THE RESCUE.
The rioting and confusion did not entirely cease, although, owing to the
retreat of the _Melladios_, it was but in an idle and desultory way,
either among themselves or the police of the town. These last worthies,
after one or two _rencontres_, left the city to the tender mercies of
the victors, and sought safety in flight. But as many of the Rayas
miners had families or friends living in the place, the principal source
of danger was to be dreaded from the _Melladios_ attempting to storm the
city.
So the night wore on; fresh recruits coming in from time to time to join
the Scarlet Shoulders under Marcos Sayosa, until he had a body of hardy,
resolute men strong enough to make him have little doubt as to his being
able to hold his own against whatever force might be brought against
him. So, instead of fortifying any of the buildings, he contented
himself with posting sentinels around the town, with attendants to carry
the news in case any enemy should appear.
The few hours that intervened before daylight he spent in searching for
Despierto, but without success. Whether he was dead, a prisoner, or had
fled, he could only conjecture, but for the time his vengeance must be
deferred.
About the middle of the forenoon a strong body of the _Melladios_
appeared in view at some distance from the city, and Marcos Sayosa, at
the head of the majority of his men, sallied out to give them battle. As
they came within gunshot, a volley was exchanged, but without material
effect, and the _Melladios_ retreated before the impetuous charge of the
Scarlet Shoulders, who pressed forward at speed with wild hurrahs of
victory.
But then Sayosa hurriedly ordered them to halt, turning his face
anxiously toward the town. They could hear the rapid reports of firearms
and faint shouting, while the thin, sulphurous smoke could be seen
rising above the housetops.
Then they comprehended the trap they had fallen into: that the
_Melladios_ had signally outwitted them. They knew then the reason why
the enemy had so suddenly and strangely retreated without joining, hand
to hand. It was their object to draw the main force, if not all of the
Scarlet Shoulders, from the advantageous position they held, under cover
of the houses, and keep them employed while another body took possession
of the city.
The plot was well laid, and a few more minutes would have insured its
success, if, indeed, it had not been already accomplished. Sayosa knew
that his only hope was to gain the city before his comrades were
overpowered, or, placed between two fires, he would stand a fair chance
of being cut to pieces.
“Back, _comarados_, back to the city! Never mind those _ladrones_;
_anda—anda_!” he shouted, and darted forward at the top of his speed,
closely followed by his men, all fully sensible that nothing but
celerity of action and desperate fighting could repair the folly they
had been led into.
Then the tables were turned. The pursued became the pursuers—the chasers
chased. Each man strained every nerve, and ran as he had never ran
before. The one to reach the city in time to assist their beleaguered
comrades, the other to overtake and force the Scarlet Shoulders into a
struggle that would detain them until the other division of the
_Melladios_ should have accomplished their mission.
Two men were seen to run from the town, but when they saw the miners
returning, sped back to announce the news to those who had dispatched
them for assistance.
The pursuers and pursued were scattered over the plains—the swiftest of
the former close upon the heels of the rearmost of the latter.
Fortunately all firearms had been discharged, or a serious loss would
have been inflicted. As it was, more than one of the Scarlet Shoulders
were cut down before the city was reached.
As the fugitives swept down an angle in the street, Marcos Sayosa
halted, and ordered his men to face the foe. This was promptly done, and
the bright swords and scarcely less terrible knives flashed in the
sunlight. Others hastily began reloading their _escopettes_.
The enemy came sweeping on, uttering their wild yells and shouts of
exultation. The rearmost of the men from whose left shoulders streamed
the bright knot of ribbon, came up and fell promptly into the ranks.
Then the _Melladios_ swept around the corner, and so great was their
impetus that many ran headlong into the close ranks of their foes, and
then the cold steel began its work. Almost without resistance a score of
the leaders were cut down, and then, while the remainder faltered at the
sudden and unexpected resistance, the loud, clear tones of Sayosa rung
out the order to charge!
And right bravely was his call responded to. Sounding their war-cry:
“Rayas forever—down with the _Melladios_!” the Scarlet Shoulders rushed
into the confused mass of men, and for a few brief minutes the blood
flowed like water.
The enemy quickly rallied and fought desperately, but the momentary
surprise had been fatal to their chance of successful resistance.
Outnumbered and without order, they sustained the fearful onset for a
time, and then, pressed back, slowly giving way, foot by foot, at first,
and then more rapidly, until at length they turned on their heels and
fled in despair, closely pursued by the victorious Scarlet Shoulders.
But Marcos Sayosa sounded the recall, that was obeyed, and just in time.
Their comrades who had been left in the town now appeared in view, being
driven back by their assailants. Sullenly and with desperate courage
they fought the overpowering force of _Melladios_, stubbornly contending
the ground inch by inch, borne back, not by superior bravery, but by
mere force of numbers. But one man turned to flee in affright, and he
was promptly cut down by one of his comrades.
Then sounding their war-cry, the victorious division of the Scarlet
Shoulders pressed forward to the rescue, and the tug of war commenced.
The _Melladios_, flushed with success, would not retreat, although now
outnumbered, and the street was filled with the clash of steel and the
horrible din of a death struggle. But the scale was turned by the miners
of Rayas, the band who had reloaded their firearms, and at close
quarters poured in a withering volley, some of the victims being
scorched by the burning powder.
This started the retreat, and then began a bloody running fight from one
end of the city to the other. Three several times did the fugitives
rally and strive nobly to retrieve their lost fortunes, but in vain.
They were overmatched, and finally broke in every direction, each man
fleeing as choice impelled him, only intent upon escaping the avengers
who stood in their footpaths.
The pursuit was continued by the main body for several miles, and when
they abandoned it a few still persisted. Marcos Sayosa led his
triumphant band back to the town, and retiring to the house he had
selected as his quarters for the present, with his officers, they
deliberated as to what should be their future course. They well knew
that should their identity become known, and they were captured by the
military, there could be but one ending. And some hours they argued
_pro_ and _con_, without coming to any definite conclusion. They knew
that in a short time the fugitive military would return with
reinforcements, against which they would stand but a faint chance of
making a successful resistance, even were they mad enough to attempt it.
The city was gloomy enough. The main street was still scattered with the
dead and wounded miners, lying as they fell. The houses were all closed
and barred, the inhabitants most likely trembling lest their doors
should be forced and their wealth, perhaps even life, be taken. Several
_posadas_ had been forced open, and the Scarlet Shoulders were fast
becoming uproarious over the confiscated wines and liquors.
The young captain was standing with Lucas Planillas and several others
upon the _azotea_, still in consultation, when Sayosa suddenly paused,
and, shading his eyes with his hand, peered keenly toward the
south-west. The form of a single horseman was riding at a break-neck
speed toward the city, while on the rising ground far beyond him could
faintly be distinguished the light cloud either produced by a fire or
the discharging of guns.
“_Voto a Dios, ’nor_ Lucas, but I believe there is mischief going on
yonder. Surely a fight is going on; perhaps some of our _comarados_ are
in trouble. Go you and see what the _cavallero_ is spurring so fast for,
and let us know as soon as possible;” and then, as Planillas departed
upon his errand, Marcos turned to his companions, and added:
“_Cavalleros_, we may be needed yonder. See how many horses you can find
before the lieutenant returns, and one of you pass the word for the men
to be in readiness to march, if needs be.”
As he turned toward the point where the horseman had been seen, he found
that Planillas had just met him, and, after a few moments, during which,
apparently, a few explanations were given, the man dismounted, and Don
Lucas, vaulting into the saddle, galloped on toward the headquarters.
Descending the steps, Sayosa awaited his approach, and, when within
call, exclaimed:
“Well, _amigo_, what is it?”
“We are needed out yonder. There is an escort guarding some ladies that
have been attacked by a band of _Melladios_, who outnumber them two to
one. They have sent to ask assistance. Will you go?”
“_Cascaras_, yes! Go you and start what men you can find on foot. We
will follow as soon as horses can be got. In a few moments,” hastily
returned Marcos.
In two minutes the majority of the Scarlet Shoulders were _en route_ on
the double-quick toward the scene of the struggle, and three more saw
about a score of horsemen, including the leaders, spur out from the
city, well mounted upon confiscated horses that quickly carried them
past the footmen, who were ordered to push on at top speed for the
rescue.
The reason for the miners being all upon foot is not fully known, when
perhaps there was not a man in the band but what owned one or more
horses. But partly from policy, and partly from being ignorant of the
period of the intended attack by the _Melladios_, such was the case.
In ten minutes the horsemen had reached the scene of the surprise, and
were none too soon, for the _peons_ were fast falling before the more
numerous army of the assailants, and, although fighting desperately,
were being forced back. At their head fought a tall, handsome cavalier,
bare-headed and blood-stained, but whose saber drank blood at every
stroke, while the rearing and plunging of his snorting horse helped to
keep him free from the mass of miners that swarmed around him.
With a loud cheer of encouragement, the little band of horsemen plunged
into the _melee_, and joined the leader, who welcomed them with a cry of
pleasure. Still they were greatly outnumbered, and, although encouraged
by the accession, the _peons_ fought with renewed energy, it was all
they could do to hold their own against the raging mass. Time and time
again did the horsemen charge among the enemy, beating them back with
the desperate onset, yet each time the miners closed around them, and
they had to cut their way out again, gradually losing some of their
number, either by death or by being unhorsed.
The work was all done with the cold steel. There was no time to reload
their firearms, and perhaps it was well that such was the case. The
_peons_ were ranged around a sort of coach, or close carriage, in which
were the ladies, and obstinately retained their position, although so
closely pressed that it seemed a miracle they were not annihilated. The
bodies of their horses, and the ones which had drawn the carriage, were
lying where they had been shot at the first onset.
Then with wild yells the foremost of the Scarlet Shoulders came up and
poured a withering volley of musket balls into the close ranks of the
_Melladios_. In the excitement their approach had not been noticed, or
was unheeded. In a moment the struggle was changed, and with yells of
dismay, the miners broke in confusion and fled from the spot.
“_Andela, comarados, andela!_” shouted Marcos Sayosa. “Give the cursed
_ladrones_ no quarter; give them a lesson they will not forget soon!”
The Scarlet Shoulders pressed hotly after the fleeing _Melladios_,
fulfilling to the letter the order given them. Marcos Sayosa alone
remained behind. The cavalier already mentioned was at the side of the
carriage, and opening the door, eagerly exclaimed:
“Mother—Luisa, are you safe and unhurt?”
“Yes, yes, Felipe; but you? My God, you are killed!”
“No, it is only a scratch—nothing; a little cut from a _machete_, that
is all. Thank the Virgin you are safe! I thought it was all over with
us, when this _cavallero_ came up,” and he turned to where the young
miner sat upon his horse, wrapping his scarf around a severe gash in his
left arm.
“Pardon me, senor, if I neglected you for a moment. But this is my
mother and sister, and they might have been injured.”
“You were perfectly right, _’nor cavallero_, and no apologies are
needed. But if you will be so kind as to knot this troublesome scarf, I
will remain your debtor,” returned Marcos.
“No, brother; it was for us that he received it, let _me_ fasten it,”
interrupted a musical voice from the carriage, and as the speaker looked
forth, Sayosa gave a start of mingled admiration and wonder that called
up a deeper blush to the cheek of Luisa Canelo, that made her still more
charming.
“A thousand pardons, _senorita_, but I am a rough, unpolished miner, and
the sight of such loveliness confused me. I really thought that an
angel—there, see, I have sinned again!” he added, with a slight laugh of
confusion, as he saw the effect of his words.
“It is a sin then that my sister has often provoked,” said Felipe,
feeling slightly annoyed. “But pardon, again. This is my mother and
sister. I am Felipe Canelo.”
“And I am called Marcos Sayosa,” added the young partisan, as the other
paused, “a poor miner at your service,” bowing first to the man and then
the ladies, who politely acknowledged the salute.
“But see, your arm still bleeds. Allow me to bind it up,” said Luisa,
and as the miner rode up to the carriage, her fairy fingers deftly
fastened the bandage, while her face flushed hotly beneath the admiring
but respectful gaze of Sayosa.
On the opposite side Felipe was undergoing the same process at the hands
of his mother. The latter seemed puzzled at some thought, and glanced
curiously at the young miner, who never looked handsomer than at that
moment, although his attire was somewhat stained and disordered by the
adventures he had so recently passed through. The tumults within his
breast had not yet died away, but the fierce ardor of battle that glowed
in every feature and flashed in his eye, was tempered by the sight of
the beautiful maiden who was so tenderly ministering to his wound.
He had never before met with so much beauty and grace centered in one
woman, and there was a strange sensation about his heart that should
have warned him such company would be far more dangerous to his peace of
mind than the weapons that had so lately been playing around him were to
his body. But not then did he think of this. He would have been either
more or less than man, had he done so.
As Luisa put the last touch upon the bandage, Canelo came around the
coach, and addressed the miner:
“Senor Don Sayosa, can you tell me if I can procure horses in the city?
Ours are all dead or fled but my own bay, and we must get to shelter
soon.”
“The city, senor, is no place for ladies now, but I think I can help
you. Last night the miners from Mellado attacked us of Los Rayas, and
the city officers have all fled the town. I command the men you saw, and
they will be like wild beasts from blood and drink,” he added, as Felipe
was about to interrupt him. “But if you desire it, I will select a band
on whom I can depend, and guard you until you are beyond all danger. As
we disband to-day, I fear I could do but little with the mass to-night.”
“Well, then, we will accept the offer as freely as ’tis made, for you do
not paint a very pleasant or reassuring picture. But the horses?”
“I will send an order to my men who remained at the city, if you can
dispatch a couple of _peons_ with it. They will send horses, although I
fear your followers will have to travel on foot.”
“They can, until we reach some place where I can purchase mounts.”
In the course of half an hour the two _peons_ returned from the city,
each astride of a stout, serviceable horse, and by stripping the dead
ones of their harness, the carriage was soon in readiness for the road.
Some little time was consumed in waiting for the return of the desired
Scarlet Shoulders, but at length two score were selected upon whom
Sayosa knew he could depend. After a consultation with Lucas Planillas,
his lieutenant, the young miner deputed the command to him, both to
disband and arrange the necessary signals by which they could be
recalled, if necessary; the coach started and rolled rapidly along the
sandy road, surrounded by the escort.
Owing to the sand cast by the wheels the windows were closed, and
although Felipe and Marcos rode close to the sides, all conversation was
checked except between themselves; although more than once the young
miner caught the great black eyes of Luisa glancing toward him, and then
it would be difficult indeed to tell which one was the most confused.