've met many similar men in everyday life. -A little arrogant, conceited, don't you know; inclined -to give themselves airs and be high and mighty. Often -very shallow, and always fond of good things, and in -particular of scattering their cash so as to make a good -impression. Yes, they are to be met with here and -there, and many are excellent fellows at heart. They -lose their conceit later and settle down. Yes, they are -their own enemies. No one takes them very seriously. -His name was Joyce?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," replied Dudley. "He was all you say, -and beyond thinking him stuck up and foolish I -certainly never had a bad word to say about him. We -were friendly, and often enough when he had run -through his monthly allowance he would come to me -and borrow a shilling or two." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! He overspent his allowance and borrowed. -A bad plan!" exclaimed Mr. Blunt. "Never borrow -and never lend unless under very exceptional -circumstances. It leads to trouble, and often loses one a -friend." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for a little while again, as Dudley -pictured the lively, smooth-tongued Joyce, with his fine -clothes, and his great display of collar and cuff, while -Mr. Blunt no doubt was occupied with his own -thoughts. Perhaps he could tell tales of lending and -borrowing which had led to misery and trouble. He -tossed the stump of his weed into the air, where the -gale caught it and whisked it overboard. Then he -turned again to Dudley and spoke abruptly. -</p> - -<p> -"Joyce borrowed once too often," he said with -decision. "He asked you to lend him something, and in -some manner implicated you in this theft. He was the -culprit." -</p> - -<p> -"Without a doubt, sir," answered Dudley promptly. -"I can say it to you safely, I know. Joyce was the -thief. It was he who stole the money, and he it was -who should have been expelled." -</p> - -<p> -"Humph! You know that now. Did you know it -then? Did you shield him?" -</p> - -<p> -The questions were fired at our hero one after -another, while the answers were awaited with eagerness, -for Mr. Blunt was more than a little interested in the -tale his young friend had to tell him. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sure of it now. I am as certain that Joyce -stole the money as I am that you and I are seated -here. I guessed it at the time. There was scarcely -any possibility that it could be anyone else. But I -could not speak. If he was the thief he was there to -admit it. He heard me accused, and if he was the -culprit it was his duty to come forward." -</p> - -<p> -"Duty! Of course it was, lad. But it isn't every -boy, or man for the matter of that, who has the moral -pluck to confess to a theft even when he sees a friend -accused of the act of which he himself is guilty. You -relied on his honor and pluck. You were too proud -to speak. Go on. I am interested." -</p> - -<p> -"There is little more to tell you, sir," continued -Dudley. "It seems that there had been robberies from -one of the masters' rooms. I was warned of the fact, -and indeed did what I could to put a stop to the matter, -for such things are exceedingly disagreeable in a -school. But they still continued, and as a result a trap -was set for the thief. Money had been disappearing -from one of the masters' rooms, and it was hard to -say who could take it, for several of the upper school -had occasion to go to that room during the day. I was -often there, and so were Joyce and other members of -the sixth. But you can guess what happened. Some -silver was placed in a drawer, the one from which -other sums had been taken, and that silver was marked. -It disappeared, and promptly the whole school was -mustered in its various rooms, and each one ordered -to bring out his purse or show the money he possessed. -Seven shillings had been stolen, all marked coins. Six -of those shillings were found in my purse." -</p> - -<p> -He stopped abruptly, all the bitterness of the old -scene returning at once. He recollected how he had -produced his little wealth, how he had rolled the silver -on to the desk, and how, all of a sudden, the face of -the headmaster had changed. He had looked incredulous, -then as if deeply pained. A second later he was -questioning Dudley in icy tones. -</p> - -<p> -"This is your money?" he asked. "You are sure -that it is yours?" -</p> - -<p> -"Quite," was Dudley's easy answer. "It is all that -I possess, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Then it is not yours, sir. Those shillings were -stolen from the very drawer from which many thefts -have taken place. See for yourself. They are marked. -They have been stolen. I am grieved to have to call -you a thief. Go to your room at once, sir." -</p> - -<p> -The whole dreadful scene flashed before his eyes. -He remembered his own amazement, how the accusation -had stunned his senses so that he could not even -protest his innocence, and how, without a word, he had -gone to his room. And there, what agony of mind -he had suffered till the school was assembled, and he -was declared the culprit before them all. It was then -that Dudley had recovered his courage and found -power to speak. Very quietly, and with an earnestness -which would have impressed anyone, he declared his -innocence. -</p> - -<p> -"I swear that those marked shillings were given me -scarcely two hours before my purse was examined. -They were given me by one of the boys of this school -who owed me six shillings." -</p> - -<p> -"His name?" the headmaster had demanded icily. -</p> - -<p> -"I cannot give it. I am not here to accuse a -comrade," Dudley answered firmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will ask the question. Boys," said the -headmaster, "a series of despicable thefts has been -taking place. I was determined to put a stop to them, -and for that purpose placed seven marked shillings in -a drawer in Mr. Harland's room. Those shillings were -stolen, and within two hours six of them were found -in the purse of your late captain. You have heard -what he has to say. Is there any truth in it? Is there -a boy here who owed him money, and refunded it after -the theft? I beg of him, if that boy is here, to come -forward and save the honor of Dudley Compton." -</p> - -<p> -Silence was his only answer. The boys looked -askance at one another, and two or three of the older -ones even glanced across at Joyce. But the latter looked -as jaunty and cool as ever. His eyes were fixed on the -headmaster, and he seemed to have forgotten poor -Dudley. But his heart was beating furiously. His -legs would hardly support him, and the boy was trying -and trying to screw up his courage to declare himself -the thief, and so save his old friend and comrade. He -hesitated. Dread of what would follow sealed his lips, -and in a second or two the opportunity had gone. It -was too late to speak. Dudley was condemned to be -expelled, and was already out of the room. Only when -Joyce returned to his own cubicle did the enormity of -his offence fully appeal to him. Then, when it was -almost too late, he saw what a coward he had been, -how dishonorable and despicable had been his conduct. -For he it was who had actually stolen the coins. In -fact it was Joyce who had for some time been acting -as a common thief. He had been tempted. The power -to spend money, to be able to cut a dash and appear -grand before his fellows, possessed a huge fascination -for him, and he had fallen to the temptation. After -that he had repeated the offence. And now he groaned -when he reflected on this last act, to which thieving had -led him. He had always had a large amount of friendly -feeling for Dudley. He had looked up to the lad, -recognizing in him a stronger nature. And now he had -stood aside and had seen him condemned, knowing all -the while that he was innocent. -</p> - -<p> -"I can't bear it. I will go at once and set the matter -right," he cried. -</p> - -<p> -He rushed to the door of his cubicle, dragged it -open, and ran into the passage. And there his courage -again oozed through his finger tips. It was so easy to -let matters rest where they were. It was so hard to go -and make that declaration, and afterwards to be -expelled, to face all that that meant. He hesitated, -returned to the cubicle to think it over, and finally did -nothing. But for days and weeks Dudley's look of -anguish haunted him. Joyce became a different -person. He no longer displayed such an amount of linen. -His clothes were less conspicuous, and the cash which -he had freely spent before was now kept in his pocket. -Remorse was steadily altering the boy. The subject -of the theft was never out of his mind in waking hours, -and when asleep he even dreamed of poor Dudley. For -Joyce was not a bad fellow at heart. True, he was a -thief, a mean contemptible thief; but there was a lot -of good in the lad if only he could be induced to show -a little more moral courage. If he had been otherwise, -if he had been hardened and callous, he would hardly -have given a thought to his crime, or to the suffering -imposed on Dudley. At length, tortured by the -recollection of what he had done, he finally resolved to -declare his guilt, and straightway went to the headmaster. -Later, strong in his purpose, he faced the whole -school, admitted that he was guilty, and begged -earnestly that every boy present would recollect that -Dudley was innocent. Then he left the school, and once at -home set about to consider how he was to make -amends to Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley finished his portion of the tale while -Mr. Blunt listened attentively. -</p> - -<p> -"Joyce could have saved me," he said solemnly. -"He owed me money, and repaid it with the coins -which were marked. How did he become possessed of -them? And remember, sir, that scarcely two hours -passed between the theft and the discovery of the -marked coins. To my mind there is no doubt that -Joyce was the guilty person, and I am sure that if he -had had more pluck he would have come forward. In -any case I am sure that life has been unbearable to him -since. At heart he is a decent fellow, and I am certain -that his conscience will have been very active." -</p> - -<p> -"And you were expelled? You went out of that -house knowing what you tell me, and yet you would -not speak?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt asked the question quietly, while the look -in his eyes belied his manner and showed plainly that -he was not a little excited. -</p> - -<p> -"What else could I do, sir?" came the simple -answer. "I was not absolutely sure, and even then it -was not for me to clear myself at the expense of a -comrade." -</p> - -<p> -"Tommy rot! False pride, sir! A wrong impression -of your duty to your comrades! But it was fine! -Shake hands!" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt seized Dudley's hand and shook it -eagerly, his eyes flashing strangely as he did so. -</p> - -<p> -"I repeat, it was wrong," he said earnestly, "but -none the less you were a true comrade. You were not -certain, and I know how hateful it is to have to accuse -a friend. Rather than do that you suffered. Well, all -I have to say is this: If that lad Joyce does not admit -his guilt very soon, and entirely clear you, he is a cur -of the worst description. It is bad enough for him to -be a thief. It is worse when he has so little pluck that -he can stand by and see another accused and disgraced, -whom he knows to be innocent. No, if he does -nothing he is a cur. But I shall be surprised if the lad does -not learn a serious lesson, and I look to this matter to -make a man of him. I expect that guilty lad to turn -over a new leaf, to give up thieving and his shallow -ways, and to act like a man. There, Dudley, you and -I understand each other. You at least have behaved -with honor. You know you are no thief, and you are -equally sure that I, who have heard the tale, believe -implicitly in you. Banish it from your mind for a -time. Do not brood on it. Let the future set matters -right, for I look forward to the day when you will -return to that school to listen to the apologies of your -masters. Now let me tell you more of Entre Rios, of -the Pampas, and of the gauchos and the Indians." -</p> - -<p> -They sat chatting for two hours, after which another -meal was served, when Dudley descended to the saloon -boldly, feeling himself again, and fresh and hungry. -More than that, now that he had unburdened himself -to this stranger, to whom, boylike, he had taken such -a sudden fancy, he felt much happier. A huge weight -was lifted from his mind, and he felt that he could go -on without brooding on his misfortune, in the hope -that something would occur to set the matter right. -Indeed, thanks to Mr. Blunt's lively chatter, to the -vivid descriptions he gave of South America, and to -the narratives of his adventures there, Dudley very -soon was taken entirely out of himself. A bright -prospect was opened up before his eyes, and he longed for -the hour of their arrival, wishing many a time that -he were going to Mr. Blunt's estancia. -</p> - -<p> -Two days later the wind went down, the sea became -smooth, while the passengers put in an appearance one -by one, looking pale and emaciated after their trying -experience. The ship made Cape St. Vincent, having -called in at Lisbon, and in due course furrowed -her way across the wide Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro. -By that time all the passengers were on excellent -terms. -</p> - -<p> -Every day Dudley had spent an hour under his -friend's tuition with gun and revolver, till he had -become an expert and an exceedingly rapid shot. -Bottles and old boxes tossed into the sea had made -excellent targets. -</p> - -<p> -"You will do well if there is trouble, and it may -come when you least expect it," said Mr. Blunt. -"Remember this, the gauchos, as we call the natives of -the country, are extremely polite to one another and -to strangers, but one meets a ruffian now and again, -and all are very excitable. They are quick to take -advantage of one who they think is helpless, and more -particularly of a gringo. You can hold your own at -shooting. It now remains for you to learn to ride the -wildest animal that can be provided." -</p> - -<p> -On the following day the ship dropped her anchor -off Rio de Janeiro, and the passengers made ready to -go ashore. Dudley was to accompany his friend, and -ran below at the last moment to fetch a stick which he -had left in his cabin. As he reached the deck again, -one of the ship's boats was being lowered, two of the -sailors standing at the slings at the bow and stern of -the boat, while Mr. Blunt and another passenger sat -in the centre. -</p> - -<p> -"A free ride," he sang out to Dudley. "We shall -be in the water in a moment, when you can join me." -</p> - -<p> -Hardly had he spoken when there was a shout from -the deck, the men who were lowering the slings gave -exclamations of dismay, and in a second the swinging -boat fell from one of the davits, the slings at one end -having parted, and hung, bow downwards, with her -nose just dipping into the water. Her sudden upset -was accompanied by four loud splashes, as the two -passengers and the sailors were thrown into the water, -and then by loud calls, and by a titter from those on -the deck above. For all who had been tossed so -unceremoniously into the sea were able to swim, and as -Dudley looked over the side, there they were, treading -water and looking up to the rail, Mr. Blunt's sunburned -features unusually jovial, while a broad smile was on -his lips. -</p> - -<p> -"Spoke too soon and too truly," he sang out, seeing -his young friend. "Said we should be in the water in -a moment, and here we are, very wet, too." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley laughed, for the scene was very comical. He -clambered on to the rail, and leaned over, holding all -the while to a halyard. Then, of a sudden, he became -pale, his eyes opened wide, and he shouted with -consternation. His eye had caught the flicker of a passing -shadow down in the depths, a shadow which had rapidly -enlarged and become brighter, till it developed -into a long, silvery streak, getting broader every -moment as the monster shark, for such it was, turned over -preparatory to seizing its prey. It swirled across the -few yards between it and the swimmers, selected one, -and rushed open-mouthed at him. A second later, while -the passengers above shrieked in consternation, the -cruel beast had seized Mr. Blunt by the elbow and was -endeavoring to back away, while the victim, suddenly -realizing his precarious condition, snatched at the -hanging bow of the boat, and clung there for life. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley did not hesitate. He flung the stick behind -him, took one swift glance below, and then leaped at -the monster, hoping to strike him as he fell, or to -frighten him by the splash he made. It was madness, -perhaps, to make such an attempt. It was endangering -his own life for that of a friend. But he had a warm -heart and a brave one, and, moreover, he felt that he -already owed Mr. Blunt a debt of gratitude. He could -not stand there and see him dragged down beneath the -surface. He must make an effort for him, and with -that gallant resolve he plunged into the water. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap03"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER III -<br /><br /> -THE HOME ON THE PAMPAS -</h3> - -<p> -Shouts of excitement, the shrill falsetto of one of -the lady passengers shrieking in her fright, and loud -cries of encouragement accompanied Dudley as he -sprang into the sea, and were cut off abruptly as the -water closed over his head. A burly sailor, barefooted -and with dripping hands, leaped on to the rail, and -clambered out on to the stern of the dangling boat, -from which point of vantage he stared down at -Mr. Blunt as he struggled with the shark, and deep and -bitter words escaped his bearded lips in his excitement. -Then a stout little passenger, with florid countenance -and remarkably bald head, followed him on to the rail, -and for an instant appeared as if he would leap after -the young fellow. The intention was there, the fire -of youth was in his eye, and no doubt this stout little -man had, in his young days, been capable of a rescue. -But he was too stout now, and he knew it. He paused, -held back, and then shouted like a maniac. Behind -him the other passengers crowded, till a voice ordered -them to stand aside. -</p> - -<p> -"Stand away, gentlemen, please" came from the -captain in stern tones. "Allow this man to pass. -Now, lads, sling him over, and, Tom, make good use -of that boat-hook." -</p> - -<p> -Quick as lightning a sailor thrust his way through -the throng, clambered over the rail, and let himself go, -four of his comrades lowering him hurriedly by means -of a stout rope till he was close to the water and within -reach of the struggle. Meanwhile Dudley had struck -out, had reached the surface, and had looked round for -Mr. Blunt and the shark. Hardly half a minute had -passed since he leaped from the rail, but in that short -space of time he had decided on his course of action, -though when he plunged into the water he had no -idea what course to pursue. Then, like a flash, he -remembered reading in some book about sharks, and -of how natives in some odd corner of the world were -in the habit of attacking them. -</p> - -<p> -"A shark is helpless if you can tear his tail," he said -to himself. "I recollect the natives did it with their -teeth. I'll try." -</p> - -<p> -Treading water for an instant, he saw the long, ugly -snout of the monster close to Mr. Blunt's shoulder, he -noticed the crimson streaks which now dyed the sea, -and also how the dangling boat swayed as the man -clung desperately to it. Then he drew in a big breath, -dived beneath the surface, and struck out for the tail -of the giant fish, easily seen at that distance. It was -still for the moment, the monster simply retaining its -hold and clinging to Mr. Blunt's arm. Dudley darted -towards it, seized it between both hands, and pulled -with all his strength, only to find that his hands slipped -from the surface, and to receive a blow from the tail -which beat him off promptly. But he was returning -to the attack within an instant, and knowing that there -was no time to be lost, he gripped at the tail again, dug -his fingers into the slippery surface, and a second later -had buried his teeth in the centre of the very extremity. -Ah! This was different. He had a firm hold this time, -and though the beast made frantic efforts to throw him -off he clung to the tail, and with a sudden movement -of both arms and of his teeth ripped it from end to end. -Not till then did he let go his hold, to rise, gasping, -to the surface a moment later. -</p> - -<p> -What a shout greeted him! Hoarse roars of excitement, -bravoes, and the hysterical shrieks of the lady -passenger fell on his ears. -</p> - -<p> -"Bravely done! A splendid act, and the only -effective way to tackle him," shouted the captain, now -standing on the rail and clinging to a halyard. "He -has let go his hold! Strike at the brute, Tom. You -have him within reach. Ah! That should settle the -matter." -</p> - -<p> -He leaned over, breathless with excitement, and -watched as the sailor, dangling over the side, steadied -himself against the ship with his bare toes, aimed at -the floundering fish, and then struck with the boat-hook -with all his strength, driving the iron end deep -into the shark's body. -</p> - -<p> -"Hold him, Tom," called out the captain. "Mr. Blunt, -trail on to the bow of the boat for a moment -longer. Another is being lowered from the port side, -and will be round. You're all right?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never stronger in my life," came the cool answer. -"But that brute has mauled my shoulder rather badly. -Who came after me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dudley Compton," shouted the stout passenger, -now all aquiver with excitement. "The brave lad -leaped straight in." -</p> - -<p> -"I thought he would. I guessed he would be the -one," came the calm reply. "Don't fret, Skipper. -We're all snug down here for a while if there are no -more of those brutes. Ha, Dudley, that you?" -</p> - -<p> -He nodded coolly as the young fellow swam to his -side and gripped the bows. -</p> - -<p> -"Look before you leap," he laughed. "In other -words, don't dive into a sea where sharks are -expected." -</p> - -<p> -The man was made of iron. Dudley watched him -closely as they clung, waiting for the relief boat, and -plainly saw the lines of pain drawn on his friend's -face, the suffering which this strong settler from South -America was too proud and too courageous to show. -He was suffering, anyone could tell that from the red -streaks which issued from the rents in his coat, and he -was shaken, for his lips twitched suspiciously. -</p> - -<p> -"You're hurt, sir. Shall I hold you and so take -the weight from your other arm." -</p> - -<p> -"Hold me! Not a bit of it, Dudley!" came the -swift answer. "Hush! I'm hurt I know, but a man -recovers sooner if he shows pluck about a thing of -this sort. Lad, if I had a hand to grip yours!" -</p> - -<p> -There was a depth of feeling now in the voice, -feeling which he would not show before. Mr. Blunt -looked at his young deliverer with eyes which -displayed his gratitude plainly. Then his features -hardened, and Dudley saw the lines of pain again. At that -moment the boat, which had been hastily lowered, -came round the stern of the vessel, and the five who -were in the water were lifted into her and conveyed -to the gangway, which had now been dropped from -the rail. They were greeted with shouts of delight, -and Mr. Blunt was hurried off a second later by the -captain to have his wounds attended to. For no -surgeon was carried, and almost every skipper of -ocean-going vessels in those days had picked up a -smattering of surgical and medical knowledge from -the seaman's hospital at Greenwich or in other ports. -As for Dudley, he was seized upon by the passengers, -hoisted to the shoulders of the stout and enthusiastic -little man who had seemed on the point of following -him into the water, and with the help of two others -he was conveyed down to the saloon. -</p> - -<p> -"There is no fear of his getting a chill out in these -waters," cried the little man, blowing with his -exertions. "Gentlemen——Pardon, ladies and gentlemen, -for I see that there are two ladies with us, we -cannot let Mr. Compton go to his cabin without a word -of commendation for his pluck. He is just fresh from -the most gallant rescue that I have ever witnessed, and -there is no time therefore like the present. I speak -for all here, my dear lad, for the passengers and crew -of this vessel. We are proud to have you amongst us, -and we thank you for letting us see what a young -Englishman can do. It was fine, sir! Grand! I wish -the lad were my son." -</p> - -<p> -He beamed on Dudley, shook his wet hand till our -hero winced, and then pushed him into the midst of -the other passengers. It was, in consequence, a very -bewildered young fellow who escaped from their -friendly and enthusiastic attentions at length, and made -his way into his cabin. Nor did congratulations cease -for many an hour, for on that very afternoon a select -committee of passengers went ashore and returned in -the evening with a bulky package. That night, after -supper had been served, for that was the custom in -the days of which we write, the captain rose from his -seat at the table. -</p> - -<p> -"Ladies and gentlemen," he said quietly, "it has -fallen to my lot to perform a pleasant duty for one and -all of us. This morning a member of this ship's -company, who, if he will excuse my saying so, is little -more than a boy, behaved like a man, a very gallant -man, let me add. He showed us in one fearful moment -how self can be forgotten in the hope of helping others. -That he may never forget this noble act, that we may -show him what we think of his courage, we ask him -to accept this memento. He needs nothing to stimulate -his courage, but at times these useful little implements -may remind him that he has behaved like a man, and -can look the bravest in the face without flinching." -</p> - -<p> -Short and crisp, and happily turned, the speech drew -loud cheers from the assembled passengers, from the -stewards, and from the sailors crowding in the doorway, -while from Dudley there came a gasp of surprise, -and two tears welled up in the corners of his eyes. The -lad had met with very little kindness during his young -life; his had been a somewhat lonely existence, and -such notice was strange to him. He walked with -unsteady feet to the captain, and looked at the memento -with eyes which were blurred. In a splendid leather -case, housed in suitable compartments, were a -double-barrelled shot-gun, a rifle of fine workmanship, and -a revolver of the latest pattern. No wonder his heart -swelled with gratitude. He turned to express his -thanks, strove manfully to steady his lips, and, failing -hopelessly, stared round at the assembled people. A -second later his friend came to the rescue. Mr. Blunt -sprang to his feet, cool as ever, his face just a little -paler perhaps, and his arm in a sling. -</p> - -<p> -"Permit me, captain, and you, ladies and gentlemen, -to answer for my young friend and deliverer," he said. -"No one here should appreciate the truth of the words -which our captain has used more than I, and all must -know how deeply grateful I am. Mr. Compton saved -my life. He rescued me from a horrible death, and in -doing so performed a gallant act. You have presented -him with a handsome memento, which I know he will -always treasure, and for which he is deeply grateful. -I know that he would tell you that he has done nothing, -that Mr. Carter there was about to attempt the same -thing; but we know—in his own heart he knows—that -he has done well. Yet this memento seems in his -eyes too fine a thing. He does not realize that you who -looked on cannot recognize such gallantry too -handsomely, nor that I, if I were to present him with a -memento of a thousand times its value should still be -his debtor for life. Ladies and gentlemen, our young -friend has started his new life well; he has won your -unstinted praise, and to the end of his life he will -remember this day. He thanks you for your -overwhelming kindness." -</p> - -<p> -There were more cheers at that, while the stout little -man who had been so unexpectedly referred to flushed -to the top of his bald head and shook his fist at -Mr. Blunt. Dudley, still covered with confusion, took up -his guncase and rushed to the privacy of his cabin, -where he threw himself on his bunk and buried his -face in his hands. He was shaken. He felt more -confused and unnerved by far than he had done -immediately after the rescue. -</p> - -<p> -"If only they would forget all about it," he groaned. -"If only Mr. Carter had been first, then there would -have been no need for me." -</p> - -<p> -"While I should not have lived to thank you," said -a voice at his elbow. "Come, Dudley, let us look at -the guns. My word, you are well set up for the new -life! You will have to hide this case, or the gauchos -will think you are a desperate fellow and will leave you -very severely alone. And, by the way, I have -something to say to you. You hoped to meet a -Mr. Bradshaw?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley shot up suddenly, ashamed of the emotion -he had shown. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," he said. "I was to disembark at -Montevideo, and you told me that you would help me when -I landed. I suppose I shall have little difficulty?" -</p> - -<p> -"None whatever," was the calm answer. "That is, -you will have no great trouble before you in finding -work, for that, I suppose, is what you want." -</p> - -<p> -"I will do anything," replied our hero eagerly. "I -have fifty pounds in my valise, which will keep me -going for some time. I hope to obtain employment -with my guardian's friend. He promised to keep a -place for me." -</p> - -<p> -"And would keep that promise were he able to. -But listen, my lad. I have kept the news from you -till this. Mr. Bradshaw was killed six months ago in -one of the frequent Indian raids. His estancia was -sold up at once, and his successor might not want -hands. But I do. Will you come? I offer you a fair -wage, plain living in my house, and plenty of exercise." -</p> - -<p> -Would he come? Would Dudley accept a post than -which he could wish for nothing better? -</p> - -<p> -Our hero leaped to the floor of the cabin and stared -at his friend, too much surprised at the news he had -just learned to make a reply. It was a blow to him -to hear that this Mr. Bradshaw was dead, and that the -friend to whom he was going would not be there to -greet and help him. But that disappointment was -wiped away in an instant by the handsome offer made -him. -</p> - -<p> -"I am truly sorry about Mr. Bradshaw," he said at -last, "and I thank you from the bottom of my heart -for your offer. Of course I accept it. I would come -for nothing, for I expect I shall be useless at first, and -as you offer me a home, I shall be able to look round -and get to know the country. There is no one with -whom I would go so gladly as with you." -</p> - -<p> -"Then the matter is settled. You are my employé -from this moment," was the swift answer. "Your -salary will commence from to-day also, as I shall wish -to commence your instruction immediately. No, not -a word of protest, if you please! You are too apt to -make little of yourself. You say that you will be -useless till you know the work required on a rancho. That -is not so. Any young fellow who is willing, and does -not fight shy when work is in prospect, can make -himself of use. A day or two will teach him sufficient, -and after that he is becoming more efficient every hour. -But I want to tell you something more. This post -that you have accepted is no sinecure. You will be -about at the first streak of day and galloping over the -rancho. Often enough you will be sent off on -expeditions to round up cattle and horses, and on those -occasions you will not even have a tent. You will -sleep with the stars twinkling overhead, and wake -with the dew lying heavily on you. Maybe, on rare -occasions, a frost will come, and then your blanket -covering will be stiff with cold." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley laughed a gay laugh, which showed that -none of these hardships had any terrors for him. -</p> - -<p> -"It will be a grand experience, sir," he smiled. -"Besides, have you not lived that sort of life for -years? And look how fit and well you are." -</p> - -<p> -"It has made a man of me, lad. When I am away -from the house on the rancho I feel free as the air. I -eat and sleep heartily, and fine weather, sunshine, frost, -or rain are one and the same to me. Give me the -gauchos' camp on the plains, or amidst the small forests, -the crackling fire of thistle tops, a saddle to rest -my head on, and a thick blanket to cover me. I am -happy then. I enjoy every minute of the day, and -sleep soundly at night. But there is something else. -Lad, there are Indians. I have been raided twice -already, and on each occasion I have escaped only by -the skin of my teeth. Fifteen of my gauchos were -killed on the last occasion, and all my stock was cleared -out." -</p> - -<p> -"And still you are going back to the place, and sighing -to get there, sir," came Dudley's answer, short and -abrupt. "If you can face an Indian raid, why, I shall -try to do so also." -</p> - -<p> -"Then our compact is settled. Not that I thought -that you would flinch; but there are some who would. -Now for a few words as to myself. You have told me -who you are. I will let you have a little of my own -history. You hear me use strange expressions sometimes. -They are Italian, and though I am an Englishman -born and bred, yet I have Italian sympathies and -interests. My father lived many years in Rome, and -often had a villa in Sicily, to which I used to go for -my holidays. I speak Italian like a native, and know -the southern portions of Italy and the whole of Sicily -very well. I married an Italian lady, and settled in -the island I have mentioned, till one of the foulest acts -of treachery drove me from it and sent me out here. -You have heard of the vendetta?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley had heard of it in some obscure way, and -had a faint idea of its meaning, but he was not quite -sure. -</p> - -<p> -"I fancy it is sometimes a secret society," he said. -"Or perhaps it is an oath which certain families take, -that they will be revenged on some individual or even -on a whole family. They plot and plan for years, if -need be, till their revenge is accomplished." -</p> - -<p> -"Just so; the latter is more correct. It is a hateful -practice, and is one which might be expected in a -country such as Italy, where secret societies abound, where -men are condemned before secret tribunals, and -assassinated by the poniard of a ruffian who, beyond his -interest in this society, has no direct animus against the -condemned man. Dudley, my wife's family had fallen -under the ban of some secret society the members of -which are, to the best of my belief, all of one family. -These wretches murdered her father, and would have -done the same by the mother had not a kind providence -removed her peacefully before their poniards -could reach her heart. That did not satisfy them. -They slew my dear wife, and would have assassinated -me and my little daughter had I not escaped from the -country. They drove me out, and I sailed for South -America, where there are many Italians, a number of -whom, however, have now returned to their native -country with Garibaldi. But that does not concern us -now. My daughter, a child of your age, is settled in -a convent near Naples, where she is secure, and where -she has been for the past six years, passing under an -assumed name. For myself, one of these days I may -be able to return to Italy, where I should like to live, -for the warmth suits me, and I feel at home. Also -I have an estate in Sicily. There, I have bored you, I -fear." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley shook his head emphatically, for, on the -contrary, he had been vastly interested. Many a time -during the voyage he had wondered what there was -about his friend which made him so different from -other men. He was sure that he had a history, and -now he had learned it. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems terrible that such things should occur," -he said aloud. "In England we have nothing like it, -for the people would not allow such revenge and such -assassinations. You have found security in this -country, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"Would that I had," came the answer. "I thought -that by coming here I should escape these miscreants, -but that is not the case. It is true that I have been -far more secure, for the simple reason that out on the -ranchos there are so few men that a stranger is at once -noticeable. We want to know at once who the man is, -where he comes from, and what he wants. I have -faithful gauchos there who would protect me, and -who may be relied on to give me instant warning of -danger. And yet I know that one Indian raid at least -was instigated by my enemies, and I was once attacked -in the streets of Montevideo. There is, indeed, no -doubt that the ruffians who slew my wife would -willingly kill me and my child. However, they have a -big, strong man to deal with, and if I catch them in -the act of attacking, why——" -</p> - -<p> -The big, strong fingers of his uninjured hand -formed themselves into a sturdy fist. The man's stern, -sun-tanned face hardened, and there came over his -features a look which told better than any words that -Mr. Blunt would deal promptly and with the utmost -severity with his enemies. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," he went on, "they shall have little leniency -from me, for nothing but the severest measures and a -stern example will stop their practices. However, do -not let me trouble you any longer. I have told you -that many political exiles from Italy have come to -South America and have settled near Montevideo, -and, knowing that, you can realize that one or more -can send news of me to these people in Italy. There -are paid spies amongst them, and if I were to take -up my quarters for long in one of the towns, such as -Montevideo or Buenos Ayres, why, I should be -inviting trouble. There are ruffians to be employed in -every city. Now, let us take a stroll on deck. The -city of Rio looks magnificent when seen from the sea." -</p> - -<p> -They clambered up the companion and strolled arm -in arm from bow to stern, their eyes tracing the city -by the numerous lights which twinkled from streets -and windows. Late that night they turned in, Mr. Blunt -to fall asleep at once, in spite of his wounded -shoulder, and Dudley to lie awake and think, and -dream of the life before him, of camp fires, of a bed -beneath the stars, and of a life of freedom and -hardship out in the open. -</p> - -<p> -"Just what I should like," he said over and over -again to himself. "I shall do my best to become -expert with a horse and to keep up my shooting, while -I shall try to learn the business of managing a rancho. -Perhaps some of these days I might become manager -for Mr. Blunt, or even his partner. At any rate I -mean to get on and make a living." -</p> - -<p> -He fell into an uneasy slumber at last, and gradually -his still active brain turned from the pampas, from -what he imagined a rancho to be, to Italy, to the -terrible vendetta which had cast such a cloud over his -friend's life. Little did he imagine, or even dream, -that in days soon to come he, Dudley Compton, would -become involved in that vendetta himself, and stand -in fear of his life. -</p> - -<p> -Early on the following morning the anchor was -roused, the sails hoisted, and the ship set on a course -for Montevideo. A week later they came to a rest -off the town. -</p> - -<p> -"We get off here and transship to a river boat," said -Mr. Blunt. "I have friends ashore, and we will stay -with them for a couple of days, while I lay in a stock -of stores for the rancho. At the same time we will -get you a suitable outfit. In those clothes you are at -once conspicuous, while, if dressed in gaucho costume, -no one will know you from a native of the place, for -you are as brown as any white man could be." -</p> - -<p> -Having shaken hands with the officers and the passengers -who still remained aboard, Dudley clutched his -guncase in his hand and went over the side into the -small boat awaiting them. They were rowed to the -quay, and soon were at the house of Mr. Blunt's -friends. Two days later they embarked on a small -river boat, a mass of stores being placed aboard under -Dudley's supervision. -</p> - -<p> -"Check every article carefully," said Mr. Blunt, -"for though people are for the most part honest, it -is as well to remember that a ruffian is to be found -here and there. How do you like your new outfit, lad? -You look well in it." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley colored, for he had donned the garments for -the first time that morning. He wore a shirt of -dark-blue flannel, open at the neck save where the folds of -an ample red scarf surrounded the collar. A wide -sombrero of black felt covered his head, an ostrich -feather standing up from the ribbon. His nether -garments consisted of a pair of trousers of light material; -and over these he wore a pair of split buckskin leggings, -reaching to his waist, fringed with leather -tassels on either side, and the whole held in position by a -strong leather belt which encircled his waist, and in -which a hunting knife was thrust. On his right hip, -with the butt protruding from the top of the pocket -stitched to the leggings, was his revolver, so placed -that it was always ready to his hand, and yet was out -of the way on ordinary occasions, and clear of the -saddle when riding. A pair of enormous spurs, with -big rowels, completed his outfit, but he wisely refrained -from wearing them. -</p> - -<p> -"It takes a little time to get accustomed to such big -bits of metal on one's heels," laughed Mr. Blunt. "A -man looks very foolish if he happens to trip; and -besides, a rowel can inflict a nasty wound on one's foot. -Once we are off you can put them on, and practise -walking with them, and when we reach our port you -will feel more at home with them. I will see that you -have a quiet horse, and can leave it to you to swing -yourself into the saddle as if you had been at it all -your life. Your poncho will always be strapped to the -back of the saddle." -</p> - -<p> -Some ten days later they arrived at the up-country -port at which they were to disembark, Dudley being -amazed at the size of the River Paraná. By then he -was well accustomed to his new outfit, and was able -to walk with ease and certainty in spite of his spurs. -They went ashore, checked their goods, and handed -them over to a party of gauchos who had come from -the rancho to meet their employer. -</p> - -<p> -"They will load them up on pack horses and come -through after us," said Mr. Blunt. "Now, Dudley, -this horse will suit you, and the stirrup leathers are, I -should say, of a suitable length. Remember to keep -your toes in, and your spurs clear of the flanks, or he -will soon tell you that you are a novice. Pick up your -reins, take a grip of his mane with the fingers of the -same hand, and then tuck your toe into the stirrup. A -little effort will carry you into the saddle, when you -will easily get your other stirrup by a little manipulation. -On no account place it on your toe with your -hand." -</p> - -<p> -The group of gauchos, dusky-faced and well-set-up -fellows, who had come to meet Mr. Blunt, stood -watching the two as they mounted. Their keen eyes had so -far detected nothing about our hero save his youth, -and perhaps the newness of his costume. They looked -on critically as he went up to his horse, put his fingers -beneath the girth to see that it was secure, and then -patted the animal. Dudley was not going to be -hurried, though he felt all those eyes on him. He picked -up his reins, just as he had been taught to do at home, -twisted a few locks of the long mane round his finger, -and then put his toe in the stirrup. After that it was -simple work to mount, and in less time than it takes to -tell of it he was astride the saddle, and by good luck -his other toe had found its stirrup. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bueno</i>! He has ridden, but he is a gringo for all -that," exclaimed one of the gauchos. "What is this -tale of the master's?" -</p> - -<p> -"The lad rescued him from a shark. Leaped into -the water, and tore the brute's tail to shreds. He has -pluck!" -</p> - -<p> -"He will suit us, comrades," chimed in another. "I -have asked the hands aboard, and they say that he -has good manners, that he speaks politely to all, and -that he is no duffer. There is a tale that he can -shoot." -</p> - -<p> -At that they pricked up their ears, for a gringo -might ride fairly well, he might have ample pluck, -but shoot!—no, that was an art learned only on the -pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"I will give my rifle to you, Pietro," growled one -of their number, a rough-looking fellow. "Listen, I -will give you my rifle if this gringo can hit the pith -ball of a bolas placed on a fence thirty paces distant. -That is, with the revolver. Anyone could do it with -a rifle." -</p> - -<p> -"And I will return the gift," came the answer. "I -know nothing for sure, mark you, <i>amigo</i>, but the -young señor is a good fellow, and he will try to win -for me. <i>Bueno!</i> We will set to work to pack the -animals." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt had been careful to tell a portion of -Dudley's tale on landing, knowing that his gallant act -would win him more friends amongst the rough -gauchos than would the fact that he was a protégé -of his. -</p> - -<p> -"He has come with me as a friend and employé," -he told the head man of the gauchos, "and saved my -life from a shark. You will find the young señor an -excellent fellow." -</p> - -<p> -Little did Dudley know what had happened. But -he could see out of the tail of his eye as he rode off -that the men were not disposed to be unfriendly to him. -He felt glad that he had been able to mount his horse -with such ease and dexterity, and he promised himself -that he would do all he could to become a perfect -horseman. -</p> - -<p> -That night they lay down by the camp fire and slept -beneath the stars. On the following day, having -ridden across miles of sweeping pampas, they came -to a strip of forest country, beside which were some -buildings. -</p> - -<p> -"Our home for the future," sang out Mr. Blunt. -"Welcome to the rancho!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap04"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER IV -<br /><br /> -AN ENGLISH GRINGO -</h3> - -<p> -"We will make the most of our time while the men -are absent," said Mr. Blunt, as he and Dudley sat -outside the door of the principal building of the rancho -on the night of their arrival. "As you see, I have a -native servant here, who does the cooking and house -duties for me. He is a faithful fellow and has been in -my employ for many years; in fact, he has been at this -special work ever since an Indian bullet lamed him and -made him unable to mount a horse. He will not see -you during the day, while the twenty odd men I have -at the rancho will not put in an appearance for many -days, as they are out branding the cattle." -</p> - -<p> -"So that I shall have some time to look about me -and pick up my duties," suddenly exclaimed Dudley, -stretching his legs out and rubbing the back of his -knees. Two days in the saddle had stiffened his limbs, -and the unaccustomed exercise had chafed the skin -from his legs. He felt sore and uncomfortable, and -many a time on this last day he would have dismounted -had he not been determined to master his horse and -do exactly what Mr. Blunt did. -</p> - -<p> -"Stiff and sore?" asked his employer with a laugh. -"Yes, I have seen that. You managed to get across -your horse at the landing stage in a very creditable -manner. Not that you deceived the gauchos. They are -too knowing for that. They saw, of course, that you -had been in a saddle before. But even if they had been -children they would have guessed that you had had -very little practice. You see, once a horseman always -one. Nearly six months later I return to this country -and fall into its ways as if I had been away for only -a day. My saddle comes as easy to me as a chair does -to you, no doubt. My feet find the stirrups at once, -and if there were need I could ride without them. -Watch the gauchos when they return with our pack -animals. They are amongst the finest horsemen. I have -known, and there are few of the rough beasts that we -capture from the pampas that they cannot ride after -some little difficulty has been got over. They scarcely -touch the stirrup, but place a hand on the neck of the -beast and vault into the saddle. That's what I want -you to practise, Dudley. The men will hardly reach -here for a week, for they have a large amount of stuff -to bring, and will come very slowly. Take your horse -at dawn and make a wide circle round the rancho. -Don't be afraid of riding off the place, for the land -for fifteen miles round here belongs to me, though -there is not a fence or a boundary stone to show where -the property comes to an end. Get some food from -Francia, the cook, take a shotgun with you, and spend -the whole day in the saddle. Yes, yes, I know that -you are sore," he went on, indulging in another smile -at Dudley's expense, as the latter stroked his knees -again. "I will give you something which will harden -the skin, and to-morrow night you will be quite -comfortable. Now, lad, how do you think you will like -the life?" -</p> - -<p> -"Immensely!" came the prompt reply. "Of course -I am more or less ignorant of it at present, and perhaps -I ought to have kept my opinion till I have seen and -experienced more. But who could not like this open-air -existence. It is so warm out on these plains, so, -so——" -</p> - -<p> -"Exhilarating," suggested Mr. Blunt. "Yes, a -man feels fit and keen here. The air is a tonic to those -who are weaklings when they come to the pampas, and -many a delicate man have I seen get strong and healthy -after a few months. Look at the sky! That is the -sort of ceiling we have at night for the greater part -of the year. The stars are brilliant, and that crescent -of the moon makes the place almost as light as during -the day." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley stretched a little farther out in the bent-wood -chair in which he was seated, and stared up at the -glittering sky above, admiring the myriad stars, and -the gleaming crescent floating in the heavens. The air -was beautifully warm and balmy, so much so that a -man might sleep out in the open without a covering -and still not risk catching a chill. A soft breeze fanned -his cheek and brought with it the sweet scent of the -trees which grew thickly near the rancho. He could -see their tops swaying gently in the moon rays, and as -he glanced about him he could distinguish the low roof -of the rancho, the building which had been Mr. Blunt's -home for many years. It was a long, straggling affair, -with timber sides, and a shingle roof, and so many -doors that Dudley felt bewildered. Some two hundred -yards from it was another building, of smaller proportions, -while to the left of that was a fenced enclosure, -surrounded by huge posts and beams. -</p> - -<p> -"The corral," explained Mr. Blunt. "That is -where we rope in our wild cattle and horses, and where -the most fractious of the latter are trained to take a -saddle. You will see all that work in good time. I -notice that the doors of the house amuse you." -</p> - -<p> -They were seated in their chairs some thirty yards -from the building, and beneath a clump of trees at the -foot of which was a shallow well, where the house -supply was obtained. Dudley had, indeed, noticed the -fact to which his employer referred, and waited for -an explanation. -</p> - -<p> -"They are put in with a purpose," said Mr. Blunt. -"When I offered to bring you here I told you that -there were certain drawbacks. Well, Indians and an -ever-threatening raid are amongst those drawbacks. -Now, supposing the Indians appeared at this moment, -you and I should run for the nearest door, which -happens to be the one in general use. We should bolt and -bar it once we were in, and then our guns would speak -from the openings left for that special purpose. But -our men are still out on the rancho, and unless they -were warned of the coming of the Indians they would -be slaughtered one by one, for they are often widely -separated. I should warn them. I have an old cannon -mounted on the roof, and Francia would fire it. The -noise would certainly reach the ears of the gauchos, -and would tell them that there was danger. They -would collect together, gallop for the rancho, and make -a rush." -</p> - -<p> -"While you would throw open the door or doors -nearest to them, and fire on the Indians," interrupted -Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"Precisely! There might be a hundred and more -of these enemies, for they hunt in large parties, and -our sole aim would be to get the whole of our force -together. The horses and the cattle we should have -to leave, and I have found by a former experience that -they act as an excellent counter attraction. The Indians -raid us for our horses and cattle, and also to kill -us if possible. If they fail to kill us, and see that to -capture us they must fight, they will take the easier -course and make off with the cattle. To drive them -they have to separate a little, and that is the time for -us to retaliate. We follow, and on one occasion we -succeeded in saving our beasts and in driving the enemy -away. -</p> - -<p> -"Now we'll turn in. To-morrow you take your -horse as I have directed, and don't forget; make the -most of the week before you." -</p> - -<p> -He rose from his chair, stretched and yawned, and -led the way to the house. A solitary candle was -spluttering in the one big room of which the place -consisted, and it showed two pallets, constructed of wide -strips of canvas nailed to long wooden trestles. -Mr. Blunt clambered on to one, drew a blanket over him, -placed a revolver beneath his pillow, and nodded good -night. Dudley followed his actions, blew out the -candle, and settled himself to sleep. But for a long -while he remained awake, listening to the deep breathing -of his friend, and to the long, low whimpering of -a biscacha, a species of rodent which infests the pampas -in certain parts. Then he, too, fell asleep and -continued in blissful unconsciousness till the first faint -streak of light stole into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Time to water and groom the horses," cried -Mr. Blunt, leaping from his pallet and touching -Dudley. "Come now, how is the stiffness? What a -grand morning it is! Why it makes one glad to be -alive." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley wakened with a start, threw his blanket from -him, and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Then he rose -suddenly and leaped to the ground, only to give a groan, -and smile somewhat lamely at his friend. -</p> - -<p> -"My word! Stiff!" he exclaimed dismally. "I -can hardly move. I thought that a good night's sleep -and rest would put matters right. I am worse than I -was yesterday." -</p> - -<p> -"And will be till I take you in hand. Strip off those -things, my lad, and hop along over to the well. There -is a pump there and a tub. Have a thorough good -splash, and rub yourself down till your skin is on fire. -Then I'll give you a little of my own special -embrocation. Come, hustle!" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt smiled at Dudley as he bustled him into -one corner of the room and watched him remove his -clothing. Then, tossing him a rough towel, he -conducted him to the well for all the world as if he were -his jailer. Dudley hobbled across the green space -which intervened, gripped the handle of the pump, and -set to work with a will. He meant to show his friend -that even if he were stiff and sore he had still some -energy. But he wondered whether he would, after all -Mr. Blunt had said, be fit to ride that day, or move -away from the house. -</p> - -<p> -"My hips are so stiff and sore that I cannot bend -them, while my knees feel too weak to carry my -weight," he said to himself. "And my back, oh!" -</p> - -<p> -"Get into the tub and sit down, my lad. That's -right! Makes you gasp a little! The water comes -from a spring, you see, and is precious cold. Put your -head under the spout and let it pour right over you." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt waved to the tub, saw Dudley clamber -stiffly into it and crouch as low as possible, and then, -with rapid movement of one of his muscular arms, for -his injured limb was not yet quite recovered, sent a -stream of ice-cold water gushing from the spout over -Dudley's quivering body. No wonder that he gasped! -For a moment he felt as if he could not endure it, and -then he began to enjoy the sensation. The cold water -wakened him effectively. He pushed his head still -farther under the spout, and then gradually let the -water pour over his back. A minute later he was -splashing himself all over and rubbing vigorously at -his limbs. -</p> - -<p> -"Makes you feel better?" demanded Mr. Blunt -with a grim smile. "Ah, thought it would! Hop out -now and I'll give you a rub down. Then you can take -a run round the rancho and afterwards have the -embrocation applied. There, out you come! One has -only to watch you to see that you are more active -already. I'm not at all surprised to find you so stiff and -sore, for you must remember that we have ridden -fairly hard and fast, while you had not been in a saddle -for many a long month." -</p> - -<p> -"And then for only a matter of an hour at a time," -answered Dudley, spluttering as the water ran from -his face. "That beast I rode yesterday is a beauty, -and quiet enough, but he seemed to be fretting, and -kept jolting me about." -</p> - -<p> -"He is young and raw in some ways, though sedate -enough," came the answer. "You will have him again -to-day, and there is nothing to prevent your putting -him to the gallop. Practise mounting quickly, and -when you get a little more accustomed to the saddle, -put him at a jump. Now, how's that?" -</p> - -<p> -It was no gentle hand which applied the towel to -Dudley's shoulders, and very soon he was in a furious -heat from head to foot. The sudden immersion, and -the friction afterwards, had quickened his circulation, -and already the greater part of his stiffness was gone. -He tied the towel round his waist, and set off at a rapid -pace round the rancho. Ten minutes later the -embrocation had been applied and he was fully dressed -again. -</p> - -<p> -"Now for the horses," said Mr. Blunt. "That is a -duty which you must never neglect, for it may happen -that your life may depend on your horse. Every -gaucho looks after his own animals, and I do the -same, watering them at dawn, grooming and then -feeding. Your beast gets to know you thoroughly -well, till he will almost understand the words you say -to him. Here we are. The animals live at this end -of the house, so as to be under our guns. There is -a trough near the well, and I generally do the grooming -there, for it is out in the sun." -</p> - -<p> -Everything was new to Dudley, for the reader must -remember that he had lived for the most part in a -town. He followed Mr. Blunt to the stable, took the -brush which was given him and a wisp of straw, and -then went up to his horse. The animal knew him at -once and whinnied. Dudley patted its neck, and taking -the beast by a lock of its mane led it out to the well, -where he let it drink peacefully till it was satisfied. -</p> - -<p> -"Now groom him thoroughly," said Mr. Blunt, -"and afterwards give him his feed. And just -remember another point. You like to have your -breakfast in peace, I have no doubt, and so does a horse. -Leave him to enjoy it. It upsets his digestion if he is -constantly interfered with while eating, and if you -would have him always fit, see that he has his -feed-times to himself, and a reasonable space afterwards -before you make use of him. There, the grooming's -done, and we can take them back." -</p> - -<p> -An hour later Dudley lifted his native saddle on to -his head and went to the stable. His horse gave -another whinny as he appeared, and moved a step -towards him, standing perfectly still as he placed the -bit in its mouth and the saddle on its back. Then our -hero slung his shotgun over his shoulder, led the horse -out, and sprang into the saddle, feeling wonderfully -agile and supple now. A minute later he was galloping -at full pace away over the pampas, his broad-brimmed -hat flapping in the wind, and the trimmings -of his leggings trailing out beside him. -</p> - -<p> -"Sits fairly well," exclaimed Mr. Blunt critically, as -he watched his departure. "There is a little too much -daylight showing between him and the saddle, but that -is a fault which he will rectify. That lad means to be -a rider. If I make no mistake he has made up his -mind to be as good at his work as any of the gauchos." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley had, in fact, firmly determined to do his -utmost to please his master and gain the good opinion -of the gauchos. After a few minutes' fast galloping -he began to feel quite at home in the saddle; he sat -lower and less of that daylight of which Mr. Blunt had -complained showed as he rushed along. He took a -steady pull at his reins, and spoke softly to his horse. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady, boy! Take it easy for a little. I want -to practise that mounting and dismounting." -</p> - -<p> -Pulling the animal up short, he slung his gun still -higher, so that it should be quite out of the way, and -for an hour he practised vaulting into his saddle, till -he could reach it without putting foot to stirrup. Then -he became more ambitious, walking his horse and -endeavoring to gain his seat without stopping him. -</p> - -<p> -"Not so easy as I thought," he said to himself. -"But still a thing I must do, for it might happen that -I should be chased by some of the Indians, and every -second would be of importance. Another thing I must -learn. I must manage to mount from the off side as -easily as I can from this. Yes, I remember Mr. Blunt -telling me that every gaucho could do that." -</p> - -<p> -Two hours later he felt thoroughly tired with his -exertions, and, seeing a clump of trees, rode towards -it, dismounted, and slackened the girths. -</p> - -<p> -"Time for something to eat," he thought. "I must -be five miles from the rancho now, and this afternoon -I will trot farther out. If I do twenty miles in all -I shall have had a fair day, and shall have gained some -idea of the country." -</p> - -<p> -Following out this plan, he rested himself and the -horse for a full hour, and then trotted across the -pampas, his beast taking him along at a gentle amble, which -is so comfortable for the rider when a great distance -has to be covered, and which can be kept up by a good -horse for two or three hours at a stretch. About four -in the afternoon he turned his face towards the rancho, -and when within four miles set his beast at a gallop. -The pace increased as horse and rider entered into the -excitement of the movement, and very soon they were -sweeping over the pampas. Suddenly an object ahead -attracted Dudley's attention and he looked anxiously -at it, uncertain of its nature at that distance. But in -a few seconds the object was distinctly visible, and to -his dismay he found himself bearing down upon a long, -low corral, which cut directly across his path. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady! Whoa!" he cried, sitting well back and -pulling at his reins. But his mount on this occasion -was somewhat out of hand. The sharp gallop, and -the knowledge that its stable was near at hand, had -fired its blood and made it unheedful of the bit. Its -neck was stretched to its fullest extent, its teeth were -closed firmly on the bit, while its eye seemed to see -only the rolling pampas, the brown-green grass swaying -in all directions. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady!" shouted Dudley again, pressing his stirrups -forward and leaning far back to put all his weight -and strength into the pull. Then, realizing that -nothing would stop the mad flight of the beast, he gathered -his reins well into both hands, gripped firmly with his -knees, and steered as well as he was able for what -appeared to be the lowest portion of the long corral -rails extending across his front. To turn the horse -more than a few inches either way was hopeless, for -he had already made one mighty attempt to swerve to -the right and gallop along parallel with the obstruction. -</p> - -<p> -In a flash they were within twenty feet of the rail, -and only then did the animal observe what was before -him. Dudley felt it hesitate in its stride, and, taking -instant advantage of the fact, he pulled the beast in -a little, though to bring it to a halt was impossible. -Then his voice rang out again, encouraging the horse. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady, boy!" he cried. "Get yourself together. -Up! Over!" -</p> - -<p> -Nobly did the gallant beast respond. Though the -rail was at least five feet in height, it gathered its legs -together, steadied its stride, and then, rising to the -obstruction, flew over it like a bird, alighting with -a thud on the far side, a thud which, to an unaccustomed -rider like Dudley, almost proved disastrous. -He was jerked forward on to the animal's neck, but -recovered himself with an effort and once more gripped -his reins. But still there was no stopping that mad -flight. His mount seemed to gather fresh impetus -now that it had overcome the rails, and it tore across -the corral. Its eye fixed itself on the far rail, it -changed step some fifteen paces from it, and once -again, as Dudley sang out to encourage it, the beast -rose for the jump. But, alas! on this occasion the -rail was higher. Its hoofs fouled the top, and in a -second horse and man went headlong. Dudley was -far away ahead, having alighted on his back, after -having turned a complete somersault, while the horse -fell on its side, rolled, and came to a halt with its feet -lashing the air. -</p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-068"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-068.jpg" alt=""ITS HOOFS FOULED THE TOP, AND IN A SECOND HORSE AND MAN WENT HEADLONG"" /> -<br /> -"ITS HOOFS FOULED THE TOP, <br /> -AND IN A SECOND HORSE AND MAN WENT HEADLONG" -</p> - -<p> -To say that Dudley was shaken was to express the -matter mildly. The breath was jarred out of his body, -and for a minute perhaps he lay on the ground, his -head swimming, and his senses somewhat scattered, -while he gasped till his face assumed a purple hue. -Then his breath came again, and with it his dogged -spirit. He sprang to his feet and ran across to the -horse, which was now lying on its side, scared and -winded by the fall. Dudley took it by the ring of its -bit and encouraged it to rise. -</p> - -<p> -"Neither of us hurt, old man," he cried joyfully, as -he walked the beast to and fro and noticed that it was -not lame. "We were getting along too well together, -and you seemed to think that you had a fine rider on -your back. But we won't be beaten. We'll wait till -you have your wind again, and then we'll have -another go." -</p> - -<p> -He patted the beast's neck, and then saw to the -girths, which had slipped far back. Leaving the animal -to stand alone, he slipped his gun from his shoulder -and carefully examined it. -</p> - -<p> -"Not even dented! That's another bit of luck, for -it is hard to believe that it could have escaped. And, -when one comes to think of it, it is as difficult to see -how we both escaped breaking our necks. Lucky for -me that I was thrown so far, for if I had struck close -to him he might have fallen on me, and then there -would have been an end to my prospects. I'll give -him ten minutes more, and then we'll tackle the thing -again." -</p> - -<p> -He slipped the sling of the gun over one of the posts -which held up the rails of the corral, and sauntered up -and down, inspecting the rails somewhat grimly. -There was a determined look on his sun-tanned face, -a look which told that come what might he was going -to persevere. The heavy tumble he had experienced -had scared him not a little, and had shaken him -considerably. Some would have considered it foolhardy -for him to attempt the jump again, while others would -have excused a second attempt, considering the narrow -escape he had had. But Dudley was out there to -conquer difficulties. He had a task to learn, and to -hesitate now, to cry off because of a tumble, was not the -way in which to overcome those difficulties. He -hitched his belt in another hole, crammed his hat well -down on his head, and walked steadily up to his horse. -</p> - -<p> -"We're going to have another go, old boy," he -said, as he patted the neck. "We'll take it steadily -this time, for you want little run for the jump. Now, -up we go!" -</p> - -<p> -He himself was surprised at the ease with which he -reached the saddle. Without touching the stirrup he -vaulted into his seat, and after the practice he had had -his toes fell of themselves into the stirrups. He -gathered up his reins, patted the neck again, and -walked his horse up to the rails to let it have a good -look. Then he turned about, till they were thirty paces -away, and with a touch of knee and rein he swung the -beast round. There was no need to tell the gallant -animal what was wanted. Dudley felt it bound -forward. It took the bit in its teeth, gathered its feet -beneath it, and hopped over the rails as if they had -been a foot in height only, Dudley sitting well down -all the time. A minute later they faced round again, -and this time, with a leap which left a foot of light -between its heels and the rail, the horse sailed over -the obstruction, animal and rider alighting together, -and without a jar, on the outside of the corral. Dudley -slipped out of his saddle, slung his gun across his -shoulders, and vaulted again into the saddle. Not -till then did he observe that a horseman had ridden up. -It was Mr. Blunt, looking a splendid figure as he sat -in his saddle. There was a look of pleasure on his -face, and he rode right up to Dudley's side. -</p> - -<p> -"Hurt?" he asked curtly. "No bones broken? -Then you are lucky. I saw everything. I could have -shouted as you rode at the corral, but I knew that if -I did so the beast you rode might have been startled, -and perhaps might have changed step at the jump. -That would have meant perhaps a worse fall. You -were determined to do that jump, lad?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir, I'd rather have faced twenty falls than -have been beaten," answered Dudley earnestly. -</p> - -<p> -"Then you are the sort of help I want," came the -swift answer. "A gaucho would think nothing of -such a tumble, for the reason that he has ridden since -he was a child, and has been thrown so often that he -knows how to fall. In nine cases out of ten, if thrown -as you were, he would have landed on his feet instead -of on his back. And he would have taken his beast -over the jump again, promptly and without hesitation. -The gaucho is like you, lad, he doesn't like to be beaten. -Now let us ride home together, while you tell me what -you have been doing and what you think of the -rancho." -</p> - -<p> -They turned their faces to the dwelling, now plainly -seen in the distance, for owing to the general flatness -of the country objects were in view a long distance -away. And as they rode Dudley recounted how he -had practised mounting and dismounting. -</p> - -<p> -"Good!" said Mr. Blunt. "I saw how you hopped -into the saddle just now, and I noticed some improvement. -But you must do better. A gaucho could mount -his horse while the beast was cantering, and he can -lean from his saddle so as to pick a scarf from the -ground while going at a gallop. But all in time. -Patience will help you to conquer everything. -Tomorrow we will go out together, and it would be as -well to bring your revolver and ammunition. We will -have a little practice." -</p> - -<p> -When a week had passed, Dudley himself was -pleased with his progress. He now sat his horse as if -he felt thoroughly at home, could steer him with -certainty over the roughest country, and was not afraid -of the biggest jumps. Then, too, he had mounted -another of the beasts in the stable, a rough, -ill-tempered animal, and had managed to cling to his seat. -In short, he was progressing, and Mr. Blunt, who -watched him closely, congratulated himself that he had -a young fellow with him who would quickly prove of -great value. -</p> - -<p> -By then Pietro and the gauchos who had been left -to bring up the stores arrived; and the test which one -of the number had proposed was remembered. -</p> - -<p> -"I repeat, Pietro," said the ill-favored individual -who had scowled at our hero, "I say that this gringo, -who clambered into his saddle as if into a bed, will not -be able to hit the pith ball of a bolas at thirty paces. A -revolver is the weapon, and if he fails, you give me -your rifle. If he flukes the shot, then I make you a -present of mine, and lucky you will be, for it is a grand -weapon." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Buenos</i>, the gun is mine," came the laughing answer, -an answer which caused the gaucho to grind his -teeth. "Giono, I am a judge of people, and I back this -gringo. He is not so green as you think, and he will -hit the ball. I will add something more." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you will lose. No, Pietro, I am an honest -man and will not rob you. Let him win the rifle for -you. Pah! Not green, do you say? That is his -manner. These English stamp about as if the world were -theirs and they the best on it." -</p> - -<p> -He went off to his quarters in an evil mood, casting -a scowling glance at Dudley as he passed him. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap05"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER V -<br /><br /> -SHOWING HIS METTLE -</h3> - -<p> -There was a calm air of self-possession about Dudley -Compton as he stood in front of the rancho building -on the following morning, his native saddle at his feet -and his gun across his shoulder. For he had every -reason to be pleased with the way in which his fortunes -were progressing. He had worked hard, till every -bone in his body ached, and till his knees were chafed -and raw. He had persevered until even the exacting -Mr. Blunt was favorably impressed with his riding. -</p> - -<p> -"Few would consider him to be a gringo now," -reflected his employer, as he watched his young friend -out of the tail of his eye. "He is well set up, carries -his new clothes as if he had been born in them, and can -get about as if spurs had grown on his heels as a -natural appendage. He ought to do well. The -gauchos view him with favor, except that fellow Giono. -I don't like the man, and never have. There is -something mysterious about him. However, there he is, -and Dudley must go through the trial they have -arranged for him, for trial there will be as sure as I -stand here. A gringo must always be tested." -</p> - -<p> -A few minutes later a dozen of the gauchos -employed on the estancia came round the corner of the -building, and strode up to our hero. They were a -rough but a good-looking and pleasant lot of men. All -were dressed in the same sort of costume as Dudley -wore. They carried revolvers at their hips, and -hunting knives in their belts, and some of them had a coil -of rope, with the bolas attached, slung over the -shoulder. As they looked at the young Englishman, all -save one were bound to confess that he was a fine-looking -fellow. -</p> - -<p> -"He will be one of us, surely," said Pietro, their -leader, beneath his breath. "He may be a gringo, but -he is not soft; that I will swear. Now, Giono, you -can take a better look at the señor. Does the -arrangement still hold?" -</p> - -<p> -Giono, who was taller than his companions, was a -raw-boned, dusky individual, with deep-set eyes and -a protruding lower jaw, which gave him the appearance -of being vindictive. He was a surly, silent fellow, -and was known by his comrades to be somewhat -short-tempered. This was an evil reputation to have -amongst gauchos, a class of men who were exceedingly -polite to one another whenever possible, though -at other times they had violent and bitter quarrels. -Dudley did not know them yet, but those who worked -with them could tell how these fine horsemen of the -pampas, with their strain of Spanish blood, could be -as tender as women to one another, and then would -draw their knives and engage in conflicts which too -often resulted in the death of more than one of the -combatants. In short, they cultivated a native politeness -for the simple reason that ungainliness and a surly -manner led to trouble, and a man, however pugnacious, -could not be forever fighting, or hope always to be -victorious. -</p> - -<p> -"Pietro is thinking tenderly of his gun," was -Giono's harsh rejoinder as he scowled at Dudley. -"He wishes to make excuses for this English pup. -Good! I am willing to accept a fine of some sort. -Give me a hunting knife, Pietro, and we will cry quits. -But is it not a pity? This señor stands as if he owned -the ground on which his heels rest, and lets all the -world see his revolver. If he carries one, surely he -can shoot, or else why have the weapon?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bueno</i>! You will have the match," was the answer, -given very suavely, for Pietro knew the man with -whom he had to deal, and he had no wish to experience -his rough temper. "Good, Giono, we will speak -to the señor. As to the rifle, it is yours if you can win -it. I have no fears of our gringo. Señor," he said, -coming up to Dudley, "Señor, we have had a little -discussion amongst ourselves, and I, who think I know -a man when I see him, have boasted that you can shoot. -We hear that you have courage, for you have saved -our master. Now we wish to see whether you can use -your revolver. Giono here declares that you are a -novice. He is even risking his rifle, to show that he -considers himself a better judge than I am." -</p> - -<p> -"To show that he is sure of his statement," growled -the gaucho, striding up to the two, and towering over -Dudley as if he would impress him with his superior -proportions. "I said that a gringo was always a -gringo; that because he could scramble on to a saddle -he was not therefore a horseman, nor without fear of -horses. As to the revolver, why, there are men, and -boys too, to be found who carry them to gain a fine -appearance. You understand? A boy feels grand -when decked up in the clothes of a gaucho." -</p> - -<p> -The man's words were uttered in a loud, coarse -voice and there was not the slightest doubt as to his -unfriendly intentions. He was a taciturn, surly fellow, -governed by caprice, and apt to take sudden and strong -dislikes which often were simply the outcome of childish -jealousy. From his youngest days he had always -made a point of falling foul of men who were -obviously his betters, or who were more favored than he. -Even Mr. Blunt was an eyesore to him, for was he not -a wealthy man? But his dislike there was cloaked to -some extent, for a gaucho must live, and an employer -found the wages. Here, however, there was a difference. -Why should he, Giono, the biggest and the most -feared of the gauchos, knuckle down to this young -Englishman, with his smooth, beardless face, who had -come undoubtedly with the object of helping Mr. Blunt -and becoming a second master? No, there was -nothing to fear in this case, and if he could terrorize -and upset the dignity of this gringo, why, all the better. -</p> - -<p> -"You understand? The butt of a big revolver, and -the bigger it is the better, is a fine thing to have -sticking from one's pocket. Fine clothes make fine birds, -they say, and so they do up to a point. That's the -point we've come to. Fine togs such as you have don't -help a gringo to shoot, no more than do big spurs help -him to ride." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley felt like replying to these boastful words, -but he restrained himself, and turning to Pietro said: -"It is good of you to support me, and I fear that you -have been rather rash. But let me remind you that, -though you have told me what you two are to give -to each other, you have not yet let me know what you -expect of me." -</p> - -<p> -"When you hear you will be sure of his rashness," -burst in Giono. "The task is this, I say that you will -not hit the pith ball of a bolas placed on a fence thirty -paces away. Here is a bolas, and here the pith ball." -</p> - -<p> -He turned to one of his companions and dragged -the coil of rope from his shoulders with rough lack of -ceremony. Dudley had seen the implement before, and -did not need to look. This bolas is one of the most -useful possessions of the gauchos and of the Indians, -for it is to them what the lasso in more northern parts -is to the cowboy. But it differs somewhat in construction, -for, whereas the lasso consists of a long coil of -rope with a slip noose at the end, the bolas has no -noose. One end has three tails of rope attached to it, -and at the ends of two of these is secured a heavy stone -or a piece of lead or iron. To the third is attached a -lighter ball made of pith. -</p> - -<p> -"See," cried Giono, "that is the mark, a mark which -I could hit with my left hand, or when standing on my -head. I say that you will not hit it under the most -favorable circumstances." -</p> - -<p> -Force of habit caused him to hang the coil over his -left palm, while he gripped the pith ball with his right -hand and swung the leaden balls about his head till they -whizzed through the air. For this was the way in -which the gauchos wielded what was an instrument -of great value, and at times a dangerous weapon to -their enemies. They would gallop at headlong pace -across the pampas, swing the bolas, and launch it at -a horse or cow they desired to capture, and with such -unerring aim that the balls would fly straight for the -legs of the animal, and in a moment the rope or the -plaited thongs to which they were made fast would be -hopelessly twined round the limbs. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps the English señor will tell us that he is -able to cast the bolas," sang out Giono, mistaking -Dudley's silence for weakness, and imagining that, -now that he knew the task expected of him, he was -anxious to withdraw. "Perhaps he would prefer to -have another wager laid on the throwing of the bolas." -</p> - -<p> -There was a sneer in the man's voice, and an -insolent, browbeating manner about him which made -Pietro's eyes blaze, for he had taken a fancy to Dudley, -while the latter had some difficulty in restraining his -own warm temper. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you," he answered with composure, his -common sense telling him that it was this man's aim -and object to rouse him, and therefore his own to -keep unusually cool. "I would rather shoot, for I -confess that I have never used the bolas. I think I -may be able to use this big revolver which has attracted -your notice. And now the task. I have to hit the -pith ball, and so have you. There will be no difficulty -for you, for you tell us that you could strike it even -if standing on your head. Afterwards we will try a -shot at the pith ball as it flies in the air. Our friend -Pietro shall take the bolas over there and cast it at the -trunk of the tree nearest the well. You and I will take -post twenty paces from the well, and fire as the ball -passes." -</p> - -<p> -It was a daring thing to suggest, and the very mention -of it made the gauchos breathe deeply and mutter -their astonishment. As for Giono, he looked at -Dudley as if he thought he were mad. The task was a most -difficult one, and, moreover, required a great deal of -practice, and this he had not had. Again, a man ought -to be in the pink of health and wonderfully steady to -have even a chance of success; and in his case a visit -to the river port and a few days idleness had not -helped to smooth his nerves. He was a gambler, and -the saloons had seen not a little of this surly gaucho. -However, the challenge was issued by a gringo, and -if he, Giono, failed, so surely would this English boy. -He could afford to be amused. He roared with -laughter, and tossed his hat into the air, while his eyes -closely inspected Dudley's gun. -</p> - -<p> -"Now," interrupted Dudley, "let us carry out the -tests. As Pietro is interested in this matter, I suggest -that one of his friends acts as umpire for him, while -one may care to do the same for me. That fence round -the corral ought to suit very well for our mark." -</p> - -<p> -He had been carefully watching the faces of the men -up till now, but once the arrangements were made he -turned from Giono, looked at the corral, and, noticing -the height of the rails, decided that it would do. Then -he led the way in that direction, and in a few minutes -the whole party were in position, one of the gauchos -having detached a pith ball meanwhile and placed it on -the rail, while a comrade carefully paced the distance -from it. It was time for the contest to begin, and -Dudley nodded to his opponent very coolly. -</p> - -<p> -A few minutes before he had been feeling somewhat -ruffled and annoyed by the obvious hostility of Giono; -but now he had regained his composure and felt -steadied. More than that, he was confident, for he -knew what the gauchos were ignorant of. He had -had abundant practice with a revolver on the voyage -out, and had won unstinted praise from Mr. Blunt; -for the lad had a quick eye and a happy knack with his -hand. He was not quick at drawing his weapon; that -was a thing requiring practice, and he had had but very -little since he had donned his leggings and had worn -the revolver in his hip pocket. But he could hit a -small object with unerring accuracy, and he believed -that he could strike the ball of the bolas as it flew in -the air. At any rate he had done so more than once -in the past week when away on the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps you would care for the first shot," he said -politely. "Just to encourage a gringo." -</p> - -<p> -"I will shoot first for that reason," came the answer. -"You shall shoot at the flying target before I make the -attempt, and—and——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I am listening." -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps the señor would care to have it that three -shots are allowed in each case. It will give him a -better chance. I am satisfied." -</p> - -<p> -The man's attitude was mending. He had even -addressed Dudley as señor. He was not so confident as -before. He was weakening, and a grin passed amongst -the gauchos. -</p> - -<p> -"If one shot suits you, it suits me also. If you -desire three, let there be three." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley gave the gaucho no opening, and with a -growl of disgust, and a laugh which did not deceive -the lookers-on, Giono decided that three shots should -be allowed at the flying target. -</p> - -<p> -"Well and good. Then shoot," exclaimed Pietro, -his eyes flashing, with excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, Giono, there is the mark, and you shoot -first," said the man who had measured the distance. -"Here is the line. Take your post." -</p> - -<p> -They watched eagerly and almost breathlessly as the -gaucho toed the line scratched in the earth with the -rowel of a spur. For there was something out of the -ordinary in this contest. Gringos had been tried -before many a time, and failed almost without exception. -But there was something different here, something -which the gauchos could not fathom. They knew -little or nothing of this gringo, but his self-assurance -impressed them. It had already made Giono feel a -little uncertain, though he tried to think that there was -no danger. -</p> - -<p> -"Bah," he said, as he went to the line, "it is -another of these cocksure pups from Europe, only this -one has a bigger head than the rest! There is more -swelling in it. The friendship of our employer has -puffed him out. We shall see." -</p> - -<p> -He drew his revolver, lifted it, and fired, smashing -the pith ball into a number of pieces. -</p> - -<p> -"Good! I could do that when a child," he boasted. -"Shall I fire the other shot for the señor?" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, no! If you will kindly stand fast where -you are I will shoot from here. It is a little farther, -and perhaps more difficult." -</p> - -<p> -Another mark had been hastily placed in position, -and, seeing that all was clear, Dudley, who happened -to be some ten paces behind and to the left of Giono, -drew his weapon, and in a flash the ball was splintered, -a feat which brought a shout of delight from the -gauchos, while Giono paled under his dusky -mud-colored skin, and swore beneath his breath. -</p> - -<p> -"One to us, señor!" sang out Pietro. "The gun -which Giono promised is mine, or yours, if you wish -to have it. Now for the other part. Give me a bolas, -and I will take up my station. Better still, let me have -six of the coils, then I can cast them without waiting. -Let all the rest stand behind the firers. Come, -comrades, time is getting along." -</p> - -<p> -He took six of the bolas and went off with a -swagger which he had not possessed five minutes -before. And a gallant fellow he looked as he strode -away, for an open kindly face was not Pietro's only -possession. He was some forty years of age, short -and lithe, but for all that powerfully built. It was said -of him that where all were experts with the bolas, and -where all could ride from infancy and as if part of the -horse, this Pietro could excel them all. He knew the -life of the pampas, and he knew his fellow men. This -foreman of the hands employed on the rancho was a -good friend to Mr. Blunt, the partisan of the weaklings, -and a man who loved fair play. He went to his -station with the thongs of the bolas trailing out behind -him, and with the fringes of his leggings fluttering in -the breeze. Dudley and the others sauntered over -towards the well, the men looking askance at Giono, -while Dudley kept a cautious eye upon him. -</p> - -<p> -"An ugly-looking beggar," he said to himself, "and -boasts too much to like being beaten. I'll wager he's -considering whether he shall not shoot me instead of -the ball. Very well, my fine gentleman, I'll take rather -more than good care to keep you in full view and well -in front. Fellows have been shot in the back before -now, and accidents will happen." -</p> - -<p> -He watched the man as he fingered his revolver, and -slipped his own into his pocket; but he was -careful to keep the group of gauchos between him and -Giono. -</p> - -<p> -"He is angry," one of them whispered cautiously. -"Giono is never beaten, or rather no man ever lives -who defeats him. Better to let him win, señor. He is -a bad enemy. He has killed many men." -</p> - -<p> -"But he won't hurt me if I can help it," answered -Dudley doggedly. "We'll see about this killing. But -thanks, my friend, for your warning." -</p> - -<p> -By now Pietro was in position, and could be seen -with the bundle of bolas at his feet and one swishing -in the air over his head. He was an expert thrower, -and knew that he could cast the long plaited thong -with such skill as to make certain of striking the tree -beside the well. The leaden balls swinging in the air -would fly direct, while the lighter one would drag -behind. To attempt to strike it with a single bullet -seemed madness, and yet it was not an impossible feat -to a man with a quick eye and ready hand and one who -knew his weapon. The man who had knack and steadiness -might succeed, for the cast was a long one, and -by the time the bolas reached a point opposite the group -it would have lost a considerable amount of its momentum. -Then it would pass by a little more than twenty -feet away, making a correct aim less difficult than at -first seemed possible. Still, when all was said in favor -of the task, it was difficult enough, and raised doubts -in the minds of both competitors. However, a faint -heart would serve but badly, and Dudley entered upon -this part of the contest with the same coolness and -calm self-possession which had already roused the ire -and jealousy of his opponent. -</p> - -<p> -"My turn first, I think," he said easily. "Giono, -will you have Pietro cast as a trial, so that we may -judge this distance, or will you have me shoot at the -first cast?" -</p> - -<p> -"The latter. I had no trial before, let us have the -same treatment now. Hit the mark if you can, I will -stand here and give you three shots. When you have -failed, I will show you how the thing is done." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley nodded his thanks. "Now, Pietro," he -shouted, "cast!" -</p> - -<p> -He stood watching the gaucho closely as he swung -the bolas over his head, and slowly drawing his -revolver, put it at full cock. It was the weapon which -the passengers aboard the ship on the outward voyage -had presented to him, and for the moment he nursed -the barrel on his left forearm. It was a handy little -weapon, throwing a moderately heavy bullet and using -a very moderate charge, so that the "kick" was not -very pronounced. Thanks to the amount of practice -which he had had, Dudley had learnt to counteract -what jar there was, and there was not the slightest -doubt that he had become a first-rate shot. -</p> - -<p> -"Ready, señor?" shouted Pietro. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley nodded as he watched the bolas. The leaden -balls made a dark and continuous circle about the head -of the gaucho, while the hum even could be heard. -Then of a sudden the circle disappeared, and the leaden -balls, with their long serpent of hide, came shooting -out towards the well. The sun, standing moderately -high in the heavens behind, shone on the white pith -ball, making it a splendid mark. In two seconds it had -covered half the distance between the thrower and the -tree, but still Dudley nursed the barrel of his weapon, -while the gauchos kept their eyes fixed on the pith ball. -Another second and the pith flew opposite Dudley, its -pace already retarded. Giono, who watched him like -a cat, saw the young Englishman lift his weapon like -a flash, and, without pausing to look along the sights, -pull the trigger firmly. He gave a howl of delight, -a howl which set the echoes ringing and brought -Mr. Blunt to the door of the house. For it seemed that -the shot had missed. They heard its scream as it -buzzed through the air, and they still saw the pith ball. -But all but Giono had noted a curious fact. A chip of -white had started from the ball, and for an instant -only the course of the ball had been deflected; then -it flew on as before for some few yards, when it burst -asunder and dropped in small pieces to the ground, -leaving its own particular thong to go on without it. -</p> - -<p> -It was Dudley's turn to shout, his and those who -supported him, and it might be truly said that all the -gauchos present, save Giono alone, were in his favor. -He swept his hat from his head, pocketed his weapon, -and turned to his opponent, while the air rang with the -shouts of the gauchos. -</p> - -<p> -"Your shot, señor," he said. "Three are allowed. -I have made mine, and have struck the object. -Attempt the same yourself." -</p> - -<p> -He was beaten. Giono knew well that the young -Englishman had the better of the argument, and at the -thought his sallow face went red with anger. He -strode to the front, shouted to Pietro to make ready, -and swept his weapon from his pocket, where he had -placed it while Dudley fired. Then some idea seemed -to strike him. He turned upon the group with a snarl, -a snarl which quieted their shouts, and strode back -towards Dudley with a lowering look on his face. -</p> - -<p> -"You say one shot is enough for you," he growled. -"It would be, if you were honest. But we all know -that Pietro is your firm friend. What is easier than -for him to have broken the ball? He crushed it with -his hand, and it was that which caused the pith to -break asunder. It is an arrangement between you. -You are attempting to rob me!" -</p> - -<p> -The man was impossible. He was one of those -pugnacious individuals who must always quarrel. In -addition, unknown to Dudley, he was one of the -browbeating kind, accustomed to have his own way -whatever happened. He was defeated hopelessly, he told -himself, and there was only one course to pursue. -He must accuse his opponent of cheating and turn his -weapon on him, a common enough occurrence in those -wild and lawless parts. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it was arranged," he shouted. "You and -Pietro agreed to cheat." -</p> - -<p> -The man's finger played with his trigger, he scowled -round at the gauchos, hesitated a moment, and then -deliberately lifted his weapon; but he never got it to -Dudley's head. -</p> - -<p> -"You will please to lower your arm," suddenly -commanded a stern voice, and, swinging round, Dudley -found Mr. Blunt some five paces away, his revolver -covering the gaucho. "Drop it, man; drop it -instantly, if you don't desire to have a hole through your -head. Good! You are a scoundrel, and I have known -it for some time. Why I have allowed you to stay -I cannot imagine. You are a ruffian, I repeat, and if -I shot you down all would thank me. Go, take your -horse and ride. If you are found within the bounds -of the rancho when the sun sets I will hang you without -hesitation. And listen! Let this little affair teach -you a lesson. A lad is sometimes smarter than a -ruffian." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap06"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VI -<br /><br /> -OUT ON THE RANCHO -</h3> - -<p> -Giono was thoroughly beaten on his own ground, -and cringed as Mr. Blunt still directed his revolver -at him. The gaucho was by no means wanting in -courage, for he had inherited that as a gift natural -to all these wild men of the pampas. But he could not -face that muzzle, nor the smiles and nudges of his -comrades. He dropped his own weapon with an oath, -scowled at Dudley, and turned from the group. They -saw him swing away towards the back of the house, -and presently he appeared again mounted on a beautiful -animal, which he reined back with iron fingers till -he was out of range of the pistol. Then he gave his -temper full license. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen, you, my late employer," he roared, shaking -a quivering fist at Mr. Blunt. "Listen, you, I -say. You shall regret your action. I will make you -call the day an evil one when you brought that English -cub with you, and I give you warning. Giono does not -knuckle down to men such as you are. I will shoot you -and the pup you have engaged when the first chance -comes." -</p> - -<p> -He shook his fist again, scowling at Mr. Blunt and -Dudley, then he dug the huge rowels of his cruel spurs -into the flanks of his beast, swung him round with a -powerful wrench of the arm, and went off at a mad -gallop, the heels of the poor animal kicking dust and -earth far up behind it. -</p> - -<p> -"I expected every word," said Mr. Blunt quietly. -"I could have told beforehand what that gentleman -was about to say. Threats do no damage, Dudley, but -with a ruffian such as he is they put one on one's guard. -My men, you will break into threes, take your arms, -and follow that late comrade of yours till you have -seen him off the rancho. After to-day the man who -first catches sight of him on the place has my authority -to shoot him instantly." -</p> - -<p> -He waved his hand to the men and watched as they -ran to the stable, and very soon they were streaming -away in threes, each little party separating and -galloping in the wake of Giono. -</p> - -<p> -"He will not rest till he has put miles between -himself and our friends," said Mr. Blunt when they were -gone. "We shall see no more of him, I hope; but -don't forget his warning, my lad. This is a rough -country, we are out of reach of police and soldiers, -and a ruffian has to be put down by those who are -disposed to live a decent life. If you ever see him, do -as I have commanded the men. Don't hesitate, for if -you do you will have no second chance. He will see -well to that. -</p> - -<p> -"Now we will make a round of the rancho. It is -some time since I saw the cattle, and it is always well -for an owner to inspect the work of his men. Get -Francia to put up some food for us, bring your gun -and your rifle, and don't forget a blanket and a -poncho." -</p> - -<p> -They went to the house to make their preparations, -and within a little while the two were cantering away, -a saddle bag well filled with food slung to each saddle, -a canvas sack overflowing with water to balance it on -the far side, and behind the cantle a mound composed -of a thick blanket and the inevitable poncho. Dudley -had by now ridden all over the rancho, and had -obtained some insight into the work the gauchos -performed. He had also received the impression that -Mr. Blunt must be a prosperous farmer or grazier, for -none of the land was tilled, and numerous herds of -cattle pointed to his wealth. -</p> - -<p> -"There are some fifteen thousand beasts," was the -answer to his enquiry on that point, "and for six -weeks now the gauchos have been busy branding the -calves. Of course we make no attempt to keep stray -animals from making out of the rancho, for that would -be a hopeless task. Certain men are always stationed -on the borders, and if they see a herd on the point of -leaving they turn them back. The single ones, and -occasionally a score or more of beasts, wander at -night, when they have been disturbed by some unusual -noise, and they, of course, are lost. Perhaps they stray -back again, or others come from the neighboring -rancho. In any case such a loss is nothing. There is -always a small exchange of beasts going on at the -borders." -</p> - -<p> -"But supposing branded animals stray?" asked -Dudley. "What happens to them?" -</p> - -<p> -"That depends on the neighbors who find them," -was the answer. "Due west of us there is merely open -pampas, with no living owner, and there I keep a very -particular watch, for Indians hold the country. -Elsewhere branded beasts which wander are driven back -when it is convenient, while my gauchos do the same -with neighbors' animals. In the end we are all -satisfied, and of course the knowledge that beasts will -stray makes us extra careful about the branding. I am -making for the far western corner of the rancho, -where there is a big herd surrounded by gauchos, and -where branding is now going on as fast as possible. -You will see something to open your eyes." -</p> - -<p> -The sight which Dudley saw when late that evening -they arrived on the western border of the rancho was -indeed a novel and most interesting one. There were -some fifty gauchos in all, widely separated, and broken -up into twos. Of these groups of two, one man was -always mounted, while at the hour at which they -arrived the gaucho off duty for the time had strayed -from his comrade to those nearest at hand, and had -now squatted over a fire of thistle tops, smoking and -eating. -</p> - -<p> -"That is how the herd is watched," explained -Mr. Blunt. "The men must have rest, for night and day -the watch must be kept. So two of them take turn -and turn about, and when one is off duty getting a -rest and food, or a sleep, his horse is enjoying the -same privileges. We will rest here, and I will show -you how to bivouac for the night. Hop off your -mount, and strip saddle and bridle from it. That's -the way. Now take the rope attached to the halter, -and hobble its fore legs as I have already shown you -how to do." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley slid from his saddle in a manner which -showed that he was used to the work, and in a very -few seconds had stripped the beast of all its gear save -the head stall, the rope attached to which was used for -hobbling. Then he gave the horse a vigorous smack -on the flank, and sent it away to graze and rest till -morning. -</p> - -<p> -"Now put your saddle up on the cantle. So! That's -the way. It will not fall over easily, and you will see -that the pads which protect the horse's back from -chafing are well exposed, and have every chance to -dry, for in this climate they are nearly always moist -after a ride. Now your poncho goes into the hollow -between the pads and flaps, your head finds it a -wonderfully comfortable pillow, while the blanket over all -makes things snug and warm for the night." -</p> - -<p> -To show him how it was done, Mr. Blunt placed his -own saddle in position, and threw himself down on -the ground, drawing his blanket about him, and placing -his head on the poncho between the flaps of the saddle. -</p> - -<p> -"Your saddle keeps the wind away on a breezy -night," he explained, "and is close at hand in case -you happen to want it. If it rains, as is not often the -case, you hang the blanket over the cantle, and there -you are, under a tent which will keep you fairly dry. -Now, Dudley, skip along and gather some thistle tops. -There is little wood in these parts, and so one has to -find a substitute. Look at the men. I rather fancy -Pietro and his comrades have been talking." -</p> - -<p> -That, in fact, was the case, and as the two were seen -cantering up towards the herd of cattle and their -guards, quite a number of the men made their way -forward to meet them. They nodded to their master, -and looked on critically as our herb slipped from his -saddle. -</p> - -<p> -"As if he'd done it before," said one, a big fellow -with long black hair and a melancholy way about him. -"Fresh and young, comrades, and new to the pampas. -You can see he does not mind being told how things -are done. What was the story Pietro was telling?" -</p> - -<p> -A comrade repeated it, and at once the gaucho strode -up to the young Englishman as he was gathering thistle -tops. When Dudley glanced up, there was the gaucho, -still with the same melancholy air, his head hanging -forward, and one huge brown palm stretched in front. -He shook it, and, interpreting the signal, Dudley -stepped up, gripped the strong fingers, and shook them -with vigor. -</p> - -<p> -"We're friends, I see," he said quietly, for he -seemed to feel at once that the big gaucho wished to be -pleasant. "It's kind of you to come." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm foreman out here, and I thought I'd like to -show you that all are not like Giono. Señor, you are -welcome! All my comrades are glad to see you. I -bear a message from them. They ask you to repeat -the shot you made this morning." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll try," was the ready answer. "When it is light -enough to-morrow, I'll do my best to please you." -</p> - -<p> -They nodded to one another, and our hero returned -to his employer with a bundle of thistle tops under his -arm. In a few seconds the flames were shooting up, -and in a little while the two were seated by them, each -with a ramrod in his hand, and a fine steak of deer -flesh on the far end. It was all so new to Dudley, and -he found this open-air life most fascinating. He could -see now why Mr. Blunt loved it, why he declared that -he was free out on the pampas, and why a man could -be a man when living such a life. -</p> - -<p> -"Even the food we cook out here is sweeter to me," -exclaimed Mr. Blunt, as they chatted after their meal. -"I would not change the dinner we prepare for the -daintiest repast to be had in London or in Paris. As -to the sleeping accommodation, well, you yourself will -appreciate the difference when once we get back to the -house. Here one breathes pure air, the invigorating -breath of the pampas. A house stifles me at first. I -feel as if the ceiling were falling on to me." -</p> - -<p> -Half an hour later they turned in, and Dudley found -that his unaccustomed bed was more than comfortable. -On Mr. Blunt's advice he kicked a hollow in the ground -to accommodate his hips, and on stretching himself out, -and pulling the blanket over him, he found that he had -a couch at which the most fastidious could not have -grumbled. On either side of his head were the flaps -of his saddle, but up above there was nothing to shut -him in, and for a while he stared up at the brilliant -stars, while he listened to the strange sounds of the -pampas. Now and again there was a low call from one -watching gaucho to another, and then perhaps the deep -lowing of cattle. Sometimes the earth trembled for a -few seconds with the stamping of a hundred feet, and -then all was silent, save for the chirrup of the crickets. -He fell into a deep sleep, and only stirred when the -sun shone in his eyes in the early morning. Mr. Blunt -was already afoot, tending to the kettle steaming over -the fire, while at various points, around the enormous -herd of beasts, groups of gauchos, still swathed in their -blankets, squatted over the fires and discussed their -breakfasts. As for the cattle, they seemed to be in -a restless mood, and kept their guards galloping to and -fro, cracking their long whips and shouting. Indeed, -less than ten minutes later, as Dudley and his friend -were eating their meal, the noise from the herd became -deafening. Every animal seemed to be bellowing, -there was much movement in the far corner of the -group, and then of a sudden the animals broke away. -Men shouted, whips snapped like pistols, and in a trice, -as if the word had been passed through the heaving -ranks, some two thousand bullocks, heifers, and calves -were charging down upon the two who crouched over -the fire. The sight brought Mr. Blunt and Dudley to -their feet promptly. -</p> - -<p> -"They have broken away!" exclaimed the former -quickly. "They do sometimes, and give a great deal -of trouble, besides being a positive danger. Stay where -you are, my lad. The horses are too far for us to -reach them, and it is useless to run." -</p> - -<p> -They stood watching the herd anxiously, hoping that -the gauchos, all of whom had rushed to their horses, -would be able to check the beasts. The men threw -themselves on the flank of the herd with vigor, and -sent their stinging lashes trailing over the beasts, while -they shouted and shrieked so as to frighten them and -get them to move in the opposite direction. But they -might almost as well have hoped to move a mountain. -The mass of beasts had taken a sudden and unaccountable -fright, and bore down upon Dudley and Mr. Blunt -with all their force and speed. -</p> - -<p> -"Get your gun and load quickly," said Mr. Blunt. -"And get the flap of your revolver pocket open. -Those beasts must be stopped, or they will gallop over -us and trample us to death. Don't attempt to run, -Dudley. You would certainly be caught. Our only -chance is to back up the efforts of the gauchos, and -stand firm. Let the brutes have a couple of charges -full in their faces when they get into range. That will -give you time to load again and repeat the dose." -</p> - -<p> -There was little time for talking, for already the -maddened herd was almost within range of the -shotgun. For a few seconds Dudley had contemplated -flight, and made ready to follow his employer should -he run. But seeing that he proposed to stand fast, he -loaded his gun, opened the flap of his holster, and faced -the herd. It was a terrifying spectacle, and it wanted -no experience to tell him that if the beasts were not -stopped they would stamp everything in their path flat -with the ground. He felt his pulses throbbing wildly, -while a bead of perspiration collected in the furrow on -his forehead and trickled down his cheek. The time for -action had arrived. He lifted his gun, aimed at the -far right of the herd, and pressed the two triggers, one -after the other, sending a hail of pellets into the faces -of the animals. But he might have fired peas for all -the effect the shots had. A few beasts on the far flank -swerved away into the open, and came to a halt, as if -wondering what all the commotion was about. But -the remainder galloped madly on, as if they saw the -two solitary figures standing before them and had made -up their minds to annihilate them. -</p> - -<p> -"Again!" said Mr. Blunt quietly. "Give them -another charge, lad." -</p> - -<p> -Crash! Bang! This time the range was much closer, -and though the shot did not separate so much, they -struck the animals on the right with far greater force. -One, a massive beast, received a portion of one charge -full in the face, and it may have happened that one of -the pellets reached the brain by way of the eye. In any -case the ponderous animal fell on his horns, crumpled -up, and rolled over and over, while two near at hand -rose for a moment into the air and bellowed with pain. -A second later a score of the beasts had poured over -the prostrate animal, had tripped, recovered their feet, -and tripped again. Fifty almost were down, and their -startled bellows seemed to scare the remainder of the -herd. They swept in one dense mass to the left, three -of the gauchos galloping for their lives in front of -them, while those on the right flank came thundering -over the pampas, kicking their heels within six feet of -Dudley and his employer. -</p> - -<p> -"Phew! That was the nearest shave I have ever -had," exclaimed Mr. Blunt, lifting his hat and wiping -the perspiration from his brow. "I thought it was all -up with us, and was preparing to make a desperate -leap on to the back of the nearest beast, for I have -known one man to escape in that way. Then your -lucky shot set the matter right. Lad, you did well -again. How did you feel? Inclined to bolt?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never in a bigger funk in all my life, sir," came -the candid answer, and indeed Dudley was shaking -with excitement. "I expected to be smashed into a -jelly, and can't believe now that they have run past -us. The life of a gaucho is not all honey after all. I -suppose many are killed in this way?" -</p> - -<p> -"Scores have been trampled to death, and many are -gored by bulls, or have their backs broken by a bucking -horse. Then they are very apt to quarrel, and the -Spanish blood they have leads them to let their -tempers loose and draw their knives. Yes, the gaucho -seldom lives to an old age. I like him. He is honest, -hearty, and a good worker, and he has pluck. But -let us enquire as to damages. There will be little -branding to-day, Dudley. It will be three hours before -the herd is rounded up again." -</p> - -<p> -They returned to their camp, still congratulating -themselves on their fortunate escape. It took but a few -minutes to fetch their horses, which had not been -stampeded like many of the others, and in a little -while they were off, cantering away across the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"We will go on into the Indian country," said -Mr. Blunt. "There are often herds of wild horses there, -and if we are lucky enough to spy one, we will bring -a party out to round them up. We don't do a great -deal of breeding on the rancho; Indian raids make that -such a profitless game. We rely on the wild animals -always roaming the pampas." -</p> - -<p> -It was a glorious day, with a bright sun and a mild -breeze. The scent of wild grasses was in the air, while -one huge vista of pampas swept before the eye, with -a few clumps of trees away in the distance, for Dudley -was in the middle of one of those vast plains of South -America famed to this day as grazing lands for cattle, -and then the home of herds of wild beasts, including -cattle, horses, and deer of many descriptions. In -addition there were the Indians, an ever-present danger to -the settler. It was not long before the two horsemen -arrived at one of the collections of trees, and, skirting -this, they mounted a rise in the land till they were near -the top. -</p> - -<p> -"Our look-out station," said Mr. Blunt, sliding from -his saddle and leaving the beast to graze. "If I have -sighted one herd of horses from here I have sighted -a dozen. Creep to the top and look over. One does -not require to be so careful nor so cunning as if one -were dealing with Indians. They would spot a head -instantly, and then——" -</p> - -<p> -"We should have a crowd down upon us," burst in -Dudley. "I'll practise going carefully, as if there -were real danger." -</p> - -<p> -He too slid to the ground, and soon the two were -close to the top. They went on their faces, and, -crouching close to the ground, slowly made their way -to the extreme summit. Then, as if by common impulse, -they ducked, looked at each other, and gave low -whistles of surprise. Lucky it was for them, too, that -they had had the caution to advance so warily, for -otherwise they would have been in a precarious -situation. They were out in search of horses, and as they -topped the rise their eyes fell upon what they sought—a -fine collection of some twenty beasts, with flowing -manes, and with such freedom of action as they ran -that Dudley was enchanted. But there was something -else besides. Not thirty paces away sat four men who -were half-naked. Their backs were turned to the top -of the hill, and they were watching the horses -attentively. The beasts were trotting towards them, but -when Dudley looked again they had halted, and stood -with heads in air, their ears pricked up, listening -attentively, and now and again breaking into a startled -trot. Mr. Blunt saw something more, for he took -Dudley by the sleeve and pulled the fringe of his coat. -Then he pointed, and, following the direction, the -young Englishman beside him saw a number of specks -in the distance. They were mounted men, slowly -stealing up behind the horses. -</p> - -<p> -"Come away. Slip back again and mount." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt hardly whispered the words, and promptly -crawled away, worming his long, lanky figure towards -his horse. Dudley followed suit, rose to his feet, and -vaulted into the saddle. -</p> - -<p> -"Walk!" whispered his employer. "Hush! Not a -sound." -</p> - -<p> -They took their horses at a slow pace for some three -hundred yards, casting a glance behind them every -few seconds. Then Mr. Blunt turned to Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you ready for a fast ride?" he asked shortly. -</p> - -<p> -Our hero shook his reins. "Certainly, sir!" he said. -"Where to?" -</p> - -<p> -"Back to the gauchos. Gallop all you can, and bring -them back. I don't want to attack the Indians, but I -want to let them see that I have plenty of men. And -more than that, they stole some two hundred horses -from me eight months ago. I must have that herd -down below, and so retaliate. It does not do to let the -Indian have it all his own way. Off you go!" -</p> - -<p> -"Alone, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, alone." -</p> - -<p> -"And you, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alone, I said," came the curt answer. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley swung his animal round, touched him ever -so gently with the rowel of his spur, and went off at -a gallop. He would have liked to ask what his -employer was going to do, and felt anxious about him -and disinclined to leave him alone. But Mr. Blunt said -what he meant. He was a man of few words, as a -rule, and those few were very much to the point. -Dudley had to be contented with that, and with an -occasional glance behind him till the solitary figure was -lost to sight. -</p> - -<p> -"Wanted to argue!" exclaimed Mr. Blunt, when he -had gone, a little smile on his lips. "That chap's a -sticker. There are many men whom I have met who -would have bolted from those cattle, and would have -been rolled and stamped till they were as flat as sheets. -It's trying work to stand and see a whole mass of heads -and feet charging down, and if he had bolted I could -have forgiven him. That chap's a sticker, I say, and -he's come out here with the same idea as youngsters -of his age and of our race have, wherever they be. -They know it's right to stick to a friend, whatever the -danger. That's why he doesn't fancy leaving me -behind. As if I were a chicken!" -</p> - -<p> -He smiled grimly as he swung his long rifle round -to the front, opened the breech, and popped in a -cartridge. This man knew that the time for shooting had -not yet arrived, and he was not going to be hurried. -He sat like a sentinel, the butt of his weapon at his -hip, and neither man nor horse moved. And there -Dudley and the thirty gauchos he brought back with -him found their employer. -</p> - -<p> -"Good!" said Mr. Blunt. "That number will scare -the Indians. Now, boys," he went on, "I don't want -to make bad blood, which means that I don't want to -kill any of these fellows. All we want is to scare them, -and to drive them off. They must have the horses -rounded up by now, and we will take them over. The -lesson will be a useful one. Perhaps if we are -successful, they will leave us alone for a time." -</p> - -<p> -At a signal from him a group of the gauchos held in -their horses, while the remainder filed off in two lines, -passing to left and to right of the wood. Then, -having allowed them to gain some distance, Mr. Blunt -walked his horse up to the ridge and clambered to the -top. Ten minutes later there was a shout as one of the -Indians below saw the group of gauchos, a shout which -was taken up in all directions. For the Indians, some -forty in number, had now come quite close to the -hillock, and had drawn in the circle which they had -thrown about the herd of horses. Indeed, in a little -while they would have been at work with their bolas, -or would have been driving the animals back to their -own country. To be disturbed at such a moment must -have been galling in the extreme. Cries and shouts of -rage proceeded from each man, and as Dudley came to -the top of the ridge, and was fully exposed, a shot rang -out some fifty feet away. The bullet shaved the tip of -his chin, drawing a thin line of blood, punched a neat -little piece out of his left ear, and one of larger size -out of the brim of his hat. Then, having done its -worst, it flew on into space, buzzing and screeching as -it went, for it was of native manufacture, all angled -and rough. -</p> - -<p> -"You might have been shaving," laughed Mr. Blunt -as Dudley felt his chin with the tips of his fingers, and -then touched his ear. "A miss is as good as a mile, -my lad, and a shot like that will make you as steady -under fire on future occasions as the oldest soldier. -Hurt?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not a bit, sir," came the ready answer. "My -word, that fellow must have spotted me as I came over -the top!" -</p> - -<p> -"You may be sure of that. He could have fired -at one of the gauchos. An Indian likes better to kill -a white man. But look at them running. They have -seen the other parties." -</p> - -<p> -The approach had been well timed, in fact, for hardly -had the party appeared on the crest when the others -rode from either side of the wood. The Indians looked -at first as if they would resist the approach of the -strangers, but, seeing their numbers, and having a huge -dislike to warfare in the open, they put spurs to their -animals, and, even as Dudley wiped the blood from his -ear and chin, they went galloping for their lives across -the pampas. Mr. Blunt at once waved his hat over his -head, and instantly the two parties below set their -horses at a fast gallop, and before the herd of frightened -animals below could disperse they had surrounded -them. -</p> - -<p> -"Better than I had hoped for," exclaimed Mr. Blunt. -"We will drive the beasts back to the corral, and then -you shall see some fun. It looks cruel, and in fact -it is cruel, to break in these wild animals; but we must -have horses. To-morrow we shall turn out the -stallions and mares, and select the best of the young -horses." -</p> - -<p> -An hour later the whole party was returning, the -men spread widely across the pampas, and enclosing -in their circle the twenty or more wild animals which -the Indians had rounded up. As dusk was falling they -rode over the boundary line of the rancho, and with -dexterous use of their whips, and by dint of much -shouting and spurring, managed to drive their catch -into a huge corral, several of which had been built at -different parts of the estate. -</p> - -<p> -"They will be secure there for the night, and we -can leave them," said Mr. Blunt. "Let us get our -supper and turn in. I don't think we need fear another -charge from the cattle, but if you are looking for -excitement to-morrow I fancy I can supply it. Come -along, lad! We have had a grand day, one which you -will not forget in a hurry, for you have smelled -powder, and tasted the bullet of one of our Indians." -</p> - -<p> -He laughed heartily as he slid to the ground, while -Dudley carried the fingers of one hand to his chin and -ear. The wounds smarted a little, but nothing more, -and very soon he had forgotten them as he bustled -about the fire. In addition, his thoughts were -distracted by the recollection of the horses which they -had captured, and by his friend's promise of -excitement on the morrow. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap07"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VII -<br /><br /> -AN INDIAN INVASION -</h3> - -<p> -The sun was shining brightly on the following -morning as Dudley stamped out the remains of the -fire, for the gauchos and Mr. Blunt had impressed -upon him the need of great care in that respect. -</p> - -<p> -"The grass flares at once," said Pietro, when -warning him, "and I have seen a gringo set the pampas on -fire and have to ride for his life. Then scores of -gauchos have had to gather, and for days perhaps the -battle has gone on between them and the flames. The -señor must cut the grass in a circle always before -lighting the thistle tops, or he must choose a rocky place. -Then he must always stamp out the embers, or the -wind may carry a small portion, or animals kick the -hot ashes into the grass." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley carefully followed out the directions given -him, and then sauntered off to the corral, carrying his -huge spurs now with absolute ease and comfort, and -being, in fact, quite unconscious of them. He found -the gauchos collecting in preparation for the day's -work, and as Mr. Blunt had not yet arrived, these men -of the pampas seized the opportunity of seeing for -themselves what the newcomer could do. -</p> - -<p> -"There are no wagers this time, señor," said Pietro, -standing beside Dudley with an unconscious air of -pride about him, as if it were he who had introduced -the latest gringo, and was responsible for his actions -and for his ability. "The men have asked me how -long you have been in the country, and they can -scarcely believe that you are such a shot. I have told -them, and so have the comrades who looked on, how -you beat Giono. But no; they cannot credit the statements." -</p> - -<p> -"And I cannot blame them," came the answer. -"Of course it is funny to find a gringo able to shoot. -But then you can let the gauchos know that Mr. Blunt -gave me heaps of practice on the voyage out. I -suppose, too, that there are some fellows who get hold of -a knack quickly. For instance, some men can ride -almost at once, while others can never manage a horse." -</p> - -<p> -"That may be true in your country, señor, but not -in this. Here we gauchos ride from infancy. There -was a time, no doubt, before the Spaniards came, and -introduced horses, when the Indian knew nothing about -riding. But nowadays we never walk far. Horses -are cheap. An active man who can wield a bolas can -always borrow a mount and go out on the pampas to -make a catch. Then he has merely to break in the -animal. I said that we ride from infancy. I remember -that the very first time I ever mounted a horse was -when I was tiny, and far too small to reach his back -in the ordinary way. Fortunately he was a quiet beast, -for as he cropped the grass in front of my father's hut -I caught him by the tail, and with the help of a brother, -as small as myself, I swarmed up on to his quarters. -That, señor, was my first attempt. As to the knack of -shooting, every gaucho can shoot, but it is not all, or -even many who have an eye and a hand such as yours. -The gift is a fine one; I wish I had it. But the señor -will do what the men wish?" -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly, I'll do my best. That shot at the flying -pith ball was more or less of a fluke, but I might -manage it again. At any rate I'll try." -</p> - -<p> -He pulled his revolver from his pocket as the men -gathered round, and then stood nursing the barrel just -as he had done on the previous occasion. Pietro himself -threw the bolas as before, and to Dudley's delight, -and, to be honest, to his amazement, he had the good -fortune to strike the pith ball at the first shot and -shatter it into a hundred or more pieces. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bueno</i>! That is shooting, comrades," exclaimed -the big, melancholy-looking man who had shaken hands -with him on the previous day. "The señor can shoot, -and by all accounts he is brave and can swim. Who -knows, perhaps he can ride also. Whatever more he -can do he is certainly the best gringo we have ever seen. -Let the señor take the advice of an old gaucho. Let -him learn to draw his weapon swiftly. Therein lies -the secret of safety and of victory when dealing with -the rough men of the pampas. Now we shall hope to -show him how we ride." -</p> - -<p> -He went into the corral with a dozen of his -comrades, Pietro being amongst them, while Mr. Blunt -came up to Dudley's side. Together they watched as -the gauchos inspected the captive horses, their trained -eyes picking out the younger and more suitable animals. -As for the poor beasts themselves, they were -excessively wild, and now that so many strange figures -surrounded them they were almost mad with terror, all -save one grand animal, the father of the herd. He -stood with head lifted and ears pricked up, his eyes -blazing; and presently, as the gauchos approached, he -gave a snort of rage and dashed at them. -</p> - -<p> -"Watch and you will see some quick work and some -fun," said Mr. Blunt. "If that wild fellow were to -catch any of the men it would go hard with them. -Look at them running." -</p> - -<p> -The gauchos took to their heels as the big horse -made for them, and, separating as well as possible, they -ran with all their speed to the rail of the corral. The -majority reached it without incident, but it happened -that one of them, as he ran, tripped over the trailing -thong of his bolas, and went down with a crash. He -was up in another second, but by then the beast was -close at hand, and as Dudley watched he saw it spin -round on its fore legs, as if it were a top, and lash out -furiously with its heels. The aim was so true, and the -manoeuvre so quickly carried out that it was wonderful -that the gaucho was not struck. But he had not -worked on the pampas for nothing, and no doubt he -had seen many a similar adventure. Seeing that he -could not escape, he watched the pursuing horse, and -as the maddened brute twisted on its fore legs he threw -himself on his face, the heels swishing a foot over his -back. Then he rolled over and over, sprang to his -feet, and rushed on again, reaching the rail of the -corral as the horse came within striking distance again. -</p> - -<p> -"He will be killed," shouted Dudley in his excitement. -"The brute will kick the life out of him." -</p> - -<p> -"He will escape. Redos knows the game," was -Mr. Blunt's calm rejoinder. "A new hand would attempt -to clamber over; our friend knows that that would be -fatal." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho was, in fact, well able to take care of -himself. As the horse twisted on its feet again he -threw himself on the ground, and, repeating his previous -tactics, rolled under the rail into safety, while -the heels swished overhead and struck the rail with a -clatter to be heard all over the corral. -</p> - -<p> -"They will eject that fellow as a first precaution," -said Mr. Blunt. "There goes the first bolas. Pietro -is not the lad to make a mess of such a matter." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho to whom he had referred had taken his -station on the second rail of the corral, some little way -to the left of the angry horse, and could be seen -swinging the two leaden balls of his bolas, waiting for a -favorable opportunity to cast. It came in a few -seconds. The beast still watched the man who had -escaped, and, as he moved towards Pietro, trotted along -beside the corral fence, snorting loudly, and eyeing -him in no friendly manner. Once, in fact, he dashed -open-mouthed in his direction, only to be brought up -short by the stout fence. That was Pietro's opportunity, -and he seized upon it. The balls swished overhead -and suddenly darted forward. Dudley saw them -separate, and in a moment they had twined round the -neck and fore legs of the horse, wrapping the plaited -thongs so thoroughly that escape was impossible. But -the beast could still use its legs, and, startled by the -blow of the balls, and by the thongs, it twisted round -and made off at a furious pace, plunging as it went. -But it was not to go far. Pietro had used his bolas -before, and seeing that his aim was good, he had at -once taken a turn of the thong round one of the posts, -and a strong grip of the slack end, so that when the -horse came to the full extent of the line he could bring -him up short, and yet not so suddenly as to break the -leather. Crash! The big beast staggered, rose high -in the air, and then fell backwards, lashing with all -four legs. It was up again in an incredibly short space -of time, and then the same process was repeated. It -darted away, was brought up with a jerk, and stood -glaring about it, choking with the pressure of the -thongs. -</p> - -<p> -"He has made his fight, and is done for," said -Mr. Blunt. "The men will slip a leather noose into his -mouth, and will so hobble his legs with their bolas -that he will be as helpless as a foal. Then they will -drag him out of the corral. It is absolutely necessary -to do that, for, as you see, he considers himself the -guardian of the herd. He would kick any other horse -to pieces that dared come near his flock out in the open, -and here he would kill many of the gauchos if he were -not banished. Look! there goes another bolas. He -will be wound up so completely soon that he will have -no more room for astonishment." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley could not help but admire the dexterity and -the courage of the gauchos. They tackled the big horse -with method, and before very long had it completely -at their command. Then, choking still, and half-stifled -by a noose the grip of which could be increased at any -instant, they dragged it to the opening of the corral -by means of the thong passed over its chin, and with -a quick movement set it free. A whip cracked behind -it, and in an instant the noble brute was careering away. -Half a dozen mares that were too old to be of any use -were quickly disposed of, the gauchos mounting their -horses and cutting them out from the herd. And then -the real work of the day commenced. -</p> - -<p> -"There are some who would let the beasts run wild -in the corrals for a month or so," said Mr. Blunt. -"But there is no object in delaying, for they will be as -wild and unruly then as they are now. You will see -how we deal with them. In a month they will be -useful animals, and as rideable as any we possess. But -the task of breaking them in is no light one. Men are -specially selected for it, and receive so much pay per -animal; for it is dangerous work, and many gauchos -are killed at it." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley could believe that when half an hour had -passed, and he had had an opportunity of seeing what -actually occurred. -</p> - -<p> -"The first thing is to get a halter on their heads, -and a leather bit in their mouths, señor," said Pietro, -coming to his side. "Then the saddle must be fitted. -That troubles them more perhaps than does the bit. -Look, now, at the young horse our friend is selecting." -</p> - -<p> -The big gaucho who had shown his friendliness was -striding about in the corral, and eyeing the wild young -horses there with the utmost care. Presently he -selected a fine beast, well grown, and possessing a large -amount of bone and muscle. It was as wild almost as -the first had been, but not quite so courageous, for it -kept its distance from these men. However, it was -gradually driven into a corner, and then, finding its -tormentors closing in, it swung round and galloped past -them. -</p> - -<p> -"A fine shot, señor! Our comrade can use the -bolas," sang out Pietro, as the tall gaucho swung his -implement and flung it at the heels of the horse. In -a moment the animal was down, its legs entwined by -the thongs, and as it lay there helplessly a halter was -placed over its head, and then a bit of strong but soft -leather was placed in its mouth. -</p> - -<p> -"It would never do to use an iron one, señor," -explained Pietro. "That would be asking too much of -a horse. See how he frets now. But he has worse -to bear, and in a moment there will be a struggle." -</p> - -<p> -Having safely placed the bit in position, the big -gaucho knotted the reins on the neck of the beast so -that they would be ready to hand when the moment -came to mount. Then he beckoned to a comrade, who -ran up with the saddle. At the same moment three -of the gauchos took firm hold of the halter by means -of the rope attached to it and pulled till the animal was -lying almost on its heels. -</p> - -<p> -"On with the saddle," sang out their leader, and at -the word the flaps were dropped on either side. -</p> - -<p> -"Now let go the heels." -</p> - -<p> -The thongs which encircled its legs were carefully -unwound, leaving the horse free to rise. But it lay for -a few seconds, bewildered at such unaccustomed treatment. -Then, feeling more freedom in its legs, it rose -to its feet with a jerk, and stood looking about, -uncertain how to act or where to run. The big gaucho -took instant advantage of the delay. Speaking in a -soothing voice to the animal, he stepped silently to its -side, stretched under the belly, and made the girths -fast. Then he placed a hand on the neck, unknotted -the reins, and leaped into the saddle with an agile -bound. The spell under which the poor beast labored -was broken instantly. It staggered under the weight -for one brief second, and then rose on its hind legs -till it seemed that it would topple over. -</p> - -<p> -"The real fight begins now," said Pietro, who still -stood beside Dudley. "Our friend has work before -him, for that is a strong young horse, which will not -give in without a struggle. Ah, he has his stirrups, -and his feet are well home! Our comrade is one of the -best of horse breakers." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley watched the scene which followed with -breathless interest, for he had never seen its like. He -had heard of cowboys and their feats of horsemanship, -but had never conceived it possible that any man could -keep in his saddle as on this occasion. For the horse -was maddened. The load on his back terrified it, and -for a quarter of an hour it raged up and down the -corral, rising on its heels, bucking, and giving such -enormous leaps that had it attempted the same close -to the rails it would have easily cleared them. And all -the while the gaucho clung like a leech to it, while -the cruel rowels of his spurs struck the heaving -flanks incessantly, till the blood trickled from many -a wound. -</p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-117"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-117.jpg" alt=""ALL THE WHILE THE GAUCHO CLUNG LIKE A LEECH TO IT"" /> -<br /> -"ALL THE WHILE THE GAUCHO CLUNG LIKE A LEECH TO IT" -</p> - -<p> -"It is no time for soft measures, Dudley," said -Mr. Blunt. "It is kinder to be harsh now, for once and all, -than constantly to repeat the cruelty. That horse is -getting beaten. In a couple of hours he will be docile. -How would you care to try your horsemanship?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not at all," was the candid answer. "I should -be sprawling after the first half-minute. But you said -he would be beaten in two hours. Will he be able to -go on plunging and bucking for such a time?" -</p> - -<p> -"He might, but our object is to wind him. The -gaucho will take him for a gallop and give him his -head." -</p> - -<p> -The time had apparently come for this portion of the -breaking-in, and a few moments later there was a -warning shout from the struggling gaucho, a number -of the men lined up between the other horses and the -exit, and then the animal he rode was steered out of -the corral. Once outside there was nothing to limit -its pace, and it set off at a furious gallop, lashed into -frenzy by the whip which the gaucho now used, and -smarting under the cruel rowels of the spurs. -</p> - -<p> -"He will go miles," said Mr. Blunt, "and when he -returns he will be like a naughty schoolboy who has -come to school for the first time after being given free -play at home. He will have met with his first master, -and will be aching after his very first lesson. In a -week he will be a likely horse, and in a month he will -whinny a welcome to the man who now treats him so -harshly. Let us go along the corral and watch the -other men." -</p> - -<p> -Nearly a dozen other horses were meanwhile being -roped in, and for the next two hours Dudley watched -the same process repeated, but with variations. Sometimes -a horse had less spirit, and was beaten very early, -even consented to trot round the corral without -attempting to get rid of its rider. But in every case, -whatever the fight shown, they were taken out of the -corral for a long burst over the pampas. Soon the -first one was seen returning, limping over the grass, -and looking as if it could barely drag one leg after the -other. Indeed the poor brute had been ridden to a -finish, and could scarcely reach the corral. It was -taken to one corner, the bit slipped from its mouth and -the saddle from its back. At once it lay down on the -ground, disdaining the fresh grass placed beside it. -</p> - -<p> -"He is hopelessly beaten and as tired as a dog," said -Mr. Blunt. "He will lie there for twenty-four hours -perhaps, and will not touch a morsel of feed, nor any -water. Then he will recover, and our big friend will -be there to talk kindly to him, to encourage him, and -to comfort him with a bundle of sweet grass. Now, -what do you think of our methods of taming horses?" -</p> - -<p> -"They are utterly unlike any I had ever conceived. -They look very cruel at first sight, but I can see that -in the end it is better and easier for the horse to be -beaten outright, than to be subdued by a series of -attempts each one of which must terrify him. It will -be a long time before I shall be able to ride like these -gauchos." -</p> - -<p> -"You are right there, lad, for one cannot pick up, -even at your young age, a thing with which these fine -fellows may be said to grow up. They are born riders, -and they have need to be, for a bucking wild horse is -no easy beast to sit on. Now we will return to the -cattle and watch the branding. These are all things -that I want you to learn to do or to be able to criticize, -for in a little while you will be the agent in charge -during my absence." -</p> - -<p> -Two months later Dudley had become quite an old -hand on the rancho, and was by no means a gringo -any longer. Indeed, thanks to his encounter with -Giono, he had come to the gauchos employed by -Mr. Blunt with a strong and telling introduction, an -introduction which appealed to these wild men of the -pampas far better than wealth would have done. They -admired a man who could shoot and who had courage. -They liked to see a youngster conquer difficulties, and -they had watched Dudley as he gained no mean -mastership over horses. Then they had seen him under -fire, and had noted with what indifference he treated -his wound. -</p> - -<p> -"He is a gringo who meets with our approval, and -whom we can obey," said Pietro one night as the -gauchos were collected round the fire. "He has no -airs and graces. He is glad to meet each one of us, -to shake hands, and to chat. He is different from -some of the stuck-up fools who come our way on -occasion." -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to the friendship of the gauchos, and to his -own energy, our hero very soon became of the greatest -value to his employer, till at length he was appointed -his overseer, and had complete management of the -rancho. -</p> - -<p> -"It gives you a good deal of responsibility, which -is a thing which every lad ought to be able to take, -and it also lets the men see that I have confidence in -you," said Mr. Blunt. "That encourages them to -look to you as a leader and master, and I'm glad indeed -to find such a friendly feeling amongst you all." -</p> - -<p> -One day Dudley had ridden to the far western -boundary of the rancho, and hearing the news from -one of the gauchos that horses had been seen far out -on the pampas, he pressed on till he came to the hill -from the summit of which he and his employer had -once before seen a herd. None were in sight, though -he imagined he saw some dark specks in the distance, -which might be horses. -</p> - -<p> -"We are in want of some," he said to himself, "and -so I think I had better go ahead. If those are horses -I shall know within two hours, and then could be back -with the gauchos in the morning." -</p> - -<p> -He shook his reins and trotted on for some miles, -when, judging that he was now near enough to the -objects he had seen in the distance, he made for a slight -rise and clambered to the summit. He had hardly -reached it when he was startled by a loud report, by a -puff of smoke a few yards to his right, and at the same -instant by a curious movement in his hat. It jerked -back suddenly, spun round, and then settled on his -head again in the most extraordinary and disconcerting -manner. There was a shout, and then from right and -left a chorus of frantic yells. Figures sprang up from -the hollows and the long grass, while twenty horsemen -galloped from behind a small clump of trees. -</p> - -<p> -"Indians! A hundred of them perhaps!" was Dudley's -startled exclamation. "I shall have to run for -my life." -</p> - -<p> -He took to his heels at once, and raced down the -hillock towards his horse, the gun which he carried -over his shoulders pounding against his back. He had -fifty yards to cover, and long before he had gained his -mount the Indian who had fired at him had reached -the top of the hillock and had thrown himself on one -knee. There came the ring of an iron ramrod, for -this savage was armed with an old-fashioned muzzle-loader. -Then followed the bellow of the piece, while -a ball hummed over the pampas, missed our hero by -little more than an inch, and, flying on, struck his -horse just in front of the saddle, causing him to -rear up, give a startled neigh, and then trot on a few -paces. -</p> - -<p> -"Whoa! Steady, horse!" shouted Dudley, knowing -that his life depended on his mount. "Steady, -boy! I'm coming." -</p> - -<p> -It was a fortunate thing for him that he had made -a point of accustoming his mount to his voice, for -otherwise the frightened animal would have bolted. As -it was it stood irresolute, listening to Dudley's words, -its ears pricked up and its eyes cast back at the figures -now pouring over the summit. There were at least -forty dismounted Indians, and a rattling volley came -from their muzzle-loaders as the fugitive reached the -side of his horse, the bullets whizzing overhead and on -either side, but missing man and animal by good -chance. Dudley vaulted into his saddle promptly, -clutched at his reins, and, turning his face towards the -distant rancho, set spurs to the flanks of his horse. -And then commenced a flight which was all too -exciting for the young fellow who was being chased. -</p> - -<p> -Bang! Bang! Another volley rattled from the direction -of the hillock, a scattered, irregular volley, broken -by shouts and wild yells. Then there was a dull thud -and the horse sprang into the air and then galloped -on at an even greater pace, for it had been stung by -a bullet which had struck it on the quarter. However, -the range was rather far for a muzzle-loader, and it -happened that the wound was only a superficial one. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady, boy!" cried Dudley, taking good hold of -his reins and looking round. "We have a long gallop -before us and we had better be careful. Steady! -Their horsemen are not in sight." -</p> - -<p> -Pulling gently at the mouth of the excited steed he -managed to steady its pace a little, till it was bounding -at a good gallop over the pampas. It was a fine beast, -and capable of a long race, but not at full speed all the -way. Dudley knew that, and like the jockey who has -a good horse beneath him, and other fine ones to beat, -he determined to husband the strength of his mount, -so as to keep it comfortably ahead of the pursuers as -far as the rancho. -</p> - -<p> -A minute later a mob of shrieking Indians burst -over the top of the hillock and came galloping down, -their arms waving in the air, guns flourishing -overhead, and their bodies bent low in the saddle. They -were a set of cut-throats in appearance, and bellowed -and shrieked in a manner which gave some indication -of their ferocity. But no one who watched their mad -pursuit could have failed to admire them to some -extent. The men were part and parcel of their horses. -They rode on a strip of leather for the most part, and -had no stirrups. Their knees lay close to their horses -and they sat as if they were glued to their places. -There was an easy swing and poise about them, too, -which told that they trusted entirely to grip and to -balance, and were thus able to do without saddle and -stirrups. -</p> - -<p> -"A nasty-looking lot of beggars," thought Dudley, -"and well mounted, as they always are. It will be a -close race, and very soon I shall have to press my horse. -The fellows haven't saddles either. I wish I hadn't. -It gives them an advantage, for I carry extra weight." -</p> - -<p> -That set him thinking, for the native saddle used by -the gauchos was a somewhat heavy and cumbersome -affair, and, to one used to an English hunting saddle, -it was by no means too comfortable. He turned again -to watch the Indians, noticing that already quite a -number had commenced to fall to the rear. Then he -bent towards his horse's neck and slid his left hand -down to the buckle which secured the girth. -</p> - -<p> -"It could be done," he said to himself. "I could -unbuckle the strap and so loosen the saddle. The thing -is, could I manage to pass it backwards without -toppling over?" -</p> - -<p> -He thought again, and, as if to practise the movement -slipped his toes from the stirrups, for he had -often ridden without the latter and knew that he would -not tumble. A little consideration showed him that -the feat he contemplated was possible, and knowing -well that if he intended to relieve his horse of some -weight it would be wiser to do so now, at the very -commencement of the struggle, he promptly slid his -hand down to the buckle again and in a minute had it -loosened. He gripped the neck of his mount with the -hand which held the reins, and, leaning forward, lifted -himself, while with the free hand he pushed the saddle -backwards. Once he swerved dangerously, for the -task was no easy one, and at the sight a howl came -from the pursuing mob. -</p> - -<p> -"Shout away!" cried Dudley, as he regained his -balance. "You've not got me yet, and if I can prevent -you, well, I will." -</p> - -<p> -One more effort and the saddle was behind him. A -touch, and it, together with his poncho and blanket and -a couple of heavy saddle bags, overbalanced and fell to -the ground with a crash. His gallant beast was now -on more even terms with those ridden by the Indians, -and as he felt the relief he tossed his head and pulled -at the bit. -</p> - -<p> -"Steady, lad!" shouted his rider again. "We're -keeping just nicely ahead, and there is no occasion to -do more. They are getting broken up a little. Some -are being left behind." -</p> - -<p> -His knees were close in to his horse's side now, and -he bent low, till his figure hardly caught the wind. -Every two or three seconds he turned his head to -watch the Indians, and noted that the worst mounted -were already being left in the rear, while those who -were foremost had not gained an inch. They were two -hundred yards behind, galloping hard; but though he -looked carefully he could not see a whip used, nor did -they seem to wear spurs. -</p> - -<p> -"Wily foxes," he said, "they are doing the same -thing! They are carefully holding in their animals, -probably thinking that they will tire mine out. That -will suit me well, for the rancho is not more than six -miles away now, and we can keep this pace up for a -longer distance." -</p> - -<p> -He began to feel more confident, and though the -shouts and screams of the pursuers made him feel -inclined to use his spurs, and force the pace, he went -on as before, checking his speed by theirs, disregarding -the reports of the weapons which they occasionally -snapped at him, and always maintaining the same -distance in advance. But he was by no means out of the -woods, as he was shortly to learn. The Indians had -seen him free his horse of the saddle, and had increased -their angry shouts. But when three miles had been -covered, the dozen or more who still remained had -settled down to a grim silence. They could not afford -to waste their breath, nor could they reload their -weapons at that pace. Instead, they began to let their -horses out little by little, and very soon they were -using their whips, sending their animals along at -breakneck pace. -</p> - -<p> -"Time for me to push along," thought Dudley. -"In a few minutes I ought to be in the rancho and -among friends, so I have only to keep going for a little -while. Come along, boy!" -</p> - -<p> -This time the rowels of his spurs touched the flanks, -and his beast increased its pace, and for a time held the -distance it had gained at the first. One by one the -pursuing Indians dropped off, the pace being too hot -for their horses, till three only were left. But these -were beautifully mounted, and, now that the crisis of -the affair had arrived, they showed that there was still -a little pace to be squeezed out of their horses. Their -whips cracked, their bony heels went to the flanks, and -their beasts steadily drew up to the quarry. Then one -of the three disengaged himself from his comrades -inch by inch till he was some yards ahead, and was -rapidly overhauling Dudley. The man carried a -revolver in one hand, and instead of a whip used his -cruel spurs continuously. Dudley glanced round at -him, gave an exclamation, and then slipped his hand -into the pocket carried on the hip of his riding -leggings. For this was not an Indian. The man was -dressed as a gaucho, and it wanted only a second -glance at that evil face, at those deep-set and scowling -eyes, to tell him that it was Giono, the man who had -warned him to beware, and who had left the rancho -breathing vengeance against the two white men who -resided there. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap08"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VIII -<br /><br /> -DUDLEY LEADS THE GAUCHOS -</h3> - -<p> -"He is better mounted than I am, and there is -bound to be a fight," thought Dudley as the minutes -flew by and Giono gained rapidly upon him, leaving -his two comrades some yards in rear. "I had better -keep a careful watch on his revolver, and if he lifts it -I will fire." -</p> - -<p> -They were close to the edge of the rancho now, and -half a mile ahead the rails of the corral could be seen. -But though our hero strained his eyes in that direction -there was not a single horseman. Nothing but the -corral broke the flat expanse of waving pampas. He -was alone, and must look to himself for safety. -</p> - -<p> -Crack! As he stared ahead there came the sharp -report of a pistol, and on glancing behind he saw a -wreath of smoke blowing away from the muzzle of -Giono's revolver. -</p> - -<p> -"Missed," thought Dudley, with no little satisfaction. -"The range is too long as yet, and even if he -hits me the bullet will do no great harm. But he is -pulling up fast. I wonder whether, if I hit him, the -others will give up the chase?" -</p> - -<p> -Crack! Once again the report came to his ear, and -instinctively he crouched lower as a bullet hissed over -his head. He was within range then, and must act if -he was to escape at all. Keeping low on the back of -his horse, with his weight thrown as much forward as -possible, he glanced round again, his head twisted to -the right. Giono was standing in his stirrups, his eye -blazing with wrath, and fierce determination written -on every line of his ugly face. He lifted the weapon -again, took very careful aim, and was on the point of -pressing the trigger when Dudley gripped the butt of -his revolver and sent a bullet flying behind. And here -again his happy knack of shooting, the quick eye and -ready hand which he possessed, stood him in good -stead. Giono gave a shout, clapped the hand which -held the reins to his chest, and instantly crumpled up -on the bow of his saddle. He swayed from side to -side, and made frantic efforts to cling to his seat. His -spurs almost met beneath his horse's belly, while the -rowels dug into the poor beast, making it gallop even -harder. Then this powerful gaucho, hardened to -exposure and fatigue, recovered his strength and threw -off the sudden weakness caused by his wound. There -was a thin streak of blood at the corner of his mouth -as he sat up with a jerk, and the scowl on his face had -increased in intensity. Without lifting his weapon he -pointed the muzzle at the lad in front of him and pulled -the trigger. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley learned some ten minutes later what -happened after that momentous shot, for within two -seconds he was unconscious. The bullet had missed -him entirely, but flying low had passed between the -heels of his horse, and had struck behind the knee of -one of the fore legs, bringing the gallant beast toppling -on to its head. -</p> - -<p> -"When the señor is ready it will be as well to move -on," he suddenly heard a voice say. "The señor is -better. He has fallen heavily, and the ground was -hard. Pepito, bring your water sack, and we will -sprinkle his face and so refresh him." -</p> - -<p> -The words sounded as if they had been spoken yards -and yards away. They came to Dudley's ears in a -strangely blurred fashion, failing to rouse him, and -leaving him to puzzle over their meaning. -</p> - -<p> -"The ground was hard, and he had fallen heavily. -Who had fallen heavily?" he wondered. "They are -joking. Perhaps they want to disturb me. But I -won't move. I'm very comfortable, thank you!" -</p> - -<p> -He mumbled the last words in a low voice, and in -tones which showed that he was feeling irritable. In -fact, his mind was more or less of a blank. He had -no idea who was speaking, and he cared less. He felt -drowsy, and objected to being disturbed. -</p> - -<p> -"Bueno, Pepito! The water comes in handy, and -our young master will thank us for it. Lift his head -so. Now I will dash some of the contents of this sack -in his face." -</p> - -<p> -On the pampas it was the custom to carry water in -a canvas bag, just as it is in Egypt, and in Africa, and -in many another country. Pepito, a young gaucho who -had been sent for his store, stood by grinning with -anxiety, for he had taken a fancy to this young -English fellow, while Pietro knelt and lifted Dudley's -head. Then the tall gaucho with the melancholy air -deliberately dashed some of the water in the face of -the half-unconscious youth. -</p> - -<p> -"Here, I say!" gasped Dudley, frantically struggling -to sit up, and opening his eyes wide. "Look -here! No more of that! If you try the game again -I'll——" -</p> - -<p> -He stopped short, his mouth wide open, and his -eyes fixed on Pietro's honest face. Up to that very -instant his wits had been sadly wandering, and he had -imagined himself at school again. This was, so he -thought, a game being played at his expense, and—— -</p> - -<p> -"Why, it's Pietro, and that's Pepito! What are -you grinning for?" -</p> - -<p> -The young gaucho turned his head away in -confusion, while Pietro lifted his patient higher. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, we are here, señor," he said. "Is the señor -right in his mind now? Is his head sore? For the fall -was a heavy one, and, as I said, the ground is hard." -</p> - -<p> -"Was his head sore?" Dudley sat up suddenly and -gazed about him in bewilderment, for he had still no -recollection of what had happened a few minutes before. -He ran his hands over his head, and then turned -to speak again to Pepito, only to feel acute pain in his -neck, and give a sudden cry. -</p> - -<p> -"That is queer. My neck feels as if it had been -almost broken, or as if some fellow had collared me -and given it a firm and friendly screw. Hallo!" -</p> - -<p> -This time his eyes fell on something which could not -but remind him of his exciting chase, for a dozen yards -away his own horse stood shaking after its frantic -exertions, and blowing harder than Dudley had ever -seen one blow before. The gallant beast was white -with foam, and its flanks moved in and out spasmodically. -Its head hung low, and generally its appearance -was one of absolute exhaustion. -</p> - -<p> -"He helped to save the señor's life," said Pietro. -"He galloped well. But the señor was wise to shake -off the saddle. Had he not done so this Giono would -have certainly overhauled him earlier, and then——" -</p> - -<p> -"And then? Yes?" asked Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"The señor would not be here. The señor would be -dead. As it is, Giono is dead. He has a dozen bullets -in him in addition to the one which you sent. Come, -the señor is better." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley was. In a flash he remembered his flight and -all that had happened up to the report which had come -from Giono's revolver. After that all was a blank. -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me what happened," he asked, struggling to -his feet and standing there with Pietro and another -gaucho supporting him. "No, leave me alone please, -for I can stand. I am just a little giddy, that's all, -and, phew! my neck!" -</p> - -<p> -"It is a wonder it was not broken, señor," came the -answer. "You shot out from the back of your horse -and flew some yards before you landed. I made sure -that you were killed, for you fell on your head and -rolled over. Another man's neck would have been -broken." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I am saved for some other fate," laughed -Dudley, beginning to feel better. "Many thanks, my -friends, for helping me, and for the water. Now, what -happened exactly?" -</p> - -<p> -He beckoned to Pepito, took a deep draught from -the sack, and then turned to Pietro again. -</p> - -<p> -"Giono made a better shot the last time he ever -pulled trigger than he would have done had he dared -to fire at the flying pith ball of the bolas, señor. You -had hit him hard in the chest, and he was bleeding. -But, as I said, he had luck. His ball hit your beast -behind the knee, and brought him down like a stone, -just as you or I would fall if someone struck us in a -similar position. You fell, as I have described, and in -a moment Giono was pulling up beside you, while his -two comrades were galloping to join him. They were -a fine mark, and we dropped them at our first volley." -</p> - -<p> -"You dropped them? How?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley was amazed, for he had seen none of his -friends. -</p> - -<p> -"We might have remained on our horses, señor. -But then we knew that you could reach the rancho -before the enemy, and even if you could not we could -hardly help you, for you were within a mile before our -lookout gave the alarm. There is a small hollow on -our left, and there we placed our horses on their sides, -and lay in wait for the Indians, guessing that you -would pass near at hand. It was as well for the señor -that we were there, for Giono would have committed -murder." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I have to thank you for a good deal more -than the water," said Dudley gratefully. "I thank you -all from the bottom of my heart. But were you not -saying something about moving?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bueno</i>, señor! These demons are collecting away -yonder, and our men say that there are three or four -hundred. It would be as well to retire on the house -shortly, for all are mounted, and could easily surround -us. When the señor is himself again we will ride on." -</p> - -<p> -"I am ready now," came the answer. "First tell -me how many gauchos there are here." -</p> - -<p> -"Forty, señor, and men have ridden off to tell the -others to retire on the house." -</p> - -<p> -"One moment, Pietro! They have orders to go, -and I see them mounting; they have not left yet." -</p> - -<p> -It was the tall gaucho who interposed, and at once -Dudley took advantage of his information. -</p> - -<p> -"Send them here immediately," he commanded, and -in a voice which the gauchos were fully accustomed -to, for quite unconsciously this young Englishman had -acquired an air of authority since Mr. Blunt had given -him the management. "Now, I want to ask a question. -What becomes of our master's cattle if we retire?" -</p> - -<p> -"They remain," came the unhesitating answer. -"The Indians will probably attack us to-morrow, and -if they are unsuccessful they will drive the cattle away. -We shall call the gauchos from other ranches and shall -follow, and no doubt we shall manage to capture many -of the stolen beasts. There is never much fighting, -señor, for the Indians move quickly, and give up all -the cattle that lag. Our attention is thus engaged more -with the beasts than with the enemy." -</p> - -<p> -"While in any case our master is a heavy loser." -</p> - -<p> -"That is so, señor," admitted Pietro ruefully; "but -who can help it?" -</p> - -<p> -"We can," came the prompt answer. "We can try -to, at any rate. More than that, I fancy we might even -read these fellows a lesson which will last them for -many a year to come. Send those messengers to me." -</p> - -<p> -Pietro and his comrades stared at Dudley as if they -could not believe their ears. They had spent their lives -on the pampas, and now and again it had happened that -they or friends of theirs had been surrounded by the -Indians, who were always hostile to the gauchos. Then -they had had to fight, and the gauchos had plenty of -pluck and determination, and knew how to make the -most of a desperate situation. But their experience -had also taught them that the Indians always raided -in large numbers, which it would be foolish to oppose. -These raids were very often, and in fact in nearly -every case, sudden and unexpected, and retaliation was -never very possible. Sometimes they had managed to -round up some of the Indians as they drove the rancho -cattle away, and then there had been slaughter. But as -a general rule gauchos were pounced upon and killed -barbarously, while those who escaped hung on the tail -of the retreating Indians and did their best to recover -some of the cattle, which were always the object of -these raids. It was therefore somewhat startling to -hear such a proposition. -</p> - -<p> -"As the señor cares to order," said Pietro readily. -"But how? We are willing to fight if he will show us -how." -</p> - -<p> -"Then listen to this. The beasts are six miles from -this, at least they were early this morning when I rode -out." -</p> - -<p> -"They are there now, señor. The gauchos surround them." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we will retire at once till we are well beyond -the herd. There are three thousand of them, and the -Indians will hardly dare to drive more. We will -gallop away now, and by the time we reach our comrades -it will be dusk." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true, señor," came the cautious admission. -"It will be dusk, but not so dark that the Indians -cannot follow and surround the cattle. Three -thousand is as many as they dare attempt to drive." -</p> - -<p> -"Then tell me this, Pietro. Will they return -towards their own country to-night, supposing they do -not attack the house?" -</p> - -<p> -"Surely not, señor. It would be madness to attempt -to control so many beasts in the darkness, they would -stampede. They will camp for the night, and I myself -believe that, now that Giono is killed, they will not -attempt an attack on the farm. They will surround -the cattle, just as we do, and those who are not on -guard will build a fire, kill a beast, and gorge -themselves with the meat. I know them well; they are -gluttons to a man." -</p> - -<p> -"Then they will play into our hands. Listen to this. -Send a messenger to each of our herds, and give them -orders to call away all the gauchos who can be spared. -They are to meet us five miles beyond the place for -which we are now about to make. They are to ride -silently, and are not to smoke or to attract the -attention of the Indians. You follow me? Then let us -ride." -</p> - -<p> -The buzzing noise in his head was forgotten. He no -longer felt the crick in his neck which had troubled -him so much a few minutes before. He was all -keenness to be moving, to perfect his scheme, and to do -something to save his employer. For Dudley had often -considered these Indian raids, and time and again had -asked why it was that resistance was not better -organized, and why the gauchos and their leaders did not -combine rapidly, having some prearranged signal, and -fall upon the enemy before they had retired too far. -That was the only time when a blow could be struck, -for to follow the Indians into their own country was -out of the question, unless a large force were taken, -and then there would be the added difficulties of -transport of ammunition and food, besides the chance of -failing to find water, always a danger in this pampas -country, where streams were not abundant. Here was -an opportunity to strike a blow, for, thanks to the late -arrival of the Indians, it was already getting dusk, and -would be dark before they could reach the nearest herd -of cattle. -</p> - -<p> -"You are sure that they will bivouac when they -come up with the beasts?" he asked anxiously. -</p> - -<p> -"I am certain, señor. Indians do not love moving -about at night in any case, and it is more than likely -that they have ridden far to-day. Their raids are -usually successful because they arrive when least -expected. They ride fast from their own country in -the hope of falling upon the settlements before news -of their coming can be sent. If they meet a stray -gaucho they ride him down and shoot him lest he -should carry the alarm. That is why the señor was -chased, and why Giono was so intent on killing him. -Their beasts have had a big day's work, and they will -rest them as soon as possible, knowing that they have -a bigger day before them on the morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we will mount and ride," said Dudley. -"Pietro, take command of twenty of the gauchos, and -stay here till the main body of the enemy appear, then -retire before they can come within range. Let them -think that you are terrified, and when once you get -going, gallop back beyond the herd as fast as you can. -By then it will be dark." -</p> - -<p> -"Surely it will, señor; the sun is sinking fast, and -twilight is never long with us. We wait, and retire -when the time comes. We shall find you and our -comrades beyond?" -</p> - -<p> -"We shall be six miles or rather less on the far side -of the herd. Be careful, and good luck to you and -your friends." -</p> - -<p> -There was a calm businesslike air about the young -gringo which impressed the gauchos, the air of modest -self-assurance which had impressed them when this -lad had joined them for the first time and had won his -match against Giono. Already they had become -accustomed to receiving orders from him, and, more than -that, he had always been so tactful in giving them, was -so friendly with them one and all, and so ready to -accept advice from these honest and experienced men -of the pampas, that there was not one who did not -swear by him. -</p> - -<p> -"He is a youth, it is true, comrades," Pietro had -said on one occasion when the new manager was under -discussion, "he was a gringo only a little while ago, -but, I ask, is there here a man who could draw on him -and hope to be alive within a minute?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is not one," came the emphatic answer from -a comrade. "And yet, I declare that that is wrong -after all; for our young master, it is true, would have -his muzzle at our heads before we could wink, but -would not fire. He knows that we like him." -</p> - -<p> -There was a chorus of assent, and then and there all -declared that the arrangement made by Mr. Blunt was -excellent, and met with their approval. They thought -a lot of the new manager. He was not conceited, not -full of foolish airs and graces, and by no means soft. -He didn't know everything, and was not ashamed to -acknowledge his inexperience. But when it came to -giving orders, he was the one, and already they -understood that he would have no unnecessary interference. -Mr. Blunt was away just at this time, and so it was -natural that they should turn to Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -Pietro selected his men at once, and each one stood -beside his horse, his gun over his shoulder, while the -gaucho told them in his own tongue and in the plainest -language what was expected of them. -</p> - -<p> -"This is not to be the usual raid, comrades," he said. -"The Indians are not to have it all their own way as -formerly, for our young master will attack them. We -are to wait here till they come up in force, and then we -are to retire in haste as if we feared them. Not a shot -is to be fired. Watch me, and when I shout, turn your -horses and gallop back past the herd. It will be -getting dark by then, and as soon as we are out of sight -we will draw in together and trot on to the meeting -place." -</p> - -<p> -It was pretty to watch the way in which this party -of gauchos swung themselves into their native saddles. -Pietro gave the word, and in less than half a minute -the men were in their seats, their toes home in the -stirrups, and their weapons in their hands. And there -they sat like statues, the fringes of their leggings -blowing out on either side, their broad-brimmed hats pulled -down well, so that they should not lose them, and a -general air of expectancy on every face. For this was -so different from their action on former occasions. No -man likes to be hounded off his own land, and see the -possessions of which he has had charge filched from -beneath his very nose. Such a course of conduct is -demoralizing. The thought that they were to make a -struggle, not for their own lives so much as for their -master's property, heartened these fine gauchos, and -they cast many an admiring glance at their young -commander. Dudley limped across the grass, for he -was stiff and sore after such a tumble, and clambered -into the saddle. He was to ride a spare horse, while -his own fine beast was led, for it was still too exhausted -for active work, and could hardly have supported a -man's weight. Then he waved his arm, and at the -signal the remainder of the gauchos fell in beside him -and walked their horses back towards the spot where -the herd was being guarded. Four miles beyond, a -dozen galloping figures were seen dimly in the distance, -and a little later these gauchos, besides some five or -six more, had joined their force, increasing its numbers -till they were quite respectable. -</p> - -<p> -"There is firing behind, señor," said Pepito, -suddenly, for he was riding beside Dudley. "Listen -again! There and there! The Indians are within -range, perhaps, or they are driving our friends before -them. It is too dark to see far. If it were early -morning we could detect their figures." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley reined in his horse and sat upright, listening. -</p> - -<p> -"We will halt here for a while in case they are in -difficulties," said he promptly; "then we can all ride -on together." -</p> - -<p> -A quarter of an hour passed before a group of -horsemen was seen approaching through the dusk. It was -Pietro and his party, and there was a broad grin of -satisfaction on every face. The two parties fell in -together and trotted on over the swelling pampas till -they had passed the herd for which the Indians were -making and had gone four miles beyond. -</p> - -<p> -"We had fun, señor," said Pietro, as he wiped the -perspiration from his face with his horny fingers and -lifted his hat to cool his head. "They came towards -us in one big mass, with a few scouts out on their -flanks. There were between three and four hundred, -perhaps, and by the manner in which they rode it was -clear that they imagined that there was nothing to fear. -They sent a hundred towards us, and long before these -men were in range they began to fire their weapons. -We waited till the bullets dropped pretty close, and -then we bolted as if we were scared for our lives. Is -that as the señor wished?" -</p> - -<p> -"You have done splendidly, Pietro, and must have -increased their assurance. They will perhaps be less -careful to-night." -</p> - -<p> -"They will set a good watch on the cattle, of that -the señor may be sure," was Pietro's answer; "but -the main body will camp, and do as I said before. -Meat is not too plentiful with these savages, and when -they are encamped so close to a herd which belongs to -someone else, and when a dozen more or less of the -beasts make no difference, they will slaughter enough -to satisfy the hunger of a thousand men and will gorge -themselves. They do not fear attack. Why should -they, when there are such numbers of them?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is just the little point which is going to help -us, Pietro," smiled Dudley. "It is the general who -despises his adversaries and who fails to set a careful -watch who is caught napping on occasion. It happens -that a spiritless enemy take a sudden and unaccountable -change. Something gives them pluck, though -that is never wanting with the gauchos, or someone -suggests another course of action which seems worth -trying; then your careless and cocksure general has -a fall—he and his men get a hiding." -</p> - -<p> -Pietro laughed heartily, and a number of the men -near at hand joined in. For all could understand -English, and speak a little, while Pietro, Pepito, and a -few others could converse fluently. They gathered -the meaning of their young leader instantly, and liked -the plain way in which he put this last matter. -</p> - -<p> -"The señor is right, as he has been before," laughed -Pietro. "If he had not been here we should have had -no warning, some of our number would have been -killed, and then we should have galloped for the house, -leaving the cattle to themselves. Now we see that -there is another course. The señor can rely on us, for -we would do much to break up these enemies, and -check them thoroughly. Does the señor know what -happens should a gaucho be captured?" -</p> - -<p> -"Something unpleasant, I imagine," smiled Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"I will not say. But it is bad. They are brutes, -and treat prisoners with frightful cruelty. But we -are four miles from the herd. What shall we do -next?" -</p> - -<p> -"Eat and smoke, if you can get into some little -hollow," was the prompt answer. "When are these -fellows asleep?" -</p> - -<p> -"By midnight they will be gorged and drowsy. By -two in the morning they will be almost helpless. Their -sense of hearing will be dulled, and for the most part -they will be fast asleep." -</p> - -<p> -"And the dawn breaks at about four-thirty. -Good!" exclaimed Dudley. "Well, what about the -meal?" -</p> - -<p> -"The señor thinks of the comfort of his men -always. There is a dip in the pampas beyond the next -rise; there we can light fires and eat and rest." -</p> - -<p> -The wide sweeping pampas ran on in a long succession -of rolls, which were hardly distinguishable to -those riding over them. But they were there for all -that, and often enough a party of horsemen situated -in one depression would be out of sight of a second -in a depression running parallel. Dudley and his men -took advantage of this fact, and very soon had hobbled -their horses, had slipped the bits behind the chins, -so that the animals might graze, and had gathered -bundles of thistles. These were set fire to beneath -an awning of blankets, for otherwise the glare might -have been seen in the sky. Cuts of juicy meat were -skewered on sticks or on ramrods, and very soon there -was a fizzle about the flames, and an odor which made -a hungry man sniff and grow fidgety. Pipes were -taken from saddle bags, filled with rank weed which -would try the stomach even of an army recruit, and -carefully lit at the embers. -</p> - -<p> -It was a peaceful and very contented body of men -who sat about that shrouded fire and discussed their -evening meal, a party of good fellows who were -strangely elated, and who cast glances of the utmost -confidence at their white leader. The hours flew by, -and as midnight came, many of the gauchos had -already fallen asleep. -</p> - -<p> -"We will let them rest till all is ready," said Dudley -in a whisper. "Now, Pietro, I am going over there -to the cattle to see what the Indians are doing. If -things are fairly quiet we will make a movement. -Send Pepito with me, and bring along the main party -in half an hour's time, taking care to halt them a good -mile from the enemy." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho's mouth opened wide with astonishment. -He stared at the set face before him, half-lit -by the flare from the fire, and then altered his mind. -He was about to argue, to remonstrate, and as quickly -decided that words were not wanted. -</p> - -<p> -"The señor is pleased to order," he said. "We -shall obey. In an hour from now we shall be a mile -from the enemy." -</p> - -<p> -"Good. Then I shall meet you there and give further -instructions. Recollect, silence must be kept. No -pipes are to be smoked, and, above all, men must be -careful of their weapons. Good-by!" -</p> - -<p> -Pepito was beside them now, and at a word from -Dudley he strode by his side out of the camp and away -in the direction of the Indians. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap09"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER IX -<br /><br /> -FIGHTING THE ENEMY -</h3> - -<p> -It was a clear, starlight night when Dudley and -Pepito stole out from the little camp in which the -gauchos lay, and sought for their horses. They found -them sleeping some few yards from the ring of men, -and soon had tightened girths and adjusted the bits. -Then they swung themselves into their saddles and -rode away over the pampas, making not a sound as -they went. -</p> - -<p> -"How far will the señor ride?" asked Pepito, when -they had trotted forward for a couple of miles. "I do -not fear that the Indians will hear us at this distance, -but we must not forget that if the greater number are -eating or sleeping, there are still men guarding the -cattle; for they know as well as we that without men -to watch them the beasts would stray. They will keep -them together, and make away early in the morning." -</p> - -<p> -"That is if we do not interfere before, and send -them galloping about their business," laughed Dudley. -"I judge that we should be able to see their fires long -before we come up with them. In fact, I fancy I can -distinguish a glare in the sky already." -</p> - -<p> -"It is there, señor. When we top the next roll we -shall see the glare of their fires. They make no secret -of their presence. Why should they, indeed, when -there are so many of them?" -</p> - -<p> -A little later a low cry burst from Dudley, and he -pulled in his horse, for his eye had suddenly detected -a fire. A few paces farther on he was able to sight -as many as twenty, some flaring high, and some dull -and smouldering. A few were showing merely an -occasional flash of light. -</p> - -<p> -"They are surrounded by natives, and we can tell -from that that they are not all asleep," said Pepito. -"They have camped within thirty yards of the cattle, -and no doubt have been busy." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we cannot make sure of that from here," -answered Dudley. "We will leave our horses hobbled -and push on on foot. When we are close enough to -see them distinctly we will lie down and watch for -a time, and get some idea of their position, and make -up our minds from which direction to attack them. -There are the cattle to be reckoned with, and their -horses." -</p> - -<p> -They slipped silently out of their saddles, and very -soon had hobbled the horses. -</p> - -<p> -"They will stand where they are," said Pepito with -conviction. "They have had a good day's work, and -were sleepy and tired when we took them out. I -expect they were not very pleased, and will be glad to -fall asleep again. Pietro and his men will find them -here and will keep them for us." -</p> - -<p> -They left the horses attached to one another by -means of the reins, and almost before they themselves -had moved away the poor beasts were asleep. Their -heads hung down, and neither of them made the -slightest movement. Dudley and his companion took the -precaution of discarding their spurs, which they slung -to their saddles. Then they stepped out for the -distant fires, and after a little while found themselves -within easy distance of them, and within sound of the -Indian camp. It was time, in fact, to use the utmost -caution, and at once they threw themselves on their -faces and crawled forward, Dudley in advance, and -Pepito close beside him. In this way it was some little -time before they had arrived within pistol shot of the -enemy. They found the three or four hundred of -which the party consisted camped close together in one -big circle, in the centre of which were their horses. -All round the circle were fires, some of them already -cold, while others were fast dying out. A few still -flared brightly, and round these sat numbers of dusky -figures swathed in coarse blankets. Some were -smoking and chatting in low tones, while the majority -were fast asleep, having eaten till they could eat no -more. Pietro, indeed, knew the Indian customs to a -nicety. They had a great fondness for meat, a -commodity which was often very scarce with them; and -hence they went to much fatigue to obtain fresh -supplies, raiding the various ranches, and too often -making a fine haul. -</p> - -<p> -"They are pleased with the herd I should say, -señor," whispered Pepito. "They have not stinted -themselves, if one can guess from the carcasses. At -least thirty beasts have been slain, and the meat is all -lying about the camp." -</p> - -<p> -"I see," Dudley answered, for he had caught sight -of more than one of the carcasses. "Have they any -guards out round the camp. I have been watching -carefully, but have not been able to detect them." -</p> - -<p> -"None on this side, señor. I cannot say what they -have over yonder till I have been to see. But I think -that there will be none. What have four hundred to -fear from a bare forty or fifty?" -</p> - -<p> -"As a general rule, nothing. But we must make -quite sure of those sentries. If there are none, all the -better. I will crawl round their camp to the left, while -you make in the opposite direction. We shall come -together over there and can compare notes. Then we -shall have to see what arrangements they have made -to guard the cattle." -</p> - -<p> -They exchanged hand-grips, and moved away from -each other promptly, crawling through the grass like -a couple of snakes. It was a dangerous business upon -which they were engaged, and Dudley felt more than -a little excited. He knew very well that if he or -Pepito were discovered, his end would be swift and cruel. -And he was equally well aware of the fact that each -one of the enemy was a savage, used to work out in -the open, and possessed of wonderful acuteness and -of the keenest hearing and vision. Supposing an -Indian happened to see him as he crawled! -</p> - -<p> -"It would be all up," he thought, with something -approaching a shiver. "But I'm not going to cry out -till I'm hurt, and as Mr. Blunt has made me under-manager -of the rancho, I am not going to have a lot -of robbers like these fellows make into the place and -sweep it clean of cattle. Not if I know it." -</p> - -<p> -He gave a little grim chuckle, and crawled on, -keeping his eyes well about him. From the line he took -he was able to look into the Indian camp and see -everything plainly, for, while he was shrouded in darkness, -the enemy's camp was partially illuminated by the fires -which still flared. He grew a little bolder, and -approached nearer still, till he could tell for certain that -the greater number of the men were fast asleep, -doubled up beside the embers and swathed in their -blankets. Some sat up, covered from head to foot in -the same warm cloaking, and swaying at times somewhat -dangerously. Thirty or more were awake, and -sat huddled close to the fire, smoking quietly, and -talking in low and drowsy tones. -</p> - -<p> -"Ready for bed!" he thought. "Well, there are -no sentries over here, so I'll push on. There are a -couple of the ruffians round that fire yonder." -</p> - -<p> -He crawled along beside the camp till he was opposite -the fire which had attracted his attention, and there -he lay hidden in the grass for a little while, watching -two of the Indians eating voraciously. -</p> - -<p> -"Come off cattle guard, I expect," said Dudley, -"and now making the most of the provisions stolen -from my master. That's another man." -</p> - -<p> -He heard a step somewhere behind him, and instantly -crouched still lower in the grass, and pressed -his body close to the ground. The step came nearer, -and he heard some metal instrument jingle. Then, -not ten paces from him, a figure came dimly into view. -It was an Indian, who was armed with a gun which -swung from his shoulder, and carried in his hand the -bit and the reins which he had just taken from his -horse. It was a buckle on these reins which Dudley -had heard tinkling, and presently he saw the animal -from which they had been taken following his master -like a dog. The Indian whistled and stepped on at a -faster pace, for he had suddenly obtained a full view -of his two companions. Then he waited for the horse -to come level with him, took it by the mane, and led -it to the centre of the camp, going himself immediately -to the fire side. -</p> - -<p> -"Where, no doubt, he will have his share of the -food," thought Dudley. "It was lucky for me that -he did not come a yard or so nearer this way, or he -would have seen me for certain. Hallo!" -</p> - -<p> -"Señor!" -</p> - -<p> -"Here!" whispered Dudley. They came close -together and lay down with their heads touching. -</p> - -<p> -"All asleep on the far side, señor," Pepito reported. -"Not a sentry or guard of any sort. They have been -eating their fill." -</p> - -<p> -"On this side all is clear also, Pepito. Now we will -see what they have done with the cattle. Go to the -right again, while I make to the left. We will meet -on the far side, and then we will return to our comrades." -</p> - -<p> -It was not a time for talking, for even a whisper -might be heard. They crept away together for some -few yards, and then rose to their hands and knees, -and separated at once. Ten minutes later they met -on the opposite side of the herd, and compared notes. -</p> - -<p> -"I passed fourteen of their guards, all mounted, -señor," said Pepito. "They had guns slung to their -shoulders, and had whips in their hands. The cattle -were asleep and perfectly quiet." -</p> - -<p> -"I saw ten men, mounted like yours," reported -Dudley. "The herd seemed to be as quiet as are those -fellows in the camp. Let us get back to Pietro and -the men as soon as possible." -</p> - -<p> -It took some little while for them to make their -way back to the horses which they had left away on -the pampas, for a flat grass plain gives little idea of -direction, and a dark but fine night does not help a -man out of the difficulty if he happen to have spent -all his days in one of our British towns. But Pepito -could read the heavens as easily as Dudley could -absorb a book, and he quickly decided where the horses -lay. They strode on for a long while in silence, -and then the gaucho gave an exclamation of satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -"As I thought," he said. "Pietro and the boys are -there, and have taken charge of our beasts. We shall -soon be with them." -</p> - -<p> -He gave a low whistle when they arrived within a -shorter distance of the dark group which suddenly -appeared, dull and ill-defined, against the starlit sky, -and at once the signal was answered. Pietro rode -forward, leading their two horses. -</p> - -<p> -"What news?" he asked. "The men here are full -of excitement, and are eager to attack. How do the -enemy lie?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley explained the situation in a few short -sentences, while the gauchos gathered round and drank -in his words. -</p> - -<p> -"Everything seems to be in favor of this attack, -señor," said Pietro at length. "There remains now -only the necessary orders. We are here to obey, as I -have already intimated. We wait for the señor's -commands. He has seen this Indian camp, he knows how -the enemy is placed, and no doubt he has already made -his plans." -</p> - -<p> -"I have," came the short answer, "and I want all -to listen. The enemy are to the right of the cattle -from where we lie now, and that is, of course, the -position in which we shall attack them. I think you -will all agree with me that when this attack is made -it must be fierce and sudden, and must be carried -through." -</p> - -<p> -There was a grunt of approval from the listening -gauchos, who edged a little closer. -</p> - -<p> -"That is agreed. We have to press this attack -home. Now, I think there are about fifty of us." -</p> - -<p> -"Forty-eight, señor," came the swift correction -from Pietro. -</p> - -<p> -"There are forty-eight, and I am going to divide -that number into three little parties for reasons you -will soon understand. The duty assigned to thirty -of the men will be hazardous. It will require dash -and daring, and a heap of what we British call 'go.' I -wish to ask for volunteers from amongst you for -that party. Those who are willing to act, please ride -forward a pace or so." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for the space of a few seconds, -while the men drank in his words, and ninety-four -shining and eager eyes stared at the white youth in -the centre. Then there was a sudden movement and -bustle, spurs tickled the flanks of the horses, and to -a man the gauchos pressed forward, disputing the -right of way with one another. Dudley grinned, an -excited sort of grin. -</p> - -<p> -"I see," he laughed, "all are volunteers. Then we -must settle the matter quickly. The twenty-nine men -to the right will ride away five feet from their fellows. -Now, please. Don't hesitate." -</p> - -<p> -There was a ring of authority in his voice, and at -once the men trailed away, while the gauchos left -behind scowled at their fortunate comrades. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, the next ten ride forward a little. That is -good. We are left with seven, and now I can give -you all orders. The big party of twenty-nine will -follow me into the Indian camp from this end, and will -gallop through it, using their revolvers. They will -not enter, however, till the party of ten have taken -up their position and fired twice into the camp. That -party will start from here at once. They will ride to -the right, and when they are beyond the camp will -steal up to it till well within range. When I fire a -shot, they will open with their rifles, and remember, -two shots only, please. Once we have charged -through, they will also dash at them and cut right -across the path we have taken, doing their best to -scatter the horses, and when they are clear, they will -turn to the right and join us. We will then all have -another turn at them. Pepito is to command. Take -your men, my lad." -</p> - -<p> -He sat his horse in silence while the astonished -gaucho jogged up to his own particular band, placed -himself at their head, and went off with his following -at a swinging trot. -</p> - -<p> -"The remaining seven ride with us till we are -nearly in position. They wait for us to charge, and -then attack the cattle guards, and do their best to -shoot down any Indian who attempts to break away. -Remember, boys, we want to make this a lesson, and -the sterner it is the better for all of you and for your -master." -</p> - -<p> -The good fellows would have cheered him had not -silence been absolutely necessary. They were bold and -courageous, as Dudley had already learned, but they -had little initiative, and were content as a rule to act -on the defensive. This attack was an entirely new -idea, and the novelty and daring of it took their breath -away. Then there was this plan. -</p> - -<p> -"Whoever heard the like?" exclaimed Pietro, his -mouth wide open. "Who could have thought of splitting -us up into three parties? At the first it seemed -madness, for surely we are stronger when fighting -shoulder to shoulder. But this youth has thought the -thing out, and I follow his reasoning. When we -attack from different quarters we seem to be of bigger -proportions than we really are. <i>Bueno</i>! I hope we -shall beat these ruffians. If not, it will have been a -fine fight, and we shall have enjoyed it. Boys, see -that your shooters are loaded." -</p> - -<p> -All were armed with revolvers, for these men earned -good wages, and could afford the best of weapons. -They sat their horses in silence now, staring after -Pepito's party, and then at Dudley, who chatted with -Pietro. The fine fellows were beginning to fret at -the inaction. They fidgeted in their saddles, and -reined their horses back sharply whenever the beasts -attempted to move. But Dudley sat motionless, his -watch in his hand, and the tip of one finger on the dial. -</p> - -<p> -"I am giving them five minutes," he said. "When -that time has gone, we will walk forward." -</p> - -<p> -Snap! He closed his watch with a sharp click, and -replaced it in his pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"March!" he said shortly, and at once they were -off, the men leaning forward expectantly, and all -longing for the moment for attack to arrive. Ah! They -mounted to the top of the long roll of the pampas, -and there were the fires, duller now it seemed, and -twinkling in the distance. They pressed on again, and -very soon were within striking distance. Dudley -pulled in his horse and rode round to the flank of the -men. -</p> - -<p> -"Party of seven move away now under Pietro," -he said in low tones. "Halt till we shout, once you -have gained your position. Now, boys, we will steal -forward." -</p> - -<p> -He placed himself at the head of the attacking party, -and together they walked their horses still closer to -the enemy's camp. Not a sound came from it at present, -though from the herd of cattle a little to the right -there came the gentle lowing of beasts and the -occasional crack of a whip. -</p> - -<p> -"They hear us, señor," whispered one of the -gauchos. "The cattle hear sounds which we could -not detect. They can tell that horses and men are -about, and it makes them restless. The alarm will be -sounded very soon if you do not fire your pistol. -There!" -</p> - -<p> -It came as he spoke. One of the figures huddled -near one of the fires rose to his feet, for the lowing -among the cattle had made him suspicious. He was -a light sleeper, and it happened that he was suffering -from an injury to his hand, which kept him awake. -He peered about him, looked again at the dull patch -of black where the gauchos rode, and then startled the -air with his shouts. -</p> - -<p> -"Awake! Rise!" he bellowed. "There are enemies -close to us. The gauchos have returned. Get -up and fire at them. We will kill every man who waits -till we are mounted." -</p> - -<p> -He dashed towards the horses, shouting as he ran. -And at once some twenty figures followed him, for -these Indians, from their long training to danger, -were ever alert and quick to defend themselves. But -numbers had eaten not only enough, but a good -deal more than sufficient, and were correspondingly -drowsy. Dudley's pistol shook the air before they -had quite gripped the fact that there was an alarm, -and they were just throwing off their blankets and -rising to their feet when Pepito's party sent a -withering volley into their midst. -</p> - -<p> -At once there were howls of anguish and shouts of -astonishment. The sluggards awakened with a vengeance, -and dashed madly towards their horses, while -the herd of cattle close alongside sent out many a -bellow and began to sway from side to side. -</p> - -<p> -Crash! The second volley ripped through the camp, -and hardly had the Indians replied to it with yells of -rage and fear when Dudley shouted to his men. They -were spread in a line across the end of the camp, the -gauchos being close together. They watched their -leader as well as the light and so many counter -attractions would admit, and as he set his horse in -motion they came close on his heels. They were -galloping now, and their leader was waving them on. -He gave a yell, and at once the chorus took it up. The -gauchos shrieked as loud as any Indian, touched their -horses with the spur, and in a moment the little band -was plunging through the camp. Fleeing Indians -went down under their heels, guns exploded in their -faces, and of a sudden the dark mass of swaying -horses blocked their path. Dudley's revolver snapped -sharply, while the men behind poured a hail into the -men attempting to mount. Then the confusion -became indescribable, for the horses belonging to the -Indians became maddened with fear. They dashed -this way and that, colliding with one another and -overthrowing the men who attempted to mount. A -second later a number of them bolted, while Dudley -and his party dashed through after them, shot down -some of the enemy, rode others into the grass, and -then disappeared in the darkness. They were through. -The men pulled in their horses and faced about, each -one proud of the achievement, and making ready for -the next attempt by cramming cartridges into his -weapon. -</p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-158"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-158.jpg" alt="""DUDLEY'S REVOLVER SNAPPED SHARPLY""" /> -<br /> -""DUDLEY'S REVOLVER SNAPPED SHARPLY"" -</p> - -<p> -"Charge!" Amidst all the babel, the frightened -whinny of horses, the hammering of hoofs, and the -shrieks of the startled Indians, Pepito's voice came -clear to his comrades. They heard the report of his -revolver, and then the confusion in the camp became -even worse. For the gauchos placed under the young -man's command were not going to allow themselves -to be beaten by their comrades. The light from the -fires had allowed them to see how the charge of -Dudley's men had succeeded, and they raced after their -leader with the firm determination to gallop through -the enemy and come clear on the far side. Very -gallantly, too, did they carry out that determination. -They burst like a small wave on the savages, dashed -them aside, and then rode on, emptying their weapons -as they rode. A few minutes later they joined the -larger party, dishevelled after their exertions, and -grinning with excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to our other friends!" said Pepito, suddenly -jogging up to Dudley's side as he was about to -give the order for the charge to be repeated. "Listen, -señor. The seven are firing, and I think they are -calling to us. There is a great disturbance over there." -</p> - -<p> -They sat for a few seconds wondering what was -happening, for the noise from the camp, which was -now as intense as before, and which had spread on -either side, was suddenly taken up on the far side of -the herd of cattle. The gauchos were shouting, calling -to their comrades, it seemed, while the bellowing -from the cattle was almost deafening. Then a flying -figure came from behind them, and one of the gauchos -dashed up to Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"Lead the men this way, señor," he shouted -eagerly. "The herd is moving. It is out of hand. -The leaders are already running through the camp. -Ride for your lives!" -</p> - -<p> -He swung his beast round and made off, leaving -Dudley wondering. But he had seen cattle stampede -before, and knew well that fifty horsemen would not -stop their frantic rush. It was news to hear that the -herd was in motion, but if true he must needs take -notice of the warning. Turning, he gave an order, -and led his men at a gallop well to the right. -</p> - -<p> -"It was well that you came at once, señor," said -Pietro, riding up to him when the party had come to -a halt. "We attacked the guards who looked to the -cattle, and no doubt some of our shots hit the beasts. -They were already excited and suspicious, and -suddenly they were off. There was no stopping them, -nor any need to do so, for they made direct for the -Indian camp, and at least half are galloping across -it now. The only danger was lest you and our -comrades should be caught. I sent a messenger." -</p> - -<p> -"Who found us, Pietro. But what shall we do -now? These cattle have upset my arrangements." -</p> - -<p> -"They have changed a great defeat into a huge -disaster, señor," answered the gaucho seriously. "I -told you that there were four hundred of the Indians, -and they knew that there were not more than fifty of -us, and also that we could not fetch reinforcements -before to-morrow. You took them utterly by -surprise, and no doubt cut them up badly when you -galloped through; but they would have rallied. They -were forced to do so, for their horses had stampeded -as these cattle are doing. I say that they would have -recovered from the fright, and then our work would -have been before us. But now——" -</p> - -<p> -"The cattle have removed that danger." -</p> - -<p> -"The herd has stamped the Indian camp out of -existence. Many men are being killed as we talk. It -is a disaster for them; for us it is a magnificent -victory the news of which will spread three hundred -and more miles on all sides, and will fill the settlers -with delight and courage. The Indians will be long -before they recover their courage. I know that I am -speaking the truth, my master. The morning will -show you that these men are gone. Some will be -mounted, and every horse will carry two, or even -three; but the camp will tell its tale. The señor has -but to listen to the shouting." -</p> - -<p> -Above the bellows of the stampeding oxen came the -shrieks of men in distress, while in all directions the -Indians could be heard calling to one another. -</p> - -<p> -"We could read them an even more severe lesson," -said Dudley. "If, as you say, they have lost many -of their horses, we could catch them up with ease and -harry every foot of their retirement. Indeed I think -it would be as well to follow and let them see how -completely we command the situation. Perhaps it -would do good in the future if we captured some, -and explained that such an attempt again would meet -with even worse punishment." -</p> - -<p> -"I advise that we rest satisfied," was Pietro's -answer, after some moments' consideration. "It is true -that we might easily cut them up again; but then they -might be able to offer some resistance and kill some -of our number. Better let them see us drawn up -together and watching their flight than interfere -further. Besides, we have the cattle to think about. -They must be collected. You may depend upon it -that not one of the Indians here to-day will wish to -pay us another visit unless helped by large numbers -of comrades. They may raid other ranchos when -they have got over their fright, but they will hardly -come back here, señor, unless they are helped as I -have said, and are burning for revenge." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley and his men slipped from their horses when -there was no longer any fear of the cattle turning -their way, and they squatted on the pampas, and -discussed the recent engagement. The gauchos were -filled to the brim with excitement and pride. They -had never been in such a fight before, and the memory -of their charge made their pulses stir still, and brought -a flush to their dusky cheeks. Then they reflected that -this Indian defeat would be the talk of the province, -and their conduct would be praised by one and all. -It was worth the risk they had run, and if their young -leader had asked them to try again, they would have -fallen in with his request willingly. -</p> - -<p> -When day dawned, and the rolling pampas was disclosed -to view, the sweeping nature of the defeat from -which the enemy had suffered became more apparent. -Fortune had backed up the dash of the gauchos, and -the stampeding cattle had completed the work -commenced by Dudley and his men. The camp, with its -numerous fires, was trodden and stamped out of -existence. There was a dull trail of bruised and crushed -grass running right over it and overlapping it far on -either side, a trail which went on into the distance, -where the scattered herd could now be seen, grazing -peacefully. And along the length of that dark line -were numbers of huddled figures, the Indians who had -fallen, some to the bullets of the gauchos, some ridden -down by their horses, but the greater number -overwhelmed by the mad rush of the herd. Five miles -away a sad gang of fugitives were riding fast from -the rancho, and as Pietro had said, the Indians had -but few horses amongst them. -</p> - -<p> -"Mount!" shouted Dudley. "Now we will follow -those fellows, and just let them see that we are still -fresh and ready. But we will not touch them unless -they attempt to retaliate. I want them to see us and -learn the numbers of those who attacked them." -</p> - -<p> -They galloped after the fleeing Indians, and very -soon were within three hundred yards of the unfortunate -wretches. There they pulled rein and watched -as the disconsolate warriors made off. Some were on -foot, and limped along at the tails of the horses, while -numbers sat huddled on the beasts which they had -managed to capture during the conflict. Some of the -horses staggered under the weight of three men, while -there was not one that did not carry at least two. -</p> - -<p> -"They would surrender to a man if we were to -follow," said Dudley, noticing the frantic efforts made -by the Indians to increase their distance, and their -appearance of fatigue. "Give them a shout, lads. -Now," he went on, when the gauchos had sent the -enemy on their way with a shout of defiance, "we will -see to the cattle, and then report to Mr. Blunt. He -went down to the port the day before yesterday, -promising to be back this evening." -</p> - -<p> -When Dudley reached the house at dusk he found -his employer waiting for him, and he promptly made -him acquainted with the events of the past few hours. -</p> - -<p> -"It is a fine tale, and makes my blood warm -towards these gallant gauchos," said Mr. Blunt when -he had finished. "They have done magnificently, and -you too, Dudley. Yes, I have no doubt who led them. -Answer me. Was the plan not yours?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley admitted the fact with heightened color. -</p> - -<p> -"I said as much. Then my neighbors and I have -to thank you for a very fine victory, which will bring -peace and security perhaps for many a long day. But -we must not be over sanguine. The man who believes -that he has shaken the courage of a treacherous foe -such as these Indians, and does not count on their -spirit of revenge, lays himself open to an unexpected -attack and to annihilation. We must not forget that -we are a buffer rancho as it were. That we lie -between the Indians and our fellow ranchers, and that -we must nearly always bear the brunt of the attack." -</p> - -<p> -"Then why not organize, sir?" demanded Dudley. -"As far as I can gather, each grazier out on the -pampas looks to himself for protection. Too often they -are content to lose beasts, taking such losses as a -matter of course. Now if you and the others were to -organize. If you had some signal which would draw -the attention of all, some system of messengers, then -you would be able to laugh at the Indians. Why not -also build forts close to each corral?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt looked up sharply. He was a man not -altogether lacking in original ideas, but was often -content to take things as he found them. He had put -up with Indian raids in the past as a matter of course, -as an evil to which all ranchers were liable. He was -always ready to go to the help of others, and, indeed, -would not have hesitated to call in the succor of his -friends. But then he owned an outlying estancia, -peculiarly open to attack, and there had never been -time to call in help. Dudley's late effort was the most -brilliant performance of which he had heard. And -now the lad proposed an alliance with others, and the -building of forts. -</p> - -<p> -"What else?" demanded Mr. Blunt. -</p> - -<p> -"I should arrange to muster two or three hundred -men at the first sign of an Indian invasion, and then -I should not be content to beat them off; I should -follow them into their own country." -</p> - -<p> -"And then?" -</p> - -<p> -"I should wipe them out. I should follow them a -hundred miles, and even more, burn their villages, -sweep in their cattle, and, in short, teach them such -a lesson as they would hardly ever forget." -</p> - -<p> -It was a bold suggestion, but none the less a sensible -one. It was high time the ranchers on the pampas -put a summary end to such persecution from the Indians. -Their raids sometimes meant a very considerable -loss of cattle, and very often many men were -killed. It was high time indeed that a bolder policy -was decided on. -</p> - -<p> -"Done!" cried Mr. Blunt, bringing one of his -brawny fists down on to the table. "We will do it, -Dudley, and you shall organize the movement. We -will go fully into the matter to-morrow, and on the -following day will ride for Buenos Ayres, there to -order the fittings for our forts. When they arrive, -and the men are set to work, you shall ride round -and see all the estancia owners within a hundred -miles." -</p> - -<p> -It was a bargain. The two friends—for that they -were, though one was master and the other employé—gripped -hands, and, having thus shown their faith -in each other, went off to their couches to sleep and -to prepare for the morrow. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap10"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER X -<br /><br /> -AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION -</h3> - -<p> -"For the first time for many a long day I suffered -from sleeplessness," said Mr. Blunt on the following -morning, when he and Dudley met. "This idea of -yours filled my mind so that my eyes would not close. -I kept asking myself over and over again why I had -been content to go on, year in and year out, suffering -these Indian raids, when I might have made arrangements -to call my friends after the very first raid and -follow the ruffians. Then I thought of the poor -gauchos who had been killed, and finally I came to -the conclusion that I would not let another day pass -without taking steps to carry out your plan. Now, -lad, we will send for Pietro and give him his orders. -Then we will mount and ride for the port. Fortunately -I have business to attend to in Buenos Ayres, -and shall be able to see to it and to this other matter -at the same time." -</p> - -<p> -According to their usual custom they went to the -stables, led out their horses and watered them, -afterwards feeding and grooming them. And while the -beasts ate in peace, the two sat down to their own -breakfast. By the time the grooming was done, -Pietro was there, standing awkwardly before his -employer, shuffling from one foot to the other, and -grinning so that his strong white teeth shone in the -morning sun. -</p> - -<p> -"A fine day, master," he said in his quaint English. -"A grand day. The hearts of the men are gay this -morning. The master has heard the whole tale?" -</p> - -<p> -"Heard the tale, and thanks his faithful and gallant -gauchos," exclaimed Mr. Blunt, striding up to the -swarthy foreman and gripping his hand. "My young -manager has told me how well you all behaved, and -I can assure you that I am highly pleased. Never -before have the Indians had such a lesson. I am -proud of my gauchos." -</p> - -<p> -"And they of their master and his manager," came -the answer, as Pietro shuffled his feet and flushed -under his dusky skin, while he struck at the doorposts -with the tail of his riding whip. For the tall owner -of the rancho had a peculiar effect on his gauchos. -They held him in great respect, always listened to -what he had to say and straightway obeyed. It was -seldom that they exchanged words with him. -</p> - -<p> -"You sent for me, master," said Pietro at length; -"what do you desire?" -</p> - -<p> -"That you should conduct the work of the rancho -while we are absent. Listen, Pietro! My young -manager, the gringo who so lately joined us and -showed an old hand how to shoot, has done a great -deal for us." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true, master," eagerly assented Pietro. -"Did he not lead us yesterday? Is not our success -due to him?" -</p> - -<p> -"To him and to those who supported him," was the -answer. "But he has done more. He has asked me -why it is that I as well as other owners of estancias -on the pampas are content to put up with Indian raids, -to suffer the loss of cattle and men." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho's dark eyebrows were elevated, while -he flicked with his whip at the doorpost. -</p> - -<p> -"It is not a question of why, master," he said. -"Up till yesterday we have followed one plan, and -one only. The señor gave us another, and well it -worked. But I fear we shall have to go on as before. -Who can say when these Indians will come again? I -think it may be a year or more, for they have been -soundly beaten. But they are fierce fighters, and they -must hate us very sorely. If they think that there is -a chance of success they will raid us again, and then -it will not be cattle alone for which they will come." -</p> - -<p> -"I agree. They will endeavor to wipe us all out, -so as to satisfy their thirst for revenge." -</p> - -<p> -"That is so, master. They will kill every man here, -and torture as many as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"Then tell, me, Pietro, do you and your comrades -wish to be tortured, to be suddenly set upon and killed -by the Indians?" -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho started and flushed again, while a -puzzled expression came over his face. -</p> - -<p> -"Surely not, master," he said quickly. "But there -is always the danger, and how can we avoid it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Come into the house and I will tell you," -answered Mr. Blunt shortly. -</p> - -<p> -Turning, they went into the one big room and sat -down at the table, on which the tall Englishman -spread out a plan of the Entre Rios country, which -showed the estancia stretched out on the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"We are here," he said, putting his finger on a -wide stretch marked "Mr. Blunt's estancia." "You -see we are close to the Indian country, which extends -beyond us into the interior. The Indians have for -many years now been moving closer to the ranchos, -for they are then within reach of the beasts they steal, -and still so much in the wilds that the gauchos and -their masters do not care to follow. But we shall do -that. The señor here has proposed that we build forts -close to each corral. Into those forts our men can -dash when the Indians appear, and if they have time -to drive the beasts into the corral, all the better, for -then their rifles will be able to keep the enemy from -touching them. You know that Indians like to fall -upon their victims when they are least expected, and -do not care to attack houses and forts." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true, señor. They are cowards at heart, -I think. Cruel and fierce when all is in their favor, -but wanting in dash at other times. They would not -easily take a fort. This plan promises well, for it -will save the lives of men and many valuable beasts." -</p> - -<p> -"It might do even more," suddenly interposed -Dudley. "A flare might be arranged at the top of -each fort, and fire be put to it the instant the Indians -appeared. The smoke would be seen during the day, -and the flame at night. That would spread the alarm, -so that the gauchos all over the estancia would know -within a few minutes of the Indians' coming." -</p> - -<p> -"And at once ride here," cried Mr. Blunt. "That -is a good suggestion and shall be adopted. Now, -Pietro, what have you to say to all this?" -</p> - -<p> -"What can I say, señor, but that the scheme promises -well? I can see that a fort close to each corral -will allow the gauchos to reach safety before the -Indians come; for if a tower be built, a watchman can -be stationed there and give early warning. Then there -is a flare to warn all the rest, and while they assemble, -the fort and the beasts in the corral will occupy the -attention of the Indians. They will find us ready, -and their rush will fail. There will be fighting, and -they will retire at once, unless they are in great -strength, when the señors will send for help and drive -them away." -</p> - -<p> -"We shall do more," said Mr. Blunt briskly. -"The young señor proposes that we call in our -neighbors, and that we follow a hundred and more miles -if necessary, till we come up with the raiders, and -destroy them and their villages. What do you think -of that plan?" -</p> - -<p> -The sturdy gaucho opened his eyes very wide at -the news, for never before had such a suggestion been -made. Indeed, as the reader will have already -gathered, the owners of the ranchos and their gauchos -had hitherto been satisfied if all their beasts were not -taken. Retaliation was as a rule out of the question, -while the Indian country was practically unexplored, -and was supposed to be wild and waterless, and to -offer great danger to those who did not know it. -Pietro had had food for reflection during the last two -hours. Like Mr. Blunt, he had seen that another -course was possible, for Dudley's tactics had been -eminently successful. But to hear now that still more -was intended—that a more vigorous and pugnacious -policy was to be followed, and every effort made not -only to defend the rancho against Indian attack, but -to follow and punish the marauders, astounded him. -He struck his overalls a sounding thwack with his -whip, and stared, open-mouthed, at his master. Then -his eyes turned to Dudley, and he smiled. -</p> - -<p> -"This proposition," he said, "comes from the -young señor?" -</p> - -<p> -"It does. I have agreed to the plan and have been -thinking out the details." -</p> - -<p> -"Then what is good to the señor and his manager -is good also to me and my comrades. If the Indians -come we will enter the forts and hold them. Afterwards -we will go with our masters and do our utmost -to slay every one of the ruffians. Then shall we be -able to ranch in peace and security. We and our wives -shall no longer be in dread of a sudden night attack, -of torture, and of a violent death. The señor goes -now and wishes me to look after the rancho?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is so. We shall be gone for two weeks, -perhaps, and in that time there need be no fear of the -Indians. It will take us six months to build our forts, -and by then perhaps the enemy will have recovered -from their beating, and will be considering another -attack. Now, Pietro, you will go to the men and tell -them what you have heard. Let them know that the -plan is the young señor's, and that I fully agree with -it." -</p> - -<p> -The sturdy gaucho went off, flicking his whip, and -Dudley and his employer watched the active fellow -walk up to his horse, which stood out by the well with -the reins dangling loosely on its neck. He seemed -to kick the ground with his feet and in a moment was -in the saddle. No need for Pietro to wait to get his -stirrups. The horse bounded off, the whip cracked -like a pistol, and the foreman of the gauchos raced -away like the wind, eager to tell his tale and let all -know what was about to happen. -</p> - -<p> -"Now we will pack our valises and go," said -Mr. Blunt. "Pepito will accompany us to the port and -will return with the horses. I shall give him orders -to bring them again within two weeks, for our business -will take us quite a week and the rest of the time -will be spent on the river. As we sail down stream -we will go carefully into this matter, and draw up a -list of articles which will be required." -</p> - -<p> -Within half an hour the two were mounted and -riding from the rancho, while Pepito, his dusky face -aglow with pride, sat a beautiful horse just behind -them. Across the pommel of his saddle was slung -the coil of his bolas, while the barrel of his rifle stuck -up clear behind his head, for he had slung the weapon. -A gallant and handsome fellow he looked, too, for -this Pepito was barely twenty-three, and as fine a -specimen of the gaucho cowboy as could be met with. -He was tall, slim, and extremely active. He sat his -horse as if he had been born in the saddle, his knees -close in, his toes just engaging the stirrups, and the -whole poise of his body denoting comfort and ease. -And yet he sat on a horse which barely four weeks -before had been rounded up from a herd of wild -horses grazing out on the pampas, a big, handsome -gray which danced from side to side as they rode, -tossing its head, and clanking its bit, while every -rolling leaf, every shadow or reflection of the sun sent -it shying to one side, or prancing till its fore feet -pawed the air; and its rider sat a saddle which gave -little or no support. -</p> - -<p> -Dudley and his employer, too, made a handsome -picture as they rode side by side. They sat their -saddles with that easy grace which comes to men who -ride every day and for a great part of the day. No -longer did the huge spurs which were strapped to -Dudley's heels trouble him. He hardly knew that -they were there, for practice does wonders. -</p> - -<p> -Chatting together as they rode, trotting at times, -and at others going at a gentle amble, they finally -reached their camping ground for the night, and slid -from their horses. It took but a little while to water -the beasts and to feed them, when, leaving them to the -enjoyment of their meal, Dudley and his employer -went for a stroll, while Pepito, his sleeves rolled to the -elbow, lit a fire, placed a kettle upon it, and skewered -a piece of deer flesh on his ramrod. Presently the -meal was ready, and when it was finished, and -Mr. Blunt had smoked his cigar, saddles were placed on -end, blankets laid on the ground, and in a little while -the three were sleeping, their ponchos wrapped well -round them, and only the stars above to look down -upon their recumbent figures. -</p> - -<p> -On the following afternoon they reached the port -at which Dudley had first disembarked, and were -lucky in getting a boat at once. -</p> - -<p> -"One never knows how they will be running," said -Mr. Blunt, "and I have made it a practice, when -going down to the coast, to send in a messenger a few -days before to get tidings of the boats. This is luck, -and in a matter of three days we shall be at Buenos -Ayres. On the way down we will go thoroughly into -these matters we have been speaking of." -</p> - -<p> -Two days later, after a most pleasant sail down the -Paraná, they arrived at their destination, and -Mr. Blunt at once led the way to a business house with -which he was acquainted. -</p> - -<p> -"I have an agent here who buys my cattle," he said. -"The beasts are driven to slaughterhouses near the -river, and there the flesh is dried. Boats lie alongside -the little dock, and at once carry the dried flesh, the -hides, and hoofs, and horns, down to Buenos Ayres. -It is a good arrangement, for once the beasts are -handed over by my gauchos I have no further trouble. -The time has come to clear some of the herds out, -and that is partly the reason of my visit here. Now, -this is the house. You will see that my friends here -will be able to supply us with all that we want. They -are general agents, and buy or sell everything from -live beasts to nails and tinned tacks." -</p> - -<p> -The firm to which he went were indeed exceedingly -up-to-date, and once they had ascertained Mr. Blunt's -wants, and had looked over his lists, they declared -that they could obtain all the articles within three -days. -</p> - -<p> -"The guns we shall get here, as well as ammunition," -said the manager. "Then the tools, nails, and -other things are in this store, so that they will not -delay you. The wood is the only difficulty. You say, -Mr. Blunt, that there is not sufficient up near your -estancia?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is so," was the answer. "What there is, is -too small. Besides, I haven't men enough to spare -for cutting. It will be cheaper to buy round or -squared logs and ship them to the cattle station. -From there they can be carted to the corrals. That -reminds me, I shall want a couple of dozen extra -hands to help with the buildings." -</p> - -<p> -In half an hour the details of the whole order had -been arranged. Mr. Blunt was advised to charter a -boat to carry all the stores to be obtained in Buenos -Ayres, and to pick up his logs at a port higher up the -river, where it would be cheaper. -</p> - -<p> -"You will have to send up several loads, without -doubt," said the manager, "for one of the boats -would not carry enough for one fort even. The boat -will be chartered this evening, and the loading can -commence to-morrow. I will engage a couple of -dozen men, if possible, and they can go up with -you." -</p> - -<p> -So excellent were the arrangements that within four -days Mr. Blunt and Dudley found themselves embarked -on a river boat, and standing up the stream -for the port where they were to pick up wood for the -forts. On board, besides rifles and tools, they had -seven men, whom they had engaged to undertake the -building operations, and these individuals were -engaged at that moment in sprawling on the deck -forward and smoking vigorously. -</p> - -<p> -"Not a very taking lot of fellows," said Mr. Blunt -in low tones, as he and Dudley emerged from the small -cabin which had been given up to them, and stepped -on the deck. "They are, I expect, the men who are -always open to casual labor, and who lounge about -the docks looking for odd jobs. However, we shall -see little of them, and Pietro and his gauchos will keep -them in order. Now, all we want is a smart breeze -to take us swiftly up the river." -</p> - -<p> -Fortune seemed to smile upon them in this expedition, -for they held a brisk and favoring breeze all -that day and the next, and when the second night -came they were anchored off the port where they were -to take in the wood. A couple of cables were passed -out from the bow and stern, and made fast to the -wharf, while a plank was thrown across to the latter, -enabling all to land at their pleasure, a privilege of -which the hands who had been engaged at once took -advantage. Mr. Blunt and Dudley ate their evening -meal, and having strolled ashore for a time returned -to their cabin. -</p> - -<p> -"I would far rather we had not put in so close to -the shore," said the former, "for it has given those -men of ours a chance to get into the town, which -seems to consist mostly of saloons. They are rough -fellows, and the chances are they will hardly be fit -for work early in the morning. Those must be our -logs piled on the wharf, and I reckon four hours work -will see them all aboard. That should allow us to -reach the cattle station where they are to be unloaded -in about twenty-four hours, so that we shall be back -at the rancho within the time we mentioned." -</p> - -<p> -They sat chatting for a little while, and presently, -finding the fumes of his employer's cigar just a little -strong in the confined space of the cabin, Dudley went -out on deck and strolled up and down. -</p> - -<p> -"Pitch dark," he said to himself, looking up at the -sky, and then at the dim oil lamps on shore. "I think -Mr. Blunt must be right about the men, for there is -a great commotion going on over there. It sounds -as if they were fighting in one of the saloons. And -what's that?" -</p> - -<p> -The creak of a block and the thud of a rope on the -deck of a boat a little distance away attracted his -attention, and for some few minutes he stood quite still, -listening to the commotion from the saloons on shore -and to the sounds from the river. -</p> - -<p> -"Evidently another boat has put in for the night," -he said. "There goes her anchor, and I suppose we -shall see her in the morning. It is so dark that one -cannot see a foot in front of one's face." -</p> - -<p> -As he stood on the deck of the river boat he distinctly -heard the splash of an anchor falling into the -water, and the low call of men pulling at the cable. It -did not strike him then that the noise they made was -subdued, as if they were afraid of attracting the -attention of the people on the quay or those aboard the -other boat moored close to it. He listened for a while, -and then went into the cabin, where he found Mr. Blunt -still smoking. -</p> - -<p> -"How's the night?" asked Mr. Blunt. "Dark? -Then I am glad we are at rest, for there are rocks -and sand-banks up in these reaches of the river, and -it is not nice to be stranded on them. That is why -the majority of boats tie up at night. What of the -men?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is a good deal of noise from the saloons -in the town," answered Dudley. "It sounds as if -they were quarrelling." -</p> - -<p> -"I should not wonder," was the reply. "They are -a set of ne'er-do-wells, who enjoy a rough and tumble -in the saloons. It would not surprise me if one or -more were hurt. The gauchos who come in from the -estancias are wonderfully polite as a rule, but when -they get to the saloons, and have indulged somewhat -freely in the bad spirit to be obtained there, they -become quarrelsome. It does not take a gaucho a -second to produce a revolver, and when shooting begins -someone is sure to be killed. They are, in fact, every -bit as wild as the cowboys in North America. Ah! -That was a shot. Well, we cannot interfere, but I -hope that those foolish fellows have not got into -trouble." -</p> - -<p> -He stifled a yawn, flung the stump of his cigar -through the port, and lay back in his seat. As for -Dudley, the silence of the river had some fascination -for him, or perhaps the sudden and quiet arrival of -the other boat had aroused his suspicions. He went -out on the deck again, and paced restlessly to and fro, -listening intently, starting when a yard creaked, and -straining his ears to catch every sound. He could -see a light now across the water some fifty yards -away, and now and again thought he heard the sound -of voices. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps they are having a late meal before -turning in," he thought. "But I cannot make out why -they are so silent. As a rule one hears a mandolin -playing, and some fellow singing to the stars. They -are so suspiciously silent!" -</p> - -<p> -Half an hour later, unable to make anything of the -strangers, and satisfied that there was really nothing -to be alarmed about, he went to the cabin again, and -reported that the town was quiet, and that as yet there -was no sign of the men who had left the vessel. -</p> - -<p> -"They will appear in the early hours of the -morning," said Mr. Blunt, "and no doubt we shall be -awakened by their singing. Time to turn in, Dudley; -we have work before us on the morrow." -</p> - -<p> -Throwing themselves, fully dressed as they were, -upon the cushions on either side of the cabin, they -closed their eyes and were soon fast asleep, the feeble -rays from a swinging candle light shining upon their -figures, while the silence of the cabin was broken by -their heavy breathing and by the drone of the many -mosquitoes infesting the river. Now and again there -was a sound from the neighboring boat, but it did not -disturb them. They suspected no danger from that -quarter, and would not have troubled had the boat lain -alongside their own. If, however, they could have -looked into the cabin aboard that ship they would have -thought otherwise, for gathered there were more than -half a dozen cut-throats, all smoking, and all drinking -out of tin mugs, which they replenished liberally from -a big stone jar. They sat in the narrow place about a -long table, at the head of which was a bearded -individual, tall and lean, and with a malignant cast of -countenance. To look at him under the flickering -rays of the smoky lamp he might have been of any -nationality. He was swarthy enough almost to be -an Indian or a gaucho, and yet he lacked the upright -carriage, the direct manner, of those wild men of the -pampas. Certainly he was not an Englishman, while -his language seemed to indicate that he was an Italian. -He was speaking in low tones to his comrades, -sometimes addressing them in Italian, sometimes in -Portuguese, and at times throwing a word of explanation -in English to a haggard individual who sat at the far -end of the table. -</p> - -<p> -The latter had the cut of a sailor, and any doubt -there might have been on that subject was set at rest -by his nautical language. He was an Englishman, a -down-at-heels sailor, and most likely had deserted -from one of the many sailing ships which put in every -week at Montevideo. He was dressed in ragged -clothing, wore a week's growth of stubbly beard on his -chin, and was altogether as disreputable as one could -expect to see. The others were much the same as -those who had been engaged by Mr. Blunt for -building operations on the rancho, except that they had -the cut of gauchos. They wore riding overalls too, -and had spurs at their heels, a fact which went far -to prove that they were used to horses and to the -pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"You have the plan nicely in your heads, comrades," -said their spokesman, draining his pannikin. -"You are poor?" -</p> - -<p> -"Poor! As poor as mice who live in a church," -laughed one of the men. "We have not a dozen coins -to toss among us. We are at the end of our tether, -and look to you and other kind friends to help us -to improve our fortunes." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you have an easy way before you," went on -the leader, leering round at the men. "A friend of -mine in Montevideo has pointed out a way in which -we can all gain wealth easily. You have heard of the -estancias and their owners? Yes, I see that you have. -Well, are they not wealthy?" -</p> - -<p> -"As rich as bankers," came the answer. "When -they have paid their gauchos, and sold their cattle, -they have money in hand. I should know, considering -that I spent a dozen years on the pampas." -</p> - -<p> -"And you also know the time when their cattle -are sold. Twice a year, is it not, comrade?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's correct. Twice a year, and just now is -one of the times. The owners have money to chink, -and many will not have banked it yet." -</p> - -<p> -"That is just what my friend said. He advised us -to form a band to raid these estancias, and to gather -what money we could. We commence with this man -called Blunt." -</p> - -<p> -The English sailor pricked up his ears at that, and -asked a question in very indifferent Portuguese. -</p> - -<p> -"Blunt?" he said. "That's an Englishman. Who -is he?" -</p> - -<p> -"A great friend of my friend's," came the leering -answer. "So great a friend that we are to attack -him first. He is in the boat lying below us. Now, -comrades, can you say why I induced our captain to -haul in here above that other boat? No? Then I will -explain. If we slacken the ropes we shall be carried -down silently against the boat, and then——" -</p> - -<p> -The ruffian touched his knife significantly. -</p> - -<p> -"In an hour or two, perhaps," he said. "Our -comrades will have returned from the saloons by then, -and will be ready to help us. Till then we can smoke." -</p> - -<p> -He reached out for the spirits and replenished his -pannikin with liberal hand. Then he continued to -chatter in low tones with his comrades. As for the -sailor, he was a garrulous ruffian, and had imbibed -sufficient spirit to make him even more talkative. He -found it lonely to sit at the table while men conversed -in an unknown language, and presently, feeling that -he too must chatter, he turned on his seat, stretched -out a grimy paw, and shook someone who lay asleep -on one of the long benches against the wall of the -cabin. A tall, slim young man sat up, rubbing his -eyes, and stared round at the group about the table -with every sign of annoyance and disgust. Indeed, a -glance at him was sufficient to show that he was of -a different stamp entirely. He was dressed as a -gaucho but hardly had the appearance of one of those -fine fellows. His cheeks were not tanned, and his -hands looked as if they had done little work. Still, -for all that, he was sturdy enough, and, if one might -venture a guess, was decidedly English. In fact he -had only recently arrived out from England, and had -taken a passage up the river in this particular boat. -</p> - -<p> -"What is it?" he demanded curtly, for he had kept -aloof from his fellow passengers. "What do you -want? I am sleepy and wish to be left alone." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh ho, so you're sleepy!" answered the sailor -huskily. "Well, my bird, you needn't look so ugly. -You don't understand the lingo of these here fellers, -now, do yer? Well, nor don't I, 'cept when the chap -with the beard speaks in Portuguese or the English -he's got. But you can understand me, I reckon, and -so we'll have a chat. How'd yer like to join to-night, -and make a pile from the chap in that boat down -below us?" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap11"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XI -<br /><br /> -WHITE BRIGANDS -</h3> - -<p> -The River Paraná and its neighborhood were, in -the days of which we write, not always very secure -for travellers. To begin with, revolutions and -conflicts between the states into which South America was -divided were of somewhat frequent occurrence, and -then it is only to be expected that, being so close to -the ranchos, and the hundreds of gauchos employed -there, rowdyism and ruffianism were of occasional -occurrence. The unfortunate owners of the estancias -had not only Indians and their raids to fear. They -were often enough wealthy men, for there was always -a demand for cattle, and the very fact of their having -wealth often proved an attraction to the many -ne'er-do-wells who had come to the country to try their -luck, or to join some revolutionary band. There had -been raids on estancias by white men before then, and -piratical attacks on the river were not entirely -unknown. But to the English youth who had taken a -passage in the boat which lay a few yards higher up -the river than the one which Mr. Blunt had chartered, -such an attempt was a matter for intense surprise. -He was a stranger in the country, and knew nothing -of the inhabitants, or he would never have taken -passage with such a set of ruffians. -</p> - -<p> -"Make a pile!" he exclaimed while he stared -through the smoke of the cabin at the ragged and -ill-kempt sailor. "What do you mean? You -can't——" -</p> - -<p> -"That's jest where you make the error, young -feller," interrupted the man, taking a much-blackened -clay from between his lips. "For a chap as has -got nothing there ain't a country to come up to this. -Look at me. Do I give the impression of having -money?" -</p> - -<p> -"Hardly!" came the cautious answer. -</p> - -<p> -"That's jest it. There ain't a single coin in my -pockets, and I was starving till these fellows came -along." -</p> - -<p> -"'Can yer ride?' asks the chap with the beard. -</p> - -<p> -"'Jest a bit,' I answered, for a sailor can stick on -most things. Then he got talking, and as a result -I signed on for this here voyage. We're goin' up to -the pampas to wipe out the ranchers. They're worth -a pile, and we'll skin 'em of every shillin'. We're -starting with the fellow lyin' in the boat below. He's -got heaps of money, they say, and I've a notion that -blackbeard over there has a grudge against him. -That's the job, shaver. We start to-night, and it -seems to me, seeing as you're English, as you'd -better sail in company with us, and get a share. What -say?" -</p> - -<p> -For a moment or two the young fellow listening -looked as if he would return an indignant reply to -such a suggestion. But he happened to cast his eye -round at the faces about the table, and then at the -unshaven cheeks of the sailor. -</p> - -<p> -"A set of ruffians to look at them," he said to -himself. "And they seem as if they would stop at -nothing. How on earth I was fool enough to take a -passage with them I cannot say. But it is done now, -and cannot be helped. He said this man to be attacked -was English." -</p> - -<p> -"Who is the rancher you are going to attack?" he -asked cautiously, suddenly determining to get all the -information possible. -</p> - -<p> -"Who is the feller? Well, can't say as I know or -care. He's English, else his name wouldn't be Blunt, -would it? and he's got the coin. What more do you -want to know? Eh? How it's to be done? Simple -as standin', shaver. We've a cable with an anchor -down at the bottom of the river, and there's slack -enough to let us down stream quite a lot. See now! -We just drop quiet and easy down on the boat below, -and before them chaps can shout, whew!" -</p> - -<p> -He drew his hand significantly across his neck, and -leered at the lad who listened. -</p> - -<p> -"Jest like that," he said, grinning so that his -blackened teeth showed. "They ain't got a dog's chance. -Reckon we'll start this game by makin' a fine haul, -and spendin' a week in the saloons." -</p> - -<p> -Little by little, and speaking in an undertone, the -young man wormed the plot out of the sailor, and -when he had done so he lay down again for a while, -having deferred his consent till he had considered the -matter. Later he sat up again, for the sailor pulled at -his clothing. -</p> - -<p> -"Guess you've decided to come in," he said. "Ef -so, I'll speak to blackbeard over there and make it -right. I thought at first as you was a toff, with brass -in your pocket. But there's many sich as you comes -out to this country to work, and who live down in the -towns till their money's gone. Then it's hard to get -a job, special ef you ain't used to the ranches. Then's -the time when a feller jumps to join a band like this. -Why, I can see that there ain't goin' ter be too much -hard work. There'll be better grub than a sailor gets -aboard ship, and if we've luck, there'll be coin in -plenty. You'll join?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I'll come in. You can book me as one of the -number," was the answer, while the young man -glanced round at the gang in the cabin, a look of -half-suppressed aversion and fear on his face. "You -make the terms with them while I go on deck. This -cabin is stuffy, and I feel as if I wanted a mouthful -of air." -</p> - -<p> -"Best a mouthful of spirit," growled the sailor, -rolling in his seat. "Hi, there! jest pass the bottle -and a pannikin. The shaver here wishes for a -draught." -</p> - -<p> -But the crew of ruffians happened at that moment -to be deeply engaged in conversation, and took no -heed of the call. The young man rose, hastily declined -the drink, and retreated from the cabin. -</p> - -<p> -"Blest ef I understand the shaver!" grumbled the -sailor. "Never knew a white man refuse before. -Eh? What's he gone for? A mouthful of air, of -course." -</p> - -<p> -The black-bearded individual at the head of the -table had suddenly broken off his conversation with -his fellow conspirators, and asked the sailor a -question, while he followed the retreating figure of the -youth with suspicious eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Who is he?" he asked. "And where is he going?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who? Why, a chum of mine," roared the sailor, -toying with his pannikin. "I've been talkin' to him, -and it seems as he's like us. He's in want of coin too, -and he's eager to join. He can ride a bit, so he'll be -useful later. 'Sides, it's a good thing to have a shaver -to wait on us older men. He's right, capt'n, so don't -you get follerin'." -</p> - -<p> -"Right or not, he'd best behave himself," answered -the leader of the gang, casting a menacing glance -towards the door, and then turning with a scowl to his -companions. "This scum of an Englishman will suit -us for a time," he went on in his own tongue; "but -I begin to see that he will be a nuisance. He is -quarrelsome, and will want too much perhaps. Well, if -it comes to that, there is a way of removing the man." -</p> - -<p> -A sinister look passed between the men at the table -as they glanced at one another. Indeed they were a -band of ruffians who understood one another perfectly, -and, if the truth were known, had been on more than -one of these lawless expeditions. The condition of the -country favored them, for the ranchers had no -protection other than what they supplied themselves, and -the vast extent of their holdings, the great distances -which separated them, were in favor of the ruffians -who raided their estancias. At times, indeed, the -bands of freebooters who roamed the pampas, and -threw in their lot with the Indians, were a source of -great danger to the graziers. For these white men, a -collection from the riffraff of the towns, made no -pretence of seizing cattle. They left that to the Indians, -and threw it out as a bait to obtain their help. They -organized the raids, left the Indians to round up what -cattle they could lay their hands on, and promptly -made for the estancia, where revolvers were used -mercilessly, the house swept clean of all its valuables, -and too often the owner shot in cold blood on his -doorstep. Such things had occurred many a time, so -that the graziers had had to band together for self -protection. Then, when the net began to close in on -the raiders, and matters began to look menacing for -them, they would leave their Indian allies, and, -splitting up, would ride for the coast towns again, there -to spend their ill-gotten wealth in the saloons, and -wait till an opportunity for further violence occurred. -</p> - -<p> -The young fellow who had been in the cabin -emerged on to the deck and walked rapidly to the -stern. While in the cabin, under the eyes of the sailor, -he had maintained an appearance of coolness and -indifference; but now, when he was alone on the deck, -beads of perspiration burst from his forehead, his -hands closed convulsively, and he showed every -indication of distress. -</p> - -<p> -"To think that I was fool enough to take a passage -with such a set!" he groaned. "To me, so new to -this country, all these fellows look alike. They are -rough, ill-dressed, and very free and easy in their -manners. I never imagined for a moment that these -fellows were other than ranchers returning to their -work. What am I to do?" -</p> - -<p> -He stood leaning on the rail of the river boat, his -eyes fixed upon the lights from the saloons ashore, -while he listened to the songs and shouts which issued -from them. Then his attention was caught by a faint -glimmer some yards astern, and, having peered into -the darkness for some few minutes, he was able to -detect the outline of the boat in which Mr. Blunt and -Dudley were sleeping. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I see the plan!" he said. "These ruffians -slack off their cable and float down on that boat, then -they board her. The sailor said that they had friends -ashore who would rush to help them by means of the -gangway stretching from the boat to the wharf. -After that—— Goodness, it means murder! The fellow -said as much. They will kill this Englishman and -take all that he has got." -</p> - -<p> -The very thought set the young fellow trembling -with excitement. He walked feverishly up and down -the deck, muttering beneath his breath, and endeavoring -to make up his mind to some course of action. -For in a flash he realized a fact which had been slowly -dawning upon him for the last half-hour, a fact which -a shrewder youth would have gathered in an instant. -He, a young Englishman, fresh from home and entirely -ignorant of the country and its people, had by -chance fallen in with a gang of desperadoes who were -about to attack a fellow countryman of his and to -murder him. By pure chance he had become -acquainted with their plans, and now he alone stood -between the victim and his attackers. Ought he to -move in the matter? Why should he? It was not his -affair. This Englishman was an entire stranger to -him, and why should he incur danger for a stranger? -</p> - -<p> -The thoughts flashed through his brain as he walked -feverishly up and down. Conscience, common sense, -his own manhood, told him that he ought to act, that -it was his duty to do something; while fear of the -consequences to himself and his own natural want of -resolution held him back, and kept him answering the -calls for action with excuses. He was in a pitiable -condition, and, had he been left to himself, might have -walked the deck for an hour before coming to some -conclusion. However, it happened that a minute later -the cabin door burst open with a bang, and the sailor -reeled out on to the deck. Despite his condition, this -ruffian still had sufficient sense about him to realize -that noise might warn the people in the neighboring -boat, and if he had not had that sense, the leader of -the band quickly reminded him. -</p> - -<p> -"Be silent!" he called out peremptorily. "You -will wake everyone with your clumsiness. Come back -to the cabin." -</p> - -<p> -"Right, shipmate! I jest thought I'd get on deck -to look to the shaver. So there yer are, taking a -mouthful of air. Jest you come along below, youngster." -</p> - -<p> -The man was suspicious. There was something -about this young fellow that he did not understand, -and though a few minutes before he had been sure -that he had gained an eager recruit for the band, for -the stranger's reception of the details of the plot had -been all that he could have wished for, his absence -now, his disinclination to drink with his new comrades, -awoke suspicion in the drink-soddened mind of -the sailor. -</p> - -<p> -"Jest you step below, me hearty," he said huskily; -"capt'n's orders is that all hands keeps under hatches -till the time comes." -</p> - -<p> -"In a minute! I am watching the shore, for I think -I see men moving," was the hasty answer. "Go -below yourself, and say that I am keeping a watch. -I will come and tell you if anything happens." -</p> - -<p> -The answer seemed to satisfy the man, for he reeled -back to the cabin and informed the leader that the -young stranger was keeping a watch on deck. -</p> - -<p> -"There ain't no harm in that," he growled, feeling -that he ought to support his countryman. "The lad -will tell us what's goin'. Leave him alone." -</p> - -<p> -The door closed to again as the black-bearded rascal -gave a grudging assent, and once more the youth was -alone in the darkness. But the sudden interruption -had had its effect. He saw that at any moment he -might be disturbed again, and that if he did not act -swiftly he might even find himself involved in this -foul conspiracy, and obliged to follow the ruffians. -</p> - -<p> -"Besides, it is not of myself I have to think," he -muttered; "there is this other Englishman. His life -is really in my hands, and I am going to do something. -No more hesitating for me. I am a coward to have -delayed so long already." -</p> - -<p> -He stood again by the rail for a few seconds, thinking -out a plan of action, and then walked on tiptoe -to the stern of the boat. There was the little twinkling -light again, some twenty or thirty yards astern, a -guiding star in the darkness. He stared at it, -measuring the distance between the two vessels, and then, -clutching the rail, leaned over as far as possible. -</p> - -<p> -"Pretty low in the water," he said. "With an -effort I might reach the rail. Then there are the -cables to be thought of. If I cannot climb aboard her -from the riverside I will try to grip one of the cables. -If that is out of the question, I shall get ashore and -cross by the gangway." -</p> - -<p> -Feverishly he began to cast off his spurs and boots, -for the cabin door might open at any moment. -Moreover this young fellow knew himself and his own -nature. Irresolution was his besetting fault, and many -a time in the past had he suffered on that account. -This time he determined there should be more -courageous action. He would not change his mind now, -and, so that there should be no opportunity, he cast -his clothing from him as swiftly as he was able, knowing -well that once he was in his shirt sleeves the die -was cast; for if the ruffians in the cabin came upon -him then, even their soddened minds would take in -the situation. They would grasp his intentions in an -instant, and would realize that this their latest recruit -was about to swim to the neighboring boat and give -warning of their murderous intentions. Yes, and they -would shoot him without mercy, of that he felt sure. -</p> - -<p> -"Better die in trying to do a good turn to this other -fellow, and my plain duty, than hang behind and -become the companion of ruffians and murderers," he -said. "There go the spurs and boots, and off come -the overalls and coat. Now I'm ready. I want a rope -to throw over the side so as to allow me to enter the -water quietly." -</p> - -<p> -He tiptoed across the deck again, but without success, -and it was not till he had been the complete -round of the rail that he came upon a coil of rope lying -in the scuppers. Creeping aft again, he secured one -end to the rail and lowered the other into the water. -Then he took one last look at the cabin door, beneath -which there was a long and narrow streak of light, -while from the interior came the murmur of voices. -The young fellow could see in his mind's eye the -figures of the men slouching about the table, the bearded -face and cunning, lowering look of the leader, the -unshaven, dirty features of the sailor, and the -dissipated appearance of the gauchos. He could imagine -the reek of smoke and strong tobacco in the stuffy -little place, the tin pannikins and the stone spirit jar. -The very memory of such loathsome companions -threw cold water on any fears which he still might -possess, and strengthened his resolution. He gave one -more glance at the streak of light issuing from -beneath the door, looked away at the twinkling glimmer, -and stepped on to the rail. A moment later he was -outside it, one hand gripping tightly and the other -feeling for the rope. Then suddenly something else -attracted his attention, and kept him clinging there. -There was a commotion ashore, and a blaze of light -came unexpectedly from one of the saloons, showing -that the door had been thrown wide open. Out into -the broad patch of light which streamed from the -saloon emerged the men whom Mr. Blunt had engaged -to work on his rancho. They were shouting and -singing, and clinging arm to arm. They rolled from the -doorway, reeled across the street, and then were -suddenly blotted out in the darkness of the night, for -someone had closed the door of the saloon. But still -they were there, reeling back towards their boat, for -their shouts and choruses told of their presence. -</p> - -<p> -"That should wake this Englishman, if anything -will," thought the young fellow clinging to the rail. -"Surely the noise they are making will warn him that -trouble is brewing and will put him on his guard. -Shall I go after all?" -</p> - -<p> -A glance at the dull outline of his clothes lying on -the deck a few inches away told him that there was -no turning back, that he must go on with his part of -the undertaking, while, had that been insufficient to -warn him, a second later he had ample assurance that -further stay on the boat would be dangerous alike to -him and to the man who was threatened; for the door -of the cabin burst open again, and the men who had -been lounging over the table rushed on deck. Running -to the rails, they stared across the strip of river -at the spot from which the noise came. -</p> - -<p> -"The fools!" cried their leader. "They will warn -the Englishman with their clatter. They will wake -him and spoil our plans." -</p> - -<p> -"Not if you set to at once," suddenly burst in the -sailor, who had grasped the man's meaning. "Slip -the cable now and float down. Chances are that this -Mr. Blunt expected as much when he saw them go -ashore. He'll wake for sure, and he'll wait while they -turn in. Then he'll sleep again, if these fools don't -quarrel with him right away and spoil everything. -Best slip the cable now and get aboard the boat before -they arrive." -</p> - -<p> -He spoke in English, and led the way at once to the -bow of the boat. In a second the others were -following, and almost before the young fellow hanging to -the rail could grasp their intentions they were slacking -out the cable with feverish energy, doing their -utmost to reach their victim before the gang of men -ashore could upset their plans. -</p> - -<p> -It was time to move. If the Englishman aboard the -neighboring boat was to be warned it must be at once. -The young fellow glanced back at the twinkling light -again, and at once slid down the rope, entering the -water without so much as a splash. Then he struck -out boldly, and in a few minutes was well away from -the vessel. -</p> - -<p> -"There is still time to give the warning," he -thought, as he thrust the water behind him. "If only -I can get aboard before these men I shall have done -something." -</p> - -<p> -As he made his way through the water he thought -of the ruffians behind him laboring at the cable, and -of those ashore. He knew very well that the first, -if they caught sight of his figure, would guess his -object and would fire on him. The fear of such an -occurrence made him long to turn round to look back -at the men, and make sure that he was as yet -undiscovered. But that meant delay, and, throwing aside -the fear at once, he went on manfully, his eye fixed -upon the glimmering light, now very much nearer. -Not a shout disturbed him, and even the men ashore -seemed to have awakened to the fact that the noise -they had been making would ruin their plans. They -were silent now, and if only the darkness had not -hidden them, they could have been seen creeping down -to the landing stage, revolver in hand, ready to aid -their comrades. Then, too, if the sides of the vessel -in which Mr. Blunt and Dudley lay had not been -impenetrable to the eye, this young and gallant fellow -would have known that the man upon whom the attack -was to be made lay in his bunk, wrapped in a blanket, -looking uneasily at the door. He was wide awake, as -was his companion, and evidently somewhat upset by -the noise which till a moment before had been coming -from the shore. -</p> - -<p> -"As I thought," he said in low tones. "That is -the worst of tying up to the bank within reach of -saloons, and a lesson to employ, whenever possible, -a different stamp of men. Those fellows have been -drinking, and may be quarrelsome. We will not -appear if they call to us. Let us pretend to be asleep, -for then there can be no quarrel, and perhaps they will -turn in quietly. Ah, they have become silent! That's -an excellent sign." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" It was Dudley who suddenly sat -up and asked the question, for he had heard a splash -close alongside, and the noise had been repeated. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps a floating log," answered Mr. Blunt. -"Nothing to be alarmed at. Ah, that's one arrival!" -</p> - -<p> -There was a bang on the deck just above their -heads, and a soft footfall was heard. A moment later -Dudley thought he detected a step on the tiny ladder -which led down to the cabin in which they lay. He -listened intently, his finger on the butt of his revolver, -and then started to his feet as a knock sounded on the -door. The sudden and unexpected sound startled -them both, and brought Mr. Blunt to a sitting position. -</p> - -<p> -"Come in," he called softly, slipping his own -weapon from its pouch and facing the door. "Come -in at once!" -</p> - -<p> -A hand fumbled in the darkness for the latch, the -handle turned, and in a trice the door flew open. For -a second the youth who appeared stood perfectly still, -blinking at the lantern. Then, with a quick -movement, the young fellow, who had so bravely swum -from the other vessel, entered the cabin, and swung -the door to again. He was breathless with his exertions, -for it had been no easy matter to climb aboard. -Then, too, he was in the highest pitch of excitement, -for he knew that his warning had arrived not an -instant too soon. He stood there, the water streaming -from him and forming a rapidly increasing pool on -the floor. He opened his mouth to speak, when Dudley -staggered back a step, looked incredulously at the -stranger, and then uttered a cry of astonishment. -</p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-202"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-202.jpg" alt=""DUDLEY LOOKED INCREDULOUSLY AT THE STRANGER, AND THEN UTTERED A CRY OF ASTONISHMENT"" /> -<br /> -"DUDLEY LOOKED INCREDULOUSLY AT THE STRANGER, <br /> -AND THEN UTTERED A CRY OF ASTONISHMENT" -</p> - -<p> -"Joyce! You here! This is strange!" -</p> - -<p> -"Dudley! Dudley Compton!" -</p> - -<p> -The recognition was mutual. In spite of Harold -Joyce's half-drowned appearance, Dudley knew him -the instant he set eyes on the strange apparition at the -doorway of the cabin, while the lad who had so -bravely swum across to give his warning needed no -second view of the sturdy, bronzed figure standing, -revolver in hand, just beneath the swaying lantern. -In a flash he knew that he was face to face with the -old school friend whom he had wronged, the lad -whose future had been darkened by a cloud which he, -Harold Joyce, could have dispelled had he had the -courage to confess his crime. It was a moment of -intense interest in both their young lives, and it is -not to be wondered at that, in spite of the urgency of -the situation, of the need for instant action, these two -young fellows stared in amazement at each other as -if they were spellbound. Then Harold suddenly found -his tongue. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap12"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XII -<br /><br /> -AN UNEXPECTED MEETING -</h3> - -<p> -Drenched from head to foot, and standing in a -pool of water which drained constantly from him, -Harold Joyce might have been excused under the -extraordinary conditions if he had forgotten his special -mission to the ship on which he had discovered -Dudley, for he had suddenly come face to face with one -to whom he owed an explanation, and whose forgiveness -he could hardly hope to gain. But he remembered -the urgency of the position, and, still strong -in his resolve to give his warning of attack, he swung -round to the other figure standing, pistol in hand, -before him. -</p> - -<p> -"You are Mr. Blunt?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"I am, my lad." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you have not a moment to lose. I came up -the river as a passenger in that other boat which -moored up above you. There is a gang of ruffians -aboard, who are friends of the men you engaged, and -who are now returning here. I learned the tale from -an English sailor, who is one of the gang. Quick, -sir, they are slacking out their hawser, and dropping -down upon you. They mean to rob and kill you." -</p> - -<p> -The words tumbled from him rapidly, while he -stepped forward eagerly and laid his hand on -Mr. Blunt's arm. -</p> - -<p> -"You haven't a moment to spare," he urged. -"They are already only a few yards away, and you -must act." -</p> - -<p> -"The scoundrels! A gang letting their boat down -on us so as to get aboard? And you say that the men -we engaged are in the plot? What is to be done?" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt stared in astonishment at Harold, and -then swung round to look at Dudley, as if to ask his -help, for the situation was critical, and though he -was a man who had faced many dangers, and was not -lacking in resource, yet this warning had come so -suddenly, and gave such little time for thought, that he -was utterly at a loss. As for Dudley, he could hardly -fix his attention on the danger. His eyes were riveted -on Harold Joyce, the last person he had expected -to meet out in these foreign parts, and the only one -who could clear his character. For some months now -he had borne the knowledge that he was looked upon -as a thief by his old friends and comrades at home. -The stigma, in spite of Mr. Blunt's kindly belief in -him, still filled his mind with bitterness, and had -caused him to register a solemn vow. Deep down in -his mind our hero had decided to work for his employer, -to improve his position in the world, and never -to rest till he had proved to all that he was innocent -of theft, that he had been wrongly accused, and was -the victim of another's crime. Was it wonderful, -therefore, that, finding himself suddenly face to face -with the very one whom he knew must be the guilty -person—the only person, in fact, who could clear -him of the stigma under which he suffered, that question -filled his mind to the exclusion of all others? He -was helpless! The ruffians might even board the boat -and commence their attack, and any defence he might -make would be almost automatic. However, Joyce -was by no means asleep, while Mr. Blunt had no -intention of being taken without a struggle. -</p> - -<p> -"Dudley," he cried sharply, "we must do something. -We shall be outnumbered, and if we don't -make an effort the rascals will murder all three of us. -What are we to do? Quick, lad! Suggest something." -</p> - -<p> -"The cables, sir," cried Harold, pulling at the -handle of the door. "You are moored alongside the -staging, they tell me. Cut the cables and float out -into the stream. Then they will miss you. I've -a knife. It is the only thing we can do to escape -them." -</p> - -<p> -He pulled the door open, while with an exclamation -of delight Mr. Blunt blew out the candle in the lamp -and dragged Dudley out on to the deck. Harold had -already gained it and, knife in hand, raced forward. -Going on hands and knees he felt for the cable which -moored the boat for'ard, and, finding it, severed it -with a sweep of the blade. Meanwhile Mr. Blunt had -sought for the rope right aft, and with a slash from -his hunting knife cut it in two. By then Dudley had -recovered from his astonishment at what had occurred. -With an effort he banished all thought of the crime -for which he was expelled. Once more he was working -in the interests of his employer, and set about his -defence with all his old enthusiasm. He ran into the -bow, where he and Harold stood side by side, -listening to the men aboard the other boat. -</p> - -<p> -"They are within ten yards, I should say," he -whispered to Joyce. "That should give us just time to -get away, unless the mud holds us. Are we moving?" -</p> - -<p> -Harold promptly hung over the rail, and stared -down at the black surface of the river. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think so," he answered in low tones, -coming to Dudley's side again. "We are on the mud. -They will catch us yet." -</p> - -<p> -"Not if we pole away. There are some poles on -deck, I know. Come along with me, Harold. And, -look here, just pitch that plank overboard." -</p> - -<p> -They were standing close beside the place where -the plank gangway came in from the shore, and at -once Harold seized it and gently drew it inboard. -</p> - -<p> -"Better not make a row by throwing it over," he -whispered. "The beggars don't know we've moved -yet. Better keep them in ignorance. Ah, here's a -pole!" -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt joined them at that instant, and, hearing -what they were doing, at once helped them. It -happened that there were several long poles lying -along the scuppers, for often enough the river boats -got aground on a mud or sand bank, and then the -crew were forced to pole them off. Seizing three of -them, the trio lowered the ends into the water close -to the bow, and pushed with might and main. The -boat moved. She had a good deal of water under -her, and the mud just held the after part of her -shallow keel. The bow swung out rapidly, the poles -were shifted, and in a minute the boat was almost -broadside on to the stream. By then the one which -was descending upon them was within four yards, -but so busy were the ruffians at her cable that as yet -they had not discovered what was occurring. -</p> - -<p> -"They will know in a moment," whispered Mr. Blunt, -drawing in his pole. "The ruffians ashore are -on the wharf already. You can hear them now. They -are searching for the boat and the gangway, and in -a few seconds one of them will see us out here. Then -the whole pack will shout, and those aboard the vessel -just above us will fire. Got a weapon, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have nothing," answered Harold promptly. "I -left my revolver behind. I was afraid of the weight." -</p> - -<p> -"Then here is one, and don't be afraid to use it. -Those rascals will shoot you as if you were a dog. -They have no qualms about taking human life, and -if you want to get out of this trouble you must be -just as ready to kill them. Dudley, can we do -anything else?" -</p> - -<p> -"We might keep them from boarding by pushing -out one of the poles," he answered. "If they can -get within six feet they will jump aboard, and then -we shall not have a chance. We are swinging round -rapidly now, and at the rate they are coming down -they will strike our stern, I fancy. I'll go over there -with this pole, and push them away if possible." -</p> - -<p> -"While I and this young gentleman shoot down -those who wish to pay us a visit. Ah, there they are! -The dogs are barking with a vengeance. Come along -with me, sir, and remember to keep below the rail. -Those fellows over there on the wharf might get your -figure against a white patch in the sky, and they are -wonderful shots. Don't show more than you can help, -and when you shoot, shoot quickly, and duck again." -</p> - -<p> -Harold Joyce gripped the revolver which had been -handed to him, and followed Mr. Blunt along the deck -to the spot where Dudley had already taken up his -station with the pole. It was a new experience to him -to find himself in actual danger of his life, but up to -this moment he had had no opportunity of considering -the situation. The fact of finding himself aboard -a vessel containing a gang of cut-throats had helped -not a little to make up his mind to accept the risk of -swimming to the other vessel, though to do him justice -he was eager to play a man's game in the matter, and -do what was his obvious duty. But even then, once -his decision was made, and he had slid into the river, -the need for exertion and for caution had filled his -thoughts, so that he was able to give little attention -to the subject of personal danger, though, to be sure, -he felt extremely uncomfortable when he remembered -the revolvers which the gang had so openly displayed, -and the fact that a bullet might soon be hissing after -him. Now, however, as he crouched behind the rail -of the ship and watched the other boat slowly -approaching, he had a moment or two to realize his -position, and the fact that the gang he had so lately left -would stop at nothing. He could see that if they could -only board the ship upon which he crouched, he and -his two companions would certainly be shot. Even -if the gang were unsuccessful in reaching the vessel, -it was certain that bullets would be flying, and, -supposing one came his way, supposing he was killed! -</p> - -<p> -The thought made him shudder. He shivered from -head to foot, and for one brief second felt inclined to -dive into the cabin and hide his head there in the -farthest corner. But he conquered the impulse. He -looked at the dark figure crouching beside him, and -heard Mr. Blunt's voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Just remember what I said, lad," he whispered. -"Keep down and shoot quickly. And, my lad, now -that I have a second, let me thank you for your -warning. You risked much, and have placed yourself in -a position of great danger. I shall hope to be able, -later, to thank you for behaving like a gallant gentleman." -</p> - -<p> -The words came in the nick of time. Harold Joyce, -the lad who had been noted at school for frivolity, -for indecision, for shirking games in which personal -injury might be incurred, heard himself described as -a gallant gentleman. Remembering what despicable -courage he had once displayed, when he allowed his old -comrade to be branded as a thief, he winced at the -words. Then he lifted his head, for this young -fellow had still the makings of an honorable man in him. -He had been undecided once. He had shown the most -lamentable want of courage. But that was in the past. -He, too, had suffered, and had learnt his lesson. Long -ago he had made up his mind never to rest till he had -set the matter of Dudley's expulsion right. He had -declared his guilt before the whole school, so that our -hero's name was now as bright there as ever. And -now he had come out to South America with one -solitary and praiseworthy object. He had taken -advantage of the liberal allowance made by his father to -come in search of Dudley, to meet him face to face, -and tell him what had happened. Then, if possible, -he would obtain his forgiveness. Indeed, Harold -Joyce's conscience had done much for his wavering -resolution already. He had shown to all at home an -honest and steady intention to reform, and was he -going at this moment to show his old indecision under -the very eyes of the one who had suffered for his fault -in the past? Never! The lad closed his teeth firmly, -gripped his revolver, and swore beneath his breath to -fight hard for his old friend, to do something more -than he had already accomplished that night, so as to -show him that Harold Joyce had something good left -in him yet. -</p> - -<p> -"What if I am killed?" he thought. "Then Dudley -will never know what has happened. He will not -know that he is cleared, and why I have come out here. -There is time to tell him now. We are swinging fast, -and that boat is still ten feet away. I'll do it." -</p> - -<p> -He crept a pace nearer to our hero and touched his -leg. -</p> - -<p> -"Dudley!" he called softly. "Dudley, I want to -say something now before the row begins. I am a -sneak and a coward. I stole the money, and came out -here to tell you so. I confessed to the old head, and -to the whole school, and could not rest till I had told -you all that had happened. That's all, only I'm -ashamed of myself. I acted like a cad and a blackguard." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for some few seconds, a tense -silence, aboard their boat, while from the wharf came -the patter of feet on the woodwork, and the call of -one of the men to those aboard the vessel now so close -to Dudley and his friends. Then came an answering -hail, and the noise made by a man stumbling over a -coil of rope. In a minute, in less time than that -perhaps, the alarm would be sounded, and the gang of -ruffians would know that their expected victims were -warned of their intentions and were already making -efforts to escape. It was, in fact, hardly the moment -for a confession, and yet who can wonder that Joyce -made it? The subject of the theft filled his mind as -much as it did Dudley's. Remorse had been eating at -his heart for many weeks past, and now he felt -desperate. He was so near to the object for which he -had struggled. He had come to South America for -one purpose, and could not bear to think that now, at -the last instant, he might lose all. If only he could -tell Dudley his tale, and have his answer, he felt that -nothing else mattered, not even a bullet, for he knew -now that he could die happily once he had done this -duty to his old comrade. His hand tightened on our -hero's leg convulsively, while Mr. Blunt coughed -huskily. -</p> - -<p> -As for Dudley, he could hardly believe his ears. -He knew well, had known all along, that Harold Joyce -was guilty, but even in his most sanguine moments -he had never expected to be so completely cleared. -And now, when he heard that the head and every boy -at the school knew that he was innocent, when he heard -that Harold had confessed all, and not content with -that had followed him to South America there to tell -him what he had done, why it was almost too much! -The leg which Joyce gripped trembled and shook. -Dudley could not speak for an instant, but he knew -what his old comrade must be suffering, and at once, -with a magnanimity which did his heart good, he -stretched down, took the hand clasping his leg, and -gripped it eagerly. Then he was able to steady himself. -</p> - -<p> -"All right, old fellow!" he said. "I can't thank -you now, but will do so later. You have lifted a load -from my mind." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you forgive me, Dudley? There is nothing -to thank me for. I have done only bare justice to -you." -</p> - -<p> -"With all my heart," came the swift answer. -"You have made up for all by behaving like a decent -fellow." -</p> - -<p> -"Hear, hear! Hear, hear!" came from Mr. Blunt. -</p> - -<p> -A second later a shout came across the water, for -the man who had hailed his comrades on the boat had -suddenly caught sight of the other one swinging out -into the stream. At first he and his comrades had -searched vainly for her in the darkness, and had come -very near to tumbling into the river in their efforts -to find the gangway. Then, little by little, it had -dawned on their sluggish minds that they were beaten, -that the man whose money they hoped to take was -wide awake, and was already slipping from their -clutches. They had promised themselves to commence -their work in the Entre Rios country by a successful -coup on the way up the Paraná River, and the man -who was responsible for their being brought together -had specially urged them to make Mr. Blunt their first -victim. Perhaps he had some special reason, but in -any case the grazier who occupied the boat now -swinging away from the wharf, the man whose employment -they had so cunningly accepted, was escaping, and -once their minds had grasped that fact they set up -such a din that those aboard the other vessel were -quickly informed of what was happening. The tall, -black-bearded Italian ruffian at their head grasped the -meaning of those shouts at once, and came bounding -along the deck, striking heavily against a yard in the -darkness. With a growl he picked himself up, for the -collision had thrown him to the deck, and ran to the -stern. -</p> - -<p> -"Cut the rope," he shouted to his men. "Cut it, -and come here with me. We are close to them, and -in a moment can get on board. It is that English -youth who has cheated us, I expect, and, if that is so, -the sailor shall have small mercy. Ah, I see them!" -</p> - -<p> -He stood to his full height against the stern rail of -the river boat, and peered into the darkness. He could -see the big hull of the other boat looming across the -river some few feet away, and as he watched his eye -suddenly lit on Dudley, standing pole in hand ready -to push the attacking vessel away. The rascal did -not hesitate, and in an instant his hand went to the -revolver which was tucked into a deep pocket on his -thigh. Barely lifting it from that position he pulled -the trigger and sent a ball flying through the darkness. -Indeed it was the darkness alone which saved Dudley, -for the ruffian who had drawn trigger was an expert -shot with the revolver and seldom missed. However, -it was but a dull outline which he had caught of -Dudley, and his muzzle was directed just a shade too much -to one side. The bullet whizzed past his head, missing -it by little more than an inch, and, flying along -the deck, buried itself in the mast, giving a loud and -ominous thud as it did so. An instant later Mr. Blunt -rose to his feet, a spout of flame shot from his weapon, -lighting up the immediate surroundings for one brief -instant, and then he was down again, listening eagerly, -and waiting for another opportunity, while he dragged -at Dudley's clothing. -</p> - -<p> -"Get down," he said sharply. "I saw what was -happening by the flash. We are travelling as fast as -they are. Probably faster, for we are almost broadside -on, and the stream has more hold on us. Did I hit?" -</p> - -<p> -A sharp cry had followed his shot, showing that in -all probability it had hit the mark, but still as Dudley -looked over the rail he could see the tall figure of the -rascal who had fired at him. The man stood stock-still, -making no effort to retaliate, and if only he had -been nearer, and the night not so intensely dark, they -would have seen that he was gripping the rail -convulsively. For the bullet which Mr. Blunt had fired -had struck the ruffian hard, so hard, in fact, that it -was a wonder that the man did not fall to the deck at -once. But he was one of those individuals possessed -of enormous resolution and courage. He knew that -he was badly hit at once. He felt as if his last moment -had come, and yet he would not give in. He clung to -the rail and swayed backward and forward giddily. -He endeavored to turn and call to his followers, but -the effort nearly brought him to the deck. Then he -stared at Dudley again, made a frantic attempt to -pick up the weapon which had dropped at his feet, and -then, of a sudden, collapsed on to the rail of the ship. -There was a loud crash as the flimsy rail gave way, -and then a dull splash. The leader of the gang of -ruffians had met his end in the waters of the River -Paraná. -</p> - -<p> -"One rascal the less," said Mr. Blunt coolly, lifting -his head to look over the rail. "He at least will -not trouble us again." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we may escape altogether," broke in Harold. -"That man was the ringleader of the gang. He was -an Italian, and the sailor told me that he had been -appointed leader by some friend who had in particular -selected you for the first attack." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! Is that so? Tell me more, lad." -</p> - -<p> -"There is little to tell you," said Harold in a whisper, -as he watched the following boat. "It seems that -the men aboard, and those whom you hired, had -formed themselves into a gang some four weeks ago, -with the intention of going up on to the pampas and -robbing the ranchers." -</p> - -<p> -"Robbing! That is a mild term. Shooting them -is more correct." -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt spoke very deliberately and coolly. -There was not a tremor in his voice, and he seemed -to be absolutely unaffected by the excitement of the -moment. Indeed he might have forgotten the very -existence of the gang of ruffians for all that his -listeners could tell. Dudley, as he watched the pursuers, -secretly admired the courage of this employer of his. -He had never before seen him actually in such a -dilemma, but he had long ago come to the conclusion -that Mr. Blunt was just the man to go through an -engagement without showing a trace of fear or even -of excitement. And now his opinion of the man was -proved to be correct. Mr. Blunt was questioning -Harold Joyce in cool, matter-of-fact tones which showed -his calmness and courage. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it would appear that that is their intention," -said Harold, still in the same low tones. "From what -the sailor told me they intended to pay a round of -visits, commencing with your estancia, for you are -nearest to the Indians, and, so far as I could gather, -there seemed to be some special reason why you should -be made a victim." -</p> - -<p> -"That is right, lad. There is a reason. Well do -I know it. But go on. There is time, for if I am -not mistaken we are increasing our distance from those -rascals every second. I cannot understand why they -do not pack themselves into the stern and blaze at us -with their weapons. But, go on, lad." -</p> - -<p> -"Well it happened that, just as their arrangements -were complete, you came down the river to Buenos -Ayres. They have friends who tell them of any -unusual occurrence, and this was reported to them. -Everything fell out as they wanted. You required -men. They had men to spare, and by putting a -portion of their gang on your boat made more sure of -getting your money. That is all I know. I thought -it was high time to put a spoke in their wheel." -</p> - -<p> -"And so you swum across to warn an absolute -stranger. Thanks, lad, it was gallant conduct. But -we will speak of that later. For the moment we have -yet to deal with these rascals. To think that this is -another of their organized bands, and that that old -feud still lives, and that those wretches still desire to -murder me. Well, well, we shall see. There is still -a good deal of life and tenacity left in the old dog. -How are matters now, Dudley?" -</p> - -<p> -"We are drawing away. The current seems to -have got us in its grip, and we are moving finely. But -I cannot make out what those fellows are doing. As -soon as the leader had gone overboard I heard a shout, -and I think it must have been this sailor whom Harold -mentions. Then the men who were running aft -stopped, and since that I have seen nothing of them, -but can hear them talking." -</p> - -<p> -"They are up to some clever trick, I have no -doubt," said Mr. Blunt decisively. "The rascals will -not let us slip without an effort. Listen to those -ruffians ashore." -</p> - -<p> -They were bellowing loudly to their comrades on -the boat, and, if Dudley and his two friends could -have seen them, were for the most part collected at -the very edge of the wharf, where they stood -unsteadily, peering out into the darkness, and calling -loudly that they would follow out on to the stream -as soon as a boat could be found. Nor was it long -before one of their number was successful in his -search. He lit upon a boat at the end of the wharf, -and, paddling it beneath his friends, called to them -to descend—a movement which some of them carried -out with such carelessness that the bark was -almost upset. Then they pushed out on to the river, -and, taking up their paddles, rowed as well as they -were able in the direction of their friends. Meanwhile -the latter had not been idle. The ominous quiet -aboard their boat was followed by a burst of cheering, -and then by the appearance of a couple of figures in -the stern. One was the sailor, and at once he took -possession of the helm. -</p> - -<p> -"She'll steer within the minute," he called out -huskily. "Get those poles over her bows and push -her round. Skurry, lads, or we'll be too late!" -</p> - -<p> -"The rascals! They have hoisted sail, and will be -able to make rings round us," cried Mr. Blunt. "I -fear that they have now an enormous advantage." -</p> - -<p> -That this was the case could not be denied, for as -the trio looked over the rail at the banks of the river, -occasionally to be seen dimly, they found that they -themselves were floating slowly on the current, -swinging round and round, while within but a few yards -of them, and quickly coming under sail, was the -pursuing boat, on the rails of which hung the gang of -outlaws, ready to commence the attack at the very -first moment. In rear of them was a river craft -manned by more of the gang, who were pulling lustily -so as to come up in time to take their share in the -unequal contest. The situation was indeed critical -again, and there is little wonder that the trio aboard -the drifting craft found it hard to decide how to act -under the circumstances, and looked about them -desperately for a way of escape. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap13"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIII -<br /><br /> -IN A TIGHT CORNER -</h3> - -<p> -"We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon -as he had fully realized what was happening, and that -the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river -boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which -they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist -a little canvas. But I fear that that is out of the -question, for the sail is a big one." -</p> - -<p> -Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and -sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was -almost impossible to find the hoisting gear. However, -the knowledge that something must be done if they -wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, -and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed -to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some -way on the boat. -</p> - -<p> -"Do as they did," sang out Mr. Blunt. "Push her -head round, while I go to the tiller. Once we are -under way, stand ready with one of the poles to push -them off if they get too near. One can use the pole -while the other stands over him with his revolver. -And remember to shoot swiftly. The man who can -draw trigger first on occasions like this stands the -best chance of coming alive out of the struggle. Ah, -I see them again! I wish this boat would swing a -little more quickly." -</p> - -<p> -There was a note of anxiety in his voice, for the -minutes were passing rapidly, and though their own -sail had now been hoisted for quite two minutes the -boat had not yet swung round with her bow down -stream. As for the enemy, the vessel on which they -were was already well under way; but she still had -to make up the distance which she had previously lost, -and which had steadily increased as the stream bore -Dudley and his friends along. For a time she had -been lost to view in the darkness, and only the shouts -of the rascals on her deck showed where she was, while -the answering calls of the gang in the small boat, and -the splash of their paddles, told that they too were -already dangerously near. Dudley stood in the stern -of the boat listening intently to the splashes and the -calls, and then leaving his comrades for a moment -went carefully along the deck on hands and knees, -searching for something with his fingers. -</p> - -<p> -"If that small boat comes alongside she will be -more difficult to deal with than the other," he thought. -"Those rascals will hang on till some are on board, -and we shall be kept so busy that we shall not be able -to deal with their friends. I remember a coil of rope -which lay amongst our stores. I fancy it is heavy -enough for my purpose." -</p> - -<p> -The numerous articles which Mr. Blunt had purchased -in Buenos Ayres had been loaded into the hold -of the vessel, and some had also been placed a little -forward of the mast. There were many coils of rope -and wire in these stores, and at this moment Dudley -thought of them. He soon reached the spot where -he remembered he had seen them placed, and fumbled -in the darkness with his fingers till he lit upon one of -the coils of rope. It was closely wound, and consisted -of inch cable, which was securely lashed into a coil. -Standing over it, he lifted it to his shoulder with an -effort and bore it aft, staggering under the weight. -A second or more later he had tumbled it on to the -deck with a bang. -</p> - -<p> -"For the gentlemen in the small boat if they happen -to wish to pay us a visit," he said significantly. "If -I can make a good shot with this coil I think there -will be little boat left. Now for the other vessel. Is -she in sight?" -</p> - -<p> -"In sight, and almost within striking distance," -answered Harold promptly, for he had sprung on to the -rail of the ship and had been peering eagerly into the -darkness. "She is coming up on our left. Look -there! You can see a big black mass, fifteen feet -behind us, perhaps." -</p> - -<p> -The report was only too true, and before long Dudley -himself could see the bow of the vessel, and even -thought he detected a couple of figures standing there. -If he had had any doubt, their sudden calls to their -comrades proved their presence beyond contradiction. -Indeed, two of the gaucho ruffians were standing as -far forward as they could get, and as Dudley watched -them they called loudly, their shouts bringing their -comrades running along the deck to join them. -</p> - -<p> -"Within a little way, comrades," said one of the -rascals, as he drew his weapon, "and if this darkness -does not make a fool of me I can see one of the fellows -at the tiller. This will soon show if it is a man or a -shadow. I'll wager that I make a hit." -</p> - -<p> -He coolly presented his revolver at the figure of -Mr. Blunt, which could be dimly seen at that distance, -and he pulled the trigger gently. There was a loud -report at once, a report which went echoing down the -river, and brought a cheer from the men rowing the -smaller boat. A spout of flame shot from the muzzle, -and a ball hissed across the narrow space, missed -Mr. Blunt by the smallest interval, and, flying on, struck -Harold Joyce on the tip of the shoulder, penetrating -the muscle and emerging on the other side. A sharp -cry escaped the lad, which was drowned instantly by -the report of Dudley's weapon, and by a rattling -volley which came from the pursuers, for the flash had -lit up the scene and shown the three figures standing -in the stern of the boat which they were following. -However, their bullets flew wide of the mark, while -the flash which had enabled them to fire proved of -advantage to Dudley and his friends also. Dudley -had been watching the dim figures aboard the pursuing -boat, and hardly had the report of the first pistol -shot died down when his own weapon cracked sharply, -and the man who had fired dropped like a stone, a -bullet having struck him in the very centre of the -forehead. -</p> - -<p> -"Two to us and one to them, I think," said Mr. Blunt -cheerily. "That was a quick shot, Dudley, and -will teach them caution perhaps. Now, my lad, I -think you were hit. Not badly I hope." -</p> - -<p> -"It is nothing, sir," came the ready answer, for -once he had recovered from the first shock of the -wound Harold Joyce had determined to make little -of it. His old fears were forgotten and to tell the -truth the lad was rather enjoying this brush with his -late companions. There was now no thought of danger, -only a feeling of huge relief, for had he not -unburdened himself, and obtained the forgiveness of his -old comrade? And with that feeling of relief was a -curious and altogether novel sense of elation. He felt -wonderfully cool and steady, and seeing that Dudley -and Mr. Blunt were precisely the same, he took heart -from that and vowed quietly to himself that if he -came out of this his first engagement alive he would -also emerge from it with credit to himself. And then, -to think what joy it would be to him, to Harold Joyce, -to know that he had done well, to feel that he had -acted a man's part, had behaved like a man, he who -till a few minutes before had hardly dared look an -honest fellow in the face. He had not forgotten his -old behavior, his despicable crime, and the cowardice -and treachery to a friend which he had shown. He -would never forget that as long as he lived perhaps, -for it would help him to make amends, to live in the -future so that no one could point the finger of scorn -at him. Now was his opportunity, and he seized upon -it eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a little blow on the shoulder, sir," he said -easily. "It is merely a pinprick, and only reminds -me that they have revolvers. I owe them something, -and mean to repay it. I'll try a shot." -</p> - -<p> -Up till then he had not drawn trigger, but now he -coolly stepped on to the rail again, peered at the black -shape surging up astern, and then took a snap shot, -sending a leaden messenger crashing into the middle -of the group of rascals, and bringing a shout of pain -from one of them. A second later Mr. Blunt had -dragged him down under the rail again. -</p> - -<p> -"Number three!" he said with an exclamation of -pleasure. "You are doing well, Joyce. But you must -not be foolhardy. Remember that the flash of your -pistol gives them a chance, for it shows up your -figure. They missed you by the purest chance." -</p> - -<p> -Indeed the flash of his weapon had been the signal -for another rattling volley from the enemy, the bullets -singing over the heads of the trio, and sweeping away -into the space beyond. As for the man who had been -struck, he went crawling aft on hands and knees, -groaning as he went. -</p> - -<p> -"Within ten feet I should say," said Dudley suddenly, -"and the fellow who is steering the vessel is -sweeping her bow over towards us. It is nearly time -to put out our pole. What are we to do supposing -they grapple with us and get aboard?" -</p> - -<p> -It was a difficult question to decide, and for some -few seconds there was silence while the three peered -away astern at the pursuers, who were steadily -coming up, while Mr. Blunt cast an anxious glance ahead. -The boat which he steered was now heading directly -down stream, and had increased her pace. But she -was showing only a little canvas, while the enemy had -their sail hoisted to its full height. That the gang of -ruffians would overhaul them was perfectly clear; -within five minutes they would be surging alongside, -with their rail grating against that of the vessel which -they were pursuing. -</p> - -<p> -"It is hard to say what we ought to do," he -answered slowly. "They are sure to come up with us, -and equally sure to lash their rail to ours. They know -that we are here, and will come tumbling aboard and -make a rush into the stern. Let us consider how many -we shall have to meet." -</p> - -<p> -"That is soon answered," spoke out Harold boldly. -"We have hit three. Six are left. Just two to one. -Why not change our places, sir? If we crept forward -as they came alongside, they would find the stern -vacated when they climbed aboard." -</p> - -<p> -"But they would find us in the end," interrupted -Dudley. "Why not try another trick? We can creep -forward, as Harold suggests, and then get aboard -their boat as they board us. A cut with a knife then -would alter matters. We should be able to sail away, -and——" -</p> - -<p> -"A pretty plan, and one which we will carry out -if we have the chance," cried Mr. Blunt. "It is quite -certain that if we stay here they will prove too strong -for us. We must make the utmost use of the darkness, -and it is agreed therefore that we go forward, -conceal ourselves under the rail, and as soon as they -are on board clamber across to their deck and cut the -ropes, for they are sure to lash the two craft together. -I will make my way forward, while you will take the -rope aft, Dudley. That is agreed. Then I think we -will take up our places at once. They are already very -near, and I reckon that within a minute they will be -alongside. Slip off one by one. Joyce, lead the way -please, and remember, there must be silence. We slip -aboard, cut the lashings, and make off. I will take -the tiller." -</p> - -<p> -It was high time indeed that they should make some -arrangement, for, as Mr. Blunt had said, the enemy -were even then within striking distance. The ruffianly -sailor who controlled the vessel on which the gang -were pursuing was a man who knew his business and -had steered a course on many an occasion. More than -that, the fellow had the eyes of a cat, for he seemed -to be able to make out the outline of the boat ahead -in spite of the darkness, and indeed, by sitting on the -deck, and getting his head as low as possible, had for -some while been able to discern the mast of the -fugitive boat against the stars above. He knew now that -his bow was in a line with the stern of the other -vessel, and with the knowledge that he was overhauling -her very rapidly he moved his tiller just a little -and sent his own craft swirling closer, so that her rail -would touch that of the one in front. -</p> - -<p> -"In a minute, comrades!" he sang out in execrable -Portuguese. "I am running alongside. One of you -take a rope forward and lash the rails as soon as they -meet. I will see to the job being done aft here." -</p> - -<p> -A call told him that his comrades understood, and -once more the ruffian put his helm over. The ships -touched a moment or two later, and by then the bow -of the pursuer was half-way along the side of the -boat on which Dudley and his friends crouched. A -minute later the boats were sailing on a dead level, -and the time had come to lash them together. The -sailor promptly left his tiller, and, snatching a length -of rope which he had placed at his feet, sprang at the -rail, while those who were forward carried out their -part of the task as rapidly as possible. A shout told -that they were ready, and within an instant the sailor -had left the stern and had run forward to meet them. -</p> - -<p> -"We have them at last, the dogs," he shouted. -"They were in the stern. Follow! Cut the lubbers -to pieces." -</p> - -<p> -He led the way on to the deck of the other vessel, -and close behind him came his comrades, all revolver -in hand, eager to be the first to shoot down the three -who had stood in the stern, and who had shot their -leader and two others of their number. They went -rushing along the deck, the sailor emptying his weapon -as he ran, for he took the gaunt outline of the mast for -one of the men he sought. -</p> - -<p> -"Our time to move," whispered Mr. Blunt. "Remember, -I go forward, while Dudley takes the rope -aft. I'll be with you in a moment." -</p> - -<p> -As silent as ghosts, and as active as cats, the three -slipped over the rails on to the other vessel, where -Mr. Blunt went on hands and knees and with wonderful -agility slid and scrambled along the deck. As for -Dudley, he ran aft, keeping his hand all the while on -the rail, and did not stop till it had struck upon the -rope which the sailor had placed in position. With a -slash he severed it, and then went to the tiller, there to -wait for his leader. As for Harold Joyce, he stood on -the deck opposite the point where he had clambered -aboard, and, crouching under the shelter of the rail, -waited, prepared to protect Mr. Blunt with his revolver. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile those who had swarmed aboard the boat -which they had been so feverishly following were at -a loss to understand what had happened. -</p> - -<p> -The sailor had quickly discovered that he had made -an error in firing at the mast, and as by then he was -within sight of the stern, he came to a sudden halt, -and sheltered his body behind the big mass of timber. -</p> - -<p> -"Shoot when you see them," he shouted. "They -must be lying on the deck. Give them a volley, -comrades." -</p> - -<p> -It was one of the gauchos who made the gang aware -of the fact that the stern was empty. He peered into -the darkness for a moment, and then rushed aft till he -came to the rail, his revolver held in readiness in case -his eyes should have deceived him. -</p> - -<p> -"Not here!" he called angrily. "This is where we -saw them when the last shot was fired. They must -have gone forward, or have dived into the cabin. -After them! We will riddle them with bullets once -we come upon them. Ah, peste take the man who -fired then! Be careful with your weapons." -</p> - -<p> -He turned savagely upon one of the gang, who, -thinking he saw a figure beside the rail a little for'ard -of the stern drew trigger on it, sending a bullet -dangerously near his comrade. Then, joining the sailor, -this gaucho led the way forward, this time at a slower -pace, searching every foot of the deck. -</p> - -<p> -"Empty!" exclaimed the sailor with an oath. -"Then they have gone into the cabin, and we shall -have a pretty business to get them out. What's best -to be done?" -</p> - -<p> -He turned on those who followed him, forgetful of -the fact that none knew English. But they seemed -to guess at his meaning, for the gaucho promptly led -the way back to the cabin. -</p> - -<p> -"An ugly place to search," he admitted as he made -out the outline of the roof of the saloon which Dudley -and Mr. Blunt had occupied, and came to a halt at the -short flight of stairs leading down to it. "A man does -not care to dive into a dark hole like that and be shot -down like a dog. The fellows are skulking behind -the door, and will see us before we can catch sight of -them. What's to be done? Coop them up below and -wait till morning seems the best way out of the difficulty." -</p> - -<p> -"And have a hundred busybodies asking what the -noise is about, and why we are so carefully shooting -white men on the river," shouted the man at his elbow, -pushing him aside indignantly. "What has to be done -must be done now. I'm going into the cabin." -</p> - -<p> -As if to let the occupants of the tiny place know -that he was coming, the ruffian emptied four of the -cartridges in his revolver into the door of the cabin, -sending the bullets ripping through the wood, and -thudding heavily against the bulkhead beyond. Then, -quickly following his messengers, he leaped to the -bottom of the stairway and burst into the saloon. -</p> - -<p> -"Empty!" he shouted a moment or two later. -"Not a soul in here. Where are the pretty birds?" -</p> - -<p> -Where indeed? The members of the gang raced -up and down the deck, searching vainly for the men -they wanted, and never even suspecting the trick which -had been played upon them. It was not till they had -felt in every corner, and come very near to shooting -one another in the confusion caused by their haste and -the darkness, that it slowly dawned upon their minds -that the birds had flown. Then they looked for the -ship on which they had taken passage, and which they -had slipped from her moorings not ten minutes before, -and were struck dumb with astonishment to find that -she was already some ten feet from them, and hardly -discernible in the darkness. Indeed it is probable that -they would not even now have suspected what had -really happened had it not been for a sudden commotion -close at hand. They had entirely forgotten the -noisy comrades who had gone ashore, and who had -since embarked on a small boat. Even Mr. Blunt and -his two stanch young friends had allowed the existence -of this other gang to slip their memory, for their -hands were very full. They had carried out their -scheme in absolute silence and with wonderful -celerity. They had severed the ropes, and then with a -whispered word to one another had placed themselves -along the rail of the captured vessel, and, keeping as -low as possible, had pushed the two boats apart. Not -till then had Mr. Blunt taken his station at the tiller. -He looked aloft, felt the river vessel cant as the wind -filled her sail, and then pushed at his tiller. -</p> - -<p> -"In a moment we shall have said good-by," he whispered. -"Listen to the rascals! They will be angry -when we are gone. Ah! Those other fellows! They -are just beside us." -</p> - -<p> -Both heard the splash of oars, and then the loud -calls of the men in the rowing boat. They had come -up with their comrades, as they thought, and when -Dudley looked over the stern rail there they were, -alongside, and getting to their feet so as to climb -aboard. He lifted his revolver and was on the point -of firing when Mr. Blunt arrested the shot. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't shoot," he whispered swiftly. "They do -not know what has happened, and their fellows aboard -our boat are also in ignorance. Get along the deck -and find something heavy, like the coil you prepared -before." -</p> - -<p> -A word was enough, and within a second Dudley -was running along the deck, bent double as he went. -And fortunate it was for him and his friends that he -was one of those lads who take in his surroundings -somewhat more thoroughly perhaps than do average -people. Everything that was novel interested him, -and a ship had always been a fascinating subject to -Dudley. He had made himself acquainted with every -corner and hole of the river boat on which he and his -employer had sailed from Buenos Ayres, as well as -that upon which they had descended the river, and -in both cases he had noted the fact that the vessels -carried a spare anchor hooked to the rail in the bow. -The memory of that spare anchor flashed across his -mind, and at once he ran up into the bow, making no -attempt to search for another object on the way. It -was there. His fingers gripped the heavy piece of -metal, and with a jerk he hoisted it from the grips -which held it in place. Then he returned at a run, -arriving breathless at the stern. -</p> - -<p> -"That should do," said Mr. Blunt. "Take the -tiller, and look out for shots. I'll do my best to teach -those employees of mine a little lesson in honesty. -Perhaps in future they will not take service with a man -with the express intention of robbing and murdering -him." -</p> - -<p> -He leaned over the rail, the anchor poised over his -shoulder, and glanced down at the men in the boat -alongside. They were calling angrily to one another, -for their evening ashore, and the darkness of the night, -had led to no little confusion. Each man wished to -be the first to climb aboard the vessel, while none were -directed to cling to the rail. And in consequence -it happened that no sooner did the majority of -them rise to their feet than the boat slipped away -from the side of the one they wished to board, and -they were forced to paddle again to come up with -her. -</p> - -<p> -"Keep quiet there!" shouted one of their number. -"Hold on there in the bow, while I get a grip here. -Then clamber aboard one by one. Hi, comrade, throw -us a rope!" -</p> - -<p> -He had caught sight of Mr. Blunt's figure, and -stood up to catch the expected rope. But it was a -very different missile which descended at his feet. -Mr. Blunt was not the man to muddle an affair like -this by missing his aim. He leaned well over the rail, -poised the anchor above his head, and then threw it -down into the boat with all the force of which he was -capable. There was a sickening thump as it struck -one of the rascals, and this was followed instantly by -the crash of splintering woodwork, and then by a -babel of sounds, oaths, threats, and cries of fear. A -shot was fired, while one of the more active of the -men, realizing what had happened, made a desperate -leap at the rail, and hung to it for a moment. But -it was for only a brief moment, for again a pistol -sounded, the sharp report drowning the shouts of -the men below. The man dropped into the water like -a stone, leaving Mr. Blunt staring down at the place -which his figure had occupied. Then it was the turn -of the rascals aboard the other boat. -</p> - -<p> -"Let them shout," said Mr. Blunt calmly. "They -are beaten, hopelessly beaten, for we have the legs of -them now. Keep down, lads, for it would be sad to -be hit now that the affair is almost over. That is, -over for us. For these rascals, I promise you and -them that it is by no means over. I will probe this -matter to the bottom. Whatever it costs I will -discover who is the ringleader, the scoundrel who sits -quietly down at Montevideo and incites men to make -an attack upon me, and I will do my utmost to punish -these brigands for their work to-night. Ah, there -go the pistols! Shoot till you are tired, my friends." -</p> - -<p> -A furious volley came from the men aboard the -boat which Dudley and his friends had so recently -left, and for a minute the shooting continued till -darkness and the increasing interval between the vessels -had separated the combatants. As for those who had -manned the smaller boat, into which the anchor had -been cast, their shouts were soon drowned by the river. -For the heavy piece of iron had beaten a hole in the -bottom of the craft, and in a little while she had filled -to the gunwale. Indeed, while those aboard the ship -now being left behind were emptying their revolvers, -their luckless comrades were struggling for life in the -water. More than one of the wretches sank almost -at once, while but two managed to reach the safety of -the bank and scramble ashore. The tables had been -turned, in fact. The rascally attackers, who had been -in such great force, and who had hoped to take -advantage of the Englishman, and secure his money, had -been badly beaten. They had lost many from their -gang, and, worse perhaps for those who remained—for -such desperadoes think little of losses,—they had -failed in their enterprise. -</p> - -<p> -The cheer which the trio aboard the escaping vessel -gave as they sailed away must have been maddening -to the ruffians. -</p> - -<p> -"That will tell them that we are alive and well," -said Mr. Blunt. "Later we will do more to prove -the fact. And now that we are under way, and have -some breath to spare, let me say how grateful I am -to this young gentleman. Shake hands, Mr. Joyce! -Your gallantry has saved our lives. Dudley Compton -and I are your debtors." -</p> - -<p> -Each in turn took the blushing Harold by the hand -and gripped his fingers warmly. This was his reward -for acting the man, and for the resolution and courage -which he had shown in the matter. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap14"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIV -<br /><br /> -BACK TO THE RANCHO -</h3> - -<p> -Great indeed was the happiness of the trio who -had made such an eventful escape from the gang who -had attacked them. As they stood in the stern of -their captured vessel, listening for a time to the shouts -of rage which followed them, and the occasional -pistol shots which echoed down the river, each of the -three was deeply grateful for what had been a most -lucky escape, and Dudley and Mr. Blunt in particular -felt that they were specially fortunate. -</p> - -<p> -"We can never hope for such luck again," said -Mr. Blunt, as he stood, tiller in hand. "Those rascals -would have murdered us as we lay in the cabin had -it not been for the warning we received. Come, -Mr. Joyce, tell us the whole tale again, and how it came -about that you were in this country, and took passage -with those men." -</p> - -<p> -Thus encouraged to speak out, Harold sat on the -edge of the rail, and for some ten minutes described -all that had happened. Nor did he neglect to -commence from the very beginning, for as yet his story -had come to the ears of his two listeners in scraps -only, interrupted by the shouts of the enemy. -Manfully, therefore, with no attempt to gloss over the -painful incident which had been the commencement of -all his troubles, and of Dudley's, he told how he had -stood aside and seen Dudley suffer, how remorse had -promptly attacked him, and how he had made a clean -breast of his fault at home, and then, with the consent -and encouragement of his father and mother, had -come out to Montevideo to find Dudley. His listeners -knew in what manner the strange meeting had been -brought about, but they were not aware of the fact -that Harold had arrived in Montevideo to hear that -Mr. Bradshaw, to whom Dudley had been sent out, -was dead, and that there was no trace of the lad he -sought; he had disappeared. -</p> - -<p> -Those were days when mails travelled from South -America often enough by sailing vessels, for there -were very few steamers, and it happened that the -letter which Dudley had written on his arrival in the -country, to his guardian, had reached home after -Harold had set out. Thus it was that the lad found -himself seriously embarrassed at the first stage of his -journey. -</p> - -<p> -"I could hear nothing of Dudley," he said, "and -so, after idling for a few days, I came, on the advice -of a rancher, up into this district. It was a piece of -pure bad luck taking passage with such a gang." -</p> - -<p> -"Your pardon! It was a piece of amazing good -fortune," contradicted Mr. Blunt. "For us, I mean, -of course; for, lad, had you not come up with those -fellows, had that rascally English sailor not been one -of them, and, above all, had you not had the courage -and resolution to do as you did, your old comrade and -I would not be here now. No, no more, Harold! -Dudley and I will listen to no more from you. We -know the whole story, and it is clear to us what has -happened. Lad, there are many people who get out -of line, who do mean and contemptible tricks. I am -not attempting to excuse your faults, let me tell you, -but, as I say, many people sin, and go on sinning. -You have learned a lesson from this fault. You have -turned over a new leaf, and as a man who prides -himself on his knowledge of human nature, I say -definitely, without fear of contradiction, that the lad who -can make up for his fault as you have done, who can -face the angry friends of the late captain of the -school, wrongfully accused, who can declare his own -guilt to his parents, and then, not content, can follow -out here, covering so many miles, with the one -purpose of meeting that old friend and asking his -forgiveness, is one who has good in him. You have -behaved nobly, Harold. From this moment Dudley -and I are your fast friends. We will prove it if you -wish. Come with us to the estancia and see the life -of the gauchos. You shall have a post under my -manager, and pay in proportion. There, lad, it's a -real pleasure to meet you." -</p> - -<p> -The tall, kindly owner of the estancia stretched out -one hand and gripped Harold's. Mr. Blunt was a -sympathetic man who seemed to be able to dip under -the surface, to read the thoughts and feelings of those -with whom he came in contact. There was some -magnetic attraction about him which drew young -fellows to him, which made him their friend almost from -the first moment, and led them to confide in him, just -as Dudley had done so soon after their chance meeting. -Was it extraordinary, therefore, if Harold -Joyce fell under the same spell? These were some -of the first really kind words he had heard for many -a day. The lad was deliriously happy. His troubles -had been sliding rapidly from his shoulders, and in an -hour, it seemed, he had regained his old friend, and -had won another. He gripped the extended hand, -shook it eagerly, and then burst into tears, tears which -he stifled in an instant. -</p> - -<p> -"I came out here to be a man, to act like one if -possible, and to show that I was not altogether bad," -he said, steadying his voice. "If you and Dud will -have me, why——" -</p> - -<p> -"You'll come, old chap," chimed in Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"I will. It will be ripping." -</p> - -<p> -"Then that is settled," said Mr. Blunt. "Now I -think it is high time we discussed some other matter. -We seem to have forgotten that we are sailing down -the Paraná in a strange vessel. The question is, shall -we drop anchor and wait till morning, or shall we -carry on down to Buenos Ayres?" -</p> - -<p> -"The question is settled already," burst in Dudley, -"for we cannot anchor if we wish to do so. You -forget that the gang who attacked us cut their cable -when we were escaping, and that you yourself tossed -the spare anchor into the boat which came alongside. -So far as I can see there is nothing to be done but -to carry on till morning." -</p> - -<p> -As it happened, however, the voyage downstream -which the trio had been compelled to make was shortly -afterwards brought to a sudden conclusion. It was -densely dark, and in consequence steering was -impossible, for it was seldom that Mr. Blunt caught a -glimpse of the banks. Indeed, some few minutes later -the boat grounded upon a bank of mud, coming to -a standstill so gently that those aboard were hardly -aware of the circumstances. -</p> - -<p> -"The difficulty vanishes," laughed Mr. Blunt, when -all were sure of what had occurred. "We may just -as well make ourselves comfortable for the remainder -of the night, for we are fast ashore. I don't think we -need fear a second attack from our enemies, for they -are far behind us, and if they venture to follow will -probably run past us without even seeing our spars. -But I fancy they will be too busy looking to their own -safety. They know very well that I shall take steps -to have a search made for them, though it is little -enough that one can expect from such action. Still, -there are police down at Buenos Ayres, and some also -at the settlements lying between us and that city. I -shall make complaints, and try to stir the authorities -up to some sort of action. But I fear little will come -of it, for the cities and settlements are too busy to -spare men for police duties, as a rule, while the -country is so vast, there are such numbers of unregistered -foreigners in it, that arrest of evildoers becomes a -rare occurrence. Still, I will make my complaints, -and will then return to the estancia. For the next -few months I will devote myself to the building of -forts, for I know now that the rascal who has on -former occasions caused attacks to be made on me is -still in the country. He will not rest after this. -There are a hundred cut-throats to be had in the ports -of Montevideo and Buenos Ayres, broken down -gauchos and other ruffians. We must make preparation -to meet them in case a second band is organized. -And now for a sleep. As I said, there is practically -no fear of interruption, for now that those rascals -have failed they will be eager to make good their -escape." -</p> - -<p> -Feeling secure against further attack, and having -assured themselves that their vessel was hard and fast -on the mud, the trio lowered the sail and stepped -down into the cabin so lately occupied by the Italian -and his rascals. The door had been left wide open, -and as a consequence the pokey little place had been -thoroughly aired. However, when the lamp had been -set alight, the feeble illumination it gave showed to -some extent the character of its late inhabitants. Tin -pannikins, some half-filled with spirit and water, still -lay on the table, while the stone jar had rolled on to -the floor, where it had smashed into a hundred pieces, -scattering them and what little was left of the -contents all over the cabin. Dudley at once took a broom, -which he found on the deck, and swept the boards -clean. Then some sacking was procured, and within -a little while all were fast asleep, Harold hugging -himself closely in some sacking; for the night had -been a little cool, and his soaking garments had not -conduced to warmth. -</p> - -<p> -A brilliant sun greeted the trio as they came on -deck on the following morning. -</p> - -<p> -"As I thought," said Mr. Blunt in tones of -satisfaction. "We are ashore on the mud, and should -be able to push the vessel off with poles. No damage -has been done to our craft, and we shall soon have -an opportunity of acting as navigators. But what -about some breakfast? Come, Harold, you shall be -our cook to-day, and Dudley shall supervise your -work. He is a practised hand after his life on the -pampas." -</p> - -<p> -The two young fellows ran off to see what the -ship's larder contained, and very soon a column of -black smoke was rising from the funnel which -protruded from the galley. As for Mr. Blunt, while he -waited the results of his two young friends' efforts, -he carefully surveyed his surroundings, and was -overjoyed to see, a mile or more up the river, and almost -wholly out of sight round a gentle bend, the boat -which he and Dudley had chartered. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I feel fairly sure of obtaining my goods -again," he said, as he watched the craft. "I see no -one moving aboard her, and as she, too, has run -ashore, I fancy the rascals who were aboard her have -decamped. But they shall hear from me later, and -in the meanwhile I have a bone to pick with the crew -of both vessels. It seems to me that they must have -known of this proposed attack, and have absented -themselves purposely." -</p> - -<p> -This was, indeed, the fact, for unknown to him the -crew of the boat he had chartered had slipped ashore -across the gangway soon after the hands he had hired -had made their way to the saloons; while the men -who manned the boat on which he found himself now -had dropped into their small boat and followed the -same plan. -</p> - -<p> -It was in the dinghy which they had used to get -ashore that his own hands had put out into the river -in order to join their accomplices. -</p> - -<p> -"Breakfast!" shouted Dudley, appearing at the -door of the galley in his shirt sleeves, and bearing a -smoking pan in his hands. "Now, Harold, pass Mr. Blunt -the bill of fare and get into the cabin to lay -the cloth. We shall want forks and knives." -</p> - -<p> -Harold Joyce, his face radiant, a merry smile on -his lips, issued on to the deck, slate in hand, and ran -to Mr. Blunt. A disreputable-looking object he -appeared, too, for he had merely a shirt, socks, and -overall trousers to clothe him, and they were by no -means improved by his immersion during the night. -</p> - -<p> -"Fish first, sir?" he cried, as he pushed his slate -before Mr. Blunt and pointed to the letters scrawled -in chalk. "We found a good supply, which was quite -fresh. Then we come to eggs, poached or boiled, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"'Pon my word, trust youngsters to look after a -meal!" laughed the owner of the estancia. "And -what a feast it is, to be sure! Fish, eggs, toast and -coffee! A bill of fare fit for a king! Boiled, please, -Harold, and if there is a good supply I can manage -two. By the way, lad, what about that wound? I -had forgotten it entirely, for you have not even -mentioned it." -</p> - -<p> -Harold flushed to his eyes again. "It's nothing at -all," he said hastily. "It did not even keep me awake. -However, you may see it if you wish." -</p> - -<p> -His shirt was all stained with blood about one -shoulder. Mr. Blunt therefore at once helped him -to slip the garment off. Then he examined the wound -critically; living as he did miles away from a -settlement, he had in course of time become quite -accomplished in the art of treating hurts, for the gauchos -often came to grief. -</p> - -<p> -"I should not make so little of it as you do," he -said with one of his friendly smiles. "However, the -ball has done no great damage. It struck the very -edge, slipped under the skin, and flew out again. The -wound is little more than skin deep, it is true, but -none the less painful. As soon as we get back to our -own vessel I will dress it, for I have nothing with me -here. Now let us have that breakfast; I admit that -I have a huge appetite." -</p> - -<p> -It was a merry party which sat down in the tiny -cabin below, and the jollity of the trio was not a little -due to the good fare placed before them. Dudley had -long since had lessons in camp cooking from Pietro -and the other gauchos, and could poach an egg so -well that even the most delicate appetite would be -tempted by it. He was an expert in the manufacture -of steaming coffee, and with Harold's help had -produced an excellent repast. -</p> - -<p> -"It was my first experience of cooking," laughed -Harold, as he tackled a piece of fish, "and I confess -I like the work. It interests me, and I shall devote -heaps of time to it. Then I mean to learn how to ride -these American horses, and how to shoot. Dud has -been telling me something about it all, and I am sure -I shall enjoy the life of the rancho." -</p> - -<p> -"Take your lessons from him, then," answered -Mr. Blunt. "He can shoot, as even the gauchos -admit, and they are very grudging with their praise -in that respect. He has a good seat in the saddle, -and above all he knows how to work with the men. -That is a great secret. The manager, the officer, -even the proprietor of a business, who has a way -with his men, who studies their comfort, respects -them, and gains their sympathy, while at the same -time insisting on obedience, gains as well their respect. -You must make that your aim, lad. Show the men -that you can ride and shoot, that you are not afraid -even of Indians, and then they will be friends of -yours. That reminds me; there are Indians near the -rancho. You will have to expect sudden raids, and -there is not the slightest doubt that now we who live -on the rancho shall carry our lives in our hands. -Now, does that deter you?" -</p> - -<p> -Harold shook his head vigorously. -</p> - -<p> -"If you and Dudley are there, that is good enough -for me," he answered briskly. "I shall do my best -to share in the fighting if the Indians come. But tell -me more about them, please. Dudley mentioned -something about a raid which was made quite -recently." -</p> - -<p> -As they discussed the meal Mr. Blunt outlined -their doings on the rancho since he and Dudley had -arrived from England, and did not fail to give due -praise to his young manager. The tale opened -Harold Joyce's eyes very wide indeed, and after that he -looked at his old friend with increasing admiration, -and swore once again that his old captain should be -his model for the future. -</p> - -<p> -"Now for work," said Mr. Blunt, when all the -good things had disappeared. "We will hoist the -sail first of all, and then push the vessel off the mud. -There is a fine fresh breeze blowing upstream, and -that should help us along wonderfully." -</p> - -<p> -"What will happen when we get opposite the port -again?" asked Dudley. "We have no anchor, and -if we drop our sail we shall soon drift downstream -again." -</p> - -<p> -"There is a simple way out of the difficulty," was -the prompt answer. "I will run her ashore on a soft -spot as near the port as possible. Then I will go to -the port authorities, make my complaints, and hire a -boat and a couple of men to take us down to our own -vessel." -</p> - -<p> -They laid hold of the tackle at once, and by dint -of much hauling finally got their sail up. Then the -wind helped them more than they had expected, for, -filling the sail at once, it drove them off the mud out -into the middle of the stream. A little movement of -the tiller brought the bow into the right direction, -and very soon they were bowling along towards their -destination. Indeed, in an hour they were opposite -the port, which consisted of an official residence and -office, a few private houses, and the odious saloons. -There was a patch of soft mud just above the wharf, -and Mr. Blunt calmly ran the vessel ashore there, -dropping the sail when she was securely embedded. -An hour later he and his young friends were aboard -their own boat. -</p> - -<p> -"As I thought," he said. "My complaints of those -rascals were listened to politely. The official was all -sympathy, but when it came to a question of action -he merely shrugged his shoulders and pointed out -that he had no one to help him. But he promised to -send a report down to Buenos Ayres, while I myself -will set private agents to work to make inquiries for -me. However, our friend the official has promised -to procure men to help in the loading, so that we may -be off to-night." -</p> - -<p> -Indeed, that same evening saw them sailing up the -river, their old crew having come aboard. -</p> - -<p> -"Of course they expressed the utmost surprise and -indignation," said Mr. Blunt to Dudley, as the -captain and his men filed aboard. "What can one say? -I suspect them strongly. In fact I am positive that -they kept out of the way purposely. However, they -are necessary to us, and the failure of their friends -will make them careful of their behavior in the future." -</p> - -<p> -On the following day the vessel put in at the port -at which Mr. Blunt's cattle were shipped, and they -found Pepito waiting for them there, while half a -dozen of the gauchos had ridden in to help with the -logs, and to carry to the estancia the goods which had -been bought in Buenos Ayres. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Harold, you will be able to pick a horse, -and try what it is to sit a South American saddle," -cried Dudley, as the party prepared to ride away. -"See here, I will give you a lesson in mounting." -</p> - -<p> -Pepito had brought Dudley's favorite horse to meet -him, and striding up to the beast he sprang into the -saddle with a bound which surprised the lad who was -watching. The reins were gathered up in an instant, -the feet seemed to find the stirrups by themselves, -and in a moment he was off. But Dudley swung his -animal round when fifty yards away, brought him -back at a gallop, and was on his feet beside Mr. Blunt -at the very moment when his horse came to a -standstill. -</p> - -<p> -"Just what I have been longing for ever since we -left for Buenos Ayres," he laughed. "Life on shipboard -may be very nice, but give me the open pampas -and a horse." -</p> - -<p> -"And me also," sang out Mr. Blunt, as he climbed -into his saddle. "You will learn it all in a little -while, Harold, and, like Dudley, will enjoy every -minute of the day. For me the life is fascinating, -and I'll be bound that you will find it the same. But -come along. Let us be off." -</p> - -<p> -Harold had had some practice with horses in England, -and he mounted the beast he had chosen without -so much as a qualm. But he soon found that an -American saddle and a fresh, almost wild, horse were -very different from pigskin and the hacks one usually -obtains elsewhere. Still, he sat well, and managed -his steed after a little practice. Indeed, he soon felt -so much at home that he was able to take some note -of his surroundings, and was delighted with the -pampas. As to the camp they formed that night, the -hearty meal, and his bed under the shelter of his -saddle, the boy simply revelled in the experience, and -woke as rosy and happy as possible. Within a week -he had quite settled down to the new life, and ever by -the side of our hero had ridden from end to end of the -rancho. By then a good proportion of the logs which -Mr. Blunt had ordered had been delivered at the -wharf on the river, and had been divided. -</p> - -<p> -"I have arranged for the work of fort building to -go on at each of the corrals at one and the same -time," said the owner of the estancia, as he and the -lads sat in the one room of the house one evening -after the day's ranching was done. "And I will give -you my reasons for such a step. A plan that appeared -some three weeks ago to be one demanding no haste -is now one which undoubtedly demands instant execution. -I shall not feel secure till all the forts are -erected." -</p> - -<p> -"Then have you had news of the roughs who attacked -us?" demanded Dudley anxiously, for ever -since the attack made upon them on the river he had -been thinking of the consequences. He had now -obtained some insight into the conditions of this portion -of South America, and knew that the Entre Rios -district was one which lay at the mercy of any -well-organized gang of brigands who cared to take to the -pampas. He had met a few of the neighboring -ranchers, all of whom had at some time been victims -of the Indian raids, or of sudden onset by white -outlaws, and he knew now how real was the danger of -which Mr. Blunt had warned him on the way out to -the country. "You have heard something?" he -asked. "What is the news, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is little, but what I have gathered is bad," -was the prompt answer. "I set agents to work, and -already I have had a report. The ringleader of the -gang who attacked us on the way up the river—I -mean, of course, the ruffian who organized them, but -who took no active part, has not yet been discovered. -But the authorities in Montevideo have had warning -that a gang is being formed. They have had -complaints about these marauders before, and as far as -possible they endeavor to send warning to the -ranchers. They tell me that it has come to their -knowledge that the graziers in the Entre Rios district are -to be attacked; but where the gang of rascals is now, -when they will commence operations, and of how -many they consist, the agents have no definite -information. So we must be prepared, for the storm will -burst when least expected, and those who have made -no preparation will go under. For that reason I am -setting all the hands I can procure to work at the -forts, and I shall not rest till they are completed." -</p> - -<p> -That he was ill at ease was evident, and from that -date, for a month, building operations went on feverishly, -and wooden forts were erected close to each one -of the corrals. Not till they were finished did -Mr. Blunt consider that he could spare Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -"I have waited till now, as an attack might come -at any moment," he said one day when each one of -the forts was declared to be ready. "We have now -finished the first portion of our plan. It remains now -to train the men, to teach them the signals, and to -accustom them to the use of the forts. After that -is done we must communicate with the neighboring -ranchers, and I will send you two youngsters to make -all arrangements. You shall set out at the end of the -week, and I will give you an escort, for you might -be attacked. Select your own men, Dudley, and let -me know who they are as soon as possible." -</p> - -<p> -The two young fellows could not repress the smile -of pleasure which wreathed their lips at the orders -just received. It meant that they would ride away -from the estancia, and that, added to the joy of -camping in the open, there might even be some adventure, -for the times were likely to be stirring. They selected -their escort, took a spare horse apiece, and one fine -morning rode from the estancia, armed to the teeth, -and prepared for any trouble which might happen to -come their way. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap15"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XV -<br /><br /> -DUDLEY MAKES A DISCOVERY -</h3> - -<p> -"There is the list of owners we have to call upon," -said Dudley, on the evening of the day on which they -had ridden from the estancia. "You see, there are -three Portuguese, whom Mr. Blunt describes as good -fellows; two Englishmen, with whom he has always -been on the best of terms; and one other individual -of whose nationality he is uncertain. He is really -our nearest neighbor, but somewhat cut off, owing to -a belt of forest. We shall visit him last." -</p> - -<p> -"The others are some distance away, I suppose?" -was Harold's question. "That means that we shall -be away some days. Then I act as cook. That's -agreed?" -</p> - -<p> -"So long as you give us something fit to eat," was -the laughing rejoinder. "One of the gauchos shall -help you, and you two will cook for the whole party. -I'll tell off two more to gather wood or thistle tops, -and one to fetch water. We will commence right -away, and so let everyone know what is expected of -him. Call the boys, Pepito." -</p> - -<p> -The young gaucho, whom Dudley had selected to -lead his escort, came with half a dozen men at his -heels trotting up to our hero, and pulled his horse -in with iron hands, which set the beast rearing and -plunging. -</p> - -<p> -"The señor called," he said, stroking his thin -mustache with the fingers of one hand, and looking -not a little proud of himself, for it was a feather in -his cap to be selected as the leader of Dudley's escort. -</p> - -<p> -"I called to inform you that we shall camp here -where we stand, for there is open pampas all round, -and a stream of water close at hand. Tell off a man -to help the señor here to do our cooking, and two -more to gather thistle tops or what wood there may -be lying about. I shall want another to get water -for the cooks, and the remainder will be broken up -into guards. We will commence right away by being -careful; then, if anyone does attempt to surprise us, -we shall not be taken so easily." -</p> - -<p> -"It is good advice, señor," came the answer. "I -have nine gauchos with me, and will tell them off as -you say. How many guards will the señor need? I -suggest four. There are twelve of us here, including -yourselves, and if the señors care to take their -turn——" -</p> - -<p> -"Care! Of course we shall share the work," sang -out Dudley briskly. "We are not going to lie under -our saddles and sleep all through the night when a -watch has to be kept. It will do us good to take our -turn. Divide the men into three lots of three, then, -Pepito, placing the señor here with one batch, yourself -with another, and myself with the last. We will -watch for two hours, and then the guards will be -changed." -</p> - -<p> -He waved his hand to show that the interview was -over, and then watched as Harold made his preparations -for the evening meal. The young fellow set to -work with a will, for camp cooking was an art which -had attracted his attention since he came to the -pampas. Up till then he could hardly have prepared a -rasher of bacon had he been asked, but the days he -had spent away on the estancia with Dudley, when -raw provisions were carried in their haversacks, and -had to be cooked before they could be eaten, had -taught him not a little, and the lad was beginning to -pride himself upon his ability. Selecting a hollow -down by the stream which ran close beside the camp, -he and the man told off to help him erected a fireplace -with boulders taken from the bed of the stream, and, -breaking open a cartridge, damped a portion of the -powder, setting fire to the train of dry grains which -led to it by means of a flint and steel, for matches in -those days were very precious out there on the -pampas. Driftwood from the bank of the stream had -already been piled over the powder, and very soon -there was a merry blaze. Cooking pots were now -produced, and for an hour, while Dudley and Pepito -were busily superintending the watering, feeding, and -grooming of the horses, the two cooks went on with -their work. -</p> - -<p> -"Roast deer, grilled bones, bread and coffee," -shouted Harold at length, appearing before Dudley -in his shirt sleeves. "Dinner is ready and waiting." -</p> - -<p> -"And so are we. Bring the boys, Pepito," sang -out Dudley. "Let us get the meal over before it is -dark. Then the men will have time for a smoke -before turning in." -</p> - -<p> -Out there on the pampas, when the first streak of -light found the camps astir, and the rising of the sun -often enough discovered the gauchos, already breakfasted, -their horses watered and fed, and themselves -mounted and away after the cattle, a man did not as -a rule wish to sit up late after darkness had fallen. -Candles, like matches, were scarce, and, besides, the -strenuous life, and the fresh open air, always had -their effect. The gauchos worked hard from -cock-crow till nightfall, and then, having supped and -smoked a pipe, they were content to fall asleep, as -if they were children, and make the utmost of the -hours of darkness. Scarcely an hour, therefore, after -their meal was ended, the camp was wrapped in silence, -eight long figures lying beneath blankets under -the shelter of as many saddles, while on the four -sides, spread out some two hundred yards from the -camp, rode the comrades who were on guard. Gaunt -and weird, too, did these latter look as the light of -a small crescent of the moon fell upon their figures. -Each man was wrapped in his poncho, which belled -out all round him, falling sometimes even lower than -his knees. Wide-brimmed hats were pulled well over -the ears, and in every case a thin rod stuck up above -the shoulder and head, standing out prominently -against the light of the moon, and showing plainly -that the gaucho carried arms. Sometimes the sturdy -fellows would sit like statues, watching and listening, -while their mounts, seeming to understand what was -expected of them, would stand without so much as -a move, waiting, like the patient and well-trained -beasts they were, for the word of their masters. -Perhaps a low whistle would sound across the camp, and -at once the men on guard would lift their heads and -would amble across to where the call had originated, -only to retire again within a minute. For the whistle -was a signal, and a prompt answer to it told the one -who had given it that his comrades were awake and -alert. -</p> - -<p> -"The two hours is ended. The señor takes the -guard." -</p> - -<p> -The tall figure of Pepito bent over our hero, and -with a start he was awake. -</p> - -<p> -"Two hours gone!" he exclaimed, as he rubbed -his eyes. "Why, I lay down only a minute ago! -There is some mistake." -</p> - -<p> -"There is none, señor. Two full hours have -passed, and you have slept all the while. I know that, -for I crossed close to you many times. The horses -are sleeping peacefully, señor, and there is nothing to -report. The moon falls in two hours more, so you -will know when to rouse the other guard." -</p> - -<p> -It was true. Dudley sprang to his feet, threw his -poncho over his shoulder, and ran off with his saddle -to where the horses were picketed. Two minutes -later he and his three gauchos took up their guard, -and patrolled round the camp. It was a new experience -to our hero, and many a time that night did he -see an enemy in some bush across the stream, which -on quiet investigation proved to be a shadow. For -he was like the young soldier taking sentry duty soon -after joining the ranks, who finds this unaccustomed -work at first somewhat trying. However, nothing -startling occurred during the night, and when the -sun flashed across the pampas on the following -morning it found the camp broken up, and Dudley and his -escort well on their way. -</p> - -<p> -A week later the little cavalcade was returning to -the estancia, having paid the last of their visits. -</p> - -<p> -"On the whole we have been very successful," said -Dudley, as he and Harold rode side by side. "We -have interviewed all the ranchers our employer sent -us to see, and they have agreed to bring their men -at once should they receive a signal. At the same -time we have arranged to keep one another informed -of the movements of the natives and of any strange -whites. By the way, I can't say I like that last -fellow we went to see." -</p> - -<p> -"Nor I," was the prompt answer. "He was a -surly beggar, and I caught him many a time scowling -at you, Dud. I thought, too, that his promises were -not sincere. He seemed eager to hear all about this -intended organization of the ranchers, and yet gave -me the impression that he cared little what became -of those owning estancias on either side of him." -</p> - -<p> -"Of whom Mr. Blunt is one, Harold. Yes, I too -thought the man queer. We will ask Pepito about -him." -</p> - -<p> -A call brought the gaucho cantering up at once, and -in a minute he was ambling along beside our hero. -</p> - -<p> -"I can tell you little about the owner of the last -estancia we visited, señor," he said. "There is no -love between his men and ours, and were it not for -the belt of forest which divides us I think there would -be trouble. As it is, our gauchos have met those from -the estancia we speak of, down in the settlements, and -knives have been drawn, and shots fired. It is even -whispered, señor, that those who pose as gauchos are -merely robbers. One of the men here can tell a tale -which will open your ears." -</p> - -<p> -"Then call him," was the prompt answer. -</p> - -<p> -A short and very swarthy gaucho galloped up at -Pepito's call, and sat his horse jauntily beside Dudley -while Pepito interpreted what he had to say. -</p> - -<p> -"This man says that once he met a gaucho down -at the cattle station on the river, and heard more than -he was intended to hear. The fellow had a pocketful -of money, and spoke over freely in his cups. He said -enough in any case to show our friend here that -service on this estancia from which we are now riding -was far more profitable than service elsewhere. He -scoffed at the very name of ranching, and hinted that -there was other work." -</p> - -<p> -"Other work! What can that have been?" asked -Dudley curiously, for to tell the truth the impression -he had gained of the last estancia owner he had -interviewed was not very good. The fellow had been curt -and almost openly rude. He was a swarthy, truculent -man, short of stature, broad, and with a decidedly -unpleasant cast of countenance. As to his nationality, -he was in all probability an Italian. He could speak -English fairly well, and Harold, who watched him -closely, could have sworn that the fellow had an -antipathy to all that was English. In fact, after the -interview was over, the two left the house with a -feeling of doubt, vaguely wondering whether the -individual who lived there would even lift a finger if his -neighbors were attacked. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what was this work?" asked Dudley. "If -the man scoffed at ranching, what else could there -have been? Out here on the pampas there is little that -one can do to earn a living except by looking after -cattle." -</p> - -<p> -Pepito turned to the dusky gaucho and questioned -him closely. Then he swung round to his young -leader and shrugged his shoulders. -</p> - -<p> -"Our friend cannot say definitely, for even a -gaucho in his cups has some caution. But this is -certain. The forest belt which separates us runs far -into the Indian country, and the man who owns this -estancia has friends there. It seems that on occasion -the Indians are invited to a feast, just to keep them -in good temper, and our friend here believes that more -than one Indian raid has been planned by this neighbor -of ours." -</p> - -<p> -The news came as a blow to Dudley, and for a while -he sat his horse in moody silence, while Pepito and the -other gaucho drew rein and retired at a wave of his -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"If the hint that we have just had has any truth in -it we have trouble to face," he said at last. "If this -fellow is a rascal, and makes friends with the Indians, -he is now possessed of all the information he wants. -He has heard of our forts, and of the agreement -between the ranchers, and in that case he will be fully -prepared. I think——" -</p> - -<p> -He broke off suddenly, and pulled in his horse with -a jerk. -</p> - -<p> -"You think? Yes?" demanded Harold eagerly, -for he too had gained an unfavorable impression of -their last host. -</p> - -<p> -"That it is my duty to look further into this matter. -You see, these Indian raids are very dangerous, -particularly for Mr. Blunt, for he lives right on the -Indian frontier. Now if the fellow we have recently -left is a rascal——" -</p> - -<p> -"As Pepito's friend seems to believe." -</p> - -<p> -"Exactly. If he is a rascal and harbors Indians -it explains why these raids are so sudden and so -successful as a rule. I noticed myself that in our last -affair the men who invaded the estancia retired in this -direction. I can see for what reason. They make for -the nearest and most secure shelter. They retire on -the forest, break up into small bands there, and each -band drives off a lot of cattle, knowing well that they -are secure, for they are on another estancia, and it is -a rule amongst the owners not to bring their men on -to a neighboring rancho." -</p> - -<p> -"And for the shelter given to the Indians our late -friend has some reward I suppose?" chimed in -Harold, a note of satire in his voice. -</p> - -<p> -"If he is a rascal, and if what I am surmising is -correct, then he undoubtedly has something in return -for what he does. There are scores of our beasts -unbranded at certain seasons of the year, and it must -be easy to pick out those animals, and leave the -remainder to the Indians." -</p> - -<p> -"While the man from whom the beasts are stolen -can never claim them, seeing that they do not bear -his brand. I see your meaning, Dudley," said Harold -thoughtfully. "In the same way this fellow may -harbor a crew of outlaws, and few would suspect that -the raids came from his estancia." -</p> - -<p> -"That was what I was thinking. I know that the -sudden onset of these ruffians, and their equally -sudden disappearance, have been puzzling questions for -Mr. Blunt. True, he and his gauchos have never -followed them more than a mile or two over the estancia -borders. But still, when they have come to inquire, -the neighboring gauchos and the owners of the estancia -have seen nothing of the raiders, till their turn -comes, perhaps weeks later. Everyone thinks that -the rascals disappear into the Indian country, but what -if they have their headquarters near at hand, and the -very fact of their being on an estancia owned by a -white man shelters them even from suspicion?" -</p> - -<p> -The very thought was sufficient to make Dudley -anxious, and for five minutes at least he sat his horse -like a statue. Harold looked expectantly into his face, -as if about to ask him a question, while just in rear, -obedient to every action of their leader, the gauchos -sat silently, the fringes of their leggings blowing in -the wind, and their steel bits jingling musically. -Something was in the air they knew, for why had their -leader called two of his following to his side? -Something told them that the señor was disturbed in his -mind, and, as if to give him every opportunity to get -to the bottom of this trouble, they sat as silent as a -band of ghosts, looking keenly into one another's eyes. -</p> - -<p> -As for Dudley, he felt that he ought to take some -action, and he was puzzled as to what it ought to be. -During the past half-hour the many tales which -Mr. Blunt had told him had been passing across his mind -with unusual vividness. He knew that his employer -had been raided time and again, just as other owners -had been. He remembered, too, that the roving bands -of outlaws and rascals who at times infested the -pampas had paid more than one visit, and had even burnt -Mr. Blunt out of house and home. On each occasion -they had disappeared as if by magic, to turn up again -days later many miles away. What if those bands -came from the neighboring estancia? -</p> - -<p> -"I will do it," he said aloud. "I feel that it is my -duty to set a watch on this fellow. We have still four -days to ourselves, for Mr. Blunt told me he did not -expect us to return till a fortnight had gone. We will -make the most of those spare days. We will turn and -ride back." -</p> - -<p> -With a swing he brought his horse's head round in -the opposite direction, and was in the act of cantering -away past the gauchos, when Pepito arrested his -attention. -</p> - -<p> -"The master returns?" he asked, with a lift of his -chin. "The señor suspects this owner whom we have -left, and means to watch him?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is my intention," was the short answer. -"About turn!" -</p> - -<p> -"One moment, señor! Perhaps the gauchos of this -man we have seen suspect that you do not like them. -Perhaps they have been instructed to watch you till -you are on our own estancia. Look at the forest. A -hundred men might be there, and would see us at once -if we turned. It would be better and wiser perhaps -if the señor made his camp close to here, and then -to-night we could mount and ride back till we were -in the forest." -</p> - -<p> -The handsome fellow lifted his hat deprecatingly, -as if to apologize for so boldly venturing his advice. -But Dudley was not the one to feel injured, -particularly when he remembered that Pepito had been -brought up on the pampas, and knew every trick. -</p> - -<p> -"Excellent, Pepito!" he cried. "Just ride round -as if you were hunting for a likely spot, and then we -will camp. Get the fire going, picket the horses, and -when darkness comes send out the guards. If anyone -has crept up close by, then they will see us settled for -the night. We will wait three hours before setting -off." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho gave a vigorous nod of his head, and -in a moment was cantering away, his eyes searching -diligently for a favorable camping site. Not that there -was much difference in the surroundings, for the -pampas spread on every hand, sweeping away in long and -slightly rolling knolls covered with waving grass right -to the horizon, save in the direction from which the -party had just come. There a dense line of dark -forest cut across the low skyline, the forest behind which -lay the estancia of the individual whom they had so -recently visited. Dudley stood in his stirrups for -some minutes, watching the long green band, wondering -whether there was ground for his suspicions, -whether the man who lived at the neighboring estancia -were honest, and merely possessed of an unfortunate -and surly manner; or whether he were indeed a rogue, -who harbored rascals, and organized the constant -raids from which the ranchers suffered. -</p> - -<p> -"Honest or not, I feel it my duty to look into the -matter," he said aloud. "If he is a respectable -person, then no harm will have been done, for I shall take -pains to keep out of sight of him and of his men. -If he is a rascal, why, then, perhaps I shall be able -to open the eyes of Mr. Blunt. He would be surprised -to hear that the attacks which he imagines are -organized in Montevideo are really the work of a -neighbor. And if that is actually the case, then I fancy -that within a little while we shall be able to put a stop -to any repetition of the trouble, and perhaps even may -see the end of this vendetta which has dogged his -footsteps for so many years, and which has so -constantly threatened his life." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you return and pay a second visit?" -</p> - -<p> -It was Harold who asked the question, with a -strange glint in his eyes, and so suddenly that Dudley -started. "I believe that you are on the right track, -and that the gentleman behind those trees is a rascal. -Dud, it would be fine to do something for our -employer. He has been good and kind to you, and to -me he has been even more. I'd do a lot to pay him -back in some manner." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you shall have the opportunity," answered -Dudley promptly. "If we are right, this little -business will be dangerous, for if they are rascals over -there they will shoot us on sight. We must chance -that, and I swear that we will not return till we have -cleared up the matter. Ah! Pepito has found a -camping ground for us, so we will dismount." -</p> - -<p> -They slipped out of their saddles and led their -horses to the pool which lay within a hundred yards -of the spot. Then the usual routine of the camp was -carried out. The horses were picketed, fed, and -groomed. Saddles were placed in a row close to the -fire, while Harold rolled his sleeves to the elbow, -produced his pots and pans, and commenced to prepare -the evening meal. And all the while one of the -gauchos slowly walked his horse in a wide circle round -the camp, as was the usual custom, his eyes constantly -roving the pampas, for the camp lay on the border -of the Indian country. On this occasion the gaucho -cast many a glance towards the forest, as if he, too, -were suspicious of the men living beyond that dark -barrier. Once even, as if he had seen something -suspicious, the active fellow clambered to his feet, and -stood to his full height on the saddle, one hand over -his eyes to shade them from the light. But evidently -he was satisfied at length, for he slid down again and -rode away to the opposite side of the camp. -</p> - -<p class="capcenter"> -<a id="img-269"></a> -<br /> -<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-269.jpg" alt=""HE STOOD TO HIS FULL HEIGHT ON THE SADDLE, ONE HAND OVER HIS EYES TO SHADE THEM FROM THE LIGHT"" /> -<br /> -"HE STOOD TO HIS FULL HEIGHT ON THE SADDLE, <br /> -ONE HAND OVER HIS EYES TO SHADE THEM FROM THE LIGHT" -</p> - -<p> -"It was nothing, señor," he said when Dudley -walked out to question him. "I thought I saw a -horseman come from the trees, and so clambered to -my feet. But there was no one there. I must have -caught sight of a shadow. The señor may feel sure -that there is none on the edge of the forest, for had -he been there I should certainly have seen him." -</p> - -<p> -Within an hour they sat down to their evening meal, -and, soon afterwards, darkness having fallen, they lay -down. On the outskirts of the camp four silent -figures rode to and fro for all the world as if the camp -were settled for the night, and as if the little party -had no intention of moving till the sun had risen once -again above the waving pampas. But the stillness of -the place lasted for one short hour only. Then Pepito -rose, called gently to the men, and led the way to the -horses. In three minutes all were mounted and ready, -while Dudley and Harold conversed in low tones with -the young gaucho who led the men. -</p> - -<p> -"We shall divide now into two parties," said Dudley. -"Pepito will take half the men and ride to the -left. We shall take the other half and make to the -right. An hour before dawn we shall return to this -spot, and, once we are all here, we shall ride away to -our own estancia. That is clear, I think?" -</p> - -<p> -"As daylight," whispered Harold. -</p> - -<p> -"The señor's words leave no room for doubt. We -divide now?" -</p> - -<p> -"At once," answered Dudley. -</p> - -<p> -They joined the men immediately, divided them in -silence into two groups, and in a moment they had -separated, each party sweeping away from the other -and riding in a direction which would take them to -that dark line of forest which separated Mr. Blunt's -holding from the neighboring estancia. -</p> - -<p> -What if Dudley and his friends had known that -while they lay in their camp that evening a band of -silent men, led by a short and repulsive-looking -individual, had ridden from the tumble-down house -located on the estancia beyond the forest, and had slowly -and cautiously entered the trees? And that is what -had actually happened. For no sooner had our hero -and his little party ridden away out of sight, than the -owner of this neighboring rancho had sent two of his -ruffians to follow and watch, and in the evening he -came, together with several others, to join them in -the forest where they had halted. It was one of these -horsemen whom Dudley's scout had seen. It was no -fancy on his part, and no mere shadow had deceived -his keen eyes. For men were there, a band of ruffians -armed to the teeth, and waiting only for the word of -their leader to ride down upon the peaceful camp -outside on the pampas and murder every one sleeping -there. -</p> - -<p> -"We will surround them, so that none can escape," -growled the surly leader. "Then, knowing the plans -of this Mr. Blunt, we will post men to cut off any -gaucho who may be sent with a message to the other -ranchers, and as the dawn breaks we will attack our -neighbors. At last, my friend, I shall be even with -you. You escaped my men on the river, just as you -slipped out of my fingers on two former occasions. -This time fortune is favoring me, and when the dawn -comes I shall have paid my debt. There will be no -longer a reason for the vendetta." -</p> - -<p> -The man clenched his fists and swore in Italian, -under his breath. Then, calling gently to his men, he -rode from the trees, and very soon was spurring down -upon the spot so lately occupied by Dudley and his -party. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap16"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVI -<br /><br /> -HEMMED IN ON EVERY SIDE -</h3> - -<p> -A small crescent of the moon rode high in a cloudless -sky on that eventful night when Dudley led his -little band back towards the dark forest line behind -which lay the estancia that they had so recently -visited; and the faint light it shed helped them not a -little as they rode. -</p> - -<p> -"We are fortunate," whispered Dudley to Harold, -who jogged along beside him. "If it had been one -of those pitch-dark nights which we have on occasion, -we should have found it difficult to discover even the -forest, for it is wonderful how easily one loses one's -bearings on the pampas." -</p> - -<p> -"Even during broad daylight," came the answer. -"Why, time and again I have found myself at a loss, -and have wondered which direction I ought to take. -Then I have remembered the advice which Pietro -gave, and soon I have got my direction from the sun. -But we are lucky to-night, as you say. There is the -forest, and there—yes, there is Pepito and his -following." -</p> - -<p> -They pulled in their horses for a minute and stared -steadily ahead to where, stretching ghostly and -silently across their track a mile away, lay the forest -line, the belt of trees which separated them from the -estancia towards which they were riding. What -might not be in store for them there? What -unthought-of danger might they not be about to -encounter? -</p> - -<p> -"I am sure, as sure as a fellow can well be, that -the man who lives over there is a rascal," murmured -Dudley, as if speaking his thoughts aloud. "If ever -there was 'ruffian,' written upon a man's face, he had -it on his; and the more I think of Mr. Blunt's tales, -of the attacks with which he has had to put up, and -the mystery which surrounds the brigands who have -made these attacks, the more sure I am that there is -something in our suspicions. There is good reason for -them, and to-night we will do our best to settle the -matter." -</p> - -<p> -"And supposing you find evidence that this fellow -is a ruffian," asked Harold thoughtfully, "will -you——?" -</p> - -<p> -"Attack him promptly? No, Harold, that would -be doing too much. I have no orders to interfere with -him, and besides I should hardly be able to obtain -evidence that he or his men had actually made a raid on -Mr. Blunt. No, our best plan, if our suspicions are -confirmed, will be to slink away, and, once we are -back home, help our employer to make other plans. -Then we will set a net for the fellow, and one of these -days perhaps he will fall into it. In any case we shall -be warned of the danger, and after that it will be our -own fault if this man is successful. Ah, there is -Pepito! I can see his men distinctly. We will move on -again." -</p> - -<p> -Away to his right, dimly illuminated by the feeble -rays of the moon, a ghostly band of riders could be -seen jogging slowly on towards the forest, and a -glance told Dudley that the men he saw must be part -of the escort which he had brought from the estancia. -He shook his reins, pressed his knees into the flanks -of his horse, and set the beast in motion. Then his -eyes left the silent band riding under the moonlight, -and fixed themselves on the forest line ahead. And -presently, as the distance decreased, he was able to -make out the tops of the trees, which were moving -in the breeze, and later even caught the whisper of the -leaves, and the distant creak of swaying branches. -Down below the summits of the trees the same dark -line continued, save for a small break here and there, -where the faint light from the sky filtered in between -the trees. -</p> - -<p> -Nothing else could be seen, and though he searched -every foot of that dark line with his eyes, he -discovered nothing to cause him alarm, or to warn him of -the dark figures hovering in the forest. For some -few feet within the shadow cast by the trees a silent -band sat their horses, waiting the word of the squat -individual who rode at their head. -</p> - -<p> -"The fools! To think that they should play so -nicely into my hands!" this leader whispered to the -man at his elbow. "Here were we, sure that the -knaves suspected us, about to ride out with the hope -of surprising their camp. Gauchos are the same all -over the pampas, and who knows, it is more than -likely that their guards would have discovered us, and -to take them all would have meant a long and fast -gallop across the plains, a thing that neither you nor -I like, <i>amico</i>." -</p> - -<p> -A grunt from his companion told this leader that -the man heard and assented. -</p> - -<p> -"Even a gaucho may be thrown and killed when -galloping at night," he answered sourly. "There was -Guino, an old comrade, who broke his neck -when——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, I remember," was the hasty interruption. -"But to return to these fools. They have saved us all -that trouble. Instead of our riding out and attempting -to surprise their camp they come to us. You hear me? -They ride to the forest, thereby placing their necks -in the noose we have prepared, and showing me -plainly that if I was suspicious of them, they also had -little faith in me. Good! They shall be captured. -You have placed the men?" -</p> - -<p> -"They are in position, señor. They await your -whistle." -</p> - -<p> -"And you gave them strict orders to do as I -said?" -</p> - -<p> -"They understand what is wanted of them thoroughly. -These men are to be captured. Our fellows -would sooner kill them at once and have done with -them. But you have reasons for saving their lives, -and our fellows are not fools." -</p> - -<p> -The man answered sourly, as if he considered his -leader to be acting stupidly, and showed plainly that -if the order was that this band of inquisitive gauchos -and their English leaders was to be captured unharmed, -he at least was not in favor of such a policy. -</p> - -<p> -"I have given the order strictly," he added; "but -were I in your shoes I would wring the neck of every -one of the dogs." -</p> - -<p> -"But you are a fool," came the short, curt answer, -while the squat figure turned in the saddle and faced -the man who had just spoken, the ugly leader of the -band of ruffians peering into his lieutenant's face with -such a malignant expression that had it been light the -man would have started backward. As it was he had -incurred the anger of his master more than once -before, and even though the darkness hid the scowling -face which was thrust within a foot of his, this ruffian -cringed, and sat far back in his saddle, muttering -beneath his breath. For Antonio Sarvisti had a -reputation. He was the leader of a band of lawless men, -and knew that such a position was no sinecure. Words -meant weakness. Disobedience on the part of one of -his men, if left unpunished for an instant, would lead -to mutiny, and then a swift death would be the reward -of the leader. No, Antonio had a short way with his -following, and a hand which went quickly to his -revolver. A lesson now and again was of advantage, -and this ugly leader was not the man to hesitate. He -was one of those ruthless savages who know how to -command desperadoes. He held them at arm's length, -treated them more as children, allowed them to quarrel -and fight as much as they liked amongst themselves, -and, like the astute ruffian he was, whenever they -showed signs of discontent he at once organized a -raid with which to distract their attention, for he well -knew that the mere thought of the booty which they -would gather would sweeten their tempers. But whatever -happened, strict obedience to his mere nod was a -point on which he insisted, and the smallest breach -meant always the crack of a pistol and a bullet in the -head of the one who had misbehaved. Even the surly -individual who acted as Antonio's lieutenant was never -free from the haunting fear that he too might fall a -victim to his leader, and it was seldom that he -presumed upon his position. At this very moment he sat -back in his saddle, staring fearfully at the squat figure -of the Italian, while one hand instinctively slid -towards the pocket which held his revolver. -</p> - -<p> -"You heard," came the sharp question from Antonio. -"I said you were a fool, and now I think you -a bigger one, for your hand is near your revolver, -while, if you will only look, my weapon is within an -inch of your face. There, feel it!" -</p> - -<p> -The cold ring of steel touched the gaucho's forehead, -sending a shiver through his frame and causing -him to start back. Beads of perspiration burst out on -his face, while his hands trembled. For this Antonio -was marvellous. -</p> - -<p> -"Preserve us!" he murmured with quivering lips. -"The man sees like a cat. Señor, I am at your -mercy." -</p> - -<p> -"As you will always be," was the answer, given this -time in softer tones. "Antonio Sarvisti is not the -man to be played with, and if he makes one of his -band a lieutenant, with higher wages and a bigger -share of the booty—a bigger share, mind you, -<i>amico</i>,—he expects greater obedience from that man. But -there; we will not quarrel, you and I. Thank the -fates that you are not in my shoes, and learn to -understand that I have always a reason for every action. I -could have shot you like a dog a moment ago, but then -I should have alarmed the fools who are riding into -our net. A reason, you see, amico. Then you will -gather that I have something in my mind which causes -me to order that these men shall be unharmed. -Listen! If they are shot down and killed, and if -afterwards I am successful in slaying my enemy in -the estancia over there, the deaths of so many gauchos -will arouse a cry throughout the pampas. The -owners are already attempting to combine. They would -gather their forces at once, and it is likely that -information would reach them that it was on this -estancia that the trouble had commenced, for one of these -men might escape. Now, do you see my meaning? -You would raise a hornet's nest about us. Secure -these gauchos, kill this Mr. Blunt, and I warrant that -within a month our captives will take service with us. -There, silence now! The fools are getting near." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley and his men were indeed within a short -distance of the forest line by now, and it looked as if -they would ride right into the trap which had been -set for them without taking any precautions. But, -suddenly, as the rascals within stared out from the -shadows, they saw our hero lift his arm above his -head and bring the band to a standstill. Almost at -the same instant a shrill whistle sounded away on the -right, a signal which all knew came from Pepito. -</p> - -<p> -"Something wrong, I think," said Dudley to Harold, -who rode up to his elbow. "I called a halt here -as I could see no easy way into the forest. Everything -looks so black ahead that I thought it wise to -send a man to search for an opening. And now -Pepito gives a whistle. What can be the reason?" -</p> - -<p> -They sat their horses there, uncertain how to act, -and never dreamed that within a few yards of them, -hidden beneath the dense shadow and the foliage, -Antonio Sarvisti and his men lurked unseen. Not a -whisper reached their ears, though a minute later one -of the gauchos spurred his horse to our hero's side -and warned him that he had heard movements in the -forest. -</p> - -<p> -"There are men there, señor," he said in low and -warning tones. "I heard them as they moved. This -owner whom we have come to watch is there with -his following, and we are in danger of attack. There! -That was a horseman. I heard the hoofs of the beast -moving over the fallen leaves." -</p> - -<p> -"And here is Pepito," said Dudley suddenly, -catching sight of a band of horsemen riding towards him -across the pampas. "You say you heard men moving. -Perhaps Pepito has heard the same, and in that -case there will be nothing left for us but to retreat -as fast as possible. Give a whistle, my man." -</p> - -<p> -An answering signal was sent, and very soon, spurring -hard and galloping as fast as possible, Pepito -and his men arrived on the scene. -</p> - -<p> -"Your pardon, señor," he said, as he pulled his -panting horse in within a foot of Dudley. "We were -about to enter the forest through a gap, when sounds -came to our ears. It may have been the wind, though -I think myself that it was caused by horsemen. After -that I did not venture to enter, but signalled so that -you would be warned." -</p> - -<p> -"We have found the same here. One of the -gauchos declares that he heard horsemen moving over -the fallen leaves, Pepito. If that is the case these men -are watching us, and are prepared to attack us. I -think we had better ride away on to the pampas, and -make direct for the estancia." -</p> - -<p> -"The señor is right," came the prompt answer. -"It would be madness to enter now. Better collect in -a ring and gallop away at our fastest pace. If men -are there they will surely fire at us the instant we move -away, and if we went slowly we should be killed." -</p> - -<p> -"While if we ride in a bunch we shall as certainly -make an excellent mark for their bullets," exclaimed -Dudley, at a loss how to act, for he had never anticipated -such evil fortune as to be discovered in the very -first stage of his enterprise. Even now he could -hardly believe that the actions of his little band had -been watched, and that men were within the forest, -ready to pounce upon his following when they entered. -Nor did he even dream that Antonio Sarvisti, the -evil-faced owner of the neighboring estancia, had -already laid his plans to capture the whole party, and -afterwards to fall upon Mr. Blunt and the remaining -gauchos, and do his best to kill the former and wreck -his estancia. -</p> - -<p> -"We will gallop away now," Dudley said, after a -moment's thought, "and as we ride we will separate. -Pass those orders. Are all ready?" -</p> - -<p> -He waited for a few seconds, so as to make sure -that all understood, and was on the point of giving -the signal for the retirement of the whole party, when -suddenly a voice was heard from the forest, a voice -the tones of which he and Harold instantly recognized. -</p> - -<p> -"Ride if you will, señor, and be shot down by my -men. But if you will take your orders from me you -will at once throw down your arms and dismount, -for I have sixty men here, and each one has a rifle -trained on you. Dismount, señor, instantly!" -</p> - -<p> -The words came like blows, so unexpected were -they. In a flash Dudley saw himself and his men -prisoners, and the task which he had set himself, and -from which he had hoped for so much, turned into a -terrible disaster. In a second he realized that all his -suspicions of this Antonio Sarvisti were more than -well founded, and that the capture of his little band -would leave Mr. Blunt and his estancia open to instant -attack. The forest was before him, black and forbidding, -and sheltering beneath its deep shadow the ruffian -whose movements he had returned to watch, while -behind lay the moonlit pampas, and freedom if he -could but escape. Then he thought of the rifles, -which no doubt covered every member of his band, -and realized that a movement of the horses would -mean death for many of his men. Surrender alone -seemed to be left, and then—— -</p> - -<p> -"Pepito," he whispered, "there is only one course. -Will the men support me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Try them, señor," came the crisp answer. -</p> - -<p> -"Then let them dismount as if about to surrender. -The instant they are off their horses they are to lie -full length and wriggle forward into the forest. We -will fight these fine fellows in their own cover." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, the señor has thought it out?" came the -jeering question from the forest. "He is about to -surrender. That is well. Dismount and no harm -shall come to you." -</p> - -<p> -Without troubling to reply, Dudley flung his leg -across the pommel of his saddle and slipped to the -ground, each one of the party following his example. -Then, in less time than it takes to tell, all were on -their faces and creeping rapidly towards the cover. -</p> - -<p> -"Treachery! Fire on them!" shouted Antonio, -suddenly realizing that a trick was being played. -"Call the flanks out into the open and let them -surround these men as was arranged. Fire on them, or -they will give us trouble." -</p> - -<p> -The squat figure of the rascal showed up for one -instant, as a gleaming ray from the moon penetrated -through a break in the trees and fell upon him, then -he, too, slid to the ground, and in a flash was hidden -from view. A second later a volley spurted from the -dense cover in front, the bullets ripping the leaves -and hurtling out over the pampas. Then there came -a solitary shot. Crash! A rifle, fired from a point -some six yards away, suddenly lit up the dense darkness -of the forest, while a ball whizzed over Dudley's -head and thudded against the flanks of one of the -horses. The poor beast rose high in the air and stood -there poised on his hind legs; then he lost his balance -and tumbled backwards with a crash. But he was up -in an instant, and began to lash out in all directions, -kicking the other horses till all were in a condition of -terror. -</p> - -<p> -Crash! Another shot startled the silence, and then -came a cry, the sharp call of a man who has been -wounded. It was Pepito, who lay just beside Dudley, -and at that moment was creeping into the shadow of -a bush on the very edge of the forest. But he was -not the lad to make a fuss because a bullet had ripped -a hole through the muscles of one of his thighs. One -sharp cry of pain he gave, and then, setting his lips, -and fixing his eyes on the spot from which the shot -had come, he raced forward, bending low all the while -and gripping his hunting knife in his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"One to us, I think!" he heard someone exclaim -in low tones. "Now for number two." -</p> - -<p> -The gaucho's keen eyes could even penetrate the -darkness of the forest, and as he sat on his heels, -waiting for the man who had fired to show himself, -he saw a barrel pushed through the fork of a trunk -within three feet of where he sat. A white blotch -behind showed where the man's face was, and gave -Pepito all the information he required. With one -bound he reached the tree and threw the muzzle of -the weapon up just as the man pulled the trigger. -Then, ere the flash had died down, he had reached -behind the trunk, had dragged the ruffian who had -fired closer to him, and with one stroke of his knife -had sent him to his end. -</p> - -<p> -"So let all robbers die," he murmured, as he -stooped over the man. "We will speak to the others -in the same way." -</p> - -<p> -Assuring himself that the man was dead, he fell -on all fours again, and crept back towards Dudley, -narrowly missing a shot which one of his own gauchos -fired at him as he came. -</p> - -<p> -"A blow for a blow, señor," he said. "The ruffian -hit me through the thigh and has been punished. -The others have gone, I think, for they know well -that here in the forest we are equal to them." -</p> - -<p> -"Then get the men together and set a watch all -round," was the sharp order. "After that we will -place two men to cover the horses with their rifles, -for it would never do to have them captured." -</p> - -<p> -"And then, señor?" -</p> - -<p> -"We will wait. There is nothing more that we can -do, for if we attempt to move through the forest we -shall certainly be attacked. Those fellows have a -clever leader, who saw at once that in the darkness -of this place we had as much chance as he and his -men. But you may be sure that the rascals are all -round us, ready to fire a volley into us the instant we -move or rise to our feet. As to how long we shall -wait I do not know; but if only the moon would go -down our course would be open. We should rush to -the horses and ride for our lives." -</p> - -<p> -The predicament in which Dudley and his following -found themselves was indeed by no means a pleasant -one. It is true that they had escaped capture for the -moment, but it was very doubtful if they were any -the better off for that; for retreat across the pampas -meant disaster, and the volley which had greeted them -as they threw themselves on to the ground had told -them plainly that they had an overwhelming number -to deal with. The wonder was, in fact, that one only -of their party had been wounded, and that the bullets -had whistled over the heads of the others. A minute -later the aspect of affairs was seen to be even worse, -for no sooner had Pepito placed his guards on every -side than he himself went to look at the horses, -creeping like a snake through the forest as he made for -the edge, for to have stood up would have meant to -invite a bullet. -</p> - -<p> -"Gone!" he exclaimed, with an exclamation of -dismay, as he stared into the open. "Those robbers have -been too quick for us. We are cornered, and can -never escape." -</p> - -<p> -He crept back to Dudley's side with his tale, and -there for some few minutes lay at full length, -whispering to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Gone, señor," he said with a groan, "as if they -had vanished into the night. There is no trace of -them, though I looked to right and left. The rascals -must have driven them into the cover. We are -cornered. Escape is out of the question." -</p> - -<p> -"Never say die!" answered Dudley stubbornly. -"Things look nasty, I admit, but we are not taken -yet. But there is something else which is worrying -me. Listen, Pepito! We must send a warning to -Mr. Blunt, for I can see the game which this fellow -and his men are playing. We thought to take them -unawares, and to find out all about them; while they -must have seen that we suspected them. More than -that, once they had heard from us of the intended -combination of the owners of the estancias, they saw -that instant action on their part was necessary, or we -should soon be too strong for them. Our faces must -have told them what we thought, and have warned -them of the report we should give to Mr. Blunt. The -rest is clear." -</p> - -<p> -"Clear, señor. I do not understand," answered -Pepito. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will tell you. The rascals decided to -attack us at once and capture every one of our band. -Then that report would never reach our estancia; -while, instead of our arriving, this Italian—for that -I think he is—would raid the place with his ruffians, -and as likely as not kill our employer and those who -attempted to defend him." -</p> - -<p> -An exclamation burst from the gaucho spread full -length at his side. "Then that explains their presence -here, señor," he said. "They followed us, and were -waiting in the forest to ride out and surround our -camp. And we, thinking to watch their movements, -raised the camp, and rode back here into their arms. -Bah! It makes one's blood boil to think that we have -had such evil luck. But you were saying, señor, that -you had some trouble." -</p> - -<p> -"I have," replied Dudley decidedly. "We have -others to think of. There is Mr. Blunt; he must be -warned. Someone must creep away from here and -make for the estancia. I would go myself, but I am -in command, and stand or fall with my men." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will go," came the prompt answer, while -Pepito sprang eagerly to his feet, only to fall again -the next moment; for now that the contest had slackened -and active movement had not been necessary for -some few minutes, the fact that he had been wounded -was borne in on his mind. He had felt the stinging -blow given by the bullet, and had at once determined -on revenge, for this handsome and gallant gaucho had -the hot blood of Spain in his veins, and to him a blow -received demanded an instant return. But punishment -had been given, the enemy had for the moment -been forced to retire, and now the pain of his wound -returned. The injury was not a very serious one, but -sufficient to make the limb stiff and movement painful. -It was clear at once that the task of reaching the -estancia was, for him at least, an impossible one. -</p> - -<p> -"More evil luck!" he groaned. "This wound -would tire me before I had gone many miles, even on -a horse. The task falls to some other man. If the -señor will permit I will choose one who is crafty and -brave." -</p> - -<p> -A minute later, indeed, he had called one of his -gauchos to his side, where he repeated the orders -which his young leader gave. -</p> - -<p> -"You will creep out into the forest and search for -a horse, <i>amigo</i>," he said. "Take your pistol and knife -only, and strike hard if you should meet one of the -robbers. When you are through, ride for your life -and warn them at the estancia. Let them gather the -other owners and the gauchos and bring them, back -here at the gallop. There, go. You are brave." -</p> - -<p> -The man, a young fellow of Pepito's own age, -merely grunted his assent, gripped Dudley and his -comrade by the hand, and at once crept off into the -cover like a snake. Behind him he left the remainder -of the little band, crouched low amid the trees and -brambles, listening, listening eagerly for a sound. -Once they heard a sharp crack, the sound made by a -man who has trodden on a dried stick, and a second -later a low thud, a gurgling cry, and then a second's -silence. But the stillness of the forest did not last for -long, for once more the voice of the leader of the band -of rascals was heard. -</p> - -<p> -"Fire!" he shouted. "They are trying to move -through the forest. Give them a volley." -</p> - -<p> -Hardly had the words died down when from every -point, from right and left, and from the pampas even, -spurts of flame lit up the darkness, while bullets -ripped through the leaves, sending a shower to the -ground, ricochetting from the trunks of the trees, and -singing through the air in a manner sufficient to awe -the boldest. Some two minutes later the gallant -gaucho who had made the attempt to slip through the -hands of the surrounding enemy crawled to Dudley's -side again. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, señor," he whispered, "the net is drawn -too closely even for a snake to escape. By an evil -chance I happened to tread on a dried stick, and in an -instant one of the ruffians was upon me. He died, -señor. My blade found a spot between his shoulders, -and he dropped without a word. There were others -near him, and for that reason, seeing it was impossible -to advance, I returned to warn you. We are surrounded." -</p> - -<p> -The news was only too true. Dudley and his men -were now hemmed in on every side. Enemies surrounded -them so closely that, as the gaucho had said, -even a snake stood little chance of being able to crawl -through. Their horses were captured, their retreat -cut off, and the least that could be said of their -position was that it was desperate. Surrender, a miserable -ending to all their hopes and ambitions, stared them -in the face, and, worse than all, perhaps—a fact -which recurred time and again to Dudley,—the -capture of his little party meant more even than -imprisonment. He could see the matter very clearly now, -and realized that once he and his men were caged there -was nothing to prevent this rascal Sarvisti from -riding down on the lands owned by Mr. Blunt and -utterly annihilating all who lived there. As if in a -dream he saw the comfortable house on the estancia -in flames, and on the threshold the body of Mr. Blunt, -done to death by this enemy who had so often and in -so many ways attempted to kill him. -</p> - -<p> -"It shall never be," he said aloud, clenching his -fists. "While I live I swear that I will stop this -ruffian. I will never surrender!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap17"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVII -<br /><br /> -FIGHTING IN THE FOREST -</h3> - -<p> -"I will never surrender! However hopeless matters -look, I will fight these rascals, for to give in now -means almost certain death to our employer." -</p> - -<p> -Dudley gave expression to his thoughts aloud, and -as he spoke brought one clenched fist down upon the -root of a tree against which he lay, with a thud which -all could hear. About him, spread full length in the -grass and brambles, and separated here and there by -the trunk of a tree, lay his little band of followers, -the gallant fellows who stood between him and capture. -Grim and stern they were too, and, if only it -had been light, Antonio Sarvisti, could he have seen -them, would not have been so confident. For Dudley -had already proved his pluck to the gauchos. He had -once before led them through fighting and difficulty, -and for that very reason, now that matters looked so -hopeless, they whispered to one another that their -good fortune was not yet gone, that they still had -their young leader, and that he would bring them out -of this scrape just as he had done out of a former. -At his words they edged a trifle nearer, strained their -ears, and then, as the meaning of the words was -interpreted to those who had but a poor knowledge of -English, they set up a cheer which astounded the -enemy. -</p> - -<p> -"The dogs!" exclaimed Antonio Sarvisti, emerging -from the cover of a tree some twenty yards away. -"That cheer sounds as if they were full of confidence. -They surely can have no hope of escape, and when -the light comes they will have no other course but to -surrender, for we shall be able to shoot them down -like rabbits. Eh, <i>amico</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -His sour-faced lieutenant, a gaucho who had been -in the rascal's employ for many a year, and whose -predatory life seemed to have embittered him, growled -a reply, and he stood for a while beside him, listening -to the faint sound of conversation which came from -Dudley's party, while he chewed a leaf thoughtfully. -It was clear that if his employer were sanguine as to -the result of this contest, this rascal had many doubts, -for he shook his head, tossed the leaf to the ground, -and carefully sheltered himself behind a tree. -</p> - -<p> -"A cheer is a cheer anywhere," he answered surlily. -"We have been expecting a call to say that they -wished to surrender, and now they set up a shout -which proves that they are still of good heart. What -if the cheer means that one of their number has -escaped?" -</p> - -<p> -The very idea of such a thing caused the Italian -leader to grind his teeth. But a moment's reflection -reassured him. -</p> - -<p> -"Pshaw!" he exclaimed, with a somewhat feeble -attempt at a laugh. "That, we know, is not the case. -They have made the attempt, and have failed. True, -the dog who tried to slip through killed one of our -number; at least that is the report brought to me. -But I swear that not even a mouse could break -through. They are cooped in, and when the dawn -comes, ah!" -</p> - -<p> -"You will not be able to shoot better than they," -exclaimed his right-hand man. "Think! We are -here in the forest, which is as dense as can be. Can -we see them better than they can see us? Are we -under finer cover than they? Pooh! They have a -smart leader, who took the only possible course, and -for my part I believe that we have hard work before -us. That young fellow who leads them will not give -in too hurriedly. He has seen some fighting, you must -remember, and he knows the value of his position as -well as you do. Besides——" -</p> - -<p> -"Besides what?" demanded Antonio, an oath escaping -his lips, for the words of his lieutenant roused -his smouldering anger. "What, man? You are ever -the one to croak. What is the trouble now?" -</p> - -<p> -"I was about to say that even if this youngster -were inclined to surrender, for the sake of his own -skin, there is something else which will keep him -fighting." -</p> - -<p> -"Something else? And that is something even -more important than his own skin?" exclaimed -Antonio with a sneer. -</p> - -<p> -"More important still," went on the rascal beside -him, seeming to take a delight in putting the dark side -to his leader. "Something which you have often been -troubled with yourself. This man Blunt is a Britisher -you say. An Italian, a Spaniard, a man of any -nation you please to pick, would perhaps have given -in before now, and have slipped away from this -country. Has this man Blunt shown a sign of doing -that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet," came the curt answer, "and it would -have been better for him had he done so, though I -should have followed. The fool does not know when -there is danger. He has wonderful fortune. Think, -man! I have raided his estancia more than once, and -set the house in flames, and yet the fellow has escaped -owing to some unforeseen chance. My men have -attacked him in Montevideo, he has been waylaid in -Buenos Ayres, and of late on the river. The dog has -a charmed life. But his fortune is gone now. This -time it has come in Antonio Sarvisti's direction." -</p> - -<p> -"With this alteration," said the man beside him, as -if determined to snatch at every chance to belittle the -prospects of his own employer. "I was saying that -this man Blunt is British. This young fellow who -commands in front of us is of the same nationality, -and we have met many besides. They are dogs for -stubbornness. They will often fight when even an -imbecile would see that further struggle is out of the -question and likely to lead to death, and worse than -that——" -</p> - -<p> -He waited for a moment, while Antonio Sarvisti -ground his teeth and muttered beneath his breath. -</p> - -<p> -"Worse than that!" he exclaimed with rising -anger. "Why, have you nothing but croaks to give? -What is this other matter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Simply this. The youth who commands is bosom -friend to this Mr. Blunt, and he knows well what -surrender means to his employer. You follow, <i>amico</i>? -It is not his own skin and his own safety which -troubles him; it is the security of his employer. -There! He is British, I repeat; and men of that -nation stick fast to one another. He would rather -be slain himself than let you ride over to the estancia -unexpectedly and murder his employer." -</p> - -<p> -Having given vent to all that was on his mind, and, -incidentally, roused his own rascally employer to a -condition of furious anger, the gaucho who had been -speaking calmly plucked another leaf from the -overhanging branch, and proceeded to chew it thoughtfully. -In his heart the fellow was tired of this master -of his. He himself was not so young as he had been, -and the constant fear of a sudden death at the hands -of his employer had already begun to prey on his mind -and unsettle him. He had had a warning of what he -might expect that very night, and he had seen many -a man shot by the cold-blooded ruffian beside him. -</p> - -<p> -There was another reason to promote his dissatisfaction -with his present employment. This gaucho had -been unusually careful. He had not spent all his -ill-gotten gains, but had hoarded them; at that very -moment his mind turned to the thought of his wealth -and to the spot where it was securely hidden. -</p> - -<p> -"Pah!" he exclaimed beneath his breath. "I shall -wait till this matter is settled, and then this Antonio -Sarvisti must look for another lieutenant." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for a while between the two men, -while each was engaged with his thoughts, which in -the case of the leader of this robber band were none -of the pleasantest. For this lieutenant of his had -opened his eyes a little, and the Italian was beginning -to lose some of his confidence. He could see now that -even sixty men might not be able to help him, and that -his own position in the forest was not a whit better -than Dudley's. For many minutes he pondered on the -situation, and wondered whether he should order his -men to make a rush and so capture the band. But all -the conquests of this robber band had been made by -sudden and unexpected attacks. Often enough their -raids were met by single men alone, totally unprepared -to defend themselves. In consequence it was -seldom that they had cause to mourn the loss of one -of their number. But on this night two had been -killed, while the shots which Dudley and his men had -sent in response to the volleys aimed at them had -resulted in half a dozen wounds amongst the enemy. -The lesson had not been lost, and Antonio Sarvisti -knew in his own mind that if he gave the order some -at least of his following would not respond. There -would be disobedience to his orders, and such a thing -would be fatal when matters were so critical. -</p> - -<p> -"Pshaw! I will starve the brat and his men," he -exclaimed aloud. "I will keep a close ring drawn -round him, and leave him till he makes up his mind -to surrender." -</p> - -<p> -"And what of the attack on the estancia?" his -lieutenant ventured to ask. "You will make that at -once?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not till these men are taken," was the short -answer. "I have none to spare for a raid on the -estancia. Wait a little, <i>amico</i>. When the dawn comes -you will see that we shall be successful." -</p> - -<p> -Even the astute Antonio could not think of -everything, for had he been able to do so he would have -seen at once that he still had the game in his own -hands. He had captured the horses belonging to -Dudley's party, and had some sixty men. Had he been -the energetic and clever leader which he, in his vanity, -fancied himself to be, he would have left only a few -of his men in the forest, just sufficient to hold Dudley -with their fire, and would have spurred straight for -Mr. Blunt's estancia. Once he had raided the place -successfully, what did it matter if this small party of -stubborn men escaped him? Supposing they discovered -that he had withdrawn a number of his following, -they were still without their horses, and long before -they could secure them Mr. Blunt and the estancia -he held would have been attacked. True, other -owners would soon know that it was from Antonio -Sarvisti's estancia that the raids came, but then he, -Antonio Sarvisti, could move to another part of the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"For years now I have been following this man -Blunt," he said to himself, as he sheltered behind a -tree. "I and my brothers slew his wife, and would -have killed him had we had fortune. What matters -it to me if all hereabout know that I hold a gang of -raiders on my place, provided I carry out the end of -this vendetta? The Englishman came to Sicily when -he was not wanted. He married our cousin against -our will, and flouted us when we would have prevented -him. He made little of the quarrel which had even -then existed for some years between the two families, -and for that reason he was marked for death. He -shall die! I, Antonio Sarvisti, have sworn it. As -soon as I have dealt with this beggarly youngster I -will ride to the estancia and burn the house. Yes, I -will toss this man into his own flaring dwelling." -</p> - -<p> -The darkness of the night and the deep shadows -cast by the trees hid the ruffian's snarling features; -but darkness did not cloak the sound of his voice, for -he had spoken aloud. Indeed Dudley and his comrades -could hear someone speaking, faintly, it is true, -but sufficiently clear to give them the direction from -which the sound came. It was Harold who calmly -raised his rifle, held the muzzle low, and sent a shot -swishing past the tree behind which the rascally leader -of this band of robbers sheltered. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! Not frightened into surrender yet?" cried -Antonio, shaking his fist with rage. "You shall see. -I will teach you when the morning comes." -</p> - -<p> -He stared out from behind the trunk of the tree, -only to withdraw somewhat hastily, for Harold had -reloaded, and a moment later sent another shot -thudding against the tree, a second reminder to Antonio -Sarvisti that matters were not so desperate for the -small party hemmed in by the circle which he had -drawn about them. -</p> - -<p> -"Sixty was the number of the men he said he had -with him," said Dudley a moment later. "Do you -consider that he has as many as he says?" -</p> - -<p> -He swung round to Pepito, who at that moment -was engaged in fastening a long scarf about his -wounded limb. The gaucho dropped the ends at once, -stared out into the trees, and then nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"He has as many, señor," he said with emphasis. -"A ruffian out on the pampas can have as many men -as he desires. This fellow has sixty, if he said so, -and if I had been in command those men would long -ago have rushed forward and made a capture. It -is a good sign. Ruffians are often cowards. They -fear to attack us. They wait for the dawn, when they -hope to be able to shoot us down. Were I one of -them, and the plan that you speak of had been formed, -I would leave a few in the trees to fire, and make it -appear that there were many, while I sent off the -bigger half to raid the estancia." -</p> - -<p> -"The very thing that I fear this Antonio Sarvisti -may do," said Dudley, a note of anxiety in his voice. -"Now, listen. I have said that I refuse to surrender." -</p> - -<p> -"Hooray!" shouted Harold, gripping his hand. -"That's what the men feel about the matter. I have -been speaking to a few. They will fight to a finish." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we must prepare. We have two matters -to attend to. We have to decide how to defend -ourselves, and we must send news to our employer. If -he is warned in time, no danger can threaten him, and -in addition he could, by collecting gauchos from -neighboring estancias, relieve this party, and perhaps even -surround this band of robbers. Those two points must -be seen to." -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for a while as Dudley and Harold -and the gaucho leader considered the matter. To -Harold and Pepito it seemed hopeless even to consider -the question of sending a warning to their employer, -for an attempt had already failed, and it was clear -that the enemy were in a close ring round them. -</p> - -<p> -"What food and ammunition have we?" asked -our hero suddenly. -</p> - -<p> -"Abundance!" came the prompt answer. "The -señor gave orders that each man should ride to-night -with rations for two days. Those rations will last, -at a pinch, for four days." -</p> - -<p> -"And water?" suddenly demanded Harold. -</p> - -<p> -"We have none, señor, but I had not forgotten its -need. Do not forget that a forest in this pampas -region spells water, for otherwise there would not be -trees. I have been here before, and know that there -are wells. If those are out of our reach, as seems -probable, then a hole dug only a little distance into -the soil will soon be filled with fluid. As to -ammunition, each man has many rounds. Given a good -position, there is sufficient here to protect the party for -many hours." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we will make the position," said Dudley, -"and now I will tell you what I am going to do. I -cannot expect any of my men to undertake a task -which I do not eagerly accept myself. I place Harold -Joyce in charge of this party once I am gone, while -I myself am determined to get through these men and -ride for the estancia. Listen!" -</p> - -<p> -"You! It is madness! You are in command, and -the defence depends on your being here. You are -not serious!" -</p> - -<p> -It was Harold who suddenly spoke, rising to his -feet in his excitement. But Dudley dragged him to -the ground at once, and fortunately for him, for -Antonio had given recent orders that fire should be -opened whenever a sound was heard. It happened, -therefore, that hardly had Harold fallen full length -again when a storm of bullets swept over the prostrate -party, showering leaves on to their heads, and then -speeding harmlessly out over the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -"I will go," repeated Dudley quietly. "It may -seem to some that my place is here, and I have already -said so, and that the danger to this party is greater -than that threatening Mr. Blunt. I do not think so -now. This little following of mine is certain to be -captured as soon as its ammunition gives out, though -I think that it can hold its own till then. After that -it will be captured. What then will happen to our -employer?" -</p> - -<p> -An exclamation came from either side of him, -showing clearly that Harold and Pepito knew well -what would be the result. -</p> - -<p> -"Now listen to the plan," said Dudley. "Let each -man make use of his hunting knife and cut a trench -in front of him. Feel here for yourselves. The -ground is soft, and I have already made quite a -respectable hollow. The earth removed from the hole -has been thrown up in front, so that, when my trench -is longer I shall be able to lie at full length and shall -have splendid protection. Now if, during the three -or four hours which still must pass before the dawn -comes, we cut our trenches, and connect them up one -to another, we shall have quite a little fort to protect -us, about which we shall be able to move, with care, -so as to reinforce any point which may be attacked. -In any case the whole of our trenches will cover very -little ground, for we had better keep close together. -Do you begin to follow?" -</p> - -<p> -During the last five minutes, as he lay on the -ground, he had been diligently using his knife and -fingers, and, as he said, had found the soil at the base -of the trees light and loamy. Gripping Pepito's arm, -and then Harold's in turn, he placed their hands on -the mound which he had thrown up in front of him, -and in a few moments showed them plainly what he -meant. -</p> - -<p> -"It is good," said the former with something -approaching a chuckle. "The señor's busy brain is at -work, just as it was on the eve of our night attack -on the Indians. This fort is as good as made. In an -hour the men will have completed it. There will be -a bank between us and the enemy, and encircling us, -and in the hollow within we shall lie. Our provisions -can be placed in one corner under my charge, and also -the ammunition. Then an allowance can be given to -each man, and the supply made to last all the longer, -for there will be no waste. Good, señor, I begin to -fear these ruffians less. But the second portion of -your plan?" -</p> - -<p> -"Will be carried out as soon as the fort is -completed," answered Dudley, determined to keep his own -counsel for the moment. "Instruct the men, and let -us get to work." -</p> - -<p> -It wanted very little tuition to inform the gauchos -what was expected from them, for, though almost -devoid of education, these honest fellows of the pampas -were nature's pupils. They had roughed it from their -earliest days, and often their own safety had depended -on their sagacity. They received Pepito's whispered -instructions with enthusiasm, waited only till the limits -of the narrow fort had been marked out, and then each -set to work with frantic energy, chopping the ground -with his knife, throwing handfuls of soil before him, -and gradually hollowing out the ground in his -immediate rear. It is wonderful what active men can do -under such circumstances, when life may depend on -their exertions. Dudley's party had soon cleared quite -a respectable-sized hollow, and had thrown up a mound -all round, on the top of which the brambles and grass -which they had cut during the operations were -deposited. Here and there a tree thrust its trunk up in -their hollow, but that only added to their cover and -caused no inconvenience, while one of them, one of -the forest giants, happening to have a large hollow at -its root, provided a storehouse for food and ammunition, -over which Pepito at once took charge. As for -water, one of the gauchos set to work in the very -centre of the hollow, and in a little while had dug -some three feet into the ground, scooping the earth -out with his hands. Into this shallow well water -began to trickle almost immediately, a fact which -heartened the garrison and caused them to give vent -to another cheer. -</p> - -<p> -"The novelty of the idea strikes them, señor," said -Pepito with a chuckle of delight. "A little time ago -matters looked desperate and hopeless. Now they are -rosy with promise. We are ready, señor. Your orders?" -</p> - -<p> -"They are simple, Pepito. Two of the enemy were -killed?" -</p> - -<p> -"Two, señor: one who sent his bullet into my thigh, -and the other whom our comrade settled." -</p> - -<p> -"It is the first we have to deal with. He lies a -matter of five yards outside our fort, I think?" -</p> - -<p> -Pepito nodded emphatically, forgetting that the -darkness hid all movement. -</p> - -<p> -"That is so, señor," he said eagerly. "I know the -spot well. It is perhaps less than five yards away. -What then?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am about to borrow his clothes, that is all," came -the calm answer. "At least, I shall borrow a portion. -I noticed that every gaucho in the service of this -Antonio wore a red scarf about his neck, and a hat of -different color from ours. I shall borrow those two -articles from the man who is dead, and shall then join -the enemy. Now listen to my instructions. One of -you will creep away in the direction opposite to that -in which this body lies, and will cut a narrow trench. -His task is to strike the nearest tree with a stick, and -to make such sounds as will cause the enemy to think -that an attempt at escape is being made in that direction. -As he lies there, the others will fire above his -head—anywhere, so long as they take care not to hit -him. They will, in particular, pay attention to that -part of the forest where the dead man lies. You -understand?" -</p> - -<p> -An exclamation broke from Pepito and Harold. -</p> - -<p> -"It is all clear," said the latter. "We attract their -attention to the opposite direction, and, having -searched the forest along the path which you will be -taking, and, let us hope, shot any of the ruffians hiding -there, we occupy the attention of the rascals till you -get clear. But, by Jove, Dudley, the risk is terrible." -</p> - -<p> -"Hush! There is a movement. I hear men creeping -in the forest!" -</p> - -<p> -It was one of the gauchos who gave the alarm, and -at once every member of Dudley's party had taken his -place behind the low walls of the fort. -</p> - -<p> -"Someone is moving, certainly," whispered Pepito. -"There, I heard the sounds. They are coming -closer." -</p> - -<p> -"Are all loaded?" asked our hero quickly. "Then -let them hold their fire till I call. Yes, it looks as if -we were about to be attacked, and in that case our -defences are likely to prove useful. Tell the men to -lie at full length and keep absolutely silent. We will -give these rascals a lesson if we have the chance." -</p> - -<p> -But now the swish of leaves and the noise of many -men approaching was plainly to be heard, and every -second proved to the defenders that a forward move -was being attempted by the enemy. Dudley's little -following lay as still as rocks, each man with his rifle -at his shoulder and his eyes close behind the screen -of brambles thrown up in front of him. -</p> - -<p> -"Repeat the order," whispered Dudley. "No one -is to fire till I call, and then only at the flashes made -by the weapons of the enemy. If they rush us, lie -still in the hollow. That will puzzle them badly." -</p> - -<p> -A minute later a shrill whistle sounded through the -forest, and then came a call from Antonio Sarvisti. -</p> - -<p> -"On them!" he shouted. "Pour in a volley and -then charge." -</p> - -<p> -From every quarter, from the forest in front and -to right and left, and from the pampas in the rear, -came the splutter of musketry, while flashes broke out -here and there, lighting up the darkness for an instant -and then disappearing, only to be succeeded by others. -And the light which they gave showed the leader of -the band of robbers and his men charging down upon -the small party enclosed within their lines. The -gaucho following of Antonio Sarvisti were -undertaking a task which few appreciated. They were -attacking men fully prepared to receive them, and men, -moreover, whose exact whereabouts was unknown. -They had crept as close as possible, and now, despite -the danger of wounding comrades, poured in an irregular -and harmless volley, which ripped the trees and -sped away in all directions. Then they charged, only -to come quickly to a halt and commence to reload -their pieces. For not a shot answered them; not a -voice was heard. The sensation was uncanny. They -began even to think that the birds had flown. -</p> - -<p> -"Charge!" shouted Antonio again, placing himself -at the head of some of the men and advancing, -revolver in hand. "Now, another volley!" -</p> - -<p> -"Fire!" cried Dudley, hearing and understanding -his order. "Fire at the flashes!" -</p> - -<p> -There was silence for one brief instant, and then -once more, from every quarter, but on this occasion -from a closer range, numbers of weapons were -discharged, while from the dark hole in which the -defenders hovered a stinging reply came, each one of the -gauchos waiting his time, and aiming at the flashes -made by the weapons of the enemy. A minute later -the attack had been abandoned. Antonio Sarvisti and -his men had slunk back to their old positions, while -the defenders still lay in their primitive fort, -confident and brimful of enthusiasm. -</p> - -<p> -"Just the time for me to move," whispered Dudley. -"Harold, I leave the men to you. Whatever happens, -hang on to this place and hold these rascals round you. -If I get through, and can take a horse, I shall be at -the estancia by noon, and might even be back soon -after dark. If all is well, fire an occasional shot -through the night. I shall then know that you can -last till morning, and will make arrangements to -attack these fellows. Now, good-by! Don't forget. -Hang out, whatever happens. We have to think not -of ourselves but of the man whose bread and butter -we eat. Good-by!" -</p> - -<p> -The two gripped hands in the darkness of the forest, -and lay there a moment or two without saying a -word. Then Dudley turned to Pepito. -</p> - -<p> -"Carry out the orders," he said softly, "and when -I am gone look to my comrade here for all commands. -Let the men stick to him whatever happens." -</p> - -<p> -The tall and handsome gaucho would have liked -to shake his leader's hand, and even to detain him, -but Pepito was at heart a soldier, trained to obedience, -and always ready to carry out his instructions. For -one second he waited, and then, turning to the men, -whispered that the time had come to open fire, and -for one of their number to creep some few yards into -the forest. Presently a hail of bullets was sweeping -through the trees, now in this direction and now in -that, searching every part, but hurtling in particular -along the path which Dudley would take. The shots -died down for a while, and the rascals, stretched in a -wide circle around, heard the sounds made by a man -creeping through the trees. A stick snapped, a rifle -struck a tree and repeated the clumsy blow. Leaves -were disturbed, and every whisper told that the tiny -garrison was sending someone to seek for help. -</p> - -<p> -"Good! We will teach them," muttered Antonio. -"Send a dozen men in that direction, <i>amico</i>." -</p> - -<p> -"Time to move," whispered Dudley. "I think our -comrade has attracted their attention. Give them a -few more shots as I go." -</p> - -<p> -He wriggled out of the fort, listened for a moment, -and then dived into the forest, his fingers searching in -every direction for the body of the man whom Pepito -had slain. Not a sound did he make. Those he left -behind strained their ears in vain. Their leader was -gone on a quest which was full of danger, but which -might yet preserve the life of the man who employed -them and save those whom Dudley had left behind. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap18"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVIII -<br /><br /> -A DASH FOR THE PAMPAS -</h3> - -<p> -Down under the brushwood and the brambles which -thickly covered the ground between the trunks of the -forest trees the darkness was intense. So black and -forbidding that Dudley imagined that he could almost -feel it and grip it in his hands. Not an inch could he -see in front of his face, for it happened that a bank -of clouds had blown across the face of the tiny -crescent of the moon, which had hitherto sent a few rays -straggling here and there in between the trees, and -now not a leaf shimmered under the pale rays, not a -trunk was visible, there was no light but the occasional -flare, some yards behind him, as one of his own men -opened fire. -</p> - -<p> -"Just the time for me to succeed," he thought to -himself when he had crawled a few yards on hands -and knees. "I must be near the body of the man -Pepito killed, and once I reach it I shall lie still and -try to get the bearings of the enemy. Harold knows -what I want. He is to give me ten minutes to reach -this man and get some cover, and then he will open -fire again in this direction." -</p> - -<p> -The whole plan had, in fact, been very carefully -discussed, for all knew that Antonio Sarvisti and his -men would make the utmost effort to stop any and -every attempt at escape, and if Dudley was to succeed -it would not be by his own cunning and boldness alone, -though the attempt was hazardous enough, but by the -help and co-operation of his comrades. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, that is fortunate! I have found him." -</p> - -<p> -A low exclamation of relief escaped his lips, for as -he stretched out one hand, groping amidst the bushes -and brambles, the fingers came in contact with the -frilled edging of a man's overalls. The touch almost -sent a shiver through our hero; for the sensation of -crawling through this deep shadow was an uncanny -one. True, he was almost sure that no living enemy -was within some yards of him; but yet, as his fingers -touched the man for the first time, the horrible -suspicion that it might be a gaucho lying in wait for him -flashed across his mind. He felt startled, and, -withdrawing his hand, seized his hunting knife. Then he -stretched out again, ran his fingers up the leg, and -finally came to the face. -</p> - -<p> -"Cold already," he said to himself, feeling immensely -relieved. "And here is what I want, his hat -and his neckcloth. Good! Now, unless the light is -strong, none will be able to detect me." -</p> - -<p> -As quickly as possible he relieved the body of hat -and neckcloth and donned them himself. Then, -determined to make the most of every second, and feeling -sure that it was not yet time for Harold to open fire -in his direction, he crawled on again as stealthily as -any snake, clearing the ground before him, progressing -a few inches only at a time, and taking the utmost -pains to remove all sticks from his path. Now and -again a bramble or a strong shoot from one of the -bushes opposed his onward progress, and for a time -he felt as if they were iron bars, so impossible to avoid -them was it. -</p> - -<p> -"If I push them aside they will swing back certainly," -he thought. "Then, if I attempt to creep and -wriggle under them they are sure to hit against others, -and the sound they will make will be heard. Ah, my -knife! That will make short work of them." -</p> - -<p> -From that moment he held the weapon in his hand, -for brambles were forever obstructing him; and besides, -at that slow and careful pace it did not hinder -his progress, and was there in case of some sudden -attack. -</p> - -<p> -Crack! Twenty yards behind him there was a sharp -report which brought Dudley flat on his face, where -he lay listening to the rip, rip of the bullet as it -ploughed its way through the tree tops. Then he -heard the gentle patter of falling twigs and leaves, -cut in twain by the missile. -</p> - -<p> -"Good, Harold!" he said beneath his breath. -"You are a careful fellow. That is a warning shot, -just to let me know you are about to open fire. I shall -stay here. There is a big tree just behind me now, -and I am fairly secure. Fire away!" -</p> - -<p> -It seemed as if those he had left behind in the -shallow trenches scooped in the earth had heard his words, -for almost instantly there came a spluttering -discharge, the flashes coming from a point on a level -with the ground, while the bullets swept the forest, -striking the trunks with resounding thuds, and often -enough flying off at a tangent, accompanied by that -high- or low-pitched hum which tells of a ricochet, a -sound pleasant enough to listen to if one has perfect -cover, but sufficiently trying under other circumstances. -Patter, patter, patter. Dudley heard the -gentle fall of twigs and leaves again, and smiled -grimly as he wondered what the enemy thought of it -all. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps they imagine we are scared," he thought. -"That will be all the better, for then they will hardly -expect an attempt at escape. Ah, there the boys go -again!" -</p> - -<p> -Another spluttering volley burst from the trees behind -him, while a second later Pepito's voice was heard -resounding loudly through the forest, and undoubtedly -intended for the ears of the enemy. -</p> - -<p> -"Fire, fire!" he shouted. "The rascals are -crawling near. Sweep them away! Shoot them down as -they come!" -</p> - -<p> -There was a note of terror in his voice, a note which -Antonio Sarvisti distinguished with a snarl of pleasure. -</p> - -<p> -"It is not to be all for one side," he said to his surly -lieutenant, who forever hovered at his elbow. "They -caught us nicely when we attacked, and we suffered -in consequence; but the attempt has had its effect. -Those fools over there have an attack of nerves. That -sudden volley was fired by men who are scared, who -see ghosts in the forest, who imagine sounds which -have no existence, and who blaze away for no reason -at all. Good for us, <i>amico</i>! Their ammunition will -not last forever. We will do our best to give them -many an alarm." -</p> - -<p> -He sent a man round his following at once with -orders that every now and again a few should creep -forward a few paces, making as much noise as -possible. -</p> - -<p> -"That will draw their fire," he said with a chuckle. -"That will empty their magazine and soon place them -helplessly in our hands." -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile Dudley lay flat on his face, listening -intently, and waiting patiently till the fusillade from -behind him had died down. He could hear the click of -the locks as the men reloaded, could discern Harold's -voice as he directed their fire, and even caught the -far-off murmur of men talking, for Antonio Sarvisti spoke -aloud to his lieutenant. But, strain his ears as he -would, there was no sound from in front of him, -nothing to denote that an enemy was lurking there. -</p> - -<p> -"Which seems to prove that they have cleared -away," he said. "We have searched this part already -with our fire, and the enemy will have learned to avoid -it. I shall be surprised if I meet a single man. There, -I think that will be Harold's last shot in this direction -for a while, so that I can soon begin to move forward." -</p> - -<p> -Ping! Crash! There was another flash behind him, -proving that his comrades had not yet finished their -portion of the plan. Bang! There came a second, -quick on its heels, and then a shriek, a bloodcurdling -shriek, which rang through the forest, seeming to be -tossed backward and forward between the trees till it -died down mournfully in the distance. It was the last -frantic call of a man who had been hit, and the sound -came from a point not fifteen yards in front of our -hero. -</p> - -<p> -"Hit!" he murmured, a cold chill running all over -his body, for the shriek had startled him. "Poor -beggar! I imagine he thought, as I did, that the firing -was done with for a time, and sat up to listen. That -second bullet must have caught him, and probably -killed him instantly. Well, it is hard for him but -fortunate for me, for he lay right in my track." -</p> - -<p> -It was indeed a lucky shot for Dudley, but for his -comrades behind it was a very different matter. -Harold Joyce, the young commander of the party, had -fired the weapon, intending that it should be the very -last to be directed along the path which Dudley was -taking. He had judged the elevation of his shot as -carefully as possible considering the darkness, and he -had sent it swishing through the trees some three feet -above the ground, high enough to escape our hero's -head. But the sudden shriek dismayed him. He -dropped the weapon, turned deathly pale, and snatched -desperately at Pepito's sleeve. -</p> - -<p> -"Who was that?" he demanded anxiously. "Oh, -I have killed him! Do you hear me? I have shot the -best friend I have ever had, the bravest and most -generous fellow under the sun." -</p> - -<p> -He was almost weeping. There were big tears in -his eyes, while the handsome gaucho beside him heard -him gulp down a sob. Harold was thoroughly unhinged -by that awful shriek. Fear that he had killed -his friend drove him frantic, and, starting to his feet, -he would have shouted aloud, had not Pepito -restrained him. -</p> - -<p> -"Lie still, señor," he said in firm but friendly tones. -"That call came from a point far beyond the spot -where our leader lies. I am sure of that fact, for my -ears are good. It was one of the enemy who fell, and -at this moment the señor who has so bravely gone -from our fort is lying as still as death, waiting for -our fire to cease so that he may crawl onward. Silence, -señor! If you call, all these ruffians will know -that we are making an effort." -</p> - -<p> -It was true. Slowly it dawned upon Harold's brain -that a call to his friend would warn the enemy. He -longed to be able to give a shout, to send some signal -to Dudley and to receive one in return. He would -even have crawled out of the fort and followed him, -with the one purpose of convincing himself that his -old friend was unharmed. But the tall, sturdy gaucho -stretched beside him held him with a firm hand, and -whispered reassuringly to him, though he himself in -his own heart had also some misgiving. -</p> - -<p> -"Lie still and wait, señor," he said. "The matter -is as I have said. Our leader is alive and well; but -if you call or move, the enemy will suspect, and -then——" -</p> - -<p> -There was no need to say more, for Harold understood. -Discovery would lead to almost certain execution, -either promptly or at the convenience of the -enemy. For Antonio Sarvisti and his men had -suffered, and the sudden shriek from the depths of the -forest had not helped to improve their feeling for the -little band about whom they lay. The rascals, one and -all, ground their teeth, and swore that when the time -came they would kill every one of these stubborn -fellows. -</p> - -<p> -"They shall receive what they deserve," growled -Antonio, beside himself with rage. "I will hang two -men for each one that I have lost, and so teach all -that resistance is fatal. These dogs would have done -better to have surrendered at once, and given in to -my will. They shall learn that Antonio Sarvisti is a -hard man to deal with." -</p> - -<p> -As for Dudley, the shriek had unnerved him for a -moment, and had caused him to flatten himself even -closer to the ground, and to burrow his head beneath -the brambles, for there is nothing which makes a man -wish more to sink into the earth than the ugly rip, -rip of bullets flying close overhead. Then, too, he had -other missiles to be cautious of, for that terrible call -had brought answering calls from the forest. Antonio's -men shouted in their anger, and opened a heavy -fire, their bullets swishing over the fort, and cutting -their way through the forest. The flashes of their -weapons blazed out here and there, from right and -left, and from the pampas; but from that point -immediately to the front, where Harold's men had swept -the underwood with their fire, there was not a flash. -Not a report sounded in that direction. -</p> - -<p> -"Then the plan succeeds so far," said Dudley. -"Once I am sure that Harold and his men have finished, -I will move on again. Ah, that is his signal!" -</p> - -<p> -The fusillade had died down now, and for the space -of two minutes the forest was sunk in silence. Then -a single shot rang out, echoing sharply amidst the -trees, and once more our hero heard the bullet burst -its way through the tangled leaves far overhead, -severing the usual shower of twigs and green. -</p> - -<p> -"Time to get along," he thought. "Harold's signal -is clear enough. Now for the most difficult part -of the undertaking." -</p> - -<p> -He was on his hands and knees in less than a -second, and then commenced the same cautious crawling -progress through the underwood. Twigs and dried -or rotting sticks were carefully put aside, while the -knife which he still carried in his hand severed the -brambles with a slash. Not a rustle disturbed the -stillness in his direction, though here and there, as he -paused again and again to listen, rose the murmur of -voices, the gentle call of men to one another. Then -out came the moon, floating from behind the clouds -which had ridden across her face. The pale rays shone -down upon pampas and forest, and, penetrating here -and there, lit up a tiny patch, making brambles and -tree trunks stand out prominently. There were dozens -of such bright areas, and Dudley carefully steered -his course away from them, fearful lest the light -should show him to the enemy. Then, of a sudden, -he came to a halt again. A man was standing behind -a tree some twenty yards away, his head and one -shoulder illuminated by the rays falling from above. -The black, shadowy line of the tree trunk cut across -his body, hiding it from view, and leaving only the -head and shoulder visible, as well as the rifle which -he gripped in one hand. The face could be seen -clearly, stern and expectant, while one ear was turned -as if the gaucho was listening intently. -</p> - -<p> -"He must have heard a suspicious sound," thought -Dudley, his breath coming fast, while his heart pattered -loudly against his ribs. "Yes, he is looking this -way, and if it were not so dark I might almost think -that he saw me. Ah, he does!" -</p> - -<p> -It would have been a trying moment even for an -old hand, experienced in this forest warfare, and the -reader need think none the less of Dudley if he again -shrank close to the ground and almost shivered with -apprehension. It was not only that he feared this one -man. A combination of circumstances had served to -strain his nerves to breaking pitch; the clatter of -musketry, the sharp rip of the bullets, that terrible scream, -and now the uncanny silence, the darkness of the forest -with these illuminated patches, in one of which -stood one of the enemy. -</p> - -<p> -"Was he discovered? The man's eyes were surely -fixed on him. He must fire at him if he wished to -escape." -</p> - -<p> -The thoughts ran through Dudley's head, and for -a while he felt bewildered. Then his old coolness -returned to him, or at least a portion of it. He realized -that it was impossible for the man to have seen him, -for he lay in a wide patch of inky shadow. Perhaps -he had heard some sound, and was merely suspicious. -"Ah! He was calling." -</p> - -<p> -The face behind the tree turned suddenly, till the -back of the head was alone to be seen. Then a low -call broke the silence, a call which was answered from -some distance away. Presently a crash amidst the -brushwood told that someone was moving, and as -Dudley stared at the brilliant patch, one of the gauchos -appeared, a hulking, slouching rascal, with surly -features, between whose strong teeth was held a leaf -which he was busily chewing. Immediately a second -came upon the scene, a squat, ugly fellow whom he -recognized at once as the leader of this band of -desperadoes. -</p> - -<p> -"If they rush at me I will get behind this tree and -shoot them down," he thought, keeping his eyes on the -trio, while he slipped one hand down to the pouch in -which his revolver rested. "But they are not certain. -The man only thinks he heard a sound. Perhaps they -will go away." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it?" demanded Antonio as he joined the -two gauchos. "You called, <i>amico</i>? Did you see or -hear anything?" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley saw the eyes of the ruffian flash as he turned -towards his man, for the moon fell directly upon his -upturned face. He longed to know what was passing -between them. -</p> - -<p> -"Hear anything?" was the answer. "How can a -man say? Perhaps it was the wind, perhaps a twig -dropping from the tree tops, shot away by the dogs. -I thought I heard a fellow moving, but that was two -minutes ago. Listen, and you may be wiser than I -am." -</p> - -<p> -The three stood in the illuminated patch for perhaps -five minutes, making not so much as a sound, while -from the poise of their heads it was clear that they -were listening. Then Antonio gave a gesture of -disgust, and swung round on his heel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ghosts, ghosts! always the same!" he exclaimed -angrily. "You men are always seeing and hearing -what does not exist. There is Bico, down on the -opposite side. An hour ago he swore that he saw -someone moving on his right and fired. It was a tree, and -his bullet is buried deep in the trunk. But you are -a careful man. You are wise to take note of even -the smallest sound. However, it is not on this side -that we need expect an attempt at escape. It is yonder, -close to the pampas. Move to your right and you may -be the lucky one to discover one of the dogs." -</p> - -<p> -He turned again, stared into the forest, and was -moving away, when once more a shot startled the -silence, a shot which came from the fort burrowed at -the roots of the trees behind Dudley. Crisp and clear -it came, and, as fortune would have it, not a tree trunk -stood in the way of the muzzle. It flew direct to the -object at which it had been aimed, and in an instant -Antonio's surly lieutenant was down, dropping without -a sound in the very centre of the little clearing. A -moment later Antonio and the other gaucho were -gone, slinking away to another part of the forest. -</p> - -<p> -"A good shot, and one which will help me immensely," -thought Dudley. "It has cleared the way -nicely, and now, with a little luck, I should be able to -get through." -</p> - -<p> -On hands and knees again, feverish with the desire -to get through the encircling line, and yet curbing his -impatience—for haste here might mean failure and -death,—he slid in under the brambles, burrowed his -path amidst the trees, and, inch by inch, foot by foot, -gradually increased his distance from the fort he had -left behind. -</p> - -<p> -The minutes were like hours, the crackle of a -feeble, mouldering leaf under his knee sounded to -him in his overstrung condition like a rifle report, -while the thud of one of the enemy's rifles against a -distant tree was crushing in its intensity. It brought -him to a halt, palpitating, with perspiration streaming -from his forehead. -</p> - -<p> -"No, not discovered! He was a funk, a coward, -to be startled so easily. Was he a baby, a little child, -to be frightened because a leaf crackled, or a twig fell -from a neighboring tree? A fine fellow the gauchos -had allowed to make this attempt!" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley ground his teeth with rage. He was furious -with himself for being so nervous, for showing so -much fear. Time and again he called himself a -coward, a craven, fit only to cook for the men and not -to lead them; and then gradually he became calmer. -He was a plucky lad at heart, and, if he could only -have realized it, there was ample reason for all his -fears. -</p> - -<p> -Even a grown man would have had his nerves -braced to the highest on this dark night, and why -therefore should he be ashamed? His old, gallant -spirit returned. He groped his way forward with -more energy now, till the inches and feet had grown -to yards, till the murmur of the rascals surrounding -the little band of comrades near the pampas was lost -in the distance. He was clear. The enemy was -behind him, and now all that remained was to steal a -horse and gallop away. -</p> - -<p> -"I can smell them," he suddenly exclaimed, under -his breath. "In a place like this, where there is little -wind, and many horses are placed together, it is not -by any means impossible. They are over there. I am -sure of it." -</p> - -<p> -Lifting his head he stood for a moment or two -sniffing the air, and was at length convinced that he -was not in error. For, as he had said, in an enclosed -place like that, with little wind, and that blowing in -his face, a keen-scented man can easily detect the -neighborhood of the horse lines. Dudley delayed no -longer. He was standing to his full height now, for -the forest was not so thick here, and he at once set off -for the spot where he imagined the horses to be. And -presently a glimmer came to his eyes. Something red -was shining between the trunks a hundred yards away, -something which, as the distance decreased, proved to -be a camp fire, with a kettle suspended over it. The -flare from the crackling wood lit up the surroundings, -showing the blankets of Antonio's men, tumbled -haphazard upon the ground, spare boxes of ammunition, -bags of food, and some dozen saddles. Steam, and a -savory odor, were issuing from the kettle which sang -over the flames, while away to the right the firelight -showed a horse, the first of a long line picketed -beyond him. -</p> - -<p> -"At last," thought Dudley, his heart beating fast -with joy. "There are the horses, and if I creep round -to the far side, so as to be well away from the fire, I -ought to have no difficulty in cutting one of the picket -ropes and slipping away. By Jove! How good that -stuff smells boiling in the kettle. I'm hungry and -could eat a meal. But there's no time; I have the -others to think about." -</p> - -<p> -Skirting the edge of the forest, and just outside the -range of the firelight, he came within five minutes to -the line of horses. Many were asleep as if they had -had a hard day, while some were cropping the grass -at their feet. Dudley inspected them carefully, and, -having made his choice, boldly severed the picket rope -of the finest of the animals. -</p> - -<p> -"A splendid beast," he said to himself, "and one -which will require some catching. Now I want a -second, and then, once I have led them far enough -away, we'll show our heels to these rascals. -To-morrow at noon I ought to be at the estancia." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap19"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIX -<br /><br /> -ANTONIO SARVISTI IS SURPRISED -</h3> - -<p> -Dudley was safely through the close ring which -the band of robbers had thrown around that small -corner of the forest where his gauchos lay. He could -hear the reports of their rifles well behind him now, -for an occasional shot was fired so as to intimidate -the besieged and keep them from moving till the dawn -came, when Antonio Sarvisti promised himself and -his men that a quick end would be made of the party. -Yes, Dudley was through them, right in their rear, -and on the outskirts of the clearing occupied by their -horses. -</p> - -<p> -"This fellow should carry me across to the estancia -at a fast gallop," he said, as he inspected the horse he -had chosen, looking critically at his legs, and helped -in his examination by the few flickering rays which -came from the dancing flames of the fire. "A good, -strong horse, with not too much bone. The fellow to -carry my weight fast and far. Now for a second, and -then away. They all seem to have bridles on, so that -I shall have nothing to wait for, for I don't want -a saddle. Ah, this is a likely-looking animal!" -</p> - -<p> -Even now, when escape seemed so certain, he would -not allow his eagerness to be away, out of the clutches -of the rascals, to cause him to make a hasty choice. -Life and liberty, after all, might depend more on the -animals he chose than on his own courage and -discretion. He might be followed. The pursuit might -be kept up right to the borders of Mr. Blunt's estancia; -and even if that were not the case, the lives of his -comrades depended entirely on the swiftness with -which he could reach friends. -</p> - -<p> -"This is the fellow for my second," he said with -decision, passing slowly down the line till he came to -a fine roan, a shapely animal, which turned its -handsome head to look at the stranger, and, as if it -recognized a friend in him, whinnied gently. -</p> - -<p> -"Whoa! Silence, boy! Sleep, for you will not be -wanted till morning." -</p> - -<p> -A voice rang out in the stillness, causing Dudley to -drop instantly on hands and knees and shelter behind -the heels of the long line of picketed horses. A man -was crossing the firelit clearing, a fellow dressed like -a gaucho, but of darker color. He wore a handkerchief -of brilliant color about his head, and a belt of -the same material round his waist, a belt which -protruded at one point, where a revolver was thrust -under it. -</p> - -<p> -"An Indian," thought Dudley, watching the man as -he sauntered across to the horses. "Probably a slave, -or a general servant, or perhaps the cook. Yes, that -is what he is." -</p> - -<p> -There seemed to be no doubt about that matter, for -the man who had called out, and who had so unexpectedly -made his appearance, sauntered to the fire and -stirred the contents of the kettle with a big wooden -spoon. Dudley saw him lift the spoon to his lips and -taste the contents, evidently with appreciation. Then -he threw a stick or two on to the fire, prodded the -ashes with another, and having assured himself that -all was well there, strolled across to the horses. -</p> - -<p> -"Sleep, my beauties," he said, patting the one which -had whinnied, and talking to him in soothing tones. -"Sleep and be happy. You will be undisturbed." -</p> - -<p> -He suspected nothing. The good-natured fellow, -for that he seemed to be, had not the faintest idea that -within a couple of yards of him, stretched at the heels -of the very horse he was caressing, lay one of the -party his masters were attacking. The cook had -wonderfully sharp eyes, for he had been brought up -on the Indian pampas, and had, indeed, lived a wild -life till this Antonio persuaded him to act as cook to -the band under his command. But even sharp eyes -cannot penetrate inky darkness, for, where Dudley lay, -the long line of picketed horses cast a dense shadow. -The man patted another horse, which had turned an -inquisitive head and had looked at the intruder with -sleepy eyes. Then he sauntered away again and stood -by the fire, till a shot in the forest caught his attention. -</p> - -<p> -"At it again," he said aloud. "Perhaps that means -that the end is coming, and our fellows are about to -wipe the rascals out. Not that I don't think that they -are plucky. They are quick, to be sure, and that trick -they played would even have beaten our Indians. It -was smart to dismount suddenly and take the very -cover which our men had. I'll go and look on. I -would not miss the end for anything." -</p> - -<p> -He cast a glance at the fire, stirred the contents of -his steaming kettle again, and then sauntered off into -the forest in the direction from which the report of -the rifle had come. -</p> - -<p> -"Evidently he is the only man out of the firing line," -thought Dudley, "so that I can now expect to be alone -till he comes back. By then I shall be gone. Quiet, -boy! It's I. Don't you remember?" -</p> - -<p> -He rose to his feet noiselessly and passed between -the horses. The one on his left was asleep, his head -dangling till his nose was not far from the ground. -But the one he had selected was wide awake, and again -turned and whinnied. Dudley slipped his hand along -the neck and down the chin till he came to the picketing -rope. A slash from his knife severed it, and then, -having already made sure that there were no heel -ropes, he backed the fine animal out of the horse lines -by gently pulling on his bridle. -</p> - -<p> -Hush! There was someone entering the clearing -again, and for the moment operations must be -suspended. If it was the black cook, no doubt his -curiosity would take him away again, and then would be -Dudley's opportunity. But movement now was certain -to be detected, and though he would have a start -he still remembered that he had to pass through the -forest to reach the pampas, and that once there he -might find his escape cut off by gauchos posted on the -plains and provided with horses. He stood still, peering -between the horses, while with a gentle pull at the -bridle he urged the one he held into its place again. -</p> - -<p> -"Not the cook this time," he said, feeling as if all -his plans would be ruined. "There are three of them, -and—yes—the cook is there too. That is a piece -of very bad luck; the fellows are going to sup." -</p> - -<p> -Three gauchos had indeed come into the clearing, -and stood in the firelight, silhouetted sharply, and with -their backs turned to Dudley. The fourth figure was -that of the native cook, and he at once produced some -tin platters and pannikins, and provided each of the -gauchos with a meal. Then he brought a stone bottle -of big proportions and filled the pannikins from its -contents. -</p> - -<p> -The delay was exasperating, and for a time Dudley -fidgeted and fretted, fearful that discovery might -come at any instant, and well knowing that every -minute of the remaining darkness was of the utmost -importance to him. The minutes dragged painfully -along, while the four robbers chatted at their ease. -It seemed that they would never go. However, a fifth -individual now entered, and at his coming the three -gauchos promptly drank up the contents of their -pannikins and disappeared. The newcomer was Antonio -Sarvisti, the leader, who never took his eyes off his -following if he could help it, for he was suspicious -of everyone. He scowled at his gauchos now, pointed -to the forest, and bade them return. -</p> - -<p> -"Time you were back," he said curtly. "You have -been away too long already, and seem to forget that -there are comrades to be fed. Now, boy, something -to eat and drink. Then a cigar, and I will see whether -I cannot rouse the fellows to attack again. Food and -drink do wonders. Matters brighten when a man is -comfortable, and maybe we shall capture those rascals -before the dawn comes. Up to the top, boy, and stand -ready to refill it." -</p> - -<p> -He gripped the tin pannikin, swung his head back, -and gulped the contents down at a draught, holding -the pannikin out to be refilled, while he gasped for -breath. -</p> - -<p> -"That is good," he said. "The stew smells excellent, -and reminds a man that he has not had a bite -for many hours. Now, get along to the men and order -the next batch to come and feed." -</p> - -<p> -The squat figure seated on the top of an upturned -saddle seemed bigger than usual. The flickering light -cast by the flames magnified the leader of the brigands, -till in Dudley's eyes he seemed to be of vast -dimensions. But it was not that which frightened him; it -was the words which he had heard, the order which -had been given, and which he had been able to -understand. More men were to come to the clearing. For -an hour or more the place would be tenanted, and by -then the dawn would be dangerously near. He must -move now. He must risk it. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I must risk it," he repeated to himself. -"And as I am sure to be followed at once I will take -only one of the horses. The other would perhaps -delay me, for I have to pass through the forest." -</p> - -<p> -But still he watched the ruffian seated by the fire, -while he slid one hand along to the bridle of the fine -animal he had selected. The horse moved, turned its -shapely head, and whinnied again, as if impatient to -get away. As for Antonio, he was in the act of -draining his pannikin, but stopped abruptly and swung -round on his seat. Then, as if he were suspicious, -he came running across to the horses and passed -swiftly along the front of the line, examining each -picket rope as he passed. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! Loose!" he exclaimed, as he found one -dangling from the headstall. "And this has been cut -with some sharp instrument." -</p> - -<p> -There was a note of alarm in his voice now, for he -stood opposite the very animal which Dudley was -about to remove, and held the severed end of the -picket rope towards the light. Someone was meddling -with the horses, he was sure, and at once, without -hesitation, he slipped between the animals as if he -were already certain that the marauder, whoever he -might be, lay at their heels. Nor was he disappointed. -In the shadow cast by the fine beast Dudley had selected, -Antonio's eyes detected a dark figure, erect and -motionless. He stared at the man, called to him as -if to make sure that he was not one of his: own -gauchos, and then slid one hand down to his revolver. -But he never drew the weapon, for our hero was too -quick for him. Discovery was certain now, he knew, -and in the few seconds which passed while the leader -of the brigands was coming towards him he had -formed his plans. He had drawn his revolver, and -held it by the muzzle at arm's length. Then he saw -Antonio, slip between the horses, and heard him call. -It was time to act, and as it happened this rascally -Italian helped the plans which Dudley had made, for -he stood so that a flickering ray from the fire fell on -his face. The mark was a good one, and within easy -distance. In an instant the revolver swung back a -foot, and then, launched with all the force of which -Dudley was capable, it flew forward, struck the -forehead of the rascal who had called, and knocked him -senseless to the ground. -</p> - -<p> -"My turn this time," said Dudley, as he ran -forward to regain his weapon. "Now I fancy there is -nothing to prevent my getting away. Whoa, lad! -Stand there a moment while I fetch your comrade. -Ah! here's a bolas rope which will make you fast to -a tree." -</p> - -<p> -He had hit upon a coil of rope attached to the -blanket strap which the horse wore, and in a twinkling -had secured the animal to a tree close by. Then he -ran off for the second, which he found standing -drowsily where he had left it, and unmindful of the fact -that its picket rope was gone. It was a fine, big beast, -and Dudley decided to ride it at first in preference to -the other. -</p> - -<p> -"He is strong and will carry me fast. The other -fellow is a stayer," he thought, "and if he has no -weight to carry till I want him will take me away from -anything the enemy possess. Now to mount and slip -out of the forest." -</p> - -<p> -He placed the animals side by side, and made ready -to mount, no easy matter when a horse is big and has -no saddle. He stepped back a pace so as to obtain a -run, and in doing so kicked an object lying on the -ground. It was Antonio Sarvisti, alive and breathing -without a doubt, but stunned and unconscious. Dudley -had almost forgotten his existence, once his lucky -shot had disposed of his interference. But now, as -he accidentally came upon him again, a sudden thought -caused him to delay his departure. -</p> - -<p> -"Supposing he comes to and gives the alarm," he -said. "That would be bad in every way, for even if -they did not catch me, they would know that someone -had ridden for help, and might decamp before the -gauchos could surround them. Now, if I can get rid -of this ugly fellow, his own men will hardly miss him -for an hour or two, for who is to say that he is not -in the forest? Then there is just a chance, a small one -it is true, that the men from our estancia might be able -to reach this place in time. His following will be -uncertain how to act. That means delay, and with a -little luck on our side—yes, I'll take him." -</p> - -<p> -Once his mind was made up he did not hesitate. In -a twinkling he had disarmed the unconscious man, and -then, working as swiftly as possible, he bound his -hands tightly together. Now came the most difficult -portion of the task. He bent over Antonio, gripped -him beneath the arms, and lifted him. -</p> - -<p> -"Hurrah! Not nearly so heavy as I thought he -would be," he said. "Up you go, and there you stay -till we reach the estancia!" -</p> - -<p> -With a heave he pushed the form of the Italian on -to one of the horses, placing his legs astride the beast. -Then the rope came into service again. The feet were -secured together, and a length of the rope passed -round horse and man, so as to keep Antonio from -slipping. -</p> - -<p> -"If I go slowly and carefully I think he will stay in -the position in which I have placed him," said Dudley, -looking critically at his work, for where he and the -horses stood an occasional flicker of firelight reached, -just sufficient to help him. "Now to get out of the -forest, and by then I hope this ugly fellow will have -recovered from the blow my revolver gave him. It -was a nasty one, and has cut his forehead badly. -However, he is merely stunned, and when he comes -to I shall have to frighten him. Up we go!" -</p> - -<p> -He was in the very best of spirits, for during the -last quarter of an hour fortune had favored him in -such a remarkable manner that it seemed to him that -even the future was brightened and looked more promising. -But still he did not forget that the enemy were -close at hand, and that every minute might see the -Indian cook and another batch of men come to the -fireside for a meal. He scrambled on to the back of -the spare horse, taking a little run before he sprang, -for he had selected a big animal. Then, having -gathered up the reins, and taken those of the other horse -in his hands, he sat quietly listening. Now and again -he heard a call from the forest, and on two occasions -a sharp report rang out, to which, almost instantly, -there came an answering shot from the farthest edge -of the forest, evidently sent from the little fort which -he had so lately left. -</p> - -<p> -"Good! The boys are well and safe. Now for the -last part of the adventure." -</p> - -<p> -He shortened the reins, dug his heels into the horse -he bestrode, and guided the animals into a narrow -track which passed in between the trees. In a moment -he had passed out of the firelight, beyond the circle -of the clearing in which the enemy's camp lay, and -was surrounded by the forest. The darkness became -intense again, though here and there he caught sight -of a flickering patch of light where the rays of the -moon penetrated through some gap in the leaves overhead. -As he looked at them his mind returned to that -other patch in which he had so suddenly discovered -one of the gaucho enemy, and to which Antonio and -his lieutenant had been called. He remembered how -breathlessly he had watched them, with what feelings -of relief he had realized that they had no suspicion -of his presence. How they had discussed the matter, -and how, with tragical suddenness, a shot had rung -out from the trenches behind, bringing the sulky -lieutenant to the ground. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, a bigger patch!" he suddenly exclaimed, his -eyes falling upon a long streak. "That looks as if -there were a track of some sort, and if so it will suit -me well. After all, if this ruffian has used the forest -as cover for his white and Indian raiders, there must -be tracks here and there, as well as clearings in which -the stolen cattle are herded. I'll try this one, and see -where it leads me." -</p> - -<p> -He guided the horses into the patch he had observed, -and was delighted to find that he had gained a narrow -patch, almost overgrown here and there by the brambles -and underwood, which were swift to invade every -open space. It led away to the right, parallel with the -edge of the forest, and would therefore take him at -every step farther from the enemy. But swift -progress was impossible. It was necessary to be careful, -for any unusual noise would certainly bring the gang -of robbers about him. Restraining his impatience, -therefore, he walked his horses on for a mile, when -the track became even narrower. Then suddenly it -emerged into a tiny clearing, into which the rays of -the moon streamed brightly, showing two other tracks, -one leading to the right and the other turning off -abruptly to the left. -</p> - -<p> -"The first returns to Antonio's house, no doubt," -said Dudley, halting to look at them. "The other is -the one for me. It leads to the pampas. In half an -hour I shall be there. Ah, you are coming round, I -think! Well, I must hurry, for just here a shout from -you would be dangerous, while out on the pampas you -can call till you are tired." -</p> - -<p> -A deep sigh, a long, indrawn breath, had come from -the prostrate figure secured to the second horse, and -Antonio's ugly head turned just a trifle. But the man -did not regain consciousness. His breathing was still -shallow and hardly perceptible, while beneath the -ghostly rays of the moon his face looked deathly pale -against the black beard which clothed it. Dudley -stared at the man with the utmost aversion. He had -disliked him before, when for the space of a few hours -he was his guest. There was even then something -indefinable about the ruffian which had repelled him. -And now that something was even more pronounced. -If ever there were a villain, it was this Antonio; and -again and again did our hero thank his good fortune -that he had the man secure and disarmed. However, -it was neither the time nor the place for soliloquizing, -and promptly he kicked his mount with his heels, and -set off down the track he had selected at a gentle -amble, which soon brought him to the confines of the -forest, where he could look out at the pampas, the -smooth, grass-grown plain shimmering in the white -moonlight and seeming almost to welcome him. He -could hear the whisper of the long grass as the wind -swept across it, while the rustle and shake of the leaves -overhead seemed to mingle harmoniously with the -sound. But though he strained his ears, there was -nothing else to be heard, not a call, not even one of -those sharp reports which had echoed through the -forest at frequent intervals. -</p> - -<p> -"And no one in sight," he said, his spirits rising -higher as the seconds flew. "I must be a couple of -miles to the right of our men, and, I think, well clear -of the enemy. Here goes for a smart canter." -</p> - -<p> -He halted a few moments longer to make sure that -his prisoner was secure in the position he had placed -him in, and then, so that there should be no doubt as -to his remaining there, he pulled the led horse in still -closer, till its flank was jammed against his knee, and -his free hand gripped Antonio's shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll warrant he will not slip now," he said, "and -when he comes to he'll be so close that I shall be able -to deal with him. Come along, boys! We've a fine -gallop before us." -</p> - -<p> -He shook his reins and touched his mount with his -heels. The two fine horses set off at a trot on to the -pampas, and then at a call from Dudley broke into a -canter, which soon became a gallop, not one of those -headlong rushes which fire the blood of men and -horses too, but a strong, fast gallop, which a pampas -horse can keep up for many a mile, and which demands -little if any exertion from the rider. In this way five -miles were rapidly covered, Dudley keeping his horses -well in hand, while he gripped Antonio firmly and held -him in the position in which he had placed him. But -a groan came from the unconscious man now, and -within a minute there was a movement of the shoulder -which Dudley was gripping. Pulling firmly on his -reins, he slowly brought the animals to a standstill and -turned to look at his prisoner. Antonio was conscious -once more. As Dudley stared at him the ruffian's -wicked little eyes scintillated under the moon's rays. -The brows were puckered and drawn down, while the -whole expression of his face denoted wonder, -dawning consciousness, and increasing knowledge of his -position. His teeth grated together, his breath came -a little faster, and then, as Dudley released his hold, -the prisoner sat up suddenly, opened his mouth, and -shouted with all the vigor of his lungs: -</p> - -<p> -"Help, help! To the rescue!" -</p> - -<p> -He struggled to free himself from the rope which -secured him to the horse, and tugged at the lashings -which secured his hands. He was desperate. -Consciousness had returned fully to Antonio, and with it -had come all his old ferocity. If it were not for his -bonds he would tear this rascal to pieces; he would -shoot him again and again, he would—— -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly he realized the futility of struggling. In -a flash he guessed that nothing but a knife could sever -the lashings which held him. But he still had his -voice, and once more he bellowed aloud. Then he -looked again at his captor, and, noting the smile on -his lips, ground his teeth with rage. -</p> - -<p> -"If you are ready, we will ride on," said Dudley -slowly. "And as we are to be companions, it will be -as well to understand each other. Now, if I were you, -and our positions were reversed, I have little doubt -that you would shoot me. In fact, if I had shot you -just now when you shouted, I should have been perfectly -justified. But, you see, there is no one to hear -on the pampas. We are alone, <i>amigo</i>, and you are -now miles from your friends. When you are ready -we will gallop on again, but I warn you any attempt -on your part to break away will be met by a bullet. -You understand? I know the class of man I have -captured. I mean to keep you safely till I can hand -you over to our men, and then——" -</p> - -<p> -Even to a ruffian like this he did not like to be harsh, -and stopped in the middle of his sentence. For -Dudley knew, as well as the ruffian beside him, that -capture meant one thing alone. On the pampas a horse -thief met with scanty mercy, while a robber had but -short shrift. Antonio Sarvisti was certain to be -hanged at the first opportunity, and it was more than -likely that he would then be riddled with bullets, that -being the summary justice of the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -<a id="p342"></a> -No need, indeed, to tell this ruffian what would -happen. At that moment the thought of what was in -store for him was uppermost in his brain. His teeth -grated again in a manner which made Dudley's blood -run cold. He strove frantically to free his hands, and -then, as if determined to make one more effort, he -gave vent to a third shout, his voice rolling across the -pampas. Almost instantly there came an answering -call, one of those long hallos so common with the -gauchos. It was repeated again and again, and then, -as Dudley turned pale and swung round to face the -direction from which the calls came, some twenty -horsemen came into view, galloping madly towards -them across the pampas. -</p> - -<p> -It was Antonio's turn to grin and smile. His lips -curled back from his fine white teeth, and he glared -away at the oncoming horsemen and then at his -captor with such a malevolent expression that Dudley -shivered. He was caught. The tables had been -suddenly turned, it seemed, and already flight was almost -out of the question. Still, while there was life there -was hope, and at once, gathering up the reins again, -he set the horses in motion, and, swinging them round, -set off at a rapid gallop, determined to escape himself -if it were possible, and to carry his prisoner with him. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap20"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XX -<br /><br /> -BROUGHT TO BOOK -</h3> - -<p> -"Hallo! Hallo! Stop there! Dudley! Harold!" -</p> - -<p> -It was no ordinary man who sent those words rolling -over the moonlit pampas, but a giant, possessed of -lungs as powerful as a blacksmith's bellows. There -could be no mistaking the voice, and in a second Dudley -was pulling frantically at his reins, shouting back -with his head turned as much as possible, while hope, -the certainty of succor and of safety, sent the blood -rushing through his veins. His spirits went up with -a jump. In an instant what had seemed a desperate -position was entirely changed. Mr. Blunt was there, -riding swiftly after him, for no one else on the pampas -possessed such a voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Halt! If you are a friend, halt at once; if an -enemy, halt all the sooner." -</p> - -<p> -As if to impress the fugitive, a sharp crack resounded -some way behind, and a pistol bullet whizzed -high overhead. -</p> - -<p> -"Whoa! Pull up, boys! Steady! There, stand -like that, or you will shake the life out of our friend -here. Ahoy! Mr. Blunt! It's Dudley!" -</p> - -<p> -Sitting as high as was possible in the absence of a -saddle and stirrups, Dudley waved one free hand deliriously -in the air and shouted at the pitch of his voice. -He was frantic with excitement. A huge weight of -trouble seemed to have fallen from his young -shoulders in the space of a few seconds, for he knew that -he himself was secure now, and, more than that, -that his comrades lying in their trenches in the forest -were also secure. But how was it that these -horsemen had so suddenly appeared, for Mr. Blunt's -estancia was many miles away? What had brought -them out across the pampas, and in the dead of night? -Dudley shouted again, and then, turning his horses, -rode back towards the newcomers, his free hand now -gripping his prisoner's shoulder. For Antonio had -collapsed. His brain, still somewhat muddled by the -crushing blow which Dudley's pistol had given him, -had nevertheless rapidly discovered the real -condition of affairs. Hardly a minute before, a sardonic -grin, the grin of a man who has triumphed, had made -a naturally repulsive face perfectly hideous. He had -even gone to the length of taunting his captor. But -now, when he realized that his hopes were gone, that -he was more than ever a prisoner, and that there could -be but one end, this cold-blooded rascal, who had -infested the pampas, who had caused ruin to many -estancia owners, and who had never forgotten some -stupid grudge which he owed Mr. Blunt, collapsed and -became unconscious again. He fell forward on to the -horse's neck and lay there, with his head dangling -towards the ground. However, before Mr. Blunt and -the gauchos had ridden up, the prisoner was conscious -again and sitting up. But his was not the pose of a -man in the best of spirits. The rascal's courage was -gone at last. He sat his mount as if some huge weight -were crushing his shoulders, and his cruel and twinkling -eyes looked furtively at his captor and then at -the figure of the foremost of the newcomers. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank God, it's Dudley! What has happened, -lad? Who is this fellow?" -</p> - -<p> -In his own impulsive manner the owner of the -neighboring estancia galloped up to our hero, reined -in his horse with iron fingers, and then stretched out -a big hand to grip that of his young manager. And -there the two sat, unable to speak for a few seconds, -while the gauchos, with Pietro at their head, surrounded -the little party, uttering cries of astonishment, -and looking wonderingly at the Englishman who was -in their midst and at the bearded repulsive stranger -lashed to the horse beside him. -</p> - -<p> -"Who is this fellow?" demanded Mr. Blunt -sternly, releasing Dudley's hand and riding closer so -as to inspect the prisoner. "We heard shots. The -men at our outpost corral reported that firing was to -be heard somewhere in this direction, and, happening -to be spending the night with them, I brought a strong -party out on to the pampas. The firing got louder as -we rode, and we were sure it came from the forest, -from the direction of the estancia which you and your -men were to visit. We were suspicious, and were -wondering whether we should advance at once or send -back for more men, when we heard a shout. Then—why, -great powers, I know this fellow!" -</p> - -<p> -Antonio had kept his head averted all this while, -but a sudden movement, a half-turn of the horse to -which he was lashed, had swung him round, and in a -moment Mr. Blunt was staring into a dark, forbidding -face, clothed with a matted beard, and displaying at -that second a variety of expressions, fear and hate -mingled strangely together. Antonio Sarvisti had -known from the very first who the newcomer was. -The voice was sufficient, and how he hated that! -Then there was the huge figure, the commanding presence -of the burly Englishman, with his direct way of -speaking, his open-hearted manner, all of which -reminded this rascal of past days, of a man whom he -had disliked from the first, and against whom, for -some foolish, fancied cause, he had sworn to be -revenged. Men of his stamp and country were not the -ones to reason such matters out. Blind unreasoning -hate had kept him to his purpose, and he had -persevered, always to be met by failure. -</p> - -<p> -"So this ruffian is your prisoner?" said Mr. Blunt, -recovering from his astonishment. "Tell me all about -his capture. What has happened?" -</p> - -<p> -He sat stockstill on his horse while Dudley -recounted how he and his party had visited the estancia -of Antonio last of all, how their suspicions had been -aroused, and how, while returning to look further into -the matter, they had been caught in an ambush. Then -he related his own escape, his meeting with the leader -of the band of robbers, and his final ride for freedom. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I understand that at the present moment -there are some fifty-five brigands lying in the forest -ready to attack our men," said Mr. Blunt quietly, as -if he were reviewing the whole position. "They -probably know nothing of the capture you have made, -and are simply waiting for the dawn. It will be here -in an hour, perhaps, though it will still be dark in the -forest. I have thirty men here." -</p> - -<p> -"Thirty-four, señor," corrected Pietro. -</p> - -<p> -"Thirty-four, then, of whom two will be required -to take charge of this rascal. The others are at your -service, Dudley. How do you propose to make use -of them?" -</p> - -<p> -He was going to place the whole affair in his manager's -hands. Mr. Blunt was not the man to interfere -where interference was unnecessary, and now he -determined that Dudley should see the matter through, and, -having done so much, should extricate the little party -which he had commanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Time is short," he said curtly. "We had better -be moving. What plan do you suggest?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is one, and one only," was the answer. -"Divide the men. Send twenty along the face of the -forest till opposite our party, with instructions to move -the flanks forward and so enclose the robbers. I will -lead the others by the path I followed, and we will -seize the horses. Then we shall have them completely, -for with men outside them, and our fellows in the -middle of their circle, they will be unable to move. -They will be between two fires. Warn the men here -to be careful when they shoot, for they might hit their -comrades. Will that do?" -</p> - -<p> -"Take charge of this ruffian," commanded Mr. Blunt, -swinging round to the men. "You all wish to -come with us, I know, but this duty must be seen to. -Select two of your number, and let us be going. Now, -my friends, I want ten men who will follow our young -manager." -</p> - -<p> -Like lightning the tale which Dudley had narrated -had flown round the circle of gauchos, and had been -interpreted to those who could not understand English. -Their grinning faces showed their pleasure, and now, -at Mr. Blunt's words, they hung back sheepishly at -first, fearful in the case of every man that he would -be selected to guard the prisoner; while, as the call -came for ten to follow Dudley, some thirty-four pair -of heels drove as many spurs into the horses, causing -them to bound forward in a mass. -</p> - -<p> -Mr. Blunt laughed. "That is the result of -popularity," he said, smiling at Dudley. "Some obtain -fame in one way, some in another. It would appear -that my manager has a reputation as a leader and a -fighter. Come, lads? ten only are required. I did not -ask for thirty-four." -</p> - -<p> -He took Dudley by the sleeve, and together they -rode away from the men, who quickly settled the question. -Five minutes later the two parties were crossing -the pampas at a gallop, while in rear of them stood -three solitary horsemen, one bound to his mount, -crest-fallen and desperate, while the other two, tall, -well-set-up gauchos, gazed after their comrades with -envious eyes, and then turned to scowl at their prisoner. -</p> - -<p> -"To think," growled one of them, "that you and -I are left behind because of this hound. Tales have -been spreading, and, if they are true, it is this fellow -who has sent the Indians to us so often, and who has -had our master attacked down in the settlements. And -now he keeps us here, swinging our heels, when we -should have been with our comrades paying off the -scores we owe to these robbers." -</p> - -<p> -His comrade nodded with energy. He quite agreed -that this last offence was an enormity, and scowled at -Antonio in no very friendly manner. -</p> - -<p> -"Pampas law for him," he said, rolling a cigarette. -"There's a tree down by the corral which will bear -his weight. To-morrow, perhaps, he will be dangling." -</p> - -<p> -The sky was getting brighter away to the east as -Dudley led his little following into the forest. They -had ridden with their comrades till the dark line of -the trees came into sight, and then, having halted to -point out to his employer the precise position of the -robbers and the gallant band they surrounded, a -position which he remembered because of a patch of trees -higher than the others, they had galloped on rapidly -so as to reach the horses before the others were -discovered. They threaded the narrow track which -Dudley had followed, found the clearing into which three -of these paths opened, and finally rode slowly along -that which led to the clearing in which the fire burned, -and where doubtless some of the robbers were even -then having a meal. -</p> - -<p> -"Halt!" A whispered word from Dudley brought -his small force to a standstill, for the flickering rays -of a fire had penetrated to the path along which they -were riding. "Wait," said the young leader. "I will -go forward and reconnoitre." -</p> - -<p> -Slipping from his mount he ran along, bent almost -double, and very soon was on the very edge of the -clearing. The fire still burned there as brightly as -ever, and seated near it, on upturned saddles or on the -ground, were four of the enemy, while the jovial -features of the Indian cook were clearly seen, for he stood -over the fire stirring his kettle, from which he had -just filled the pannikins of the men. Evidently the -loss of two horses and of their leader had not been -discovered, and everything promised well for Dudley -and his party. He slipped back to them, and in a -twinkling they were moving forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Four take charge of the horse lines, while the rest -cover the enemy with their rifles," he said. "Trot! -We must get along." -</p> - -<p> -Following one another in Indian file, for the path -was too narrow for two to ride abreast, the little -cavalcade were not long in reaching the clearing. They -burst into the open space, spread out so as to surround -the enemy there, and before the latter had recovered -from their astonishment had them covered with their -rifles. It was comical to see the look of dismay which -overspread the once jovial face of the Indian cook. -He seemed paralyzed with terror, and stood precisely -in the same spot where Dudley had seen him, his -mouth agape, his eyes bulging from their sockets, -while he mechanically continued to stir the contents -of his steaming kettle. -</p> - -<p> -"Hands up!" cried Dudley. "You are surrounded, -and if one of you attempts to lift his rifle, -that man will be shot." -</p> - -<p> -Whether or not the men understood what he said, -they at least gathered his meaning from his gestures, -and more even from the sight of the rifles which -covered them. They had already dropped their pannikins, -and now they huddled themselves together near the -cook, their hands held up above their heads. -</p> - -<p> -"Let two men dismount and take their pistols and -knives from them," commanded Dudley. Then, when -that task had been accomplished, he placed a couple -of his men on guard over the prisoners, all of whom -were secured with the long leather thong of a bolas. -</p> - -<p> -"Now for the others," he said. "We will spread -out here on the edge of the clearing facing their -comrades, and will wait for the dawn. If any come our -way, let them pass in and then cover them with your -weapons. If possible let us take them without a shot, -and without so much as a sound." -</p> - -<p> -Fortune was favoring Mr. Blunt and his honest -gauchos on this occasion, for it happened that during -Dudley's absence all the men of Antonio's following -had had a meal, save those who now lay captives, and -who had been taken in the midst of their repast. None -came from the forest to the clearing. In addition, -beyond a loud call every now and again, not a sound -was heard from the depths of the forest, even Harold -and his men were husbanding their ammunition till -the dawn came, for the brave lad had no idea that -Dudley had returned already. At the earliest he could -not expect help before the following night, and for -that reason he saved every cartridge, while, on the -advice of Pepito, he allowed one-half of his force to -sleep, waking them when an hour had gone so as to -rest the remainder. But the dawn was coming. Even -to the men hidden in the forest an occasional glimpse -was possible of the reddening sky, while the light, -growing imperceptibly greater, seemed to steal down -past the leaves and along the tree trunks till it reached -the roots. It was dawn. Men could see the faces of -their comrades, and Harold was able to tell the exact -position of each one of his following, and for the first -time could distinguish the outline of the quaint fort -which Dudley had suggested before his departure. A -little extra banking here and there at the edges, a little -more taken out of portions of the trenches, and the -place would be perfect. The men were all awake now, -lying with their weapons ready and cartridges at hand. -He was about to give an order to improve the fort -when a single rifle shot rang out far back in the forest, -to be answered within a minute by a report from the -pampas. Then came a loud hail from the latter position. -</p> - -<p> -"Harold! Harold!" came in Mr. Blunt's stentorian -tones. "Harold, ahoy!" -</p> - -<p> -"Friends, señor," exclaimed Pepito, dragging himself -slowly to his leader's side, for the poor fellow's -wound was painful. "There is help close at hand. -Warn the men to be careful of their shooting. But -listen!" -</p> - -<p> -Once more the strong voice was heard. -</p> - -<p> -"Harold, ahoy! We have a strong force of gauchos -with us, and have surrounded the ruffians lying in the -forest. Shoot any who happen to pass your way. We -are closing up all round them." -</p> - -<p> -From the depths of the forest there came now a -commotion. Men called to one another, for as yet -the position was not understood. But many of the -ruffians understood English, and some had overheard -Mr. Blunt's hail. They were surrounded. While they -had no notion of such a thing, and indeed thought -it impossible, the enemy had ridden all round them. -Each must fight for himself. -</p> - -<p> -They gave up all attempt to capture the small party -who had withstood them so long, gave up all thought -of combination, and promptly bolted like hares in all -directions, the majority, however, rushing for the -clearing where their horses were picketed. -</p> - -<p> -"Wait till you see them clearly, and then bring them -down," said Dudley sternly. "Mind, not a shot till -they are close. We must take them by surprise." -</p> - -<p> -The ambush into which the rascally gauchos fell was -in fact such a surprise that many of them promptly -threw up their hands and were secured. Half a dozen -were killed at the first volley, and three others, who -attempted to run, shared the same fate. For the -honest fellows who were in Mr. Blunt's employ had no -sympathy for such ruffians. On the pampas, where -there was an entire absence of police or of any -protective force, men had to fend for themselves, and -robbers had to be dealt with severely. -</p> - -<p> -"Place the prisoners all together, and set a guard -over them," commanded Dudley, when it was seen -that no more were coming their way. "Pietro, just -count them, and let me know how many we have -taken." -</p> - -<p> -"Thirty-two, señor," came the answer, as the -gaucho rapidly totalled the robbers who had been -captured, and returned to the young manager's side. "A -good haul, señor, and one which will put a stop to -other bands attempting the same robberies. -Thirty-two, and seventy-three horses." -</p> - -<p> -"Amongst which will be the mounts they captured -from my little escort. Now, we'll give our friends a -hail." -</p> - -<p> -Sharp reports had meanwhile been heard from -different parts of the forest, sometimes three or four -coming close together, while the majority were -solitary shots, fired at some fleeing figure. There were -shouts, too, and an occasional cry of pain. -</p> - -<p> -"Ahoy there! Harold! Mr. Blunt!" -</p> - -<p> -Dudley shouted at the pitch of his lungs, and very -soon his employer and Harold appeared on the scene, -their men straggling in behind them, two of the fine -fellows carrying Pepito in their arms. -</p> - -<p> -"Thirty-two prisoners, you say?" cried Mr. Blunt, -casting a withering glance at the robbers, and then -one of pride at his men. "Now, let us count them, -for we want to be sure that none have escaped. -Harold reports that five were killed in the neighborhood -of the fort, so that thirty-seven are accounted for. -How many were shot here?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nine in all," came the answer. -</p> - -<p> -"Then we have dealt with forty-six, and with the -ruffian you so gallantly brought us, Dudley, we have -accounted for forty-seven. Thirteen have escaped, -and I have no doubt are now running for their lives -through this forest. Well, let them go. Their tale -will help to frighten others bent on a lawless life. And -now to return to the estancia. Dudley, you will take -Pietro and ten men, and will make for the house -occupied by that rascally Antonio. Take possession of -it, seize all people there, and keep a guard over any -papers you may come upon. The remainder will escort -the prisoners back to the estancia, where they will be -kept till I can obtain a judge from the settlements. -One of the rascals I could have dealt with, but I -cannot hang so many on my own authority." -</p> - -<p> -Resting in the clearing till the men had had a meal, -the party divided again, Dudley and his escort riding -to Antonio's house, which they seized without opposition. -The prisoners taken in the action were mounted -on the captured horses, their legs secured beneath the -bodies of the animals, and their hands lashed firmly. -Then the horses were roped in a long line, and once -more took the track leading into the forest. A pile of -arms and saddlery was left behind, to be fetched on -a future occasion. -</p> - -<p> -Two weeks later the robbers who had been captured -were placed on trial at Mr. Blunt's estancia, and some -ten of their number, against whom previous acts of -violence could be proved, were hanged by order of the -authorities. The remainder were sent down to Buenos -Ayres, there to work in the prisons. As for Antonio, -he was hanged before all his following, as a warning -to those who were to be retained as prisoners. -</p> - -<p> -"And now we shall be able to live peacefully," said -Mr. Blunt a week later, when all the prisoners had -been removed, and matters had settled down at the -estancia. "There will be no more raids from the -direction of the forest, for, thanks to Dudley, and to -you too, Harold, both Indians and robbers have had a -severe lesson. I have news for you both. Guess what -it is. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will tell you," he went on, seeing that they -only shook their heads. "I have need of a second -manager, for I have purchased the whole of the -estancia owned by Antonio Sarvisti. It is as large as -this ranch, and needs an experienced man. Dudley -Compton is the man I have selected." -</p> - -<p> -The news was almost too good to be believed. -Dudley had had visions of managing a ranch some day -far in the future, and perhaps even of possessing one -when he had accumulated sufficient money. And -now—— -</p> - -<p> -"It is as large as this," said Mr. Blunt, "and you -will start with an ample stock of cattle. You will be -in complete control of the place, and will merely report -to me on occasion. So that you may not be too much -alone, I will build a house close to the borders of the -forest, through which paths shall be cut. There -Harold and I will take up our residence. That is, if our -young friend cares to remain and accept the post of -manager on this estancia." -</p> - -<p> -"Would he accept it?" Harold's eyes were shining -brightly. There was a suspicious twitch about the -corners of his mouth as he blurted out an acceptance. -</p> - -<p> -"Rather!" he said. "That would be jolly! We -shall still continue the same happy family." -</p> - -<p> -Little remains to be told of the doings of Dudley -Compton and his friends. In three years the estancia -which he managed had become a model establishment, -which commanded the admiration of the neighboring -owners. But there was one great defect. Dudley was -lonely. He was a long ride from Mr. Blunt and -Harold, and at nights the hours hung heavy on his hands. -Need the reader be surprised to hear that our hero -was more than interested in the arrival of Mr. Blunt's -daughter, that his visits to his old employer became -noticeably frequent, and that when some months had -gone by he was able to persuade the young lady who -had arrived that his own little house on the -neighboring ranch was comfortable? The two young -people were married within a year, the gauchos from far -and near collecting together to cheer them and drink -their health. And in due time, as the years rolled by, -and age began to tell on Mr. Blunt, his two young -managers became partners on the ranches. To this -day they are there, white-haired and somewhat stiff -and aged. But that firm friendship, commenced when -at school and renewed after a painful break, still -exists between them. The wide, rolling plains have been -their home ever since those early days when first they -made the acquaintance of the Roughriders of the -Pampas. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROUGHRIDERS OF THE PAMPAS ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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