Fitz the Filibuster Part 43

"Well, I don't say that," said the skipper; "but they know how to save them, and not fire good ammunition to waste; and that's what you must try to teach your men. But look out yonder; while we are talking there is something going on."

Don Ramon looked out keenly, ran into the next room to look out in another direction, and then came back.

"They are coming on again, captain," he said. "It may be an hour yet.

But they mean attack, to leave more of their force behind."

"Now is your time, then, sir, to speak to your men. Tell them to use the cartridges as if each was the last he had and his life depended upon sending it home."

"Yes, yes," said the President. "I see; I see. But when my men are fighting and the blood is up they will not think; but we shall see."

Within half-an-hour another and a fiercer attack was made--one more ably sustained and better met too by the defence; for the President's words to his followers went home, the men grasping their position, and though the attack was more prolonged it ended by another panic and a roar of cheers.

"Now, President," said the skipper, "what of the next attack?"

"I don't know," was the reply. "If one is made it will be some treachery with fire; but you see they have retired farther back, and it is all their leaders can do to keep them from breaking up into retreat.

Villarayo must be mad, and will be thinking how to scheme my downfall to the end. Captain, my heart is sick. What of the coming night? What of the darkness which will shroud them like a cloak?"

"It will not be dark for a couple of hours yet," replied the skipper.

"We can rest now, and refresh our men. After that we must plant our outposts with those whom we can trust the most. They will warn us of any attack, and if one is made--well, we shall be stronger than we were this morning."

"Stronger! What do you mean? Do you see coming help?" replied Don Ramon.

"No, sir. We must help ourselves. But our men are more confident in their strength, while the enemy is weakened by defeat."

The hours went on and the darkness fell, with the men rested and refreshed; every avenue by which danger could advance was carefully commanded, and before half-an-hour of full darkness had pa.s.sed one of the vedettes formed by Winks and Poole, with Fitz to keep him company, was alarmed by the approach of a stealthy figure, upon whom Winks pounced like a cat upon a mouse, and dragged him towards the hacienda, to be met directly after by the skipper, the prisoner protesting almost in a whisper that he was a friend, but covered by the barrel of a revolver the while.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

A CUNNING SCHEME.

"Yes," said the skipper sternly, speaking in very fair Spanish, "you may say you are a friend, but a friend doesn't come crawling into a camp like a serpent. It seems to me you are a spy; and do you know what is the fate of a spy at a time like this?"

"Yes, yes, senor; a spy would be shot."

"Right--to save other people's lives. Where were you going?"

"I was coming here, senor, to the hacienda."

"So I supposed; but what for?"

The man seemed to hesitate, and tried to speak, but no words would come, for he was either suffering from agitation, exhaustion, or utter fear, and Fitz Burnett's hands turned wet and cold at the thought of the stern judgment that would be pa.s.sed upon the trembling wretch if he could not prove his words.

"Do you hear what I say?" said the skipper, in a stern, fierce voice.

"Yes, yes, senor," gasped the man at last, just when the two lads had grasped hands, each to deliver a speaking pressure to the other.

"Tell me, then. Why were you coming here?"

"Because I believed that Don Ramon was here."

"Do you know Don Ramon?"

"Yes, senor; he is an old friend."

"We can soon prove that," said the skipper. "Here, Poole, the Don is lying down asleep, utterly worn out, but he must be awakened to see his friend," he added meaningly.

Poole gripped Fitz's hand tightly, as if to say, Come with me; and the two lads hurried off to where the Don was lying asleep, guarded by four of his men, under the shelter of a shed.

"I hope to goodness," whispered Poole, "that the poor fellow's told the truth."

"Your father wouldn't have him shot if he had not, surely?"

Poole was silent for a few moments.

"I don't know," he said evasively.--"Yes, friends," he said, in answer to a challenge in Spanish, "I want to speak to Don Ramon."

"He is asleep, senor, and must not be awakened," was the reply.

"I know he is asleep," said Poole sharply and authoritatively, "and he must be awakened. It is a case of life or death."

The awakening was already performed, for at the sound of the lad's half-angry voice the man he sought sprang up, revolver in hand, ready for action.

"Yes?" he said. "Are they coming on?"

"No," replied Poole. "We have taken a spy, as we think, but he professes to know you, sir, and asks to see you at once."

"I'll come," said the Don; and then turning to the lads with a smile: "Friends are very scarce; I mustn't slight this one."

In another minute he was where the prisoner was anxiously awaiting his coming, ready to utter a sigh of relief as the Don caught him in his arms with--

"Miguel, my friend! What brings you here?"

"I knew you were in danger," was the reply.

"And you came to tell me--"

"Yes, and it was a risky task. What with your enemies and your friends," he added meaningly, "I wonder that I am alive."

"Forgive me!" cried Don Ramon. "I had been looking upon you as one who had forsaken me in my distress. But yes, you are right; I am in danger, but still alive. Surely you have no worse news?"

"Yes, the worst."

"Well, tell me; I can bear anything now."

"You have beaten Villarayo off twice to-day."