Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 985) (1896 06 09)
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.- CRS So Hc8Nies ; AAS : ey "a as! |pe | tI iss ae w York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1896, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, No 985 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, s) ° a Year. 5 cents. ’ : { \ TAN THE NEBRASKIAN BEAT THE TROOPER UNTIL THE LIFE SEEMED NEARLY GONE FROM HIS BRUISED BODY.
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=) Gideon’s Band; OR, JOLLY JACK IN MEXICO. BY W. J. HAMILTON. CHAPTER I. THE NEBRASKIAN TAKES A HAND. A man stood alone upon a little slope, not far from the City of Matamoras, look- ing southward, and at the same time nursing the light in the short brier-root pipe which was in his mouth. He wore a suit of faded blue, the remains of the uniform of a soldier of the United States. The close of the war for the Union had found him upon the rich plains of Texas; but he had left these behind him, and wandering still further to the south, aim- less in purpose, crossed the Rio Grande. ‘<i Pluribus Unum! Here, I am, all alone in my glory, nobody to molest me or make me afraid. It tickles me to death to %think how some of these guerrillas woukt git fooled if they jumped on me nowy—it would, indeed! I’m_ the repre- sentative of the Great United States up- on this furrin s’ile—not minister plenipo- tentiary, nor any other kind of minister, but all the same on a scout fer fun an’ glory. ‘‘Yas, fun an’ glory. I’m bound to take a hand in this Duteh-French muss,’’ he muttered. “Who wants me? That’s the question! Who claims the sarvices ‘of yours in haste, Big Jack Ridley of Ne- braska? Whdg ‘hollers’ first?” At this moment he heard the sound of horses’ feet, and looking down the road which led to the great river, he saw a woman on horseback, riding at full speed. Close behind her, urging their horses .at their fleetest gait, came four men in the uniform of the French hussars. The woman, bending forward in the saddle, using her dagger to urge on the flying steed, was gaining upon the hussars, when a pistol-shot was heard, and the noble mustang which she rode faltered in his stride, as if struck by. the bullet. Jack Ridley, with a peculiarly wicked gleam in his sharp eyes, rose from the stone upon which he had been seated. She saw him. 7 ‘*Help, sefior!” she cried, in good English; *‘ help for a woman in distress.” ‘*Git behind me, sefiora,” he said, quietly. ‘Pll take a hand in this circus! Easy, pards, easy !”—raising bis hand to check the advance of the hussars. ‘I b’ile in here.” ‘¢ En avant, camarades !” cried the sergeant who ledthe hussars, ‘‘ Outof the way, canaille, out of the way!” The fire in the eyes of the solitary man grew more bright, he thrust his hands under the loose pockets of his soldier blouse, and, sudden- ly, there wasa cocked reyolverineach! — The revolver, in the hands of 2 Western man, always commands a certain respect from those not accustomed to use it with precision, The hussars did pause, and one or two of them put their hands to their holsters, but the glint in those dark-blue eyes warned them that it was hardly safe to draw a weapon. / ‘* Kinder stiddy, pards! Don’t draw a shoot- er, because I’m dre’dful nervous, and the sight of a pistol always makes me shoot; it does, i- deed!” he declared. ; ‘* Monsieur,” responded the sergeant, ‘I see that you are a soldier and a brave man. Do not, therefore, interfere with soldiers in the dis- par 2a their duty.” ‘“‘ Frenchy,” replied Ridley, ‘“‘ you do me proud, I'd like to parley-vous with you a long time, but not just now. When Iseea gang of wie firing at a woman, it jest makes my blood ile,’ ‘* Not at her, but at her horse,” declared the Frenchman. ‘‘ She is a spy of Juarez, and re- fused to halt when called upon, si grade if I went back to Matamoras without er, ; “Im mighty sorry, my friend,” answered Ridley, ‘‘ but under the circumstances I'll have to ask*you to ride back and let her alone.” ‘You ask too much. This woman must go back to Matamoras with us. By Heaven, do you dare stand there alone and brave us?” ‘Looks dreadful like it, pard; but I say @al sha’n’t be taken, Dig, my beauty; your I should Jose this | ed a quiet voice behind him. Gideon’s Band, horse ain’t much hurt. Put out as hard as you can, and while I kin shake a leg not a man of them shall tollow you.” ‘‘ Charge!” cried the sergeant, ‘‘ Down with him first! No pistols; never shall it be said that four French sabers are not a match for a single man!’ ‘© You will have it, then, you hounds!” cried Ridley. ‘* Down you go, first of all!” The revolver in his left hand hardly came to a level when there was a report; the French ser- geant dropped upon the crupper of his horse and slid to the earth, shot through the left breast. Almost at the same moment the wea- pon in his right hand spoke, and. the, man who was nearest on the right uttered a yell of agony and also toppled from the saddle. ‘*Come and see me!” yelled Jack Ridley, and with a runand a bound helanded upon the back of the sergeant’s horse. ‘‘ Whoopee! Who's fur the great untamed catamount of Nebrasky? Who wants an introduce to the tall oak of the Western plains?) You would, would you? Take that!” Again the pistol cracked, and the third man, who was lugging a pet out of ‘his holster, fell without a groan. -At the same moment another pistol sounded, and the horse which Ridley be- strode received the ball in his brain, and rear- ing. fell over backward. idley, though a consummate horseman, was taken by surprise, and had no time to fully dis- engage himself before the horse fell, and his right foot was pinned to the earth in such a po- sition that he could not free it. He was at the mercy of the hussar, and the fellow knew it. “Ah, miscreant, canaille/” the trooper screamed, ‘‘ Wait! I shall kill you—murder you—to avenge my comrades you have slain.” Seeing that it was useless to try to free his foot, the Nebraskian drew his body as closely as possible to that of the horse, holding his revolv- er ready for a shot. But the Frenchman had no desire to try his skill at close quarters, and, to the surprise of the American he drew back out of range and dismounted, picketing his horse by driving his lariat-pin into the earth. Then he took something from behind the sadale, and when he turned he had a heavy carabine in his hand. **Oh, you blamed parley-vous!” hissed Ridley. **Do you mean to take a cool shot at a man in rat Fig re =) ; e Frenchman made no reply, but kneeling not far from his horse, he took a long and steady aim, The first shot struck the body of the horse within six inches of the head of the doomed man, ; ‘*You cowardly hound! Come up to me like aman and give mea chance!” cried Jack. ‘‘I’d fight a regiment of such monkeys, once set me on my feet!” : But the Frenchman put in another cartridge and took steady aim again. This time there could be no mistake, for Ridley, clutching at the cloth upon his bosom, uttered a at of agony and fell backward. The revolver which had done such good service fell from his grasp, and he lay uponhis back, his pale face looking up to the suinmer sky. The Frenchman threw down his carabine and ran to look at his fallen comrades, caring noth- ing for the man he had so treacherously slain, CHAPTER II. THE TABLES TURNED—A CLOSE CHASE, THE sergeant was not dead, but badly wound- ed, and he og ort recover. The second man was dead, for the bullet bad pierced his brain, and the hussar ran to the third, who had fallen’ quite close to the American. This trooper had been sbot through the shoulder, and lay groan- ing. The bussar stooped over him and examine his wound. ‘* How is it, Jean?” he asked. ‘Shall I leave you and pursue the girl?” ‘No, no, Le Blanc; do not think of such a thing. Help me to pened this wound, or I shall bleed to death,” replied the man. | Le Blanc cut away the hussar jacket, and shirt until the shoulder was laid bare, and using the skill which comes to soldiers after a lon campaign, he stanched the flowing blood an bandaged the wound tightly. ‘‘That will do,” hesaid. ‘‘ You may be sure of one thing, Jean; 1 paid the scoundrel for it.” ‘* He is dead, then?” returned Jean, in a ques- tioning tone. . ‘¢ As Julius Caesar,” was the reply. | ‘* Ain’t you a trifle out on that, pard?” inquir- ‘If you don’t find me the liveliest corpse you ever heard tell gan to | been in strong men, well-armed and mo of a helpless woman,” - of, then I’m a sucker, Take care! Throw up your hands!” Close behind him, revolver ready, stood Jack Ridley, One of his feet was. bootiless, as if he had torn it from under the body of the horse by a mighty effort. The teeth of the hussar chattered in his head, for he counted himself no better than a dead man, ‘ “Now, Frenchy,” said Ridley, “‘I ain’t par- ticular where I put the ball, so that you are sat- isfied. Where do you want me to plumb ye?” ‘Mercy, monsieur, mercy!” pleaded the hus- sar, falling upon his knees, ‘*Marcy? Much marcy you showed me when I were pinned down by the horse. No, 1 give you the choice; where will you have it?” “T only did. my duty,” screamed the hussar. **Do not murder me.” ‘That ain’t my style,” replied the American, in a tone of deep contempt. ‘‘ Lay down on your face!” The man obeyed, and Jack planted his foot upon his back and pinned him there. ““T ought to give it to you plamb through the gizzard, you consarned coward, but I reckon I . won’t, after all. But, one thing I will do, give you the durndest basting you ever had since your mother took you across ber knee.” The belt of the wounded bussar lay upon the earth, where it had been thrown by Le Blanc. The Nebraskian caught it up and beat the troop~ er until the life seemed nearly gone from his bruised body. ‘“‘There!” cried the Nebraskian, throwing down the belt. ‘If that don’t satisfy you then it ain’t no use for me to try.” Binding the terror-stricken man hend and foot, the victor turned from one to the other of the hussars and satisfied himself that they could do no harm; then he saw the girl he had rescued advancing, mounted upon one of the hussar horses and leading another by the bridle. ‘¢Mount, sefior,” she ordered, as she came up; ‘** you have done that this day which will put a price upon your head if youare known. Come. and when Mexico is free, Juarez shall reward you, if my voice has any get As Ridley caught the bridle and leaped into the saddle, after taking ion of a saber, carabine and waist-belt, he cast along look at the girl. She was well worth a secon glance, _ and theex-soldier, an admirer of female beauty, © gave a low whistle of delighted astonishment, She was pounats S more than twenty at the most, with a autiful figure, which was - off to great advantage by her jaunty cos- ume, The hussar-jacket which covered her bust was buttoned closely at the chin, and a scarlet rebosa drooped gracefully over a short ki of blue navy- Toth. Her lower limbs were covered by Turkish trowsers and her feet by dainty moccasins. About her waist was a red belt, but - she had no weapons of any kind. Her hair, | black as the raven’s wing, fell in glistening waves over the scarlet rebosa, er face, browned by exposure to the Southern suns, was perfection in every line. Her hands and feet were small, and, taken all in all, she was, the most beautiful woman Jack Ridley had ever — seen, “Tf you have finished your inspection, and are quite satisfied with ay peewee appearance, let us ride on,” she said smilingly. ‘*]’m satisfied,” replied the you may bet on me every time. Lead the way, and I'll follow, even if you take me into the heart of Bazaine’s army, you hear me!” They rode on side by side, and for the: first time in many years Jack ‘Ridley was ashamed of his clothes. His had been a wandering and adventurous life, and had brought him little in contact with women, Marching, fighting camped in the mud, taking in all the joys an merican, ‘“‘ and | sorrows of the soldier’s life, with no real hatred of the men he had fought, he was ready to strike hands with them the moment they laid down their arms. ; “What are you thinking of, sefior?”’ she ask- KS ed, with a ri pling laugh. hte Why, seflora,’ was his auswer, ‘I was wish- ing just then that I didn’t cut quite such a fig- ure, This old coat has seen hard times, and ny a fight, and is,torn by bullet and singed by powder.” , PNever bas the coat as long as you know that the hearf of a brave soldier beats under it. I tell you, sefior, that this, our war for inde dence, so far has seen no braver deed than this you have done, in assailing single-handed four — unted,indefenso
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“ ee and the body of Jack Ridley was strug- — gling in the air. "eethy con nell ty a IA. ee fear from him, © |
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“4 ‘ CHAPTER IV. THE TABLES TURNED, AND THE CHAPARRAL LAIR, ALL seemed over for the gallant Jack Ridley. The French captain sprung into the saddle and rode around where he could look into the face | of the strangling man, when a crash was heard | in the bushes; a horse forced its way through the thick cover; then came the flash of a knite, and the body of Jack Ridley fell heavily to the earth, as the lariat was severed. It was Mariet- ta del Reno who had come tothe aid of thebrave man who had saved her life! * Captain St. Jean,” she cried, “is it possible that you would committ murder?” ** You here, Marietta?” he ejaculated. you dared to come back?” ** Yes! a thousand times, yes’ I have come to surrender myself, upon condition that you spare the life of this brave American,” The Frenchman showed his white teeth in a savaye smile, ** Ma petite,” he said, ‘‘ you have done a very foolish thing to come into the jaws of the lon, Seize her, men!” ** Let one of your villains lay a finger on my nif he dare,’’she replied. ‘‘I make youa air offer; I will go with you to Matamoras up- on condition that you spare this man,” *- You are right, milady,” responded St. Jean, with a repetition of his old malicious grin, “You shall go with me to Matamoras, and Gen- eral Mejia shall pronounce your doom. Take her, men; she is a spy of Juarez!” The orderly advanced and stretched out his hand to seize Marietta. She made no move- ment against him, but simply raised her hand. As she did so there came a shot from the edge of the chapparal, and the man fell dead. St. Jean uttered a terrible cry, and looked in the direction from which the shot had come. A thin line of smoke, slowly rising above the bustes, showed him where the rifleman lay con- cealed, and he discharged his pistol and called m his men to charge into the chaparral. ey obeyed, forgetting all about the prisoners, in the excitement of the moment. Victor St. Jean was the first toenter the chaparral, forcing his borse madly through the thick bushes, and tearing his flesh in the effort to reach the man who bad fired the fatal shot; but thesearch was vain, and they came back into the opening, one by one, only to find that noth Marietta del Reno and Jack Ridley had disappeared, taking with them the horse and arms of the slain orderly ! *“*] am disgraced forever!” hissed St. Jean. ** After them, men! By all the gods, they shall mot escape me! What fools we were to have left them here without a guard!” “I thought the Yankee was senseless,” re- sponded the lieutenant, in a mortified tone, ** put it seems he was only playing with us.” They rode wildly about the edge of the chap- arral, looking for the tracks of the fugitives, then discovering an opening, or a seeming path, the whole troop entered and kept on ata rattling pace until they came to a beautiful opening, walled in on every side by the bristling growth, comprising Ly ing twenty or thirty acres, where the grass formed a velvet carpet, and a bezutiful spring bubbled up in thecenter, It was one of the old guerrilla repr nes fata a wonderfvl place, in the midst of which were the remains of what evidently was one of the vil- — or so-called‘ lost cities of the Aztecs,” ere the command stopped in utter bewilder- ment. The grass upon which the horses trod received impression of their hoofs and sprung back to its poe at once, leaving literally no trail, and all trace of the fugitives. was lost. This was notali; for anumber of paths diverged from the opening, entering the chaparral in many different directions. ‘**Pardon me, mon capitaine,” suggested the lieutenant, “but does it not occur to you that we had better retreat?” ** Retreat, sir, and allow them to escape?” cried St. Jean. ** Mon Dieu! It seems to me that they have done that already, without any reference to us,” responded the lieutenant, *“* You may be in the right, Ducourt,” replied the captain, ‘‘ yet it nearly drives me mad to think that the villain who dared to strike me with his foot should escape the rope.” ‘We were at fault in charging into the chap- arral, as ‘ve did,” replied Ducourt, ‘‘Ha! By Heaven, there is the Yankee !” He was right. Atthe opening of one of the paths which led into the chaparral upon the fur- ther side, was Jack Ridley, seated in his saddle, and looking at them fixedly. A yell of rage came from the Frenchmen as “Have of derision from head, and was off down the path, the infuriated hussars following at a mad gallop. Victor St. Jean charged side by side with Ducourt across the broad opening. Two-thirds of the distance was passed over, when a yell broke the silence of the place—a yell full of vengeful significance. It was not the charging cry of the Mexicans, not the war-whoop of their Indian allies. No, it wasa resounding Anglo- Saxon cheer, mingled with the short, sharp battle-cry of the men of the South! The aston- ished hussars recoiled, and then followed con- fusion in the ranks as an enemy for whom they oes = looked came pouring out against them CHAPTER V. ‘* GIDEON’S BAND.” ‘If you belong to Gideon’s Band— We are uunting for a home.”—Old Song. Firry men, armed to the teeth, had charged suddenly from the chaparral and swept down upon the hussars with a force which nothing could withstand. At their head, swinging. his saber with the ease of a veteran, his bridle hanging loose, guiding his horse with his knees as only the old cavalryman can, rode the brave Nebraskian! And who were the men who followed? Upon every hard, determined face, ‘‘ old sol- dier ” was written in characters which no man could mistake, They were men from the East, West, North and South, for from the moment the battle-flags v. ere furled, the meu of the North and South were brothers again. The tattered ‘*oravback” rode shoulder to shoulder with the * Yank” from Massachusetts; the Texan ranger touched elbows with the ‘* Wolverine.” Of all ages, from the beardless boy to the grizzled veteran, they were soldiers, one and all. Had the hussars been met by three times their number of Mexicans they would have charged boldly, without a thought of being defeated. But tliey knew the seasoned warriors who swung the saber before them, and felt that never before had they met such terrible ene- mies. ‘* Hack and hew!” roared Jack Ridley, as bis saber cut theair. ‘‘Go it, youJohnnies! Cut and slash, you Missouri Pukes; lay on, you Yorkers!’ The hussars were separated asif a whirlwind had “passed through, and a line of bleeding forms strewed the ground behind them. ‘* Wheel again, you sinners!” shouted Jack. ‘* About, and at’em again.” The hussars had formed now, and their first surprise over, met the shock bravely for a mo- ment. But, what men, taken by surprise and utterly demoralized by a shock like this, could have stood up long against the charge of this Fe go band. In the melee which followed, Jack Ridley and Victor St. Jean crossed blades. ‘* Now, you vile hound,” screamed the French- man, ‘‘I have you, at last.” ; He was a finished swordsman, one of the best in the army of Bazaine. He intended, when they first crossed blades, to end the battle in three passes, but he reckoned without his host. The saber of Jack Ridley seemed charmed, Cut and thrust with all the skill he had, the French- man’s blows were turned aside by the ready blade of the American, and, at last, by a dex- trous blow, the saber was twisted from the grasp of the French captain, and he was at the mercy of the backwoodsman ! ‘ Kill me!” cried St. Jean, folding his arms. ‘*T no longe® wish to live.” ‘*Not any kill! Ireckon I'll hev to give you a taste of the lariat first.” With a shrill cry St. Jean threw himself within the guard of the American and grappled him fiercely. Both came heavily to the earth, locked ina savage embrace. Thecaptain was no mean foe, and, as the battle passed away from them, the two men lay upon the earth not far from the edge of the chaparral, contending fiercely for the mastery. Never before, in the course of a long and adventurous life, had the muscles of Jack Ridley been as sorely tried as now. The frame of St. Jean seemed formed of steel, Twice he nearly succeeded in turning his enemy and clutching him by thetbroat, and had he done so, all would have been over with the brave Westerner, for those iron fingers would never have loosed their grip. The combatants rose to their knees, still closely locked, and rocked to and fro in the vain effort to get uhe best of it, when, suddenly, Jack Ridley loosened his right hand and dashed it witb stunning force into the face of St. Jean. Before he could recover from the effect of this blow, the Frenchman was lying flat on hisback, and the loop of a lariat was about his arms, ‘Kinder keerful, pard! Don’t rare ‘round that way, if you please. I'll say one thing fur ye, Cap; I ain’t enjoyed sech a rastle in nigh onto ten years; by thunder, no!” drawled Jack. The fight was over. Of the seventy odd men who tet so, gallantly followed the Frenchman through the day, but forty were on their feet, and these were prisoners. Fifteen had been killed outright, and the rest wounded, more or less seriously. ‘¢ That job’s done,” cried Jack. ‘* Hooray for Gideon’s Band!”’ . The chaparral resounded with their triumph- ant yells, and at the same moment a glittering band filed from one of the silvan paths. They were attired in the garb of the Mexican lancers and with their broad-slashed trowsers, r'ed-face a and flashing helmets, they looked gal- antly enough. At their head, by the side of a noble-looking man in the uniform of a Mexican colonel of cavalry, rode Marietta del Reno! ‘* Brace up, boys!” roared one of the Texans, ‘«Greasers, by the shade of Davy Crockett!’ — ‘* Hold her easy, Dave,” called out Jack Rid- ley. ‘‘ These are friends!” The colonel called his men to a halt and rode forward, accompanied only by Marietta. ‘*Sefior,” he said, ‘* my wenier tells me that ou have saved her from a fate which might ave been worse than death. I am Colone! del Reno, of tve lancers of Tamaulipas, and I have much influence in this State. All that influence shall be given to repay: you for what you have done.” ‘ “Bolonel, don’t!” pleaded Jack, raising his hand in a deprecatory manner. ‘‘I can’t stand compliment for doing a soldier’s duty. Here we be—a trop made up of the boys from both armies—Rebs ard Yanks—come together over’. the borderand organized asa ranger band we’ve crossed the river, and here we are todo good service in runnin’ these French and Austrians out of Mexico. This, colonel, is my troop, which we call Gideon’s Band. I left the boys here in the chaparral while T went down to spy out the nakedness 0’ the land. I met your daughter, and that is how it all happened.’ “And do you men really mean to join us in our battle against the usurper, Maximilian?” demanded Del Reno. ‘*You bet we're yours truly to the end!” an- swered Ridley. ‘“Then, sefior, in the name of liberty, I offer hes my hand and my authority. We two will ght side by side, and may God aid the right!” ‘So mon’t it be!” responded the American, raising his battered cap. ‘‘ Now, the question is, asin what shall we do with our prison- ers?’ ‘* They are yours; do with them as you like,” replied the Mexican commander. ‘T only claim one ot "em, colonel, the captive ot my bow and my spear, a cantankerous cuss thet tried to hang me, and would ’a’ done it if Dave Durkee hadn't bled in, along with your daughter, and py an end toa chap thet was trying to grab her.” “It is Captain St. Jean you want. Well, I cannot blame you, and he certainly deserves no mercy from you. Do with him as you will,” ‘‘Thankee! I give you the rest of them, colo- nel, and Pll settle with my man.” He walked away, cut the bonds from St. Jean and raised him to his feet. “Frencby,” he said, quietly, “ ’tain’t but a little while ago when you had me as I have you now. Then you forgot that I was @ man and soldier, and struck me in the race. Waal,I id you for that, and I'm satisfied. Then you ed to hang me, after refusing to give me the death of a soldier. Now I ask you fair, what would jou do with me if you hed me as I have you, hard and fast?” : ‘“T would hang you to the first tree!” was the fierce reply of St. Jean. Ms pee Then you don’t expect anything else “No: and I ask nothing else!” he returned. ‘* You wouldn't think I was doing any more ae a fair thing by you?” ° “Tl give you credit for one thing, Frenchy: you ain’t got a drop of cowardly blood in your veins, and I like you all the better for that. Colonel, have you got @ man you can implicitly trust—one that knows the chaparral perfectly, that you can lend me?” ‘‘ Certainly. Jose, place yourself at the or~ ders of Sefior Ridley,” resnonded Del Reno. One of the lancers rode out at the order. ‘© You understand English, Hosay?’
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ce ae en tree lance, to taking a regular enlistment uuder way, Marietta?’ asked the colonel. a Gidceon’s Band, 8 keg as eee 5 ‘Yes, sefior,” was the stniling reply. ‘¢ Then these ar’ the orders. You will mount Captain St. Jean. on one of the horses of his company and take him out of the chaparral. Go with him as far as you dare, till he can see his way clear to the Matamoras road. Then | leader, and were quickly hidden behind the | The colonel will tell | motte. Scarcely was this done when a con- det him go, and, join us. you where he means to camp.” Jose spoke to the colonel in a low voice, while a member of Gideon’s Band brought up one of | upon the crest. ihe captured horses. *{ am at your service, Sefior Captain,” said | loved Mexico. the lancer, There was a look of wildsurprise upon the face of Victor St. Jean, That this guerrilla, as he considered the American to be, and whom he had so nearly destroyed, should show such smerey—such nobleness of soul, was utterly op- posed to his notions of the the character of the man. ‘+ But,” he said, ‘‘ why treat me with leniency, Monsieur Ridley. It is your right to kill me; why not do it at once?” **T have no wish to kili you,” was the quiet reply. ‘' No, Frenchy, I wop’t even keep you prisoner this time; so git !” St. Jean mounted slowly, moving like onein a dream. He was naturally very proud, and it drove him neasty mad to think that he must owe iis life to his enemy, “By heaven, I will not do it!” he cried, a Bill me af once, but do not degrade me in this wav.” ** You are a queer duck, captain. What's the use of fooling? Go long, man, and let mealone. I won’tihave you at any price,” ‘“T warn you that if we meet I will give you mo mercy,” hissed St. Jean. “Thankee again! Same to you, Cap. Now dom’t bother me’ any more, but git as soon as you can!” J use led the way and the two rode out of the ehaparral at a round pace, while Jack Ridley t.oked after them with a peculiar smile. He well knew that he should meet the hussar cap- tain again, CHAPTER VI, A SABER’S WHIRL AND A SAD SURPRISE. DEEP in the recesses of the chaparral, miles away from the place where the bussars went down before the charge of Gideon’s Band, the wombined force of Rumondel Reno and Jack Ridley had made their camp. The ‘‘ boys” of the motley Band were delighted with their Mex- dean comrades, most of whom were gentlemen, who preferred to ride as private s ldiers under the command of Ramon del Reno, who was a Juarez. The place the combined fdrces had chosen was a strange one, which, like the one where we first met the Mexican lancers, covered the re- wains of what is called Aztec architecture. The wrass wag green underfoot, but the irregular r:ounds which rose on every side showed where the work of other ages lay hidden. - ‘* Look here, colonel,” said Jack, ‘how long ‘are we to lay here in lavender without doing anything? Three hull weeks wasted, and nary Frencher brought into camp.” ‘““T have been waiting for the return of my daughter,” responded the colonel, ‘“‘and here she comes!” As he spoke Marietta del Reno, admirably mounted, dashed into the camp. First she saluted her father, andthen handed him a paper which he unfolded and passed to Jack, lt was a captain’s commission with power to serve as an *iadependent,” under the general comman ot Juarez and te appoint his own officers. ‘‘That makes me regular,” remarked Jack, drawing a long breath, ‘‘I like to havea commission, and it seems more according to Hoyle.” ‘“T will give you a chance to try your blade captain,” now added Marietta, “‘ A force vo ninety horsemen are conveying prisoners, one hundred in number, to Matamoras. We must cut them off and release the captives.” The bngle sounded the assembly and the men were quickly in the saddle. After a two hours’ vide they reached the cover of a motte over- looking the Matamoras road. Still sitting in saddle they listened, but could hear nothing of the coming troop. : ‘*Are you sure that they are to come this ‘* Yes; all in good time,” replied the girl. ‘* Let me have the first whirl at them, col- onel,” cried Jack, sp yeh ‘*There’s a lovely ambush yonder, and I won’t charge until they thave passed.” He pointed to another patch of timber a . | ! quarter of a mile away, close to the road down which the escort must pass, **Go!” replied Reno. ‘I will look on while you strike a blow for the liberty of Mexico,” Gideon's Band eagerly followed their gallant fused sound was heard just over the hill in front, and soon the head of a column appeared These were some of Mejia’s men,a regiment which was bated by all who Gideon’s Band, seated like statues in the saddle, drew their sabers and waited for the order to charge. First came forty lancers, their brilliant uniforms reflecting the raysof thesun. Then the prisoners appear- ed, marching on foot, linked together two and two, and hurried forward by the lances of the men who marched on each side and in the rear. Blood dropped to the earth at every step, while the victims look savagely at their persecutors, who, in every case, replied by a jeering laugh and another touch of the lance, As the rear gnare passed the motte one of the lancer pricked the man in front of him with the lance, crying: ‘* Get on, beast!” The man whom he insulted had,in his veins the blood of the old Indian chiefs whom Cortez found itso hard to conquer. Wheeling quick- ly, he spat full in the face of the trooper who had insulted him, No sooner had he done so, when, with a furicus ciy of rage, the lancer thrust the bound man through the body, and he | ! horses, lances in hand, ready to use them if re- | quired. “You have done well, Captain Ridley,” said the colonel. ‘‘How many of your men are gone?” ‘¢ We don’t lose men fighting with toothpicks, colonel. Three or four of the boys are touched, Lut that is all you can say about it.” The work of securing the prisoners over, they prepared to march, ‘“Why dces not Marietta come?” demanded the colonel, impatiently. ‘‘ Here, orderly ; ride down behind yonder motte ana tell your lady thet we are ready to marcb.” The man touched his hat and rode away quickly. He was gone but a moment, and came back to say that the Sefiora Marietta was notin sight, An angry cry came from the colonel. ‘‘You have not looked well, fellow; I will go myself,” and off he rode, fullowed by Ridley. They soon reached the place where Marietta had been left when the troop advanced: but to their utter surprise, the young Jady was no- where in sight! ‘*T do not understand this at all,” said the colonel, ‘‘ Where can she have gone?” He called her aloud, but only the echoes an- swered him. It was plain that the girl was gone, but, why she had left the spot passed their comprehension. A look of doubt and fear showed upon each countenance, for both com- manders realized that something had happened, —=—c"s=e CHAPTER VII. fel] dead, dragging with him the prisoner who | THE TRAIL-LIPTRR AND AN UNLUCKY SHOT. marched with him, ‘ ‘* Attention, Gideon’s Band! Charge!" cried Ridley. Up to the blue sky above them rolled a yell such as the startled Mexicans who were old enough to remember, had heard long ago, when Taylor ana Scott bore down from Palo Alto and Vera Cruz to the very heart of the city of Mon- tezuma. It was the clear Anglo-Saxon battle- cry, and Gideon’s Band, with flashing sabers | waving above their heads, came down upon the escort, It was a terrible moment for them, for they saw only death in the eyes of the Yankee and Confederate band. ‘* Yah, vah, yah!” yelled the Southern men. ‘Rah, ’rah, ’rab!” from the lips of the men of the Nortb. ; ‘* Whoopee!” shouted Jack Ridley, as they came up to their enemies, who, in utter desper- ation, seeing the small numbers of the assailing force, faced about, leveled their lances, and prepared to meet the charge. Jack Ridley had fixed his eyes upon the face of the man who had lanced the prisoner. Froni the moment he had given his horse the rein his blazing eyes never left the murderer, a burly native of Monterey. Perhaps the man saw his fate in Ridley’s eyes, for, as the Amer- ican came near, he launched a vicious thrust at his breast. But, scarcely had he done so, when the lance-head dropped to the earth, hewn off by the vigorous arm of the cavalry- man, Then, with a sidelong bound, which brought him within the circle of the lancés, the Nebraskian reached the side of the mur- derous wretch. Vain was the interposition of hand and arm to ward off the descending saber, At the first blow the arm dropped powerless, and at the second, cloven to the teeth, the man fell lifeless to the earth. ; ‘ Gideon’s Band were not far behind, and the glittering sabers quickly carved out a lane through the ranks of the enemy, who soon broke and fled down the road, closely followed by the Band, cutting them down at every stride. But their leader, a brave man, almost forced them to turn, and, with leveled lances they rode back upon the Americans, and for a moment checked their course, ‘“ Whoopee !”sounded Ridley’sslogan. ‘Give it to’em, ye sinners! Charge, ve sons of Lib- as let °em have the naked steel!” be call was not unheeded, and the light- armed laucers were not matched evenly with these trained and hardy men. They began to turn for flight, when the troop of Ramon del Reno rode out in their rear, and they saw that all was over. ‘*T yield, Sefior del Reno,” cried the major in command. ‘ Here is my sword!” “Keep it, sir, It is a good blade, although you use it are the cause of liberty. Here, my men; take the handcuffs from yonder cap- tives, and use them upon these prisoners.” The position was quickly reversed. The lan- cers found themselves stripped of their weapons, handcuffed, and marching two and two, while their late prisoners were mounted upon their ** Say, colcnel,” cried Jack, *‘ don’t this go a little beyond your guess?” ‘*F cannot understand it; Marietta would not go away unless she gave me notice—you may be sure of that.” ‘‘ Where did her horse stand when you de- ployed, colonel?” ** Just there; behind that mesquit’ clump,” he replied. ‘Keep back, then! I’m an old scout and trailer. ‘‘ lll sood read signs for you!” and the Nebraskian, leaping from the saddle, hurried to the spot where the girl bad stood. For five minutes his eyes did not leave the earth, and he seemed to be reading it as men study a printed book, At last he raised his head. ‘Colonel del Reno,” he said, ‘I’m mighty sorry to say it, but the gal has been carried off!’ ‘* Carried off? Under our very eyes?” ‘* Well, the chap that did the trick knew his little biz, yousee. He didn't make his dart un- til you charged, and then, what with the rattle of sabers and the yells of my menand yours the poor girl might have screamed for help and we'd never have heard her. Look here.” The place where Marietta had stood was bare of grass, in fact, a fine white sand, and showed the marks of feet readily. On both sides of the hoof-marks could be seen the footprints of two men, one wearing moccasins, and the other boots with spurs. There were traces of a strug- gle, which had ended in the horsebeing led awa behind the motte, ** You can see for yourself, sefior,” said Rid- et; after he bad thus gg plane the sign. ‘* Now, the question is, shall I up and follow? You can bet on Gideon’s Band, every time!” *¢ Away with you! I trust ‘ou as I would my- self in this enterprise,” declared Del Reno. Jack raised his fingers to his lipsand blew a blast so shrill and clear that even the colonel started. As they heard the sound every mem- ber of the Band wkeeled his horse and came down on a gallop. ** Boys,” said Ridley, ‘some skunk of misery has taken Marietta del Reno prisoner. I want twenty men to follow me and try to git herback. Who'll go with me?” Every man was ready! “That won’t do,” protested Jack ; and rapidly running over the names of twenty of bis best men, he called them one by one. ‘‘ That’s all [ want. The rest of you stay. and rememberthat if I go under, and I may, Dave Durkee is tain of Gideon’s Band, here is Weasel Wil- son? I want him to pick up tbis trail.” The man, Weasel, a small, wiry fellow about forty years of age, who had learned to trail in the Far West, at once leaped from the saddle and looked at the earth for a moment. ¥ after he started off on a run, his eyes bent upon the ground, and followed the trail at sucha pace that they were forced to put their horses at a trot in order to keep up with him. Ridley waved his band to Del Reno and start- ed to follow, when he was joined by Jose Man- cheta, the colonel’s oben ya ‘The colonel’s orders,” he said, quietly. ‘‘ You
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, ‘ ‘Ridley, knowing the man so well, fo - make Gideon’s Band. would not know where to go without a guide who knows the country.” The Weasel, running like a hound, with his nose to the earth, still held the trail. A few hundred yards behind the motte it led througha hollow, which was entirely out of sight of an one upon the swell above, and no doubt the vil- lains who had taken Marietta had found refuge here, while watching the progress of the fight. At the lowest point of this gully the Weasel stopped’ for a moment before a small tree. ‘Tied their horses here, Cap,” he averred. “Then they crept out afoot, grabbed the gal, and put back,” ‘* How many horses now, Weasel?” _ “Three; I’ve got ’em down to a spot now, Cap, fur one of them has cast a shoe.” ‘“* Go ahead, then!” ‘* May as well ride,” replied the Weasel, as he turned back, ‘ Could foller this here trail with my eyes shut.” e sprung into the saddle, and led the ad- vance at a rapid trot. Only a born trailer could have done it, but Weasel Wilson was one of those remarkable men who make such work a pastime. Noteven the smallest sign, which to another man would have been invisible, escaped his searching glance, A bent twig, a leaf trod- den into the earth, the bark touched by the pas- sage of a hoof, a single horse-hair caught in the branch of a mesquit—all these things he saw and noted as signals to lead to the ote Bane and lowed with- out the slightest hesitation. “*She gets fresher, Cap,” the trail-lifter at length called out. ‘‘ We are pulling in on ’em.” ‘*Go slow, then, old scenter!” Jack ordered. ** We don’t want to scare them into doing any harm to the gal, for if they are Greascrs they might do it. Kinder stiddy,pard! Dou’t be ac **Oh, let up, Cap,” replied Weasel. ‘ Teach your granny, but don’t go to teach me how to lift a trail!” ** Allright, my boy; only don’t you make any mistake, now, or Jack Ridley won’t call you pard!’ Which was warning enough to make Weasel as cautious as a weasel. There was method in the trailer’s apparent rashness. He knew well that if the fugitives were overtaken, it must be before they reached the chaparral. For, once concealed in its dark depths, no man, no matter how skillful as a pathfinder, could get them out under Urban! Seged hours, by which time they could work their way through, and so reach the Matamoras road, “Here, Jose,” cried the captain, take Burt Stanley, Jack Epps, Milt and Rowdy Pat, and ;for the chaparral! Ride asif the devil kicked you, and get to it before them, if you can! Kill your horses if you must, but get there Jirst ! Of course they will make for the regular route, for they know that we are not there.” The men called out sprung away at the call, closely following on the track of Jose, who, like most Mexicans of the North, was a splendid - rider, with a splendid horse. All those selected had been chosen by the captain for their known abilities as riders, as well as the quality of the steeds they bestrode. The pace which the six riders kept up was simply terrible, and the country through which Jose took them might have taken the boldest horseman aback. For an hour they continued their breakneck rush, until, at last, coming down the slope at a full gallop, they reached the broad plain which lay in front of the great chaparral. There was no sign of the kidnappers, and Jose drew a long breath, ‘* Give your horses.a rest, comnades,” h id. “* Hither they have passed already, or they are not here yet.” |. They crossed the savanna at an easy trot, closely following each other, and drew rein un- . der the trees where Jack Ridley so nearly finish- ed his life at the end of the lariat. * Hold, boys!” cried Jack Enps. ‘‘ Don’t ride over the trail until I see whether they have passed,” He sprung from his saddle, hurried to the en- trance to the chaparral and ran his eyes over |. the ground. “All right, Hosay,” he said; “‘ they ain’t gone iV. **Then they.must pass this way,” replied Jose, in a satisfied tone. ‘‘ We must take cover here, for if we are seen it would turn them back into the jungle.” The party quickly buried thenselves in the . thick cover of the chaparral and picketed their horses, while trey crept to the edge of the low woods ead lovked out, Nv oue was in. sight, but, five minutes later, a solitary horseman showed himself upon the other side of the savan- na, perhaps two miles Pag i although it did not seem so far upon that level plain. For a moment the figure stood motionless as a statue and then turned, and, making a signal, two other mounted persons appeared. One was a woman, for they could catch the flutter of her scarlet rebosa, and the other a man, who held the ay of the lady’s horse and urged him for- ward, There was a grasping of weapons on the part of tue concealed men, for they felt that those they sought were near at hand. On the riders came, swiftly across the broad savanna, and heading for the welcome shelter of the chaparral. They could now be made out lainly, and José recognized his mistress, bound ast to her saddle, Captain Victor St. Jean and Manuel Garcia. They were coming on at a rusbing trot, and the concealed men waited breathlessly for the moment when they could spring out upon their enemy. Of the waiting six one man deserves notice— the one known as Rowdy Pat. He wasa Kil- kenny man, a genuine son of the ‘‘ sea-girt isle,” a ‘broth of a boy,” who bad wandered from Erin in search of his fortune. Fun showed it- self in every.line of his jolly face and spoke in his voice. But he had acquired’a reputation ship, Jack would not have sent him out with that ‘‘ forlorn ve Some inscrutable Providence for which it is hard to account had sent Pat forth on that wild ride with only a carabine, and this weapon was in his hands as he lay in the shadow of the tan- gled trees. Scarcely a mile separatad the two villains and their captive from the chaparral. for bad luck, and but for his splendid horseman- At their advancing rate of speed, ten minutes | at least I ean kill you!” would see them prisoners in the hands of the men of Gideon’s Band. \ | stantly turned their but, steadying himself by a violent, effort, he managed to keep his seat, ‘Blaze away, ye hound,” yelled Pat. ‘‘ Take the ither one, fer sure ye can’t load again.” But, St. Jean knew that this second pistol might be of use to him in a more desperate mo- ment than this, for he saw that the pursuers were sure to close with him. The Frenchmen flew through a narrow gorge, but close behind came the two gallant men, when the beat of hoofs sounded loudly in the orge below them, Pat put his fingers to his ips and gave the einal’ whistle of Gideon’s: Band, and, to his delight, a short, prolonged re- ply was heard in front. “St. Jean heard it, too, and knew that he was in a trap. “This way, captain!’ cried Manuel Garcia. ‘“We have one chance yet!” Théy turned up the slope on the right, urging their now panting horses at their best speed, but, scarcely had they gained a hundred rods toward the crest when there burst from the gorge below a shrill cry of raze as the men un- der Jack Ridley caught sigbt of them, and in- Sorken to breast the slope before them. ‘* We'll have you, Victor St. Jean!” shouted Ridley. ‘‘No mercy for you now; no mercy but the cord, you human wolf!” ‘*Don’t mind him, master. On, on!’ hissed Garcia. ‘‘ We will soon be safe!” When Jack Ridley and his men gained the crest of the plateau, they saw the enemy within easy pistol-shot, riding desperately, and urging Marietta’s horse between them. SGarcin's looks were fixed upon something not far ahead, and: to the horror of Victor St: Jean he paused upon the brink of a huge fissure, full forty feet wide, and running down to an unknown depth. . ‘You dog!” he yelled. ‘*‘lamina trap, but Fool!” respondedGarcia. ‘‘ Take her ovt of the saddle, and if we miust die, at least do them ‘« Ah, thé skunk, the divil!” muttered Pat, as . all the harm you cav. Swear that you will he brought the carabine to his shoulder. ‘‘ Wait | drop her in if they come near you. ye'll see Pat O’Brien bring | pret nd?” a bit, me honey, an’ ye down like a birrud.” Bang! The weapon was suddenly discharged, and, as the smoke lifted, Manuel Garcia seized the ou com— e + Ha! ha!” shouted St. Jean. ‘* You are right, Garcia. This may indeed drive them off if they value her life.” He cut the bonds which bound the girl to the bridle-rein of Marietta on the other side, and | saddle and sprung with her tothe ground. Jack the three were off at a mad gallop across the broad plain. CHAPTER VIII. A MAD RIDE AND A MAD ACT. A FRIGHTFUL oath broke from the lips of the Irishman as he realized how much damage he had done by his unlucky shot. ‘* Och, may the divil fly away wid ye, Rowdy Pat, but ye’ve done it now!” he roared. ‘‘ Up, yedivils; chase thim, chase thim!” * No need to urge. The men of Gideon’s Bani were already in the saddle, and ing awa ata breakneck pace across the broad prairie. But the advantage of a mile or more is a great deal to overcome, and it is no wonder that the distance did not seem to lessen. At first the hunted men turned at an aygle to reach the chaparral, but it soon became evident that this would not work, and they drew wr again ae headed for an opening in the hills to the left. j **Ride hard, comrades!” hissed Jose. “If they get into the hills no man can tell what may happen. Manuel Garcia knows them like a fox that he is.” The six did ride hard, furiously, the grass seeming to bend beneath their horses’ hoofs like waves, so rapidly did they fly over it. But, no matter how swiftly they might urge their flying steeds, they did not gain much upon thé fugitives. Foremost of all, mad with rage to . stone on the op think that he had been the cause of this unlucky event, rode Rowdy Pat. The only man who. kept anywhere near him in the wild race was Jose, and these two finally began to close in ra- pidly upon their quarry. ‘*Houid on, ye French thafes!” roared Pat, “Tl fight ye both wid me bare hands, Wather- loo, ye oudmadhaun; Watherloo !” ie. No Frenchman hears thst word without deep rage in his heart, and St. Jean cast a hate and rage over his shoulder at at =e eee { Ridley, now riding even ahead of Rowdy Pat, paused in horror as he saw the desperate man advance to the very brink of the chasm, still holding the girlin hisarms, — ‘*Come no nearer, you Yankee whelp, or by heaven you shall see me leap with her into this deep arroyo /” yelled the mad hussar. | The pursuing party halted, and the Yankee, with a sharp exclamation, pushed back Rowdy Pat, who was passing him again, He saw the resolution in the e¥es of Victor St. Jean, and. knew well that the desperate villain would keep. his word, © ‘ ; “Back with you—further back!” cried St. Jean, “ or, by all the saints, she is doomed. At. least if I cannot have her, you shall not!” Jack fell-back to a distance of a hundred yards followed by his men. He saw that it was useless to parley with the madman, whose eyes now glowed like balls of fire. . 6 Seeing them fall back, Garcia ran along the - edge of the chasm for a little distance, and bend- ing over the verge brough Lh a rope which was. fastened to a stunted shrub just below the ar- royo’s rim. They saw him, bending backward — and piraieng every muscle, tugging at some- thing which hung there, and in a moment more a rude bridge, about two feet wide-and formed by a single plank, rose slowly to the edge of the vine. gerNe Fy Giving the end a swing to theeright, it rested inasort of notch which had been cut into the site wall. This notch held the plank firmly. Then he looped the end of the rope over a projecting point of rock and ie io upon the frail bridge, over which he ran quick- ly and called to his companion to follow. Holding the silent form of Marietta tightly in his arms the French captain crossed the plank and safely reached the other side. The moment this was done jeerole cut the rope which held the bridge in its place upcn the side — lance of’; next to them, and it fell. the Trish- | * Adios, sefiors.” sneered Garcia, with a man, while the hand which was dmepganed ' mocking laugh. ‘‘ My friend Jose will tell you dropped to the heavy horsman’s pistol in ag ors — j a font at thought he was going to turn and fig and uttered of de ‘ without checking his speed, fired at the reckless rider as he would ata bottle, The cheek of the stroke of a whip, and he reeled in his saddl a . a whoop of delight, but St. Jean, | this girl is a . wild young son of Erin was Jaid open as by the the captain, “I bid you a @;° tlemen.” ©” ; ’ aM 9 x that by making a circuit of about ten mil-s you can easily reach this place. By that mesns you © will no doubt be able to learn that we are safe. in Matamoras.”. 4 ‘* And my honor f prisoner in Mejie’s care,” shouted — i yee, ; - . , tip will be regained the moment ef very good-day, gem- \ lige
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s . aser ers A h ** Look yer’, you French parley vous,” shouted Jack Ridley, *‘ you’ve got off this time, perhaps, but it don’t follow that I won’t cut your throat one of these days. You hear me!” The only reply was a burst of laughter, as the two men, making the silent form of Marietta a shield to cover their bodies, slowly retreated and plunged into the depths of the dark pass beyond. CHAPTER IX. ENTRAPPED. A. FEW days after that mad ride three men rode slowly along the rode to Matamoras, near the spot where Jack Ridley met and overcame the French hussars. The one who seemed high- est in rank in the party was of large frame, with a heavy black beard, dressed in complete Mexican attire and showing by his dress that he was one of the rich caballeros who hold great cattle ranges between Matamoras and Chihua- hua. His long, black hair, falling quite to his shoulders, showed that he was of Indian blood, descended from the sons of Montezuma. The second of the trio was slightly built and dressed as a vaquero. The third was a padre, who ambled along up- on a sleek-looking mule, There was an expres- sion of jolly good nature upon the fat round face of the priest, and it was evident that he had not neglected the good things of this life, ‘*Can you not hasten the feet of that fat mule of yours, padre?” demanded the Don, im- patiently. ‘* My son,” replied the priest, in a smooth, oily voice, ‘‘hasten me not. If you have no further need of me, gu in peace and leave me to pursue my way alone.” ‘No, no, good father,” replied the Don, quick- ly. “‘ We have need of you, and J promise that if you are faithful, a fat benefice you shall have upon my lands near Chihuahua. We will ac- eommodate our pace to yours.” ‘** Gracias, my son, gracias! Hot haste doth not beseem a son of the church, and my poor pea, can but ill bear the crosses of this weary ife, A peculiar grunting sound came from the lips of the vaquero, who had been looking at the priest in.a peculiar manner, for some time. The Don turned sharply, and looked at his ser- vant in an angry way. ‘*Be careful what you do, Juan, or by my patron saint you will wish yourself in purga- tory. Mind him not, good father; he is an un- conscionable dog, and well deserves the end of a lariat. Do what I may, I can never teach him proper respect for the church.” _ “It is sad, indeed, that such should be the ease,” declared the priest, turning his rubicund visage toward the vaquero. ‘‘ My office is. holy, my son; respect the sacred vessel.” uan made no reply, but his face expressed ‘ the most profound contempt. al **T shall remember this, sulky dog,” said the Don, fariously. ‘‘ Favoredservant as you have ever been, I will not permit disrespect to the holy father. Say but the word, padre, and I will punish him upon the spot.” ‘** Not so, worthy Don, not so! Grace will some day touch his stubborn heart, and he will repent. Trouble him not, I pray you, but your zeal shall not be forgotten.” The city of Matamoras lay before them, and they rode on mrp As they passed the bar- rier a squadron of lancers rode out, glitterin in their gaudy trappings, and at their head, wearing the uniform of a major, rode Victor St. Jean. He looked sharply at the party and called a halt, but he saw something in the face of the haughty Don which made him pause. ‘* Who are you, sefior?”’ he demanded. ‘‘ As eo ee under the Empire, I have the right to. “*T am Ignacio Vanero, a gentleman of the city of Chihuahua, and am here with informa- tion which will be useful to the cause of the Empire.” r ‘A friend of Maximilian I. ?” + “Tam. Give me a guide who will conduct e Blanc, who had now risen to the grade of , was detailed to conduct the travel- gph ny phan and after some time they were led into the presence of the French mar- ‘shal and the Indian general, Mejia, when Don mpeg? at once declared ‘that he could guide them to the haunts of Ramon del Reno and a ue to the epieho had general.” . Ma i, Pe Ridley, and rescue the prisoners they om ra | taken, Mejia looked at the informer with a scowling ‘brow. The Indian had little faith in a traitor, _ and, although they might use him to advan- tage, he had strong suspicions of him. Gideon’s Band, ‘* Why do you make this revelation, sefior?” he demanded. ‘““Why do you serve Maximilian—you, who are a Mexican?” asked Don Ignacio, curtly. ‘He has you there, general!” said Bazaine, laughing. ‘‘The only question is—shall we make use of this information?” ‘* Certainly, if what he tells us is worthy of belief. Where say you these menare concealed, Don Ignacio?” “‘In the great chaparral, not far from the Lost City.” ‘* Are they under strong guard?” ‘*Scarcely fifty men, now. The rest are away upon a foray.” ** Marechal,” cried Mejia, <a up sud- denly, ‘‘I will do this work myself. Iam tired of lying idle here, and it will do me good to strike a blow with my own hand. Who leads this party who guard the prisoners?” ‘¢ You will find the American there,” was the reply. ‘* Enough! Orderly!” The sergeant came in quickly and saluted. ‘© A hundred and fifty lancers, under com- mand of Colonel Rivera,” cried the general. ‘*Let them ré@@ert in half an hour. You go with us, of course, Don Ignacio?” ‘* Why not? Without my help you oan never at them,” was the answer. he party were soon upon the way, Don Ig- nacio riding by the side of the general, and the troop following. The priest who was evidently bewildered by the expedition, and did not know why it was taken, was left at Matamoras, while the vaquero accompanied his master, riding in the rear of the line. Three hours later the troop broke through the chaparral into the beautiful glade in which the bussars and Gideon’s Band had met. The evi- dences of that fight. were yet visible every- eee and Mejia cast an angry look about im. ‘‘Ha, Rivera; this is the place where these Sai Americanos and the hussars met,” he said, j : ‘Tt is true,” replied the colonel. ‘‘If wemay credit Major St. Jean, it was a hard battle, But, how is this, Don Ignacio} I thought this was the place where we were to find the pris- oner’s?”’ ‘““You are right, colonel; this is the place! Give me a brace of pistols, for I may need them.” ‘* But I see no one here!” ‘* Because you do not understand the mysteries ef this placeasI do. Dismount, gentlemen, and take your weapons,” Themen sprung from their saddles, and with their pistols in their hands, advanced cautiously among a succession of curious-looking mounds, overgrown by low bushes. At last they reached a place, where, protruding from the earth, they tag appeared to be the corner of a ruined wall, y “* Sefiors,” declared Don Ignacio, “‘ respect to fallen grandeur; I demand it. For, general, under these mounds lies the city of the dead, built by the hands of the race from which we sprung.” ‘“*‘ Ha—the Lost City!” ‘“* Yes, the Sacred City! By Heaven, if these men had not dared to desecrate this place, I would not have betrayed them. Even now, no one save you and I must know how to enter here. Order the men and officers to face about and not dare to turn their heads. My man may come, for he knows the secret.” Juan came forward hastily, and the troops of Mejia, at his order, faced the other his & hey knew their grim ¢hief too well to disobey him, and stood in deep expectation, listening to the faint clicking sound which came to their ears. Rivera, although he dared not look, had his ear’s open, ‘* Keep an eye on your men, general,” warned the Mexican. ‘'For my life l-would not have them learn this secret!” \ “*They shall not turn,” replied the general. ‘Let one of them move, and he is no better than a dead man.” The tapping continued ; then came a low rum- bling sound, and a slight shock. It was follow- ed by an angry cry, and Rivera, regardless of consequences. turned to look. But, to his utter horror and surprise, only the ruined wall was there! Don Ignacio, Juan, and General Mejia were gone—where, no man could tell! CHAPTER X, TEXAS DAN ‘‘ON HIS MUSCLE ”-—JACK ON DECK, ‘* Now by all the saints,” cried Rivera, ‘it is atrap! Turn,mymen,turn! These dogs have betrayed our general!” PO . 7 As the men faced about and saw bow sudden- ly and completely the party had disappeared, the more devout and superstitious among them crossed themselves, and muttered an ‘‘ ave” hastily. ‘OTs the work of the devil, my colonel,” said one. ‘How else could our general have disap- red so completely ?”’ ‘* Be silent, fool!” replied Rivera, gloomily. ee OO ‘¢There is some way to enter this cursed place, | if we only knew it. ever heard of this buried city?” Has any man among you ‘ The Indians know all about it,” replied one : of the laneers; ‘“but,‘carajo!. Do you suppose one of them would tell, if grilled on a hot grid- iron? There is such a city here; that I know, right well.” : | ‘Then we must break in!” cried Rivera.) “An ax here!” One of the lancers advanced, carrying it his hand a heavy, short-bandled ax, with a bread curved blade, son ething like the battle-ax of the old knightly days. 2 A ‘Try this wall for me,” commanded Rivcra. The man turned the ax in his hand and struck three times with its back, with all his force, but the old masonry did not startin the least. The men looked incredulous, for not one of them could see how three men could have passed ina moment through a solid stone wall! The man struck againand again, but no answering echo showed that there wes any hollow space behind or beneath the stones. ‘“‘This is wonderful, wonderful!” ejaculated Rivera. ‘*‘ They were here, and but a moment since, for we all heard theirvoices. Now, where are they?” / A shudder passed through the ranks of the superstiticus lancers. of the place began to awe them, and they looked from face to face in manifest alarm. Even Rivera, who was a gocd officer and man of education, began to doubt whether this was earthly work. ‘We must solve this mystery,” he criec. ‘‘Take your chaparre| axes, men, and cut down yonder smu!]l tree. ram upon this wall.” Evidently the mystery ~ We will try a battering- § The tree was quickly down and stripped of its - branches. Fifty men lifted it, and, gathering impetus as they approached the wall, dashed id against the solid masonry with tremendous force. The recoil nearly upset the whcle party, | but the wall stood firm as adamant! : i ‘‘ Again, my lads!” shouted Rivera. ‘No. wall can stand that Jong.” The men drew back for another blow, when a shout from an officer drew the attention of the colonel to the front. The head of a column was seen emerging from the chaparral, and the jingle of spurs and sabers was heard. Rivera had never before seen those men, and their ap- rance took him by surprise, for it was ideon’s Bard in their new uniform, which they had just received—a complete suit of black, slouched sombreros, with a silver buckle on the side, red waist-belts, and heavy boots. On each side swung a heavy navy revolver, and their gleaming’ sabers w in their hands, and cara-~ bines slung at theirbacks. i ‘*Greasers, boys!” cried Texas Dan. as he saw the lancers. ‘' Hoopee! Sock it to’em, pards! Ob, this is fun!” ; ; A wild yell, which sounded like the knell of doom in the ears of the astonished lancers, broke the silence of the Lost City, and Gideon’s Band came dashing down in splendid style. The mere boldness with which they attacked three times their number of well-appointed men was enough to strike terror to the Mexican, wio had heard of these dreaded Americans before, They - hal met them upon the Texan plains, in New Mexico and California, and looked upon tho na- tive American as a born fighter, against whom no*Mexican could stand. Half of the lancers bad not mounted, and those who were in the saddle did not wait for them. Away they ; went, dashing through the chaparral, and thinking of nothing save of escape. A wild cry of rage burst from Rivera as he saw his men begin to turn, and urging on bis horse, he struck one of the flying lancers to the t | earth, and called to the rest to turn back, ; pps toast hae dogs, turn!” cried the officers, seconding their colonel. ‘‘ Bear them bark on the points of your lances.” Their determined bearing had its effor*, ond | a hundred men faced about, leveled their lances, and met the charge of Gideor*: Band. ‘ook out for the prods,” roared 7 exes Dan, ‘Revolvers, boys! Give’em pills by the t ox-~ full! Dropping their sabers, the meno ro~ Band ’ seized their ‘‘ navies,” and begs n to pour u close 4
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" touch of his knees, ” 8 Gideon’s Band. ae — fire into the crowded ranks of the lancers, while | field of battle. A gleam of peculiar meaning their horses never swerved in their stride, Avain the Mexican ranks began to waver, and Gideon’s Band, then dashiug aside the lances wits their revolvers, broke through the guard like a whirlwind, strewing the earth with the kilfed or dismounted enemy. ‘* Wheel about and turn about and do just so!” yelled Texas Dan, turning his horse by the ‘*Once more, my beauties; give’em Hail Columbia, Yankee Doodle and all the restofit. Hooray for Dixie!” Again they charged back, this time with their sabers swinging in theair. Nota man among them but had beenin the cavalry service, and no wonder that the lancers, after one taste of their quality, again melted away before them, The men of the Band now began breaking away in pursuit of the scattered foe, when the shrill whistle of Dan called them back. ‘“‘Thar’s a time to fight an’ thar’s a time to run, boys. Let’srun, fura change!” he shout- ed. It was time they did, for through the trees the brilliant uniforms of the hussars could be seen, and in overpowering force. So, turning, with a jolly cheer, the men of Gideon’s Band followed their leader, while close bebind them thundered the French hussars, headed by Major St. Jean, his eyes blazing with fury. Hethought to catch Jack Ridley at the head of his men, and even now supposed him there, unless he had gone down in the struggle with the lancers. Away the Americans went through the low arehes of the chaparral, the hussars close upon the dark-robed troop, “On, on, mes camarades!” screamed St. Jean, terribly excited, ‘* Run them to earth and give no quarter. Death to every dog!” A resounding cheer from Gideon’s Band was the ouly answer, as they kept the horses at their speed. Although they fled, a could route bé said to fly from fear. Texas Dan knew well that the lancers could not be very hot in the ursuit, and his aim was tu draw the hussars ar enough away so that he could have them to himself. But, in the midst of their career, a bugle-blast was heard in front, and instantly tae bugles of the hussars sounded the recall, for Victor St, Jean knew right well that Ramon del Reno wws not far away, for the hussar had often heard that bugle! ‘* Halte la!” he cried. ‘* Wheel into sections; march!” Tne moment they turned, Texas Dan was again upon their flanks, and the carabines began to play upon the retreating hussars. 8‘. Jean, furious at this attack, would have turned again to brush away his assailants, but the sounds in the rear warned him that a new force was com- ing. Bulectin thirty of his best men, he took the rear gu and charged again and again, until they reached the opening where the broken lancers were slowly forming. At least fifty of them bad the mark of Gideon’s Band upon ther, and the rest were only too willing to re- treat. ‘* We must 60; grpanes! Rivera, in a tone of savage anger. ‘‘ By heaven, St. Jean, do you know that the general has been betrayed?’ / A grim smile passed over the face of St. Jean. He had not forgotten that Mejia had refused to believe him when he had been beaten by Gid- eon’s Band, and had disgraced him and deprived him of hiscommand until he had proved that E statement was true by the capture of Mari- etta. He was not very sorry, therefore, to hear that Mejia had fallen into a trap in the same place where he had himself come to grief. | “Be that as it may,” he cried, ‘‘ we must not dally here, for Ramon del Reno is coming up ’ -with all his men, and these cussed Yaukees are close upon us. Ho, there! Let Garcia lead the way, for no one knows these passes half so well as he, Rivera well understood that it would not do tostay;so the command marched away, taking one of the numerous passes which debouched in- to the opening where the ruined city stood. Scarcely were they out of sight. when the rocky wall through which the general and his two companions had disappeared began to shake and the next moment a square stone slip aside, leaving a passage large enough to admit tue body of a man standing nearly upright. In this opening appeared the commanding figure of Don Ignacio, ‘ He stood silently there, looking “across the passed over his bearded face, and he noted the | position of every object with one sweeping glance. Then, hearing the sound of coming hoofs, he stepped back hastily. ‘* Not yet,” he muttered. ‘‘ The time has not come.” The stone slid into its place with a grating sound as Gideon’s Band charged across the opening. They came toa halt upon their field of battle and dismounted. During the last half- hour they had been joined by Jose, who was now standing by the side of Texas Dan. ‘‘That was a good idea of yours, Jose,” said Don, laughing. ‘‘ How the skunks turned tail when they heard your bugle!” “‘T thought it would do no harm to sound a charge,” replied Jose, smiling, ‘‘I did not koow but you were hard pressed.” ‘*Oh, not so very. Gideon’s Band could lick St. Jean and his gang, but thar would be wigs on the turf in trying to doit, and the boys are good ones and I don’t want one of them to go under. Say, whereis the cunnel?” ‘*He is on a hot scent after young Colonel Mejia. Hethinks that if he can catch him he might be able to change him for my mis- tress.” ““1Jm! I wonder whar poor Jack is now?” said Dan. ‘‘I’d give a small fraction of filthy lucre to see the old chap again.” ** Hello, Dan,” came a 3 al voice. ‘‘So you wanted to see me, old boy?” Jack Ridley stood before them with a quizzi- cal look upon his face, CHAPTER XI. DOFFING HIS MASK, WueEn the Indian general stood before the wall of rock with Don Ignacio and his servant, it suddenly slipped aside and he was hurled for- ward and fell nearly upon his head into the opening thus made. He was half-stunned by the fall, and, before he could recover, was seized uponeither side, dragged forward along a rocky floor and thrown down with some violence. His waapons were taken from him and he heard a sharp voice say :, ‘Get a lamp; captain! Let’s take a look at this beauty.” ‘* Tie him first,” replied the other, ‘and then come with me.” He was bound hand and foot and heard re- treating footsteps. Half an hour passed; then the steps were heard again, and two men came forward, one carrying a lamp in his hand and the other a heavy navy revolver. The two were Jack Riley and the Weasel, and they stood looking at him in silence. ‘“Who are you?” cried Mejia, in a stern voice. ‘‘ Release me at once, you scoundrels!” “Oh no, general,” replied Jack Ruidley. ‘Don’t r’ile my bile by speaking in that kind of way; you don’t know who you are talking ” ‘¢ A cussed American; that I know.” ‘‘ A mistake, general. You are speaking to Don Ignacio Vanero, from the neighborhood of Chihuahua; a man that hates Colonel Del Reno like p’izen, you know. Ha, ha, ha!” ‘*You Don Ignacio!” cried Mejia. “It is false! He wasa Mexican,I am sure, and you are an ignorant backwoodsman from the States,” ‘*Oh no; I’m the identical cuss who went to Matamoras, just a-purpose to take you into camp. I’ve done a heap of trading over the Santa Fé trail, and I can. sputter the Greaser lingo like a native. And as for the Weasel, he’s a half-Greaser, anyhow. Ever heard tell of Gideon’s Band—a lot of the boys that come over from Texas to see the fun? I’m one of them; I’m the captain of that band.” ‘‘T have heard of you. Is not your name Ridley?” ‘* You bet! I’m that very General Jackson!” ‘“ You area bold man to dare go into Mata- moras in that disguise,” ‘ ‘* Well, general, you see we are nateral odd fellows, anyhow. Four years we tram up and down, fighting, camping, licking the South- ern boys and getting licked ourselves, just as the luck went, but finally they sort 0’ caved and quit, But there was some of us too full of fight yet to subside, so we cavorted over the border and took a hand in this leetle skrimmage.” ** Did it ever occur to you that you had taken the wrong side, sir?’ demanded Mejia. ** Well, when I come over, I didn’t care much which side I took, so there was fun, but when I see a gangof Parley Vous following a woman, with their hosses on a dead jump, shooting at her, by thunder, I just piled in on her side. ’ : ' 5 Neon eee tas my ce ary Re ead ails pape. ey i pa _ ; ~ saat And there I stick, like a hornet to an apple- core.” ‘Perhaps I could make it worth your while—” ‘* Now, general, don’t! Dve’listed and took a commission from Juarcz,and there ain’t no back-down in me; not.a cent’s worth. Do you know what I wart of you ?” ‘‘You want a ransom,I suppose,” was the sullen reply. ** 'Yaas, i want a ransom, but not in money. You've gota prisoner that weil change you fur, you see. Not taet [think Juarez would like to trade that way; but we'll do it without asking his leave. We want Marietta del Reno back, and will have her, or by the jumping Bourbon, Vl string you Ws igher than Haman!” ‘Ha! was it for this you took me prisoner?” demanded Mejia. ‘‘ Bah! unless she bends to my will! sworn.” ‘* Jess so; that’s our little game, general; that’s the way we figgerit. If you write an or- der to let that girl loose, on the day we see her here in safety we'll let you run. hat do you say to that?” *“T say that you may kill me first.” ‘“Ts that so? Now,I sorter gave you credit for more sense, general. But it don’t matter; we can do the trick without any help from you,’ ‘*In what way?” ‘¢ Kinder this way: I send a man down to Matamoras and see Bazaine, that high and mighty Frenchman. My man says to him, ‘We've got the general in a tight place, and if the sefora is not free and with us in such a time, we plant his body in some convenient spot, after it has hung a suitable time from the limb of a high tree.’’ ‘‘ Would you murder a prisoner?” ‘‘No; J couldn t do it, but tiere’s plenty in this yer’ chaparral would just hop up and down for the chance. You a n’t been very easy on them, you know. Hi, Weasel; what’s up?” ‘* Come and see the fun,” replied tne Weasel. ‘‘ The boys are at ’em.” The two ran out of the passage together, and peeping through a crevice, saw Gideon's Band tear through and through the lancers and scat- ter them like chaff. j ‘¢ Hurrah!” cried Jack. ‘‘ Bully for old Texas! Did you see Dan raise that Greaser out of the saddle? Oh, for a horse and saber, and if I wouldn’t take a hand,I am a ghost. At ’em again, Dan! Run ’em down! Chaw ’em up! Yah—whoop!” Taey saw the men of Gideon’s Band suddenly dash into the chaparral, with St. Jean upon their haunches, Then there was silence and the two men drew back to the place where their prisoner lay. ‘*My boys have been kinder brushing the jackets of your lancgrs out there, general,” said Ridley.. “If I bad sucha gang under me as then Frenchers, 1’d sell em fer stable-boys, by George. They are a tough crowd, Gideon's Band, and the way they made the feathers fly—” Xi Has there been a fight?’ demanded the gen- eral, eagerly. v That spy shall die, That 1 have ‘Waal, you couldn’t call it a fight, because ~ the gay lancers couldn't stand up to the rack and eat cold steel and lead. Now, in a little while, we expect Conejos and his men along this war) _ Would you like to see Conejos ee ejia felt a shudder pass through is iron frame as-this man’s name was spoken. He knew that the guerrilla had sworn to have his life by torture. For, of all the cruel men who had epee the patriots of Juarez, none was so well known to the restless dwellers of the chaparral as this general, and be well compre- hended what his fate would be in case he fell into the clutches of his relentless foe, Conejos the guerrilla, ‘Waal, general,” demanded the Westerner with his inimitable drawl, ‘‘ what d'ye say—hey? Shall we have the gal?” ‘“‘ Look you, my man,” declared Mejia, setting his teeth hard; “if I do accept your terms, and you ever fall into my hands, may all the saints have mercy on you, for I will have none!” “T won’t rise to return thanks, mister,” re- sponded Jack. ‘* Let that kind of threat 20 for what it will fetch among squaws, I’ve got Pins and it werea neat thing, if I do say it, and in consequence you are awfully mad. Hi, Weasel; jump out there and look around,” The Weasel obeyed, and looking out of the opening, saw the lancers and hussars coming back at a gallop, and quickly disappear in the wouds, Then came Gideon’s Band, riding at
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Gideon’s Band. — | the free swing of their horses, but not hurrying | towers of Matamoras rose before them. The ‘themselves in the least, ss eg Jack, leaving his prisoner bound and helpléss, stepped out of the Opening by the sliding stone and suddenly stood before Texas Dan, who looked at him as one risen from the grave. ‘* Jack Ridley, by the horned alligator of the Massasipp!” roared Dan. you hear me!” » ‘*Dan,” said Ridley, as he crossed palms with the redoubtable Texan, ‘* when you was making ‘hide, hoof and taller fly among them Greasers— | Captain Jack was watching ye! Didn’tI pray for a horse and saber then! Oh, no—I guess not!” The men crowded about their idolized leader and greeted him warmly. ‘* Yank” or ‘‘ Reb,” it was all the same; their joy in meeting Jack Ridley safe, was expressed in the same vocifer- ous manner. ** Boys,” the captain returned, ‘‘ you do me proud! And the man that says our fellows will ever lift a hand ag’in’ one another while the earth stands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him, But,I ain’t got timetofool. Where's the cunnel?” **Oh, Jose has just come in from his force. He’s up here toward Chincha with two hun- dred men, waiting for a rake at a wagon-train, and he sent Hosay in to say that he wanted us.” **Then, away you go, boys. I won’t keep you from work.” ** Ain’t you going with us, Cap?” “No, Dan; no. I said I wouldn't come ‘1 un- til I got Marietta out of the grip of the Greaser general, and I meant it! Say, Dan, when I come back I'll tell youa yarn worth hearing. Why, blame all my cats, if [ ain’t got Mejia down there in the ruins, tied neck and heels, I’m a Dutchman, And I’m going to trade him for Marietta!” ‘*Good! glorious! old boy. Shall I leave any men with you?” ‘*Leave Hosay; I want him.” ** Where will we find you?” ** You come to the old battle-ground, on the Jalapa road, at early morning, two days from this, and we'll be there.” vhs Enough said! Come as soon as you can \cap. I don’t take no pride in Gideon’s Ban while you are away.” The wild horsemen, with thundering cheers, ‘turned their horses and rode out of the chapar- ral, leaving Jose and Jack Ridley together. **Come with me, Hosay,” ordered Jack. ‘‘I svant to show you my bird.” They entered the secret passage which led to ‘the subterranean ruins of the old Aztec temple, where they found the Weasel sitting near the prisoner, and annoying him by insulting ques- tions, “‘Dry up, Weasel!” cried Ridley. ‘‘ The Greaser in you will crop out when you gita manunder yourthumb, Here; take off those straps. I reckon the general will know better than to rare up when he ain’t got a weepin.” “Right, sir,” replied the general. ‘* Mejia iknows when he is beaten. Ha, Jose; has your ' anaster sent you to exult over me?” “* No, general; my master knows ne of ‘this, it is entirely the work of this gallant aman. ‘*T shall know how to reward it, in the time to come,” hissed Mejia. ‘‘ But, we waste time, If hig will give me writing material, you sha jhave an order for the release.of the wo- Dn Jack took out an old diary, tore out a leaf and presented it, with the pencil, to the gen- eral, who at once wrote a message to Marshal Bazaine, and signed it. ‘“* Come on, Hosay,” then commanded Ridley. **-You and I will ride hard and bring the gal to this place. You may expect us to-morrow at moon, Weasel; watch the general close.” And they hurried out of the chamber. Five minutes after they were speedin tthrough the chaparral, bea the boon o Peerty ‘ad Marietta del Reno. ould they be e CHAPTER XII. THE BLOW IN THE CELL, Masor St. JEAN rode back toward Mata- moras with a heart somewhat lightened. He had little faith in Mejia, and, from the first, that subtle Indian chieftain had been his enemy. He preferred to take his own chance of w ered is way with the proud Mexican gil to tak Dg any help from Mejia, and hoped, his secret heart, that the general had fallen into the hands of Conejos, or any guerrilla who ‘would show him no mercy. But they rode furiously, and in due time the *{ resign, old boy— | ee ee | news guickly spread through the city that Mejia was taken, and while his own adherents raged— and they were not few in numbers—the ma- jority of the offivers, particularly those of for- | eign birth, were glad when they heard that he was out of the way. With Bazaice it was different. of the country, and wished to get out of it as | quickly as possible, and looked to Mejia to take his place when he should retire. He paced the floor of his quarters furiously, raging like a | tiger, until Rivera and St. Jean were an- nounced and admitted. ‘* Ha, Victor!” he cried, angrily; ‘‘ is this the way you celebrate your promotion?” ‘**T think Colonel Rivera will do me the jus- tice to say that lam not to blame,” replied St. Jean; ‘‘ and, as far as 1 know, neither is he. It is‘the cursed lancers, who will not stand the charge of these devils of wild Yankees.” ‘*Good faith, major, I think you met them once on more than equal terms and did not meet any better fortune at their hands,”’sneered Rivera. ‘* Enough of this,” exclaimed Bazaine. ‘‘ Make your report, gentlemen!” Rivera told his story first; then St. Jean cor- roborated his statement as far as he knew, and added that he had pursued Gideon’s Band some distance, but had been forced to retreat before vastiy superior numbers. Bazaine stood for a moment in deep thought. “It is fate, I think,” he ssiay at last. “I cannot see that you have fai'sd to do your duty, ee necraese and the overeonfidence of Mejia imself' has brought this trouble upon him, You say this Don Ignacio Mieappearets also?” ‘* Completely; it seemed as if the earth had opened and swallowed them up,” replied Ri- vera, ‘* Wonderful, wonderful! I am completely uzzled how to account for this strange event. ut, by my faith, we must do et to res- cue him, if we can. Or, at best, I will sweep siege refuge for these jackals from end to end. ‘‘ It isthe best plan,” declared Victer, eagerly. “Tf we then found these American interlopers, they sbould not trouble us long.” ‘They are, apparently, very hard to light on,” replied Bazaine. ‘‘ Already they have mauaged so well as to cut off three trains from Queretaro, with much-needed supplies, and the roads are no longer safe. I might have known that wken their own war was off their hands those who were not yet tired of fighting would come across the border. But it matters little to me, and yet— You are dismissed, geutle- men?” ‘*T have a personal favor to ask, marechal,” said Victor. ‘‘I should have asked it of Mejia, but in his absence 1 am obliged to depend on Ne I wish to visit the prisoner, Marietta del no, She was once betrothed to me,” Bazaine hastily scribbled an order, which he gave to the young officer, and who then went out quickly, with a grim smile upon bis face. He at once ed through a long corridor into the hall of the dungeons. Not far from the door of the cell, he founda guard stationed at the prison-door of Marietta. Showing his order the guard stood aside and the major opened the door of the cell. As he entered the girl sprung back to the wall with a revolver drawn. ‘*Put up the weapon, ma belle,” he said, laughing. ‘‘On the honor of a gentleman I will not lay a finger on you.” : ‘*Your word is good, sir,” she replied, “There may be peace between us, but with some space between us also. Why do you come here?” : ‘Because I have something to say to you. You are aware that General Mejia designed to have you shot?” ; Yes, und I am ready to die for Mexico!” was the proud answer, } ‘No doubt! but. ‘there is an alternative, if you would take it.” ** And that is—” **To marry me.” A scornful laugh broke from the lips of the rl. bat I have told you often, Victor St. Jean, that Lent sooner lie in my grave than be your e. ‘*Of two great evils, choose ye the least,” he said, with his mocking laugh, ‘* You must cer- tainly prefer me to death.’ 4 sey You are mistaken, sir; 1 would sooner ie! ‘*You must indeed hate me bitterly,” he re- turned, ‘ But, sefiorita, if, in the heat of pas- Font SoS SS eee | risked my life to do it, and succeeded. He was tired sion I have done you wrong—and I know it—I have repented the wrong deeply. But consider how I was placed. Accused of permitting you to escape because I loved you, I was driven out of Matamoras in disgrace, and the only way I could redeem myself was to bring you back. I If you had listened to me, and had given me your love, my sword might have aided the cause you love so well.” ‘* That is a long speech, major, she retorted. “TY see that you have gained the prize for which you sought so ardently and so long, and now have higher rank. I am of Mexican blood, and that I Jove my native land, and love it well, no one will seek todeny. Many a time I have periled my life to do her service, and the name of Marietta del Reno is known in every camp as one of the most daring spies of Juarez. Nothing has saved me, so far, but the fact that lama woman, but that will not save me now that the tiger, Mejia, has mein his power. Go! I will kill myself with my own hand before I will be your wife!” **Have your will, then,” answered St. Jean, in a voice thick with passion. ‘* But, as sure as I live, I will break your pride or I will break your heart—I care but little which.” ** You have work before you,” was the scorn- fulreply. ‘‘ Dastard! I will go out bravely to be shot as a SPY, and meet my fate with joy, Ss will never be your wife. I loathe you! ca !” He made a sudden spring, and she had time to fire one shot, the bullet grazing his shoulder, and the next moment she was in his grasp. ‘*Now I have you, girl,” he hissed. ‘* By Heaven, you shall do as I say!” **Is this the way you keep your word, vil- lain?’ she demanded. ‘‘ Take your hands from me or I will cry for help.” ** Cry out, if you will,” he replied, mocking- ly, as he tore the revolver from her grasp. **Sound does not travel far in these dtin- eons.” “It travels further than you think, you durned French thief!” cried a manly voice. “* Take that, you dirty brute!” The next moment St. Jean was rolling on the floor of the cell,and over him s the manly form of Jack Ridley, his face flushed with indignation. CHAPTER XIII. SAVING THE WOLF, ‘* Kini him,” screamed St. Jean, rising upon his elbow; and looking forthe guards. ‘ Fifty Napoleons to the man who brings him down.” But Jack Ridley drew his revolver with a flourish, and the ominous click told that he, too, was ready for business. ‘*T’d just admire to see the man that dare lift a Roget! against me,” the Nebraskian said, quietly. ‘*Come on, boys! I’m waiting for ye; waiting and anxious.” The guards drew back. They had heard of this man from their comrades, and had but little desire to tempt his aim; which was not likely to fail him. hile they stood, undecided hasty steps were heard, and Bazaine himself came in quickly. . ** This shall be looked to, Major St. Jean,” he said, ‘‘ When I gave you an order to visit prisoner, I did not suppose you meant to assault the lady in this bruta)] way. Sefiora, I offer you my apologies for leaving you here so long, but ile you were the prisoner of General Me he had full control of you. You are to follow meatonce. Senor Captain, I wait for you.” Jack Ridley coolly placed his pistols in his belt and followed the marechal, who did not deign a word more to the major, except a mo- tion which signified that he was to follow. They pa out of the vaults, through the long passages, and came into the inbabited part of the castle and went at once to Bazaine’s quarters. ‘Come in, St. Jean,” ordered the marechal. “T hope you will be able to explain this outrage on a prisoner, but I very much fear that you will not find a good plea.” . : “*T acted by the orders of General Mejia, who had control of the prisoner,” he said, sullen- Vie Ah! Sefiora del Reno is no longer a prison- er, for she is to be seg Jor General Mejia, a in the hands of the American cap- ta ** Don Ignacio Vanero, at your sarvice,” Jack ested, with a bow. ‘** Tt was bravely done, and the man who could carry out such a plot as that caught to belong to our side,” said Bazaine. ‘‘ But I will not tempt
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10 you further, only to warn you that, if Mejia ever gets you into his hands, all the power of the emperor will scarcely save your life,” **°T was done for Sefiora del Reno’s sake, sir,” answered Jack. ‘‘/ ain’t a spy; don’t come natural to me, somehow, but I made up my mind to take her out of the hands of them two p’izen snakes, Mejia and St, Jean.” ** And you have done it bravely. Willyougo to-night” ‘* ’d rather do that,” was the answer. ** You will be safe here until morning.” *“*T don't doubt you, marshal; but, don’t you see that the gal’s father is mourning for her and won’t feel easy until he knows she is safe?” ** You shall have an escort as far asthe chap- arral,” assured Bazaine. ‘Further than that my men would not care to go. Call a guard there, orderly, and send Colonel Rivera and my adjutant to me.” he two officers quickly entered the room and waited for orders. ‘“‘ You, Colonel Rivera,” explained Bazaine, ‘will take one hundred men from your regi- ment and escort this gentleman and lady as far as the great chaparral. There you must wait for the return of General Mejia, who is a pris- oner. Once he returns, you are under his orders,” Rivera bowed, saluted, and went to call his men. “Adjutant Delorme,” continued the Mare- chal, ‘* Major St. Jean is under arrest. You will take his sword.” ‘* T have no sword,” replied St. Jean, quietly. ** You are under arrest; go!” St. Jean, before following the adjutant from = EOne, turned for a moment to the smiling ack. ‘* May my hopes turn to ashes if I do not take . vengeance upon you for the blow you gave me,” he hissed, ** Always willing, major; you'll be welcome to any fight youcan cook with me. I’d ruther fight you than go to Congress—so I would,” was the Nebraskian’s retort. ** And as for you, Marietta del Reno—” ““Go, Major St. Jean,” repeated Bazaine, sternly. ‘*‘ How dare you stop to bandy words before me?” St. Jean retired without another word, white with his anger and disgrace. “He's a bad egg, that chap,” declared the Northerner, in his quiet way ; ‘‘ the wu’st I see’d in fourteen counties. Waal, I'll say one thing for you, Marshal: you’ve acted white; you’ve done just as you agreed, and I'll think better of Frenchmen for your sake.” : . “Tam glad to hear that you think well of me, my friend,” declared Bazaine, laughingly. “* But be careful I donot have to hang you some day, for if you come into my lines in disguise again and I can catch you, it will go hard with ou. “Tl be mighty keerful, for Mejia would hang me anyhow,” replied Jack, ‘‘and I ain’t quite ready for that performance yet.” ; The orderly entered and announced the es- cort. Then General Bazaine accompayied them to the castle gate and bade them a ‘hearty good- by and they rode away, one upon each side of jonel Rivera, followed by the escort, with hatting as he rode. whom Jose wa They soon mous the ed @ of the chaparral, where they * Have you a man who knows the chaparral?" demanded Jack. ‘* Manuel Garcia is here.” replied the colonel. ® He'll do. Oh, you skunk of misery!” the Nebraskian cried, as Manuel rode out, “* I ought to larrup you with a stirrup-leather until you ‘yelled like a sick calf. But come along, p’izen; . good-by, colone]. We'll send out the general with Manuel.” They left the lancers on the edge of the chap- arraland rodein. Half an hour’s ride brought them in'sight of the chaparral, and, as they cleared the opening, Jack Ridley uttered a fierce oath, and drawing his revolvers dashed into the ed a group of men who were surrounding a tree. In their midst, his face pale, his eyes starting from his head as he pri men about him, was General Mejia! The party about him consisted of only eight or ten men wearing the fanciful garb of the chaparral guer- Trillas, and all were wildly excited, What were they about to do? ‘ The quick eyes of the American had taken this in at a glance; they were about to kill him, and in a way which would only have been thougbt of by men of Indian blood. A rope was . about his neck and passed over a limb above, and, just asthe Nebraskian appeared upon the edge of the glade, the men at the end of the ey r s te» * oil t ete bee ©. petty t+ rt ET on Sr be led vainly with the Se + Gideon’s Band. eee eas _ = = 2 Se re Se ix ~? ow rope ran their prisoner up, while wild bursts of laughter were heard from the lookers-on, prom- inent among whom was a burly, dark-browed man, glittering in gold lace and bullion fringe, who laughed more loudly than the rest. This man was Conejos, and Conejos nated Mejia as few men were ever hated in all time. “Curse you, Mejia!” he cried; “I will make you die by inches; inch by inch, second by sec- ond, you black-hearted dog! Hold him there, Roderigo! Now let him down!” Mejia was lowered again, and the rope about his neck loosened, His face had not changed from its usual impenetrable look, for his stern Indian nature had taught him how to die with shut teeth. The guerrilla laughed savagely. ‘* When my brother pleaded to you for his life, you laughed him to scorn, Mejia, but it is my turn now. Do you know what I am going to do with you, dog? I will bend two strong young trees together and bang you up, to howl away your life among the branches, wlth a tree on each side, struggling to spring back into its place. But give him another taste of the rope; up with him, amigos !” Andagain the body of Mejia rose into the air. It was at this moment that, with a howl of rage, Jack Ridley burst into the midst of the guerrillas, and knocked them right and left by repeated blows of the heavy revolver which he held by the barrel, **Take that, you cursed yaller thief!” he cried. ‘And you, and you, and you!” striking down a man with each repetition of the pro- noun. ‘‘Cl/ar the road for the untamed wol- verine of the big Rockies! Make way for the unloosed cyclone of the North!” The guerrillas, taken utterly by surprise, were driven back before the terrible arm of the gallant American, while Marietta, who had boldly followed him, cut Mejia down by a sweep of her dagger. Much as she hated the man, bitter as he was in his enmity to her family, she would not see him die this dog’s death, for at least he was a brave man. ‘*Now by all the saints,” cried Conejos, ‘‘ he 1s a brave man who comes beeween the Wolf of the Del Norte and his revenge. What would you here, Americano—dog ?” “What in thunder are you doing with my prisoner?” shouted Jack. ‘‘ Now, see here: don’t vally ten Greasers more than a pin-head, Pve fou’t ’em till I know their measure, and I’m just boiling to lick the whole kit and caboodle out and out! You hear?” “You do not know me, my friend,” replied the guerrilla, fiercely. ‘‘ Perhaps, when you hear the name of Conejos—” ‘**Oh yes, 1 know ye,” replied Jack, quietly. ‘“*Don’t ye remember the time you chased a party of Navajoes toward the mountains, and they turned on you and whipped you most beau- tifully, when ten free trappers b’iled in and knocked the stufflug out of °em? Hey?’ ‘“*T remember,” replied Conejos, eagerly. ‘““What did you say to the leader of that party ?’ demanded Jack. “Tf you repeat the words, 1 shall know that you are one of them,” was the answer. j **’You said: ‘I have an unquenchable hate of anything which bears the name of American, and yet, in the time to come, should any one of you give me this sign (making a peculiar mo- tion) and demand the life of my worst enemy, he oe have his will.’ Is that straight, Cone- jos ‘* You are the man,” answered Conejos, slow- ly. ‘* Well, what do you ask?” ‘“‘T'll tell you. I went into Matamoras and took Mejia with my own hand, because he had Marietta del Reno prisoner, and I wanted him to change for her, I told him if he’d give me an order to set her free, I'd give him his liberty, and Ill do as I say, if 1 have to fight for it.” ‘*Then you demand the prisoner?” “You bet I do!” “He is yours; dispose cf him as my debt paid, brave American?” : ** Yes; and Tu say one thing of you, Conejos: if you are tough, you are square, and I'll do as much for you another time. How do you feel, general?” Ros ‘* You came just in time, but I will let yonder know that s tortures would not have wrung gle cry from me.’ you see fit. Is do, *§ sneak-thief, come out of that!” Garcia, who bad kept prudently in the back- ground, now rode out. | ‘* This fellow will take you where your men r iF ett. ft ‘ : IO a oe at ‘uty wae ‘I reckon that’s so. Here, Manuel, you | are waiting for man, the Weasel? ee My wolves have tied him,” Conejos answer- . ‘Go, some of you, and set him free!”? The Weasel came out, looking somewhat crest- fallen. Being upon his parole not toattempt to escape, Mejia had asked to breathe the fresh morning air, and the two had come out of the ruins, only to be pounced upon by Conejos and hismen. Not wishing to do the man anv harm, Conejos had tied him, band and foot, and left him in the ruins, while he vented. his rage upon the man he so fiercely hated. ‘‘T want you to give me your word to one thing, general,” said Ridley. ‘Promise that ou won’t set any men upon my track in ten ours. Will you do that?’ ‘* Yes,” replied Mejia. ‘‘It shall be as you wisb.” “Go ‘with them, Weasel,” ordered Jack, ‘*Take my horse, general, and this man will bring it back.” Mejia mounted, without a word. The two men followed him, the Weasel running by the side of his horse; but, as he rode away, Mejia gave them a look of deadly enmity, and the guerrillas knew that they had made an enemy who would be revengeful unto death. CHAPTER XIV, ‘FIVE HUNDRED DOUBLOONS REWARD.” MEJIA, upon joining the squadron under the command of Rivera, dismissed the Weasel, giv- ing back the horse which he had ridden, up to this time, and sending a grim message to Jack Ridley, to the effect that he should remember him, and, in the time to come, would try to re- ay him with interest for what he had done. hen the troop set out at racing speed for Matamoras, whith they reached in the gray dawn. Going to his quarters, Mejia at once sat down aud wrote this order, which was soon posted all about the city : **500 DousLoons REWARD ‘For the person, dead or alive, of the American, known in the rebel army as Cap‘ain John Ridley. ‘The same reward will be given for satisfactory proofthatheisdead.. —* ** An additional sum of 200 doubloons will be given to the person who shall give information leading to his capture, and the commissioned, or non commis- monied officer, or private making the capture, shall receive the above reward. “ (Signed), Mest.” This order caused great commotion among the needy men in the imperial oa A The mouths of more than one men literally ‘‘ wa- vered” as he thought of the doubloons, and many were the consultations among the men who hungered after the coveted prize, Bazaine, hearing of the return of the gen- eral, at once paid him a visit in his quarters. 7 Say nothing about this unlucky escapade of mine, Monsieur le Marechal,” he requested. ‘Let us get to business. Do you know where Major Victor St. Jean can be found?” , ‘* He is under arrest.” ‘* For what offense?” Bazaine told the story as he had heard it, and Mejia sat for some time in -y: thought. ‘*T think he had better be treed from arrest, marechal. To tell the truth, he acted, in part, by my orders, although I did not bid bim curry the affair so far. But, he isa young man, and deeply in love with this fair devil—for she is nothing else—and may be pardoned. If you would do me a favor, you will send an order to set him free, and return hissword.” ‘* With pleasure, generai. Now, after I have sent an orderly, we will get to work, for these wasps must be brushed away from before us, They say that Escobedo is gathering’a formid- able force, and intends to give us battle. Oh that he would come out of hisden and meet us!” cried Bazaine, as he opened the door to speak: to. the orderly, Then he came back, and the two — had a long consultation. In the midst of it St. Jean was announced. nab! ‘* Let him come in,” commanded Mejia eager- 7 ‘Ha, major; you have been in trouble, L earn?” a ‘ ' ‘Yes; but thanks to you, general, I am free, Monsieur le Marechal was not too severe, tur L ‘* You will not offend again. But look you, major; would you like a chance at this Captain Ridley?” demanded Bazaine, ‘*Only give me a chance, my marechal, and I. will give myself no rest, night or day, until IL you, general. Where is my am dead or I have killed the scoundrel who has me by ablow,” - twice "i You will take two hundred hussars, “Rey iy + * éf j }. y Be) s| ¢ x 5 By st i ¥ “m hie $ "y. £ tae ae - be es
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7 a \ (a a ee Pact . An them all be picked men and all French, with ‘only enough Mexicans for guides. Get upon the track of this North American dare-devil, and never leave him until you give a good ac- count of him.” **'You may depend upon me. Where was he when last seen?” ‘In the great chaparral, where you met him last,” answered Mejia, with almost savage promptness. ‘© Ts Manuel Garcia here?” ‘*- Yes, he came back with me,” “Twanthim. There is nota better guide to the chaparral in all the country than Manuel; he will do the work, and do it well, for he, too, hates this accursed Northerner.” ** Very good; take him, and bo off as quickly as you can,” ordered Bazaine, St. Jean hurried from the room, and at once began his preparations, The men were ready to follow him always, for no one could say that Victor St. Jean was not brave. On the con- trary, he was brave even to rashness, and the true soldier likes hazardous service. Garcia was eager for the work, and in less than two hours the hot-headed St. Jean was riding out of the city with two hundred mounts—two hun- dred chosen for their known skill and courage, wh» would follow where St. Jean dared to lead. And that they wereto hunt down Gideon’s Band excited their wildest enthusiasm. St. Jean did not head at once for the chapar- ral, Far from that; he went swinging down the road to the north, along the river-bank, as if going upon a distant expedition, for the spies of Juarez were everywhere, and no movement could be made by the imperial troops without their knowledge. Therefore he kept on his way for several miles, never turning bridle, until, at last, by the suggestion of Garcia, they turned across country to reach the chaparral, into which they plunged boldly and were at once lost to mortal sight. © Be careful, now!” warned Manuel. ‘ This is a very nest of guerrillas, and if we meet troops enough to hold us’ for an hour, the noise of battle will bring a thousand chaparral wolves upon our backs.” ‘**T only ask half an hour to wipe this band of Yankee devils from the face of the earth,” was the reply of St. Jean. Garcia laughed in his low, malicious man- ner, ‘* They are hard nuts to crack, major. In all my time I have never seen such devils on a charge. They are like loosened lightning.” *Tecare not. We will beat them if we ever get them at the point of our sabers, And, bear in mind, thecaptain must be taken alive, if it be possible, I want him.” An hour later, from the cover of the surround- ing chaparral, St. Jean was looking in upon the rs) g in which lay the hidden city, The ace was desolate, The wind sighed through he branches of the trees; bright birds darted here and there and the ground was beaten down by horses’ hoofs; scattered here and there lay bits of broken harness, a shattered cuurass, a torn saddle-blanket or a broken spur, to show where the battle had raged, and a long, broken iece of turf showed where the dead had been id to rest under the bending boughs. ‘*They are gone!” said Garcia, ‘I had little hope that they would be here,” _ ‘Perhaps they are in the ruins,” suggested e major. . ey doubt it; but that is soon seen. None know the secrets of the hidden city better than Man- uel Garcia.” nak: __ The squadron filed into the opening and paused a torch of resinous wood, there to light the way in- ing it above his bead entered before the others, The light of the torch revealed « ea the walls the mystic signs of the race which had passed _ away—the lordly and accomplished Aztec. _ On, through passage atter passage, tramped the men, scarcely noticing the beauties of the buried temple; but all was silence and vacancy. Nota human being was lurking therein. Satisfied that they were wasting time St. Jean ordered a return. ‘**Come!” cried Manuel. ‘I will find them, if teey are upon the earth ahove.” ,soon in the outer world again, the squad- ron filed avay through the dim chaparral upon the trail of Gideon’sBand. ee A ee pr Gideon’s Band. CHAPTER XV. THREE AGAINST TWO HUNDRED. JACK Ripuexy did not remain long in the hid- den city after the general had departed. He knew well that there was no safety for him there while the fire of hate burned in the dark bosom of Mejia, and in half an hour the little party, with Jose as a guide, were hurrying away through the darkness. ' Conejos had gone his way, with many compliments to Jack and his men, and they were left to their own re- sources, Their course was necessarily slow, and day- light found them scarcely ten miles, in a direct line, from the place they had left that night. They were stillin the depths of the chaparral but, as daylight showed itself, they accelerated their speed. ‘*Where does my father lie with his men?” asked Marietta. ‘* He was to be near the ruins of the hacienda at noonday,” replied Jose, “Then to the hacienda we will go,” said Marietta. “ They emerged from the chaparral at last and came out upon the ancient domain of*the Del Reno family. A magnificent estate it was, stretching away for leagues, and showing the hand of thrift in every acre. In times of peace five hundred men had earned their bread by do- ing the work of the gallant colonel. Now they were scattered here and there, although most of them were fighting under the banner of their a leader, and doing good service, too. Half an hour’s ride brought. them to the hacienda. It vas built after the Mexican fash- ion, with a high stone wall surrounding it; but the walls were in ruins, and the shattered gates | lay just within the entrance, as they had been thrown duwn by the cannon of Mejia. For, when Matamoras was first taken, the hacienda had been the scene of a dreadful massacre, when a few hundred men of Escobedo’s army had been surrounded by ten times their number of Mejia’s men, and for three days resisted gallentiy, until cannon were brought against them, Even then, when the gates were beaten , down, they fought to the very last, asking no quarter and receiving none, until the last of the gallant men lay dead upon the earth outsida, in the long corridors of the hacienda, and upon the azoteas, A sad look came into the eyes of Marietta as she gazed upon the walls of her Bey home, ‘i as,” she cried, ‘‘ poor unhappy Mexico, how long shall you see bieh scenes as this? Will the time never come when there will be peace within your borders?’ “Till tel you one thing, sefiora,” said Jack Ridiey,‘* your people are toofond of revolutions, Once in a hundred years we are going to have one in the great United States, but when it comes to more, that is piling on the agony. Then again, your folks are cruel; they like to see blood flow, particularly if it is the blood of their enemies. Just look over your_ history from the time Cortez stood on the Mexican causeways, and tell me if it ain’t so.” “You are right, sefior; until we learn to show mercy we shall not receive it. It is asad home to which I weleéme you, but you are wel- come, nevertheless,” ~ .¢ It was nearly eight o’clock when they entered the hacienda. 1t showed on every hand the marks of the desperate encounter. Upon the great stairway which led to the upper rooms the last of the defenders had made a gallant stand, and the walls, hand-rail and steps still bore dark red Spots, the blood of these brave men, , ‘* No man can look at this and say that there are no noble men in Mexico,” declared Mariet- ta, ber cheeks flushing ; ‘‘ but these were gentle- men, most of them, and they died as Mejia will die, with set teeth. Let us go up to the azotea,” They went up to the flat roof of the hacienda. _** Look,” said Marietta, laying her hand upon the coping of the azotea ‘‘ Upon this spot stood the last of the defenders of tbe hacienda, Pedro Burgos, of Monterey. With’ fourteen wounds upon him, be turned here to pierce the foremost of his assailants to the heart, and | then plunged head-foremost upon the stone flags below,” **It. was bravely done,” cried Jack, whose eyes were fixed upon the distant chaparral; “but just look there; don’s you think we had better light out?’ There was no need of haste, Perhaps three miles away,-comine up at 2 swinging trot, were the husears of’St. Jean. Even at that distance — ley could make out the brilliant uni- orms, i “St. Jean, by the living hokies! That boy will make me mad, first thing he knows, and if he does, may I never sup soup if 1 don’t climb him. Come on.” They sprung down the stairs together, got to the saddle, and went thundering away across the fertile fields, heading to the West. They knew well that the relentless man upon their track would never turn bridle as long as there was a chance of riding them down, and it was a race for life or death. Five minutes later they plunged into a pass’ between the hills, but as they passed in they were seen, and the buglé-blast which came on the wind warned them that the hussars had in- creased their speed. **T can_save my mistress if you are brave enough to hold them back five minutes, capitan,” cried Jose. - ‘* We'll do it, the Weasel and me,” said Jack, promptly. ‘*Go on.” **T will not go!” cried Marietta. Girl,” murmured Jack Ridley, in a tender voice, ‘‘ ’m a rough, hard man, and I know it; but I tell you now that it will make me happy to die for your sake, Won't you go and give: me a chance?” **'No, no!” cried Marietta. ‘* But see here, little one; you know what will ye pe if you fall into Mejia’s. hands again. And what's the use? Better that you two escape than all be taken, I'll die all the happier if you let me kiss your hand.” Marietta bent. in the saddle and pressed her lips to the bearded ones of Jack Ridley. “Yo te amo,” * she whispered, fervently. ‘‘T vow to the Virgin, brave man, that if you and. I are alive when this war is done, I will be your wife. 1t wasa strange betrothal, and perhaps, unde other circumstances, the avowal of Marietta del Reno might have seemed unmaidenly, but now it was only a vow given to one doomed to die. ‘* That settles it, sweet one,” said Jack, ‘‘ Now save yourself, and if I godowna prayer from such sweet lips as yours may help a tough old fellow through. God bless you.” .“*T go alone!” cried Marietta, ‘‘ Let them take you at the last, and I will rescue you or die. Stay here, Jose.” The swift steed shot out like an arrow from a strong bow, and went thundering down the- pass, while Jose silently took his place beside Jack Ridley. y, “Take hold here, “boys; let’s make a barri- cade!” cried Jack, They worked rapidly, and piled up across the: narrow pass bowlder upon bowlder, until they had built up a barricade nearly six feet high, It was scarcely completed when the thunder of the advancing squadron shook the earth, and there burst into the pass the bussars of St. Jean. They had spread out in the chase and dashed in by twos and threes, but did not see the barricade: until they were close upon it. Then up sprung Jack Ridley and the Weasel, 2 revolver in each hand, and a terrible fusilade- an, ils hese two had used the revolver so long that: they were simply perfect; when they pulled, something must be hit, and the deadly weapons. did tearful work. Every time the sharp crack was heard a hussar went down, killed or wound-- ed, and they fell back before the deadly fire im utter dismay, leaving several of their comrades: extended on the sod. ‘* Keep back, major,” shouted Le Blanc. ‘*Wecan do nothing with the horses, for they have a barricade,” ‘*Dismount,” commanded the major, sternly.. ‘Charge on foot, and be careful you do not hurt the girl. She is mine, and save the Yan- kee captain if youcan. He must not be allowed to escape, but I will give one hundred doubloons to the man or men who brings him to me: alive.” f 3 The hussars leaped from the saddle, and with | ie the sharp battle-yell which only a Frenchman ° can utter, they charged into the pass, By this time the empty chambers in the revolvers were all full, and five of these terrible weapons were ready; for Marietta, as she dashed away, had. dropped hers at tho feet of Jose, e slaughter was awful, The pass, at this pomt, was scarcely seven feet wide, with almost perpendicular sides. If: they won it they must charge straigbt up to the- barricade, and force it at the points of their sabers, ‘ But, though they had ever so much wish to: do so, retreat was impossible. Some of the fore-- most turned back, indeed, but they were quickly * 1 love thee.
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aan 12 me nN a fall before the fatal aim of Jack and the Weasel. Even Jose, not accustomed to the weapon, could not miss with such a mark, and the space in front of the barricade became a very slauzhter- pen. The desperation which could nerve three men to withstand two hundred, added to the terror they inspired. Bat, after all, such a fray could not last long. Up to this time not one of the hussars had gut near enough to strike a blow, but the cartridges ‘ were failing, and evenif this were not so, they , had not time to remove the empty shells and }! ‘substitute new ones, i ‘*Oh, come up to me, you pea-soup-eating J Parley voo!” roared Jack, as he saw St. Jean 4 gesticulating in the background. ‘‘ Id likea ~whack at you; oh, do come.” ° It was not lack of courage which kept the s 1 major, but he could not break through the crowd of hisown men, although he tried to do 5 so. Jack fired his last shot at St. Jean, but one of the men passed before him just at the right q moment, and received the ball in his throat. cit Ridley cast down the empty weapon and A caught up hisrifle. It was not loaded, and he .s . grasped it by the muzzle and prepared to use it | ; as a club. On each side stood Jose and the Weasel, armed with sabers, and they met the ‘rush of che hussars right gallantly, while the iron- bound butt of the rifle fell with sickening “thuds upon the heads of the Frenchmen. The tumult was maddening. Mingled with Rs the ‘‘ Sacres!” “‘ Parbleus!” and ‘* Scelerats !” ; of the French rose the resounding battle-cry of Jack Ridley, the sharp Southern yell of the Weasel, and the manly shout of Jose, who ’ ‘fought like a gallant man. Packed as they , were in the narrow defile, the hussars could Be) only come at the barricade three or four ile abreast, and for atime these three brave men attended to them as they came on. But the strongest arm will tire, and Jack Rid- ley was Sowing sick of slaughter. *“ Whasc say, Jose; d’ye think the gal is safe ‘by this?’ he demanded, as te struck down a bearded hussar who was preparing his saber for a stroke, | ‘Safe enough,” replied Jose, giving “‘ point ” | as be spoke, and thrusting a Frenchman through ' the heart. j _ “Tuen ran for it, you two. Ill keep them ey back two minutes, and one of you may get away. Off*you go, Weasel.” ‘* Not one step!” replied Jose. ‘*Nary time, Cap,” cried the Weasel. ‘‘We q ? can’t die any younger.” y Then the hussars forced their way over the barricade and surrounded the three gallant i men. Fora moment they struggled, and then BS e went down amid a storm of imprecations; but i their gallant stand had been successful, for " Fig _ Marietta was safe from pursuit! CHAPTER XVI. IN DURANCE VILE, Yes, St. Jean had conquered, but at what a - ost! He felt, as he looked down upon the aks prostrate form of Jack Ridley, that even his : a capture was r payment for the dead and fs wounded Bk «i in front of the barricade. He Ne stamped furiously upon the earth, and Ridley expected to hear an order to take him out and shoot him, but the order was not given. They numbered the dead—twenty! They -s ounted the wounded, some of them seriously, and found nearly one-third as many more—tifty men put hors du combat by three! ‘What a tale this will be to tell in Mata- 4 moras,” cried the young major. ‘‘ Sergeant, this way.” { Le Blanc followed him to one side. _ ‘‘How many men did we fight with, ser- geant?” i > bt.” ; , They found a place in the bed of a dry water- ! pushed forward by those in the rear, only to | {2 pass, Desesen we were obliged to ’ Gideon’s Band. : course, and here they laid the dead sidé by side and covered them hastily with léaves and sod. They dared not linger long over thé’ work, for they knew that the sound of the baffle had been heard, and that the guerrillas who mafested the chaparral would soon flock to the spot as vul- tures to a feast. ‘*Are thosa two men hurt?” demanded the major. ‘‘ Not the captain; the other two,” ‘** Not badly,” replied Le B anc. *“ We don’t want them,” declared St. Jean. ** Give them the fusilade.” The Weasel and Jose were now unbound and led forward. Twenty dismounted hussars, with their carabines unslung, advanced before the est. ‘* Hullo; hold on there, major,” cried Jack; | are vou going to pass me over that way?’ ‘* What do you want?” ‘*T want to die with the others. Never, if I live a thousand years, could [ die in braver company.” ‘*We have other work for you, my good friend,” replied St. Jean, with a grim smile. **Go on, sergeant.” : ** Feu, camarades!” cried Le Blanc. The twenty carabines spoke together, and when the smoke lifted Weasel Wilson and Jose lay side by side, each pierced by many balls, Leaving them where they lay, Jack was bound to his saddle and the squadron set out, taking a course which led some distance from the chap- arral. “Td like to say a word, major,” said Jack. ‘* Why do you take me to the city; why not fin- ish me here?” ** Silence, dog,’ replied the major, ‘‘ or I will strike you in the face.” ‘** You did that once afore, major, and it was not healthy for you.” - §$t. Jean laid his hand upon his dagger, and Jack, who did not wish to taste the tender mer- cies of General Mejia, hoped that he meant to kill him, but te was disappointed. ‘*No, no!” he said. ‘‘ Mejia will find another death for you to die, and perhaps it will be worse than any I can Pye you. May all the saints guard your head on the day when you fall into the hands of the Indian chief.” They rode as hard as they dared, for many wounded were among them, and a swift journey was out of the question, But they had rare ood fortune and escaped all dangers, enterin ice aan before the sun had reached meri- ian. The city was at once in tumult. People thronged from all sides to see the wonderful man who had captured Mejia, and who, single- handed, had met and conquered the hussars, de- feated St. Jean and cut up the escort upon the Jalapa road, He sat calmly in his saddle, look- ing about him with a pleasant smile. Glad to see me, ain’t they?” he said, direct- ing a searching look upon the scowlin faces of the French soldiery. ‘‘Ju;st see, how they crowd up; seems as if they never see a man afore—the cursed Parley Vcos.” ‘* Look here,” said the major, pointing to the wallof a building. ‘‘ Read that and see how much Mejia loves you.” It was the proclamation of Mejia, printed in large letters, offering a reward for the appre- hension of John Ridley. ‘*That’sme,” cried Jack. ‘‘Good Lord! who’d ’a’ thought that this old carcass would ever be worth as much money asthat? Strange, strange! I be rm to have a high opinion of my own good qualities, Yet the eyes of this strange man were busy, and even as he rode, bound hand and foot, | through the busy street, he was watching the varying expressions upon the faces which he saw in passing. He read upon those of the French, and the immediate adherents of Mejia, the most deadiy hate, while at times a face i ge up at bim which had much of sympathy ‘*Some of these chaps don’t like the French- ers,” hethought, ‘‘! wonder if I couldn’t git one of ’em to give mealiftnow.” _ But not one of them made anysign. Mexi- cans to the heart’s core, and loving their native land, they were yet too much under the iron Tule of Mejia to dare litt a band, and they saw this brave man go by in the midst of his angry captors, whose thin ranks showed that he had not been taken without a desperate struggle. ‘* Pardieu, Le Blanc,” said a stalwart J Jack, { ‘a look of fierce joy upon his stern face as ‘3 tuk Can d in as & We \y 4 ‘** Silence, devil!” i ‘“T like to set the boys right,” declared Jack, addressing the questioner in the Canadian- ~~ French patois, ‘* We were three only, friend,” ‘* He lies!” roared Le Blanc. ‘*No, he don’t, Frenchy. We three fought you fairly, and when we went down, we was crowded into the ground; that’s all about it.” ‘* Silence intberanks!” cried St.Jean, ‘Clear the way'there, canaille !” The hussars swept on through the crowded streets at a more rapid pace, after the wounded had fallen out to go to their quarters. But as they went the number running upon both sides grew greater, until a great mob were clustered about the doors of headquarters as the party passed through into the court-yard. St. Jean cut the bonds upon the handsand feet of the prisoner, and ordered him to dismount. Hewas instantly surrounded by four hussars, each of whom carried his drawn sword in his hand, They entered the wide doors and reached the quarters of General Mejia. Aroused by the: strange clamor, he came to the door, and as be saw the captain in the midst of the hussars, a look of fierce joy lighted up his face. ** Welcome!” he cried, ‘‘ a thousand times wel- come. Monsieur Le Major, you are colonel of the hussars, vice Ragolet, promoted to a demi- brigade. But I shall claim your prisoner.” , ‘*He is yours, general, I doubt not you will . give quite as good an account of bim as I ever could,” ‘** And the reward? ‘Divide it among my men; they deserve it.” “Yes, general,” said Jack, ‘‘ they certainly do. When two hundred hussars pitch in brave- ly and lick out three men, they just heap undy- ing honor on their names, especially when they lose fifty tr ying it on.” ‘*You would do well to be silent, my good friend,” said Mejia, ‘‘I have heard your boast- ing See ged talk before.” ‘But it’s true. We three fought two hun- | dred hussars half an hour, while Marietta got vp) away. I didn’t mention that to you, major; thought it might make you wrathy.” ‘* Look to yourself, dog, and beware how you drive me to extremes, for I swear to you that if you force me further I will kill you where you stand,” screamed the major. ‘*Leave me to deal with this man, my dear St. Jean,” said the general, ‘Go to your quar- ters and remain there until you are sent for. This expedition, even with the great loss _ of men, bas well repaid me. Guards, close a around your prisoner and follow me,” tA Jack Ridley was led down through thedepth of the castle dungeons, until at last they stop- ped before adoor formed almost entirely of iron. A man bearing a huge bunch of iron keys came slouching out of a small room. ‘**Open this door,” said Mejia. The man fitted a huge key to the lock and forced back the heavy bolts. Even then, it re- quired the utmost exertion of his strength to swing the heavy door back on its hinges. a) The room was barely ten feet deep and six feet wide. Theiron bedstead occupied one end — and was covered by a rude straw mattress. ‘* Enter,” said the general, ass ‘* Nice room,” cried Jack, ‘‘ Well, as you are so pressing, I guess I’ll go in.” “ Bring the etters,” commanded Mejia. = The jailer dragged from beneath the bed a heavy set of manacles, which he fastened upon the ankles of the prisoner. They were connect- ed bya chain, and only permitted himto take steps of perhaps six inches in ee yey ‘* The waist ring,” said the Indian general. ; The jailer drew out a heavy iron belt, which he passed about the waist of the prisoner and — fastened tightly. The end of the chain was attached toa heavy iron ring inthe wall, “* Anchored!” exclaimed Jack. ‘‘Seemstome I’m a jewel of rare price.” hee ““T mean to nee you safe, myfriend,”re- mded Mejia. ‘‘1 would not have youdieun- til you know what it f to suffer, and the time will come when you will even pray for _ death.” yee + ag Pes They passed out, the héavy door clanged,the => bolts Snot into their places, and Jack beef was left alone. He knew that he was doomed, but, with a smile upon his faee, he stretched himself upon his hard bei and fell asleep, (et Fhe; SEAPTER XVI, I; _ THE DOOM PRONOUNCED. | i TH court-martial in the case of Jack Ridley was brief, and the doom death. Only Colonel Rivera voted in favor of the Reman, ay: ie ‘* Bring in theaccused,” said the pony wit nef i a A 7 ; | te
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™ — hate a et aa Ee et ee =~ Se Sn a ge epee ee a i Re a Gideon’s Band. 13 : 'pass to save her. She kept up her headlong . flight until she entered the dark mountain passes, | and knew that she wassafe. Urging her horse | rapidly uptheslope, she reached a plateau which ' Jooked down upon thesceneof battle. Half-hid- Paints vote was declared. The command was obeyed, -_ and Jack Ridley, with the proud bearing which had marked him throughout, was led into the room. ‘* Prisoner,” said Mejia, ‘‘the verdict of the I wouldn’t. Say; couldn’t you put an extra pound of iron on somewhere? seems to me I | ain’t weighted right, so to speak.” The guards performed their work in a stolid court is entered, and witn but a singleexception, we are of one inind.” **T should like to know the man who was brave énough, under your eye, to vote ‘not guilty,’” declared Ridley. ‘‘Stop! I will pick bim out myself. ‘There is the man,” pointing to Colonel vera, “ Why do ys say that he is the one?” . ** Because I have-seen him fight, He led the lancers on the day when I took you prisoner, General Mejia, and I saw that he was the one in all that band who had the heart of a man in his bosom. I saw him strike down his own men when they would not turn and face Gideon’s Band, and I warn you that it takes men to face them when they get their armoron. I am to die, I suppose?” * Yes,” “Then I have a favor to ask.” ** Ask it.” ‘* Let me be shot instead of hanged. 1 have been a soldier, and would like to die a soldier's death, if it is all the same to you. Remember, that I saved you from a worse fate at the hands of Conejos and his men, and that if I had let them work their will you would not now be in the land of the living.’ ‘*Tt shall be as the court decides,” said Mejia, coldly, ‘* You will vote, gentlemen; shall it be death by the cord or the fusillade?” The vote was quickly given. Knowing that he had been unjustly condemned, they voted for death by the bullet, “Very well,” said Mejia, rising. ‘The sen- tence of the court is that you be taken outside the wails of the city, and there shot to death. vg day of execytion shall be—when I appoint ‘** Onemore favor and I am done,” said Ridley, **T would like to shake the hand of yonder colo- nel, who did not vote for death,” Rivera sprung up, and without asking per- oe ap she ino iret sapere nes wereees is hand, which was quic rasped idley. ‘Your name, sir? asked Jack. 4 J **Colonel Gaspard Rivera.” **T am proud to take you by the hand, colonel. Mine has been a rough life, full of strange ad- veitures, and it has been my fate to meet with ' many brave men. I have a message to give you which I wil) give to no other man on earth, and it is for the girl I love. Say to Marietta del Reno, if you live to meet her, that John Ridley bas done what he could. Say to her that I died happy, for it was in her service I yielded up my My life. Good-by, and may God bless you forever for your noble sympathy.” ** Return the condemned to hiscell, Lieutenant _ Gomez, and let a guard of two men be placed in his cell, with a relief in two hours. Night and day, until the order comes for his execution, let him be thus guarded, Colonel Rivera, your _resiguation will be accepted at once.” It is given,” said Rivera, coldly. ‘ There is my commission, general; it has never been dis- _ honored in my hands,” ‘You have three days in which to leave Ma- tamoras. At the end of that time you will be put under arrest.” _ _** For what, General Mejia. Perhaps it would be better to arrest me now,” Mejia glared at the bold man, but he did not uail, barr Go, co a Rivera,” he hissed, ‘No man ed a my path who did not one day re- a Rives turned upon his heel, with scarcely a recognition of the general,and at once left head- quarters. An hour later he rode out of the city atfull speed, attended only by two of his own Servants, and headed to the North, and in two : ducks,” he cried, ‘‘or 1 manner, and then left the cell, with the excep- tion of the two who remained to mount guard. Ridley kept up a running fire of jokes at their | expense, couched in the choicest Mexican. For we must understand that this man had been a, free trader and trapper, ranging from Hudson’s Bay and Vancouver on the north to Central America on the south. He spoke fluently the languages of the various tribes and nations through which he passed, and it was this which made him so valuable a man. Two hours passed, and still the guards stood there, leaning on their muskets, and with burn- ing eyes fixed upontheir prisoner. Their orders were fixed—to kill him on the spot if he made any attempt. to escape. But how was escape ossible to a man who had manacles on his feet, ndcuffs on his wrists, and an iron ring about his body, made fast to the stone wall? *“You just watch out, my gay and festive ll take down this old ranch atone pull. I’m just old Samson when I get on a tare, now you hear me talking.” The man threatened to shoot him if he did not ee ‘*Dol care for that,Greaser? Pop away, if you want to, but blame my cats if I believe that you could hit me, lying flat on my back.” His thoughts fairly made the Mexicans rave and Jack kept up the fire. He had no hope of rescue and knew that Mejia would not suffer him to escape. What his purpose was in allow- ing him to live for a moment after the court- martial had done its work he could not tell; it was enough that his life was spared for some dark purpose, The two hours ended and the guard was re- lieved. Noting the time they were on duty he was able to keep the hours and know nearly what time of day or night it was, His thoughts often turned to Marietta, and his heart beat high as he remembered her ayow- al when he stopped to guard her flight in that narrow pass. ‘he memory of the passionate kiss she gave him in that supreme moment sent a ah through him, and he felt more than re- paid. ‘“Come what will,” he murmured, ‘‘I have been happy for one brief moment, and [ know that the sweet girl will weep for the tough old soldier shot down by miscreant hands. If they would only give me half a chance; but then, when a man is loaded down with irons and two u rds standing over him with loaded muskets— last a lof of men that won’t give another man a chance, anyhow,” ; ' At this moment the bolts shot back and St. Jean, carrying a lighted lamp, entered the apartment, ‘* Hullo!’ said Jack, ‘‘ howdy, colonel, howdy? Got a deck of cards anywhere handy? I’d like a little game of draw.” ** You will havea harder game than that to play unless you are very careful. I have come to make you an offer,” declared St. Jean. ** IT don’t suppose it will amount to much; but spit it out,” was the quiet response. “T’Ve had a talk with General Mejia, and, al- though he hates you like death, he knows you ure a valuable man and wants to give you a chance. Will you take a commission in the lancers?” ; “ Hey?” r ‘You shall be major.” ‘*Do you come in cold blood and offer a man condemned to die a commission under the man who condemned him? By George! if this don’t beat my cats.” “Do you accept?” ‘“ See you durned first! There is one thing I would like todo, It would almost tickle me to death if I could have a fair, stand-up fight with ‘den by SS sn me we i the rocks, she watched the combat, and her heart thrilled with pride asshe saw jhe three gallant men so long withstand the atte -k of two hundred. ; ** Brave hearts; gal’ant men!” she murmured. ‘No, no, no; Iam not ashamed of loving such aman as that, although he is of another nati: n.” The battle was over. She saw the brave men down, and then Jose and the Weasel fell be- ore the carabines of the hussars, and were left lying on the trampled sod, while the shattered squadron rode away toward Matamoras. At that distance it was hard to tell who had beem shot down and who had been taken prisoner. Descending the mountain rapidly, she spurred: back over the ground she had ue passed over and reached the battlefield. Shesaw, all abouts the barricade, the evidences of the fearful. struggle just ended, and leaping her horse over the barrier, she reached the spot where Jose and: the Weasel lay. The Mexican was = bn on his. back, and ata glanceshe saw that he had re- ceived one ball in his brain and another in his heart. “* Brave man,” she murmured, ‘‘ your family” shall never have cause to repent that youserved. so well the house of Del Reno.” The Weasel lay upon his face. His clothing was stained with bloéd in many places, but as. she turned from Jose she detected a quivering: in his frame, and springing from the saddle, ran. to him, and turned him over. His eyes flared: open, ‘* Hit hard, Jack,” he murmured, feebly, ‘‘ but: be he rubbed out. Hullo! It’s the sefiora come. ck, ‘““Where are you hit, Sefior Wilson?’ she asked. “ Prett tough. ‘\ A prisoner, moras,” ** An’ me layin’ here, weak asa sick cat. Oh,, durn the luck!” ‘*]) hear horses’ hoofs,” declared Marietta, starting up. A body of horsemen were rounding’a point of woods a mile away, and there was no mistaking them; it was the somber-clad Gideon’s Band, Marietta uttered a cry of joy, and began to wave a handkerchief as a sigpval' for them to hasten, At once Gideon’s Band turned and came down at full speed, making the air resound with their yells, while Texas Dan, his long hair float— ing out upon the summer breeze, rode far in ad— vance. ‘* Whoopee!” cried Dan, as he rode up. ‘‘ Ma I never see the back of my neck if I don’t lic you out of your moccasins, whosoever you ar’, thet puc Weasel Wilson on his back, Saynora I greet thee; glad to see ye out’n the clutches of the Phillistynes; I am—indeedy.” * Help here, sefior,” cried Marietta. ‘He is badly hurt,” ‘Here, Billy,” cried Dan, looking behind him; ‘* get out your prods.” A young man with a pale, almost feminine face, dismounted quickly, and produced a small instrument-case. This was By Forsythe, a graduade of the Albany Medical College, who was known among the hard riders of Gideon’s Band as Billy Pill-box. In times when his pro- fession was veeded he was a skillful surgeon, but ina chargehe was a devil, and none rode nearer to the front than he when the bugles sounded the charge, or further in the rear in the retreat, **Oh, rouse up here, Weasel,” he said rough- ly. ‘ Let’s look at you—thunder! ey've made a strainer of you, old fellow.” ‘* Mighty like it,” replied Weasel. much everywhere, sefiora, but I’m har’s the capt’in?” i They have taken him to Mata- po you, manto man, But you ain’t the man to give me that chance.” ‘*You have sealed your own fate, Captain days was with the army of Escobedo, “TT look to you, Colonel St. Jean, to see that «You Billy Pill-box set to work with rare skill, te fr ‘i ee atop does not escape,” said Mejia ‘ \ f . Ww ; p ’ ” j in a short time announced that the Weasel ha no really bad wounds, and would be around in i Via , fr have charge of the guard. Ridley. I have an order which says that in | a week, Jn the mean time the sefiora bad spo- | uN He shall not escape. Give me an order to | twenty-four hours from this time you will be | ken to Dan, and informed him of the fate of | take charge of him,” replied St. Jean. led out for execution.” Captain Ridley. ‘Tl be there,” said the captain, quietly. ** Now leave me alone.” ; At the appointed hour, in the gray dawn of the morning, he was led out todie, __ . CHAPTER XVIII. MARIETTA’S VOW—THE YOUNG INDIAN, As Marietta gave her horse the spur and face } bounded away it was with a sinking heart, but whom you are to guard with loaded muskets, | she knew tbat all could not be saved, and too _bovs.”be said, ‘*T wouldn't be a Greaser, not | late she bad learned the value of those heroic ‘for any money you could offer me; by George, |! men who had stopped to battle in the narrow ‘ he Texan was perfectly wild with rage. That Jack should succeed so well, and be taken — at the moment of victory, was a terrible blow. “We'll have him out of that if I dig m way through the walls of the prison with t and nail,” be declared. ‘‘ Mount, boys; Which way did they go, sefiora?” : “Tt is useless,” she answered, Ny ake that dismissed, many of the members feel- g that they had done a bad and cruel act. ey Jack Ridley was returned to his prison, and ti ips oye down as before. But the fear of death , 1 not break bis manly spirit, and he laugh- eG in the faces of the guards as they riveted on _ the chains, iy . “You take a great deal of pains with a man vy ; _ \ Thecourt-martial, having done its dirty work, Ws “If you caugbt them they would be more than a match 4 4 ou. No, what we do manat be done by mee try my she for stratagem, and I will be the first hand,” ‘ i> j ‘ 7 ‘ hia ' . { Pais ay {
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14 ** You will get nabbed again.” ““T must take my chances. See my father anda tell him where I have gone, and say that I will not return unless I can save the life of the aman who put himself in this deadly peril for my sake,” < ‘* Hooray fer you!” cried Dan. ‘‘ You are the avy one for my money. When do you go?” ‘“Immediately, ood-by all, and if I do not come back it will be because I have failed.” ~ She sprung into the saddle and rode away, while Gideon’s Band prepared a grave for Jose ay ; and laid him down to rest, ' At early morning, on the next day, an Indian boy came down the dusty road which led from the chaparral. He was a slight young fellow, with a clear-cut, haughty face, wearing over his fanciful Mexican garb the scarlet blanket which is so much affected by his people. He was stopped at the barrier, but saying that he heaag to see Mejia, he was at once taken to im. ‘* Ha!” said Mejia. ‘* Who have we here?” ‘*T am one of the blood of the Aztecs, Mejia,” replied the boy. ‘‘ One of the last of the race of Gauteniozin,” **Say you so, boy? The people of our race are too few to be other than friends and bro- thers. What would you here in Matamoras?: [ am supreme here, since Bazaine went to Mexico.” ‘‘T have come to serve Mejia,” replied the hoy. ‘See; my arm is not yet strong, but my foot is swift and. my hand sure: I could not ‘serve the Frenchman, but I love Mejia because he is of my blood.” ‘* What is your name, my son?” se “Tam called Enriquez Gormaz, but my In- ‘es dian name is Otumba.” “You are welcome, my son. If you will, you shall be one of my attendants,” ‘‘For that I came hither, Mejia, and you shall see that I will serve you well, Iam a prophet; I can foretell events, and when the spirit speaks to me you shall hear his voice.” The boy attended to the duties imposed upon him with certainty and quickness which pleased Mejia well. He had a high opinion of the race from which he sprung, and looked down with scorn upon the Mexicans proper, and the quick- ness of the lad pleased him. When his work was done, the boy seemed to take great pleasure in roaming through the castle. He penetrated all parts, even to the hehe jower halls and corridors in which the prisoners ea condemned to death were confined. ‘** Master,” he said to Mejia, ‘“‘as I went EF through the lower parts of the castle, I saw ER men guarding an iron door. Who is confined yd there, that you take such care of him?” By ‘* An Americano, who is condemned to die.” LY “* The one who made you a prisoner?” 4 Yes.” . ’ **T have heard men say that he is very brave.’ . \ ‘‘ He is; one of the bravest men I ever knew,” iam responded Mejia. : ‘* Then why should he die?” ‘*Because he is capable of doing us great harm, and he will not take service with me. San Much as I hate him, if he would take a commis- oY sion under me he should have it,” » iam ‘** And he will not serve you; why?” Br ae ** Because he has taken a commission under =f Juarez, and will not break his word, even to Ser save his life. He dies two days hence at sun- : rise, 4 A sort of shiver passed through the slight 2 |" Soa frame of the Indian boy. His eyes, large and EE, * luminous, were raised with a peculiar ex- pression, ‘“‘Hear me, oh Mejia,” he said; ‘‘ something warns me that your'fate is linked with the fate of thisman, and thatif you kill him it will be the signal for your own death.” a ; ** Bah!” cried Mejia;‘‘do you think I am to , ‘€ be frightened at a shadow?” ; **Hear the words of Otumba,” said the boy, earnestly. ‘‘ When the spirit of prophecy is on him, his words are true. Let me commune with the spirits of those passed away, the shade of ; the mighty Sun-god, and he will speak to me. te er If he says, ‘ Let him die,’ it shall be well with you, if he says, ‘ Let him live,’ better that you ‘s should cut o your right hand at the wrist than: - =4 take his life.” oy a ‘es ae Mejia was superstitious. His Indian blood , made him that, if nothing more, and he listened a tothe boy with a strange feeling of fear in his g heart. Herecognized } hig. a lineof priestsand prophets, the best thestrange * “knotted cord” history of Mexico could fur- and the kindling e that the Indian - ——_—- nS =). ee gerne Te # : nish. His manner was so lof ; fire in his dark eyes so terrib. bs general doubted. a ee — a a a ag a nn an ing pa. e ladas descended from | f Bos Gideon’s Band. ‘*Speak to the gods to-night, then, son of Guatemozin. Speak as in the day when from the Neyer of our pyramids the prophets spoke of old. “*T will do so,” replied the boy. ‘‘ Even this night, when the midnight bell sounds, I will ad- dress them, and they will listen to my voice. But, until that time, beware that you do harm to that brave man.” ‘* Tt is strange that you should speak so warm- ly of one you have never seen, Otumba.” ‘*T can only speak as I am warned,” was the reply of Otumba. ‘‘To-night is the appointed hour. They separated and Otumba, with a strange smile upon his face, went out of the castle and plunged into the heart of the city. Passing through street after street, he paused before a small wine-shop, one of many in the street. There was an air of repose about-the place, a quiet home-like appearance which was very in- viting. The young Indian passed at once through the open door and sat down at a low table, in full sight of a number of men who were drinking and smoking. He did not call for anything, but rolling a perfumed cigarette between his |, thumb and finger, lighted it and began to smoke. ; ‘* Mejia’s lacquey,” growled one of the men nearest tohim, ‘‘I should think he might find a better place to loiter than Ruy Durango’s wine-shop. Hi, Ruy; dost permit such carrion as that to darken your doors?” The innkeeper, « rather handsome man, some- what past the middleage, at once came forward. ‘*Did you call for anything?” he said, in a somewhat surly tone. **No, Ruy; why should I?” ** You are somewhat familiar.” ‘* And why not, Ruy Durango; who has a bet- ter right?” demanded the boy. ‘* Be that as it may, you would do well to go. All Matamoras knows that you are the Indian pet of General Mejia, and Mejia is not looked upon with rare pleasure by many here.” _ “Yes; you had better go,” growled the man who had spoken first, ‘‘ or, by St. Dominic, I will take it upon myself to cast you out neck and heels.” The Indian boy made no answer, but, lifting his hand, showed a golden band encircling the middle finger. This he slowly turned, and ee a into view a magnificent ruby, upon which was imprinted a single character of a peculiarform. An ejaculation of wonder broke from the lips of Ruy Durango, and with a mo- tion of his hand he drove back the man, who was already rising to carry out his threat, | “Touch him not,” he cried, “or I will kill you with my own hand. He is sacred by all the laws of friendship.” CHAPTER XIX, THE FUSILADE—JUST IN TIME. THE heart of Victor St. Jean was full of sav- age joy, as, with a hundred men behind him, he |. rode out of the city with Jack Ridley in their midst. The place of execution was a level space just without the lines, where many a man had fallen already before the deadly aim of the firing parties, ( Ridley was calm and serene, He looked back at the castle with a sort of relief, for to a man like him, almost re aces dei ‘ay vm to im- prisonment, Yet never, in all his life, had earth and si a ed to him so beautiful as’ now. He looked from face to face, and could not see a sign of sorrow upon any there.- The’men who ses te the escort had been of those whom.he had fought in the mountain pass, and not one of them but would be glad to see him die. He saw the dark face of Le Blanc, whom he had beaten so soundly upon the road to the river; of the sergeant who commanded the; y; of Victor St. Jean, and many more who had lost friends by the power of his arm, f **You chapsare going to see a man die,” he said. ‘‘’Tain’t often that Frenchmen have such a chance twice in the same week. Them two pas shot down the day you took me were royal boys, and it will go hard if I do not die as well as they.” St: Jean said protec $ but turned a dark look upon him as he made the circuit of the city and reached the plain. The troop dismounted quick- ly, and Ridley was led out in front, while a fir- i of twenty men took their places, ou wish to have your eyescovered?” de- mandedSt.Jean. **Why should I, sir? I have looked death in the face before, and why not now? No; let me co free, hand and foot, and I will give the or- ers. ‘*Do you desire a priest?” ; ‘*No, [am a Protestant, and all I ask is a mo- mént for prayer. I’m a rough man, but the prayers I learned at.my mother’s knee come to me now, and it will not take me long to say them.” He knelt upon the sod and bent his head in prayer. As he did so there was a movement in- side the barrier, and a horseman was seen com- ing up at a gallop. ** Here comes a messenger, colonel!” cried Le Blanc. \< ** Never mind that. Keep to your work, and we will attend to the messenger afterward.’ Are you nearly done, captain? Iam in haste,” **Seems to me you are in a mighty hurry, colonel, I don’t think it’s a square deal for a man to pitch another into eternity without giy- ing him a fair chance to pray. But there; I’m ready.” The firing party advanced quickly and took their places. ‘‘Tll give the orders, colonel,” said Ridley. ‘“‘T’ve took a notion to be my own executioner, you see,” ‘* Make haste, then.” ‘* Make ready,” drawled the captain. ‘‘ Take aim—oh, pshaw! They don’t understand the language—” Then he spoke French, and gave the orders, and then, hesitating a moment, he cried, in a clear sonorous voice, in French: “© Fey |” The twenty pieces rung out together and Jack fell, and as he did so the horséman who had been coming up, screaming to them to recover arms, burst into the midst, shaking a paper in the face of Victor St. Jean. 4 **'You dog!" he cried. ‘ Assassin! You saw me coming and murdered him!” It was the Indian boy, Otumba, and sparks seemed to fly from his eyes. ‘ ‘* You shall suffer for this, Colonel St. Jean,” he cried. ‘‘{ hada reprieve for him here, and you have killed him before my eyes.” “Not much,” drawled Jack, rising slowly from the earth, ‘I just laid down to rest, you A bitter oath burst from the lips of the col- onel, and a cry of joy from those of the Indian — ¢ **T see the little ’un coming, colonel, and as I calculated you didn’t want ie shoot me unless the general was willing, I just dodged the bul-. lets. A man ain’t got to move so awful quick to dodge a French bullet, anyhow.” : Pe a hissed St, Jean, ‘‘ what do you want ere ‘To deliver this order from Gcneral Mejia,” replied the Indian boy, with sparkling eyes. t. Jean took the paper, opened it, and read this order: ‘*Circumstances which work for the good of the empire rogure that the prisoner should be set free at once. rnish him with a good horse, - ah] Mesr Y Cd ‘Now in the name of all the heathen gods,”. hissed St. Jean, ‘‘ what is the matter with him? TL lost fifty of my men in taking this man, and now, when I have him under my very muzzles, he steps in with an order to set him free. By Heaven, I will not do it.” ‘* Perhaps you know General Mejia better - than the rest of us,” responded Otumba, in his flute-like voice. ‘‘I have heard it said that a man would do as well to sign his own death- warrant as to oppose his will, Do you see any- thing wrong about the order?” ‘*No, that is in good form, but it drives me mad. 1 do not know what to do, and yet there is only one course. Captain, by the terms of this order I am obliged to set youfree.” _ ** Which the same you don't want to do, I reckon,” said Ridley, laughing. = __ ' **No; had it not been for your cunning tri¢k, you would be far beyond the reach of Mejia’s order long before this.” : ‘I don’t know,” replied Jack, with a medita- tive glance at the firing -_ “Somehow it a me them boys couldn’t hit the side of a arn.” - ‘Come, ‘come,” said Otumba, impatiently, ‘Give Mejia a horse, colonel; or shall I ride in and inform him that you refuse to obey the or- der? , You know that he is eaprstas in Mata- moras: yma Bazaine went to Mexico, leaving Ragolet in command of the French,” — ‘No, Indian; Iam not uite such a fool as all that, Private Dard, dismount, and give your horse to the prisoner. It shall be replaced Be atbarracks.” The man led his horse forward, and Jack sprung into the saddle. Otumba did not hesi- ‘tate for an instant, but dashed across the coun+ — So 2 ies et —
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era, oY ee : Aas? te Fi mab yo wees io PW, ~ <a & ATP ae ‘sa ee ei Sea is, ay ‘ Baer 6 wes oO bo {Taran as Bis sc ~ _ Conejos. ral, Victor St. Jéan looked after them for a moment in doubt, and then, placing himself at the bead of his men, he rode back to the city, At the barracks he dismissed his men, and went to headquarters to report. ‘** You_have returned, Victor,” said the gen- eats ‘*No doubt you were surprised at my or- er ? “You are right, general; the fellow tricked me, or he would be dead now. But he prevailed on me to let him give the orders to the firing- party, and then dropped at the shot. Your or- der came, and the rascal got up, laughing.” ‘*He is a gallant fellow, and full of expedi- ents,” responded Mejia. ‘‘I would give much if I could make him mine.” ‘You cannot do that. He is one of those stubborn men, who, having made up their minds, never turn or change,” ** Well, well, his reprieve is doubtless short. ‘You took care to chain him well when he was returned to his cell?” Victor looked at the speaker in utter bewil- derment. ‘*Chain him! What do you mean? Did not your own order set free the man we hated so much?” Mejia bounded from hischair as if galvanized. His biack eyes sparkled with a fierce hght, and he brought his hand heavily down upon the table. , ‘* By Heaven, St Jean, you will drive me mad! Set him free? Not for a king’s ransom would I do that.” ‘*Look you, general,” said St. Jean; ‘*I do not know what you mean by the language you employ. The order you sent me was in terms which could not be mistaken, and was brought by your Indian boy, Otumba.” “Yes, directing you to return the prisoner to his cell for the time being, as for a private rea- son I could not have him executed to-day.” ‘* And he brought me this,” declared St. Jean, laying the order down upon the table, ‘‘ and threatened me with your deep displeasure if J ai obey it, as I was at first disinclined to 0. Mejia caught up the order, and the moment his eyes rested upon it he uttered a roar like that of a mad lion, and St. Jean drew back in alarm, ** Sound boot and saddle and away after them, St. Jean. By Heaven, the young hound has de- ceived usall. I gave him two orders, one to re- lease the brigand Choluda, and the other for you. Scour the country, run them down, and hang that young traitor tu the first tree.” And the two darted out of the castle together, mounted, and rode to the barracks, and fa half an hour were on the march, with five bundred — Mejia and Victor St. Jean at the _ The Indian chief was gah! bent upon driv- ing the men of Gideon’s Band to the wall and recapturing Jack Ridley. They broke into the chaparral boldly, for their force was so great that they had no fear of anything the forces of Del Reno and Conejos combined could do against them. : Signal-whistles in front warned them that the march was not unobserved. Now and then a horseman could be seen far in advance, who a nie away the moment the advance of the renchmen appeared, * Mejia would allow no pursuit, The men they had seen were the guerrillas of Conejos and knew the chaparral too well to make pursuit at all pleasant. Their numbers continued to in- crease, and dropping shots began to annoy the Frenchmen, but mor & kept their ranks, At last they reached the edge of the chapar- ral and saw a number of men running across a little valley which was hemmed in on all sides by overhanging rocks. Mejia took in the situ- ation at a glance and prepared for battle, ; CHAPTER XX, < THE BATTLE IN THE CHAPARRAI—WHO WAS OTUMBA? “ FoRWARD!” cried the stern voice of the In- dian general. ‘‘ The knaves are on the run,” “En avant, mon comarades,” rung, out the mellow voice of Victor St. Jean. ‘‘ We have them in the toils,” _ he bussars were the first to pour across the little valley, which had been the camp of on t was now deserted; everything which could be of any use to the men of the cna 1 had disappeared with them. The rocks rose high on every hand, but a little de- 10n on the western side showed where they nad passed out, ; As the hussars sprung up the rocks toward the ve | try at iui speed, heading direct for the chapar- Gideon’s Ban narrow pass, with their carabines ready, the impetuous young colonel set his foot upona rol ing stone and fell heavily, wrenching his right leg so severely that he could not walk, **Charge!” he cried. ‘‘Nevermindme On, for the glory of the lilies on the white flag!” The hussars sprung ivto the pass with the elan which only Frenchmen, eager for con- quest, ever know The path went upwad | straight as an arrow for a distance of a hun- | dred yards, and at no place was more than five yards wide. At the top wasasortof natural rampart, and as the hussars huddled into the pass, Jack Ridley suddenly sprung into view. | set entlemen,” he cried, ‘‘we are going to pilein.” A dozen carabines were aimed at him, but he sent a rifle-ball into the crowded ranks of the French, and sprung back. In an instant the rocks bristled with weapons, and a perfect hail- storm of bullets rushed down among the 45 Scarcely had he spoken when a wild shout broke out from the higher ridge above them, and which, like the rest, was nearly inaccessible, and great stones came leaping down the slope tearing their way through the crowded ranks 0 the Frenchmen and crushing them down by scores. Mejia had a thorough knowledge of this guerrilla warfare, and had taken part init, and a single glance was enough to convince him that the whole army of Maximilian would not be enough to dislodge Conejos from the retreat where he now stood. With scarcely the loss of | @ man they had succeeded. in inflicting terrible loss upon the Imperialists, and they would have been less than men if they had stood there to be crushed to atoms under the flying bowiders, There was nothing for it but retreat, and secur- ing the wounded they again fled, followed by the jeers, shots and shouts of the guerrillas Mejia fled with the rest, gnashing his teeth, for he saw that the last chance of avenging cavalrymen, and the pe was soon strewn with | himself upon Jack Ridley was gone, at least for dead and dying. Sti gled to make the ascent. But, in the face of that withering fire, which they were unable to the daring hussars strug- | the present. The entire party at once mounted and drew off rapidly, and the scouts who ran out on their trail returnead within an bour and return, the effort was simply madness, and they | announced that they were making all speed out began to cry out to their comrades in the rear to retreat, ‘*Tt’s murder in the first degree,” said Rid- ley, leaning on hisrifie, ‘* Oh, git, you critters! Don’t throw away your lives!” ‘‘ Pour it into them!” roared Conejos. ‘‘ No mercy for the accursed invaders!” Still the hussars pushed their way upward,and almost at the muzzles of the escopetes and cara- bines, received the murderous volleys. But, as they approached, their front literally melted ; j of the chaparral, taking their wounded with them, but leaving their dead, The last of the scouts who came back an- nounced that Gideon’s Band were in the chapar- ral, hanging upon the flanks of the enemy, and worrying them at every step. Jack Ridley at once sent out an orderly who overtook the Band, and called thein to.a halt until they were joined by him near the Hidden City. The meeting between Jack and his men was one of wild delight, and for a time it seemed as away before that deadly fire, and the blood ran | if they would tear him limb from limb in their down the inclined plane toward the valley camp. The slaughter was horrible, and even Mejia could see how utterly useless was such a strug- gle. The long-drawn notes of a bugle could be heard sounding the retreat, and the hussars tumbled over one another in their frantic ef- forts to escape. The Mexicans would have leaped down after them, but Conejos and Jack Ridley pushed them back. Take it easy, boys, take it easy ; don’t be too resky. You've licked ’em, and that ought to be enough for you.” The hussars passed out of the valley of death, leaving half their number dead, wounded or dying upon the rocks. They were mad with rage, and the wild, resounding yells of the guer- rillas did not add to their feelings of happiness. But what could they do? The pass seemed to be the only one for miles by means of which they could hope to cross the ridge, and to go through was simply impossible. ** Manuel Garcia!” cried Mejia. ‘Send him here, colonel; I want him,” The half-breed came forward, with a crimson line along his forehead where a bullet had scarred it. The blood running down his face and satageng with the grease and dirt gave him a horrible appearance. ‘Is there any way to take them in the rear, Manuel?” demanded Mejia. ‘* Three miles above there is a like this, but perhaps they have guarded it; I don’t know. Once on the top you can pass along the ridge and come up behind them. : ** Major Conway!” cried Mejia. A young Irish officer, who had already gained a name for bravery, advanced and salted. ‘* Take two hundred of the hussars and follow Garcia,” was the order. , ** Mounted?” — “Yes; leave the horses at the pass under a guard of ten men and come upintherear. At the sound of your bugles we will take them in the front.” Half the hussars filed away under Major Con- way and disappeared, while the remainder, with the lancers, remained in the valley. But the were quickly driven out of this, for the guerril- las, passing along the cresteof the ridge, opened a fire ae them which sent them flying back to the shelter of the chaparral. Two hours passed, and nothing was heard save an occasional dropping shot from theridge to show that the guerrillas were upon the alert and waiting for the charge. All at once the ringing notes of the bugle were heard upon the ridge, and instantly the bussars bounded across the opening over the slaughtered bodies of their comrades and over the ramparts behind which the guerrillas had been lying, when, to their surprise, there was no fue to face. The men of Conejos had taken advantage of the opportunity and Coe off, ig me ei ng not ry . , Vurses on them!” cri ejia, * they hav tricked us again.” sina hac: —- eager joy. **Oh, let up, boys, let up!” cried Jack. ‘‘There, there, Dan; I’m mighty glad to see 4, and I reckon youare glad to see me, Let’s off; Mejia won’t draw bridle until he gets to Matamoras, and he’ll remember the ‘ Big Chap- arral’ till the day of his death.” ~~ **Ts this young red going with us?” said Dan, looking at Otumba with some disfavor. ‘* You bet,” was the laconic response. **l kain't say I love the reds, as a gin’ral rule,” protested Dan. “*T tell you I'd bea dead citizen if it wasn’t for the boy. He saved me,and I'll stand by him until all is blue.” é: “If these gentlemen object to my going with them, Otumba can take care of himself,” said the boy, proudly. “Now, don’t- git up on your ear that way, boy,” said Dan. the captain out of trouble? Give us yer paw; put it thar.” He put out his brawny hand and inclosed that of the ma in a fervent clasp. Then Gideon’s Band, with loosened reins, gave their horses the spur, and rode away through the chaparral to reach the Jalapa road. Once on the main tnor- oughfare, they headed to the north, and wherever they went they were aga by the acclamations of the people, who -knew how nobly these dark-robed men had fought in the cause of Mexico. Just at nightfall they came swinging up to Del Reno’s old home, where a number of camp-fires were already lighted, and at a glance they recognized the brilliaht uni- forms of Ramon del Reno’s men. ** Thar’s the curinel, Jack,” cried Dan. ‘* Oh, won't he be mighty glad to see ye.” Del Reno burried out, and his eyes were full of joy_as he saw Jack Ridley riding at the head of his men. “Tam more than ig aa to see you, cap- tain,” he said. ‘‘ Mejia has made the country warm for you since you crossed the Rio.” **}’vé had some fun, colonel,” replied Jack, “But I say! Gas your daughter come in yet?” The colonel started. He knew nothing of the movements of Marietta since she had left the men of Gideon’s Band to effect the release of her over. “Did you not see her in the city? She went heard from her, Great heaven! Whatif she has fallen into the hands of Mejia again?” ‘** Durn the luck,” growled Jack, as he tight- ened his saddle-girth. ‘‘Seems to me I’ve got to be always fooling ‘round Matamoras. Well, good-by, boys, see you again someday ” ‘* Where are you going?’ demanded Otumba. ‘“‘Back to Matamoras. I don’t advertise to let a girl like that get into trouble for my sake, and never liftafin. It ain’tmy way.” “You will be killed if you return,” cried the Indian. ‘‘ You must not; you shall not.” “Shall not is big words in a little mouth,” - ‘“* Did I know that you helped - away to help you if she could, and I have not.
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1é ——— responded Jack. nel, and I-—” Otumba put his hands to the heavy sombrero which he wore and removed it, At a touch of his hand the long, straight black hair fell off, and revealed the curling locks of a woman. The next moment Marietta Del Reno was in her father’s arms, sobbing for joy! CHAPTER XXI. THE »4S7 STRUGGLE—HAPPY TEXAN HOMES. RAMON DEL RENO bad with him four hun- dred men of his regiment and decided to camp for the night near the ruins of the hacienda. He was ful! of hope, for he led the advance guard of Escobedo’s army, now on the march to drive Mejia from Matamoras, and open the campaign which made Mexico free. Jack Ridley was so overjoyed at finding his preserver in Marietta that he did not use his general precaution when in camp, leaving the matter to his superior officer. He should have remembered that the vengeance of Mejia never slept, and as morning began to dawn they realized that the foe were all about them. They had crept out without drum or bugle, and three la go cavalry surrounded the doomed nd. Their only cover was a patch of timber, and there was no time to build a barricade. But, covered by the trees, they sternly waited forthe lt came quickly. Mejia was eager for their death, and ordered the advance. Six field- pieces swept the timber as the troops came on at a run. The lancers, who led the attack on foot, were burled back, completely riddled. The rifles of Gideon’s Band did deadly work, for their only hope was to die bravely. The lan- cers, with their short carabines, could not do much service yet, but they knew their work was cut out for them when thehussars advanced on foot with St. Jean at the head. Marietta stood bravely by her father’s side as the terrible fire raked the motte. She was looking at her lover and thought that he was glorious. Bareheaded, his long hair tossing in the breeze, he stood in the midst of the fiery tempest, a smile upon his lips, directing the fire of his men. He knew that there was no escape, and yet there was no sign of fear in his face. **Oh, if Escobedo would come,” groaned Ra- mon del Reno. ‘* Marietta, you love that man —I know it--and by all the saints he shall marry you if we live.” ‘‘There goes Billy Pill-box and Rowdy Pat,” cried Texas Dan, as the two dropped. « ‘‘I’m awful sorry for them two boys.” ‘Tis bard, Dan,” replied Jack Ridley, ‘Here they come, lads; make it red-hot for them,” They responded bravely. The head of the column reeled back, shaken and sundered by the leaden shower poured into them by the deadly breech-loaders. The ground over which the Frenchmen passed was thickly strewn with their dead, but they did not stop or turn.” ‘Down with the rifles,” cried Jack Ridley. ** Revolvers, boys; pour it into them!” Up sprung Gideon’s Band, each with two re- volvers, and standing in the very edge of the cover,did deadly work, Down went the hussars before the withering fire, while those who charged up the motte were hurled back from the long lances of Del Reno’s men. At last, ut- terly discomfited, they broke away from the front and fled, while a third column, which had followed close in the rear, charged down upon the devoted Band. Still their stunning cheers rung out, and with almost superhuman valor they bore back the rush of the foe. Twice, in spite of their num- bers, did they force the enemy to break and fly before them, but while they defended the front of the motte so gallantly a host of Mejia’s men had taken possession of both flanks, and were pear their way through the underbrush to get at the gallant defenders of the patch of tim- r. All hope was gone when from both flanks an overwhelming force rushed upon them. “* Form square!” cried Ridley. ‘‘ Ring around us, lancers. The order was instantly obeyed, and with Gideon’s Band in the center, the men of Del Reno presented their lances to the foe, ‘‘ Surrender, brave men,” cried Major Con- way. ‘‘Inthe name of Mavimilian, I promise you safety.” ** Never,” cried Jack, dropping his dialect. ** We will die where we stand.” ** Let them die, then,” shouted the hoarse voice of Mejia, from the edge of the cover. “Take care of the boy, colo- a iy I Sth i, —_— | Ridley sent a bullet in the direction in which he heard the vo're, and killed a man who stood close to the side of the general, and the Indian chief interposed a tree between himself and the plucky Yankee, ‘Where's St. Jean?” shouted Jack. ‘I want to see him. Come up here, if you dare, I'd die | easy if I could get in one blow at. you. It only grinds me,” he added, turning to Marietta, * to think that you will be in his clutches again.” ‘¢T shall not be taken,”she answered, showing the tiny revolver clasped in her right hand. ‘¢ When there is no longer hope, I can die,” He looked at her proudly. ‘* You are game,” he said. I want.” The revolver came down quickly and ex- peer and Manuel Garcia, shot through the rain, leaped in the air and fell in his tracks. Texas Dan aimed at a major of the lancers and brought him down. Then came the charge, when, to the utter surprise of all, a sudden fire was opened upon the lancers on both flanks, the volleys coming as from a regiment, and the as- sailants melted like snow, got to their horses, and were off. Jack Ridley caught up a rifle and took a snap shot at St. Jean as he sprung to the saddle, and saw him fall forward on his horse’s neck, Then came a charging cheer, and they saw a heavy column dash out of the motte upon both flanks, firing at the tugitives as they ran. It was the army of General Escobedo, and Gideon’s Band were saved for other work. ‘* Ha! there’s one We might follow the adventurous Band through many scenes ‘of peril, for they had work to do before the end. but with the defeat of Mejia before the prairie motte, the power of Maximilian began’ to wane slowly but surely. Bazaine, Ragolet and nearly all the foreign le- gions turned their backs on Mexico, and went to their own land and left Maximilian to his ate, Victor St. Jean, badly wounded by the last shot of Jack Ridley, turned back with Mejia when he left Matamoras, and remained with him when the legion k-ft Mexico, He was one of the few who had faith in the ability of Maxi- milian to uphold the monarchy; but the end came at: last, when Escobedo, with a gallant force, ringed the noble emperor, Mejia, and the last of their army, within the walls of Queretaro, Gideon’s Band were there, with brave Jack Ridley at their head. There, too, were the noble Del Reno and his men, Marietta, the uerrilla Conejos and his band. The story of hat siege is now a part of history, and the noble emperor, taken at last, with but the sem- blance of a trial, was hurried to execution, Del Reno, Rivera, and many # noble man be- sides, pleaded for the life of the archduke; Jack Ridley stormed and threatened in vain; even Marietta could not prevail, and Maximilian Mejia and another general were led out and shot to death by Escobedo’s orders. Maximil- ian died with the name of Carlotta on his lips— Mejia died, and made no “yx **T knew it,” said Jack Ridley, as the sound of the guns ceased. ‘‘ Mejia died as I knew he would—like a grim old Indian warrior. Mexico will never prosper until her men learn to show mercy toa fallen foe. I’m sick of it all, Del Reno, Texas is good enough for me.” With the fall of Queretaro the war was at an end. Gideon’s Band, loaded with honors, some money and ig Goaggone turned back to their ownland, Del Reno refused the honors which | he might have received from Juarez and went | back to his estates to build up his ruined home taking Marietta with him, The Band escorted them on the way. On the road to Matamoras a man came out of the bushes, ragged, bleeding and footsore, At a glance they recognized, in this haggard figure their deadly enemy, Victor St. Jean, | ‘* T surrender to you, Captain Ridley,” hesaid. ‘* You can do as you Tike with me,” ‘* We've got a spare horse,” responded Jack, quietly. ‘‘?m going into Texas; will you go with me?” ‘*‘ Texpected to be killed,” said St. Jean, bit- terly. ‘ I deserve no better at your hands and those of the Del Renos,” “*Pve had my fill of fighting,” was the reply. ‘You just come with us, and you'll see that Gideon’s Band ain’t forgot how to use a men when he drops his sword.” Three days later the Band bid the Del Renos good-by, and taking St. Jean with them crossed the Rio and landed upon the soil ‘of the ‘‘ Lone Star State.” Here they scattered and went their varied ways. Jack, Texas Dan, Billy Pill- Farr a a box and Rowdy Pat, with Victor St. Jean, kepu together, and a few days later, clubbing their money, of which all had a share, they took up a. stock ranch not fifty miles from the Rio. Fortune favored them and they grew rich. A year after, Jack Ridley called the party ee er and they again invaded Mexico, EvenSt. _ Jean was safe to do this, for Juarez gave him his safeguard. They found the hacienda re- built, and here, upon the spot where such valiant deeds were done, Marietta gave her hand where she had given her heart, and Victor St. Jean, after the father and groom, was the first to salute the bride, ‘¢ We have been enemies, ma belle Marietta,” he said, ‘‘ but I swear that, now I know him, there is not a man for whom I would give ef life so quickly as for your noble husband, e are friends till death!” Years have passed since these momentous months, Jack Ridley and his wife still live upon theirnow noted Texan ranch, and Del Reno, sick- ened by the anarchy and confusion that so long reigned in his own land, joined them, and isnow a peaceful and happy rancher, and Billy Pill- box, now Doctor Forsythe, has a ranch not farfrom those of his friends. Victor St. Jean married toa beautiful girl in San Antonio, is. also upon a ranch of bis own not far away. Rowdy Pat, ruined by rash speculation, is head stockman to his old commander, and happier than when he was a ‘‘cattle-puncher.” Texas: Dan is doing well, and from time to time mem- bers of Gideon’s Band drift to the different. ranches, but they are soon off for other scenes. But their deeds are not forgotten, and for many years the Mexicans of the north will talk of the. days when ‘‘ Gideon’s Band ” fought so well for Mexico, in the days of the Austrian’s usurpa- tion. THE END. Next Haur-Dime Lisrary, No, 986. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Best Card. : BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 975 Buffalo Bill’s Rifle Shots, 968 Bulfalo Bill's Kush Rideg or, Sure-Shot, the een 964 Buffalo Bill's Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 955 Bulfalo Bill's Bane pea Chere y ‘ 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tuasle. " 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascots or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up. 929 Bulfalo Bill's Orack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Isison BU, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill's Clue or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Panter Spy? or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Baknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairle Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado: or, The Trapper’s Trast. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U, S. A. 91 Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Humele Bul is Bets or. The Gambler Guide, BY HAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp. 892 Bowery Ben in Chinatown, 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective, 952 The Circus Detective, NEW ISSUES. 985 Gideon’s Band; or, Jolly Jack in Mexico. By W. J. Ham~ ilton. 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Best Card, By E.L, Wheeler, 987, Paul, the Wharf-rat: or, The Detectyve’s Blind. By Jo Pierce. JUST ISSUED. 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Death-Doom, By Edward L. wi Yr. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Boy Detective: or, The Chinvman’s Circus. _ By J. C. Cowdrick, , 979 Juvk, the Girl Shot; or, Sol Bunker. the Cowboy, By Maj. B ; ' 980 Thee Detective Pardg; or, Nobby Nick’s Big Game. By 'T. C. Harbaugh, é i %e Fighting Five. By Co). P. Ingraham, tt) Bete Pinioel os, The ‘Death-Bell of the Reefs, By G. Waldo Browne, " P 988 Banty Bolyis Bonanza}; or, The Bear-Tamer’s Disguise, By Win. R. Eyster. O84 Kinier Sam, Detective, of Hook and Ladder 6; or, Scorching the Sheeny Fire- bug, By Harold Payne. A New lesue Every Tuesday. The J Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five gents ob yw an by matt! on receipt o1 six Teme each. BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York, 2S TSS fA ™ ¥ 4 ea ar 7 | a _— yi RUAN a Si Sa eae] y bai ve WUE Why ea : a —_ “ +9 a j i "a “ r , “4 ; : - Teen ee Oe aS : a wre a