CONCLUSION
Then a score of things happened all at once.
Added to the soldiers' bayonets the swords of four young officers thrust
with an effect that opened a way up through the mob.
"_Los soldados!_" sounded a score of voices at once. On top of this came
another cry in frantic Spanish: "_Al muerto!_" (to the death!)
One short, broad-shouldered fellow rushed at Lieutenant Hal from the
flank, knife uplifted. Hank dropped his hitching weight on the fellow's
toes, and the knife-thrust fell short by some three feet. Tom Halstead's
cudgel floored a rascal who aimed a revolver at Hank.
The first squad went through the crowd fast, though leaving a red trail
of minor sword and bayonet wounds. The second squad had a harder fight,
as the enraged mob, after spreading a bit, closed in. There was still
plenty of fight in the rioters, who now realized how small a military
force had assailed them. Dave Darrin was using the butt of the borrowed
revolver in clubbing every strange head that got within reach of his
arm.
"Halt! About face and go back into 'em!" ordered Lieutenant Hal. The
mob, feeling itself hemmed in between two parallel lines of bayonets,
gave sufficiently to let the military party reunite.
"Where's the Eagle Hotel?" Hal shouted hoarsely, as a Texan, rifle in
hand, showed himself at an open window.
"Two blocks up. You can't mistake it!" came back the roaring answer.
As the two ranks of soldiers tried to go on at the double quick, two or
three hundred of the mob tried to follow at their heels.
"Second squad halt! About face!" yelled Lieutenant Prescott. "Load!
Aim!"
Then he turned to his chum.
"Fire if you have to, Holmesy. I've got to leave you and run forward!"
Lieutenant Greg Holmes nodded his understanding. Then he stood there,
grim-faced and watchful, mindful, also, of his orders not to fire on
rioters unless it became absolutely necessary.
But the sight of ten Army rifles staring them in the face caused the mob
to halt for a moment or two, whereupon Holmes faced his men about,
continuing the march. Twice more he found it necessary to halt and
menace the enraged followers.
Ahead was another mob not much smaller. These men were in front of the
Eagle Hotel as the first squad ran up.
"Charge!" yelled Lieutenant Hal. "Charge!" echoed Greg Holmes. There was
another sharp, ugly clash. Bayonets prodded, swords thrust, Tom Halstead
wielded his club and Hank was busy with his weight.
Dave, Dick and Noll, as soon as they could reach the hotel, dashed away
from the troops toward the front entrance of the hotel, which stood
open, battered down as it had been by the mob.
As these three rescuers darted into the lobby, a woman's scream sounded
from a room not far away. Into this dashed the three young officers.
Just before they vanished Tom Halstead and Hank Butts rushed in,
catching sight of their friends.
In the billiard room of the hotel stood Mrs. Bentley, leaning against a
wall and looking ready to faint. Laura Bentley, far more beautiful than
when we saw her last, had caught up a chair, with which she was
threatening a dark-haired young Mexican who sought to reach her. Belle
Meade, her dark beauty unmarred by the look of anger in her face, had
snatched up a cue, with which she was menacing another young Mexican
dandy. Four or five other Mexicans stood in the room, interested
spectators.
"A reminder for you, my friend!" muttered Dick Prescott hoarsely, as he
ran his sword-point into the thigh of the man before Laura.
"May this give your mind ease!" gritted Ensign Darrin, bringing down the
butt of the revolver on the head of the Mexican facing Belle.
Then the other Mexicans in the room attempted to take a hand, but they
were soon put to flight. One of them limped, or rather hopped--for he
had encountered Hank Butts. Tom and Hank helped the injured out in a
hurry.
Mrs. Bentley revived at sight of the uniforms, and still more at sight
of the well-known faces of two of the officers. As for Laura, she threw
her arms about Dick Prescott's neck, embracing him ecstatically, too
overjoyed at first to speak. Not so with Belle Meade. She, too, gave her
intended husband an enthusiastic embrace, but she murmured in his ear:
"Sorry we couldn't give a better account of ourselves, Dave. But the
scoundrels came in here in a drove. They've killed at least two men who
tried to defend us."
"If they try to start anything more, Belle, girl, they'll all get
killed."
Lieutenant Dick Prescott, a mist swimming before his eyes, could only
murmur:
"Laura, you need have no further fears. There are squads from two
regiments of regulars on the spot."
Presently Dick and Dave were left behind at the hotel with five soldiers
of the Thirty-fourth. Lieutenant Hal led the remainder of the troops
through the streets. The comparatively few Texans of the village, who
had been greatly outnumbered, and driven to fighting behind cover, now
appeared in the wake of the troops. Wherever bands of rioters were found
they were herded and driven out of the town. It required all the
firmness and tact of Lieutenant Hal to keep the justly enraged Texans
from piling up a big slaughter.
Before the arrival of troops some twenty Mexican rioters had been
killed, and many more wounded. Six of the Texans of the village had also
been killed, including the two--the hotel proprietor and one other--who
had gone to the defense of Mrs. Bentley and the girls. A score of
rioters who had met Hank Butts were limping now.
Thirty houses of the village, some of them belonging to Mexicans, had
been fired. As they were not attached to other buildings these fires
were allowed to burn out.
At daylight a company of Texas militia marched into town, having arrived
from a distant point.
The rioters belonged to a peculiar class from the sister republic. Many
were criminals, wanted in their own country, who had found safety across
our border. Many more had been of the class who would have been camp
followers of the insurgent army, had that especial revolution gained the
dignity of being backed by a rebel army.
For three weeks more the border patrol was continued. Then, as the
revolutionists over in Mexico had been soundly thrashed by the
responsible federal government of Mexico, the border patrol by our own
American troops was no longer needed.
As early as possible Laura Bentley, Belle Meade and Laura's mother were
escorted to the railway, and sent forward to Fort Clowdry, there to wait
as Mrs. Cortland's guests until Prescott could return from Texas. Dave
Darrin, of course, went along with the ladies.
Ruggles, who had once been worth some three million dollars, mostly
invested in Mexico, never dared press his absurd charge against
Lieutenant Hal Overton. As a result of the revolution, and his known
part in it, Ruggles had much of his Mexican property confiscated under
the laws of that country. The rest of his estate dwindled sadly for want
of his care, for Ruggles, owing to his orders to fire on United States
troops, was sent to a federal prison for ten years.
Guarez, Boggs and a few others were given prison sentences of two or
three years each.
Of the two boats captured, Boggs's tug was released on payment of a
fine. Ruggles's motor boat, however, was condemned and sold at auction.
Ruggles's daughter, Meta, his sole near relative, is now living on the
remnant saved out of her father's fortune. She is a good girl, and is
waiting to aid her parent to begin life over again when he is freed.
Tom Halstead and his boatmates, as soon as released from the government
contract, departed in search of further adventures. That they found them
is known to readers of the volumes in the "MOTOR BOAT CLUB SERIES."
* * * * *
A month after the affair at Holmesville there was as picturesque a
double service wedding as it was possible to have at Fort Clowdry.
The Thirty-fourth's band furnished the music. The post chapel was the
scene of the solemn affair. All the parents of the contracting parties
came on from Gridley.
The chapel was ablaze with all the pomp and glory of the dress uniforms
of the Army and the Navy, for a few of Dave's brother officers contrived
to be present.
Greg Holmes was, of course, Prescott's best man; Ensign Dan Dalzell
performed that service for Ensign Dave Darrin.
Nor were Lieutenants Hal and Noll absent, for they secured leave to
attend. The ushers at the wedding were four young naval officers, with
Hal, Noll, Algy Ferrers and another young lieutenant representing the
Army.
Behind the double bridal party, as the post chaplain and an assistant
began the solemn, beautiful service of the church, stood the ushers, a
double wall of steel, as it struck some of the onlookers--a wall of Army
and Navy steel guaranteeing the future of the two young couples and
pledging them happiness.
Lieutenants Hal Overton and Noll Terry were now firmly established in
their new careers as line officers of the United States Army. At the
next session of Congress the Senate ratified their nominations as a
matter of course, and the two young officers soon after received their
commissions as second lieutenants from the President.
Though of course it was far beyond the reach of their present vision, a
deep shadow was hanging over the world--the shadow of a great war to
come, the greatest and most savage war in the history of the world. In
that coming war with the German Empire, each of these splendid young
officers was destined to play a big part, a part that was certain to
bring honors to each, as well as the appreciation of a grateful country.
The story of their participation and of their thrilling experiences in
this great world war, will be told in a following volume, entitled
"UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING'S TROOPS AT THE FRONT; Or Dick Prescott
at Grips With the Boche."
THE END.
HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S
Best and Least Expensive
Books for Boys and Girls
The Motor Boat Club Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully
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1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, The Secret of Smugglers'
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2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan
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2 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting
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2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young
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2 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists Against
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1 GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
3 GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
4 GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.
5 GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.
6 GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM.
7 GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER.
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By JAMES R. MEARS
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By AMY D. V. CHALMERS
1 MADGE MORTON--CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.
2 MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.
3 MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.
4 MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.
West Point Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young
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1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the
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2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory
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4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the
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Annapolis Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
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2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as
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4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation
and the Big Cruise.
The Young Engineers Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High
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3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real
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3 DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE.
4 DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION.
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By JANET ALDRIDGE
1 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.
2 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.
3 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.
4 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.
5 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.
6 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS.
High School Boys Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
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Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating
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1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and
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2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.
3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football
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By H. IRVING HANCOCK
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1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things
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2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter
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3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and
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4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make
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High School Boys' Vacation Series
By H. IRVING HANCOCK
"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"
This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the
country over. Almost numberless letters have been received by the
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2 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott Six
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3 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. in the
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4 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making
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The Circus Boys Series
By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON
Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely
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1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the
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2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on
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3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the
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4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show
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By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.
These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the
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1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings
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2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of
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3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in
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4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the
Ways.
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By LAURA DENT CRANE
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HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.--4 THE AUTOMOBILE
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Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies.
Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.
Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price.
Henry Altemus Company
1326-1336 Vine Street Philadelphia
+----------------------------------------------------------+
|Transcriber's Note: |
| |
|Chapter headings in the Contents do not match the headings|
|in the main text. |
+----------------------------------------------------------+