Kitabı oku: «Where Duty Called: or, In Honor Bound», sayfa 12
CHAPTER XXVII.
GOOD NEWS
Ronie did not have to repeat his call, for almost before he had finished the last word Harrie and Jack were beside him. It was then but the work of a moment to disarm the terrified fellow, when he was ordered to march in front of them to the headquarters of the army. Then he fell upon his knees, actually too weak to stand up longer, and with clasped hands and white face, begged for his life.
"Spare me, señors! I am not a spy, but if you take me before the officers of Castro they will condemn me without a trial and I shall be shot! Spare me, I beg of you."
His pathetic supplications touched the hearts of his young captors, but they did not feel it would be right to let him go.
"If you are innocent you can prove it," said Ronie. "I know you are in sympathy with the insurgents, but I promise you shall have a fair opportunity to prove your innocence of being a spy if you are not one."
During these words of Ronie he bent a closer look upon him, and he suddenly recognized our hero as one of the couple who had saved him from the jaguar. He saw that Jack was another of his captors.
"I remember you, señors," he said. "You saved my life, but it would have been better for me to have been eaten by the jaguar than to fall into the hands of Castro. I will tell you something, señor, that will be worth more to you than my miserable life if you will let me go."
"It is of my mother!" exclaimed Ronie. "You had her photograph. Tell me where she is."
"If you will spare my life."
"I am a soldier under Castro; you know a soldier's duty, señor."
"I thought you were one of us," he murmured. "But I am going to tell all I know. She was taken prisoner by some of El Capitan's men. As the angels are my witness I had nothing to do with that. Her portrait fell upon the ground during the struggle and I picked it up. That is all I had to do about it."
"Where is she now?" demanded Ronie, with extreme earnestness.
"She is held as a prisoner at the old convent in Durango under command of El Capitan."
"Then she lives!" cried Ronie, in great joy.
"Si, señor. I can lead you to the place, and will if you will give me my liberty."
"That is beyond my power. I cannot – ha! here comes an officer now."
The newcomer was none other than Captain de Caprian, who asked:
"Whom have we here, señors?"
"A man we found prowling in the city under what we thought to be suspicions circumstances, so we stopped him. He is from San Carlos, and claims he is not a spy."
"I shall leave it for you to say what is to be done with him," said Francisco, "promising to see that he is fairly treated."
"I know not in regard to his being a spy," replied Ronie, "but he has given me valuable information in regard to my mother's fate."
"Does he know of her?" asked Francisco, eagerly. "That fact alone ought to save his life. What has he told you?"
In a few words Ronie explained what he had learned, when the other said, with an intonation of joy in his voice:
"I am so glad, Señor Roland. No time must be lost in going to her rescue. I have this morning received word that my mother has been given her liberty, and that she is on her way to meet me after many sad months of separation. But, dear Roland, as much as I long to meet that mother, if you are willing, and General Castro will permit, I want to go with you to help save your mother. My company will be sufficient force."
Ronie and Harrie could not conceal their emotion at the earnest words of their young friend, who showed that he spoke from the heart.
"Nay – " began Ronie, but the other checked him.
"I know what you would say, Señor Roland, but as much as mother and I want to see each other, we can both wait until this duty is performed. I am going to General Castro at once for leave of absence. You can let this man accompany us if you think he is to be trusted. I will meet you near the old cathedral half an hour hence."
After a short conference among themselves, in which Manuel Marlin was allowed to express his opinion, it was decided to let him go with them. He might prove a valuable companion, for they were all inclined to think he would not be false to his pledges.
Before an hour had passed, so promptly did they act, Captain de Caprian led out his regiment of gallant men, to start upon the long and arduous journey to Durango on the merciful errand of saving a captive from the power of El Capitan. Were the truth told, more than one of the brave band hoped they might meet the bold outlaw himself.
I need not describe that journey to Durango. The town proved to be a little hamlet under the brow of the Cordilleras, where the insurgents sometimes made their headquarters. Knowing this, the advance was made with extreme caution as soon as the regiment had entered the debatable country. Scouts were constantly on the lookout, and among these were our young engineers.
"I can scarcely wait for the time when we shall attack them," declared Ronie to Harrie and Manuel, as the three halted on the brink of a steep hill overlooking the hidden town.
"How quiet the place seems," replied Harrie. "It must be El Capitan and his troops are away."
"Off on one of his raids, no doubt. It will be so much the better for us."
"Still I really think Francisco will be disappointed if we do not find the rebel chief."
"I wonder if yonder old vine-clad building is where mother is imprisoned?" asked Ronie, pointing to what the three felt must be the ancient convent pictured by those who claimed to have been there.
"Si, señors," replied Manuel. "But look there, señors! what does the coming of that llaneros mean?"
The question from Manuel was called forth by the sudden appearance of one of the riders of the llanos, or plains of Venezuela, who drew rein almost in front of the old convent. With what truly seemed wonderful celerity the people began to collect, coming from every quarter.
"Perhaps that fellow has discovered our men and is giving the alarm," said Ronie.
"I wish I was near enough to hear what he says," replied Manuel. "If you will wait for me, señors, a few minutes I will find out."
Manuel Marlin then began the descent into the town, and as the distance was not far, he soon got within hearing of the new arrival. It was not over fifteen minutes before he returned to his anxious companions with the somewhat startling announcement:
"It is as I expected, señors; El Capitan is on his way home, and is expected within a few hours!"
CHAPTER XXVIII.
VICTORY AND PEACE
Ronie and Harrie heard this announcement with considerable alarm, as with their first thought they believed they had come too late to accomplish their purpose.
"We must get back to the regiment as soon as possible," declared Ronie. "If we act promptly we may yet rout the inhabitants of the town and save mother. How many men has El Capitan under him, do you think, Manuel?"
"I am sorry that I am not able to tell," replied the Venezuelan. "I think by what I could catch that he is coming back with a large force."
"Which makes it the more necessary that we act quickly. Come on, boys!"
His companions needed no urging to follow him, and it was not long before they were able to rejoin Captain de Caprian, who was anxiously awaiting them. But their news did not disconcert the brave young patriot.
"It only fulfills my wishes," he said. "We have only to storm the town without loss of time, and then get ready to meet El Capitan. Ay, we will give him a welcome home that he little expects. I wish Señor Greenland would – but here he comes!"
Jack had also been out on a reconnoissance, and he brought in the same news that the others had – that El Capitan was expected at Durango within a few hours.
"They say he comes with five thousand troops," added Jack.
Our heroes turned to see what effect this announcement would have upon Francisco, but as far as they could see the young captain did not show that he had heard the words. Fifteen minutes later the regiment was ordered forward, and then was begun a swift, but silent, advance upon the stronghold of the insurgents, Captain de Caprian giving out his orders calmly and confidently, as if about to enter one of the camps of Castro. Could he reasonably hope to meet successfully El Capitan's superior numbers? What if the latter had five thousand men under his command?
Ronie and Harrie could not help asking each other these questions, as they fell into line and moved sternly forward. When near to the lower end of the town Captain de Caprian divided his men into two bodies, so as to attack the place simultaneously from different parts. Our heroes remained with his division, and entered the mountain hamlet from the nearest quarter, this advance being along a narrow road overhung by a range of hills on either side.
In order to give the other division time to gain a position above them, it was necessary to make a brief delay before opening the attack. But the wait was not long before the signal was given for the double assault, and the word rang along the ranks:
"Forward! double-quick – charge!"
It goes without saying that exciting scenes followed. Ronie, Harrie and Jack managed to keep together, and it was their good fortune to be among the first to come within close proximity to the convent where Mrs. Rand was supposed to be imprisoned. This had, in fact, been a part of Captain de Caprian's plans.
The surprise was complete as far as the insurgents were concerned. The onset of the government troops came like a tempest from a clear sky. Women shrieked and fled, followed by men who made scarcely more resistance, until they succeeded in rallying about the old convent. Here then was fought the lion's part of the battle. A hundred or more of the insurgents made a desperate stand, but they might as well have hoped to stem the mountain torrent which swept down the gorge just behind their native hamlet. They seemed to quickly realize this, and the cry for quarter soon rang out above the medley of battle.
"Forward!" still shouted the youthful commander. "Force an entrance to the old building before it is too late."
Captain de Caprian showed that he realized what was likely to follow inside the structure, for he had barely uttered his order before a cry with womanly sharpness in it rang out – an appeal for help.
Our heroes were already storming the door, having dashed aside the sentinels on duty there. The next moment, led by Ronie, and followed by a dozen of the troops, our three burst into the convent. Running swiftly along the main passage they soon came upon a scene which sent the blood coursing fiercely through their veins. It would appear that the insurgents, finding they were being routed by the government troops, sought to kill the few prisoners they held within this old building. At the very moment our rescuers appeared on the scene, one of them was swinging over his head the ugly-looking knife he carried in the act of slaying the woman who was kneeling at his feet. Ronie sent the miscreant senseless to the floor, and the next moment clasped his mother in his arms.
"I was in season, mother," he murmured; "you are safe."
But she had fainted, and as gently as possible, with the assistance of Harrie and Jack, he bore her to a bench where the fresh air could cool her fevered temple.
"To think if we had been a minute later," said Ronie.
"She opens her eyes," declared Harrie. "She has been spared."
It was indeed an affecting scene, during which Jack Greenland drew apart. He found that three other captives, all Venezuelans, had been rescued, and that these had been all the persons held in the convent.
Renewed commotion outside now caught his attention, and he returned to the side of his friends.
"I think El Capitan is coming, and that the boys are preparing to welcome him home," he said, grimly. "I think I will help in the greeting, if you will excuse me, lads."
"Forgive me, Jack, for forgetting my duty," said Harrie. "But I felt so anxious for Ronie's mother."
"I must go, mother," declared Ronie.
"Oh, my son!" she implored, "must you leave me here and now?"
It was a serious problem for the young engineers to decide, between filial and martial duty. Happily Jack quickly settled the matter by saying:
"It is your duty, lads, to remain here. I know Captain de Caprian would wish it. Look sharp to yourselves, while I join the troops in their welcome to El Capitan."
The young engineers were fain to agree to this, feeling that it was better they should. Especially was this the situation as they were not regularly attached to the regiment.
The "welcome" extended to El Capitan and his followers was given near the lower end of the town, where the mountain ranges drew so near together that the valley was narrow, uncomfortably narrow for the surprised insurgents. El Capitan will never forget that "welcome," nor will his men, who quickly scattered like sheep scaling the mountainside. If outnumbering the government troops three to one, numbers did not count then. Among those who won special distinction was Manuel Marlin.
As soon as he could do so, Captain de Caprian sought his American friends to congratulate them, while he described the complete victory of his troops. Altogether, it was a happy occasion to them.
"I shall order an immediate return to the capital," declared the young patriot. "You had better go to Caracas with us, friends."
They were nothing loath to do this, and it was an exceedingly happy company which found its way back to the mountain citadel, where they were hailed with delight by the president himself. El Capitan, the insurgent chief who had been so feared, was turned over to the proper authorities, while Manuel Marlin, in consideration of his recent bravery, was fully pardoned for any error of the past. Our friends at this time witnessed what seemed to them rather a peculiar trait of public justice. This was the return to Caracas of El Mocho, who, it will be remembered, had been kept a prisoner at San Carlos for a long time. He had been accused, and apparently with good reason, of infidelity to the government. But this was now overlooked, and General Castro openly welcomed him to his arms, upon his promise to be faithful in the future.
"It is a good specimen of South American sense of justice," remarked Jack. "One day a man is hunted as an enemy, and the next he is embraced as a loved friend. It may be all right. I cannot say."
In their happiness our heroes had no desire to criticise, much more to condemn, such a practice. Ronie was extremely thankful for this meeting with his mother. While they had many explanations to make and long stories to tell of what had happened since their parting, there is little I need repeat here. It was perfectly natural that Mrs. Rand should seek to improve the opportunity to meet Ronie in Caracas, and she did not dream of the suffering it was going to cost her, of the terror of captivity or the horrors of her long imprisonment, but these had been safely passed, and all felt like rejoicing over the outcome.
Another couple especially happy were Francisco and his mother, whom our Americans quickly learned to love and respect. She proved indeed to be a gentlewoman of the noblest type, who adored her patriotic son.
Naturally it was not long before our engineers felt it was time for them to move on their work, but this could not be done until Colonel Marchand, who joined with them in their happiness, could recover from his wounds so as to accompany them. While these healed, and our friends passed the time pleasantly in the capital, flitting back and forth between their friends, the warlike affairs of the republic grew apace. There was some fighting to be done, but mainly it had come to be a matter of diplomacy and argument between the powers, until finally the glad news of a peaceful negotiation came to them.
Once more President Castro had triumphed, achieving this time, it seemed, his grandest victory. When the account of this rang over the mountain city our American engineers began to prepare for an arduous campaign of an altogether different kind from that which befell them when they were COMRADES UNDER CASTRO.
