The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 11, 1898, Page 31

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1898. 31 BINNIE AND NED IN CUBA. CHAPTER VIIL ARRY Ostend judge . correct- 1y that the bloodhounds were least two miles distant. pondered only an instant. he decided that it was impos- sible to get away and escape the at- tack of the hounds at this time; and that the Spaniards would follow close upon the heels of the hounds. “There are as many as three of the brutes, Binnle,” he said quietly. “They will nec rily come from the same direction and near together We have five or six minutes to mak ready and receive them. Then there will be a little longer interval before the Spaniards will be here. You must meet the hounds, Binnle, and I will do what I can to prepare a rough breast- work of logs while you stand guard. If you need any help I will come to you. Take my rifle and your own. Give a good account of yourself. We are in a tight place, I will not deny that; but that will be something to talk about fter; now go.” e word Harry Ostend, who had ous strength, began to make a twork of the fallen branches of the forest trees, using a thick gment of a limb as a sledge to drive stakes into the soft and yielding ground. Meanwhile Binnie, taking a position on a slight knoll, which overlook the trail for some distance, that they had cut through the forest with their ma- chetes, drew up a log as a rest for his rifles and there awalted the attack of the ferocious bloodhounds, whose bdy- ing gave evidence that taey drew steadily nearer. Another person took sition quietly beside him. It was “Back, girl,” commanded Binnie; “the danger here is too much; think if you should be torn by the hounds.” “I will stay right here, Binn the determined answer. Binnfe looked in the girl’s eyes and e,” was there refle courage and dar- equal to his own. You are a heroine, Ju if ever a, there was one,” he said warmly; but I T know that. Hark, do you not e brutes crashing through the v Binnle was not mistaken. The wind was blowing directly toward the hounds and their scent guided them. The re- sult was that the hounds did not fol- low the trail when they drew near, but took the shortest route, which was through the thicket. “Stand firm, Julia,” said Binnie, “and act quickly that we may not be taken at a disadvantage.” It was now made clear there that there were three hounds on the trail. The baying was in three distinct tones. How flerce it sounded. The hounds had been employed by the Spaniards to hunt down Cuban refugees. To make them eager for the work the brutes were kept half starved. They were as dangerous and as savage as tigers. Thelr speed was terrifying as they darted forth in search of vietims. The Spanish captain, who had been so well tricked by Julia, had released them from their leashes for this work and bhad said grimly as he did so: “The Americans will have a busy time trying to fool these dogs Hardly had Binnle cautioned Julla as to her duty when the three hounds dashed, in a murderous pack, through the undergrowth of the forest, with terrific leaps, their red mouths wide open, showing their horrible teeth. They were on Binni side of the for- est, and they rushed at him ferocfous- ly, each trying to outstrip the other. Their yells madc the forest ring with startling echoes. Binnie was kneeling, and held one ready rifle in his iron grasp. His other ri_e was not a foot away. A sharp re. port of a rifle was followed by a yelp of pain. Ome hound had been hit by Binni>. Not for .. second faltered the brute, but on he came, limping along with less speed, but as fiercely intent upon tearing Binnle to pleces as hefore. The first hound was erowded aside by one of his companions, a great animal as large as a young lioness. Binnfe was ready and fired the sacond time. What a shot he made. The bullet en. tered squarely into one eye of the hound and plerced his brain. and hefel] dead. The third hound at this paus but hardly for an inc*ant. Binnie drew a bead on the brute enemy. His rifie missed fire—missed ,ust when the sec- onds seemed to be fraught with life and death. Before he could rise the hound was upon him, and its sharn teeth were buried in the flesh of his right arm. Binnie knew, while he had passed thro» ~h many perils, and he had faced without flinching many dangers, that ] this was the most critical moment of his life. Overborne by the great weight of the hound and the force of its as- sault upon him, he was thrown upon back. The mute let go its hold on his arm sought to seize the v by the throat. Binnie threw up his hands to push the beast away, only to have them torn and brushed aside. Surely the brute would fix his deadly grasp now, and -1l would be over in another instant. Julia was busy en- gaging the wounded hound and could not help him. But when was Harry Ostend ever known to fail in an emer- gency? He saw, with horror, the hound upon Binnie's prostrate form. Ostend’s pistol was in his belt, but he leveled it like a flash. Surely ‘and swiftly sped his bullet and the hound fel’ over, mortally wounded, upon Bin- nie’s chest, the weight neacly suffocat- ing him. Binnie uttered a cry of joy as he struggled to his feet once more and saw that Julia was not hurt. Shehad madea fine shot, not killing but badly crip- BINNIE AND JULIA FIGHTING OFF THE SPANISH BLOODHOUNDS pling the third houn” which lay upon the ground. With }'~ machete Binnie dispatched the brute. Hark,” he said, “the Spaniards are near; come away.” When the Spaniards arrived in this threatening neighborhood they were surprised, as they peered through the trees, to see the three dead hounds, and still more to observe the hastily con- structed breastwork bshind which but keeping out of sight Harry Ostend, Binnie and Julia were at bay. What happened next was character- istic of the cruelty of the Spanish sol- dier They decided not to risk an at- tack upon the sharpshooting Ameri- cans. What then? They would burn the forest and roast the Americans ive. No Apache ever conceived greater cruelty. To think was to act. Torches of dry wood were applied to the resinous trees in a dozen differ- ent places, and the branches crackled into ready flame. High into the air sped upward the flames, roaring and hiss- ing. Close to the ground the dry grass took flame like tinder and filled the air with thick, heavy smoke, threatening suffoeation to all persons concealed in the fire-engirdled area. From limb to limb the fire leaped, and now tall trees were like huge faggots, aflame from the ground to the uttermost twigs. Closer and closer drew the flames with an awful roar, to the breastworks, making deadly headway from all sides. Mingled with the noises made bg’ the fire were other sounds, not less flerce. The exulting Spaniards were cheering; they were sure that they at last had their most dangerous enemies trapped, and waited for the flames to do their work, standing near to fire upon the trio if they should make a determined attempt to escape from this flery trap. When Harry Ostend saw the flames coming in his direction he only said: “Thig cnly forces us to retreat sooner than I had expected. Never mind;.the Spaniards are S0 sure that they have us now that they will not have their eyes open as they usually do when they are on the watch. That circumstance THE GREAT KETCHUMKNAPPIN BIKDS will make for us.” “How shall we escape?” asked Binnie and Julia in the same instant. “A good engineer never builds a fort without providing a way to retreat if it should be necessary to retreat. I will not mystify you. When I was driv- ing the stakes for this breastwork I noticed that the ground seemed hollow over by yonder tree. I dropped a peb- ble in a hole that suddenly developed, and then listened. I am sure that the ground is hollow under our feet, and that we have a—" “That we have a cave?” interrupted Binnie, impatiently.” “Yes, a cave, and we will see about it without delay.” It was remarkable—the confident manner that Harry Ostend had, when all seemed lost; but Binnie had learned to have confident trust in him at all times and did not doubt him now. Shielded by the clouds of smoke, the brave friends were able to toil unob- served. They tore down the breast- work and.used the limbs to dig with. Suddenly the dirt began to slide, and a mass of soil disappeared below. Hurrah, now,” said Harry Ostend, cheerily; “down with you, Binnie, and explore, while I fix up the damage that you have done.” Binnie's voice w heard from below at once: ‘““Ah, this is great; we have a sure way to escape here if only we can hide the entrance. Here is a cave, sure enough.” “Down there, then, Julia,” command- ed Harry Ostend, an order that Julia promptly obeyed. While Binnie had been below Harry Ostend had pulled the tree limbs to the hole in the ground. He now placed them across the hole and heaped dirt high above them, leaving, however, a place large enough for his body to pass through. When his feet struck the bottom of the subterranean pas- sage he was still able to reach the limbs above him. A strong pull drew them over the hole, and the soil slid in upon them and covered them completely. The fire, burning off the limbs of the forest trees, sent down a mass of flaming debris, which was heaped over the entrance to the cave, and so effectually ncealed it. ‘When the Spaniards some time later, seeking among the still smoldering ashes, sourht evidence of the death of the Americans, they were unable to even say definitely where the breast- work hac been. “The Americans were burned to OF THE FHILIPPINES JUIN' FURGCES WHIH Sumb QUEER FISHES TO BREAK UP. THE BUMPKIN EXPEDITION. ;f"'vms's 4 WwWebove /‘L \ \ which the eager soldiers of Spain : ade to their com- mander. In the deep bed of a creek, miles away, three smoke blackened persons were moving slowly and cautiously, without speaking, away from the scene of the fire. Need I say that these three were Harry Ostend, Binnie and Ned? m prying eyes ;)y by They were shaded fi the thick foliaged trees and the bushes which fringed the wal In Harry Ostend's hands was a smal compass. With the aid of this the party traveled, undeviatingly, in the direction of the coast. Where the creek b. me a brawling torrent, in its flow toward the ocean, and filled its banks, forcing the travelers to seek safer footing above, the trjo cautiously emerged from the darkness to the full light of day. They were upon a hill, and the land- scape below was wide and clearly in w a fleet of transport view. They s ships lying off shore, the decks of which were crowded with soldiers. Scores of small boats, laden to the edge with armed men, were coming ashore from the transports. The hillsides in all directions teemed with soldiers, and Harry Ostend clearly saw that the gen- eral “advance of the American army upon the fortifications surrounding Santiago de Cuba would soon be made. The sight put elasticity into the steps \ B , ' an IN THE FOREST. of the three friends and they hurried forward until they were halted by American soldiers. Uniformed like the Spanish, Harry Ostend, Binnie and Julia were regarded with suspicion by the soldiers. They were marched a short distance and were again halted, while a soldier pushed his way through a thicket and searched for an officer in high rank. Upon the scene now appeared two sunbrowned men of commanding mien. Harry Ostend knew them both at once. ‘“‘Colonel Wood,” he said, “I have the honor to report that we have come through the Spanish lines in these dis- guises; that we have information of value to furnish; that we are all good American citizens.” The officer who had been addressed as Colonel Wood turned to his comrade in arms and said: “Rcosevelt, let me introduce to you the brave Harry Os- tend.” Harry Ostend was glad to be recog- nized, as he would now have no diffi- culty in carrying out a plan which was dear to his heart. The reader undoubt- edly knows that Colonel Wood and Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, the two officers who stood before our friends, led the famous Rough Riders before Santlago. When Binnie heard their names and knew who they were his eyes sparkled. “I have heard of you before, Binnie, and through a good friend of yours, an- other brave California boy, your friend Ned. He is, I may tell you, at work for Admiral Sampson, and you are already known by reputation. May I have the honor, gentlemen,” interposed Colonel ‘Wood, “to attach you to my command.” “I am yours to command,” said Har- ry Ostend, who had hoped to be permit- ted to serve with the Rough Riders. Binnfe was overwhelmed at the good fortune that had befallen him. Julia alone held back. “And what says your boy friend, Binnie?” asked Colonel Wood. “He, that is she,” said Binnie, trying hard not to laugh, “is a girl.””" “A girl!” ejaculated both of the offi- cers in surprise. Harry Ostend briefly told Julia’s his- tory to the officers. + They were filled with admiration for her fidelity and her courage as they listenc . to the story. ‘‘Colonel,” pleaded Julia, “let me, too, serve with the Rough Riders.” “Sorry, but that cannot be done,” re- sponded Colonel Wood “Nothing to authorize it in the army regulations,” added Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt. “Couldn’t you make a regulation to fit my case?” asked the girl, archly but eagerly. “I can shoot and I have been under fire. Ask Mr. Ostend.” “No, it cannot be done.” This was the verdict reached. “Very well,” said Julia, her face hav- ing a very determined look as she spoke, “when the fighting begins you will find me there.” “Then you will be a mutineer.” “You forget, Colonel Wood, that I am a member of the army of Cuba Libre.” As she spoke a bugle upon a distant hill was blown. The cry was an- swered upon a nearer hill. Other bugles took up the strain. “That is the signal for the advance of the American army, my brave girl, and it is now too late to send you to the rear. You shall go on as one of my staff, if you will, if you think you are strong enough to face privation and death.” Julia, with a quick motion, and be- fore she could be prevented, took the rough right hand of Colonel Wood in her hands and kissed it. “I will not disgrace you nor yet the service,” she said, passionately. And now it was onward all along the line. Onward to perils which the bravest man might shrink from. On- ward, onward, to victory or to death! D. (To be Continued.) ——— LITTLE QUIPS The boy was crying bitterly. “What's wrong, my son?’ the kind- hearted man acked. “I d—didn’t m-mow the lawn when pa told me to.” n “"Ah‘ and he punished you then, did e? “N—no, not just then. would—wouldn’t have no around the plac—place.” “And are you weeping called you an insurgent?” “N—No. I told him they w-—would always b—be insurgents when they w— was Sp—Spaniards around tryin’ to rule them. That's when it ha-happened.” He said he insurgents because he “Now, Percy, if you're a really good boy I'll take you to the circus.” T]tnrere was a long pause, and then: < ¥es, Percy?” 'pose I'm the best boy I've ever been, will you leave me there?’—Life. "ROY'S TELEPHONE MESSAGE BY MAGGIE R. KOTTINGER, SAN JOSE. 'Twas a beautiful pink-lined conch shell That lay on the shining sand, But Roy—dear, brown-eyed Royal— Soon held it in his hand. He ran with it to grandma, And, in his roguish glee, Displayed his brilliant treasure, And said: “See, grandma, see! “I guess.it is a telerphone Of the fishes in the sea. Just hold to your ear, once, gran'ma, It hums just like a bee! G . ‘Fue“ that’s why the fishes hat swim down in the deep, Among the shells and seamoss, Can all so silent keep. “Don’t you fink, dear gran'ma, ! That in every pretty shell The fishes take a long 'nough peep To say all they have to teli? “I'll talk in this, dear gran'ma, Then throw it in the sea, And the wave will take to papa A telerphone from me!”" Then into the shell's depths rosy This childish message fell: “My own dear soldler papa, 3 Gran'ma and I are woll. “When you kissed me good-by, papa, You said to me, ‘Now Roy, You must take good care of gran'ma Till T come back, my boy.’ “I'm taking care of gran'ma; I play I'm a soldier, too. Gran'ma says when I'm big I'll be a brave man like you. “But when you come home, papa, Oh! won’t we have some joy: You with your sword and buttons And gran’'ma and your Roy!" #» JACK NORTON’S RIDE. BY ALMA S. BEMENDERFER, ANGELS CAMP. ACK NORTON lived with his father and mother in a fruit or- chard near Newcastle. It was sit- uated on ong of the high hills. The red, newly 'plowed ground was a pretty setting for the peach trees, which, seen from a distance, made one think of a checkerboard so. evenly were they planted. In lieu of spending money Jack was given peaches to sell on his own account, which he did by going along outside of the through trains which stopped before going over the Sierra Nevada Mountains into the desert beyond. Although there were many engaged in that business, Jack, at nearly the close of the season had $6, and every time he counted that money in _his pocket he wanted to get more. Jack at once consulted his friend, Tom Mar- tin, taking the money out and arrang- ing it even in piles on some fruit boxes near the depot. “Look at that. All saved since the season began, and I haven't spent one cent of it. No, sir. I intend to save ““Oh, Jack!” shouted one boy, stands ing way up near the engine. Jack hurried up. ‘““What do you say to get- ting on board and selling in the cars. There is plenty of time before the train starts.” So they got on, and were soon going from car to car, selling faster thap they could make change. - Jack was s¢ busy and excited that he did not hear the whistle. The train started before he noticed. Then he ran through the aisle, out onto tife platform and was about to jump from the swiftly mov- ing train, when he was caught by the conductor, who was standing there. “No, no,” young man. “That is not allowed here,” and taking firm hold of Jack’s collar he led him into the car. “Now take a seat and make yoursel{ comfortable. It is useless for you te try to jump off and it is dangerous. ‘When the next stop is made at a sta- tion I will see you off. Now, about your ticket; who will pay for that?” “Do I need one?” groaned Jack. “Yes,” said the conductor. In summertime we ist can play— My dog an’ me—a’most all day Out doors an’ roll roun’ in the grass An’ snap! when hoppergrassers pass | }'1ent by our nose an’ jumps away. 3 An’ when my mommer says we may, Toward night, when things get pink and gray, An’ lonesome, we creep in an’ sit An’ eat fruit on the stoop, an’ it Is ist as good! An’ we so gay In summertime. a pony or put it in the bank.” “I am glad you have saved so much,” said Tom, slowly. ‘“You have far more than any boy we know, and some of the boys and girls of our school told me to ask if you would not give some money to help buy an album for the teacher.” “Well,” said Jack, angrily; “so that's what @sfellow gets for telling he has money. Want some, do you? No, not now,” jumping up and putting the money carefully away. Jack ran quick- ly around the corner of the depot and was just in time to see ome of the trains coming swiftly in. Getting his peaches, Jack was soon going along the side of the train. The windows were open and many a 5-cent piece dropped into his hat in exchange for a small basket. J But some sings pitty, nen I say, “Stop hoppergrassers if you dass!’ But no, dey nezzer, nezzer stay In summertime! “How much will it cost to the next station?” “Three dollars.” Jack took half his money and paid for a ticket. But that was not all. Some of the passengers, hearing about his awkward plight, came into the car to laugh and offer suggestions as to how to return home. Finally the station was reached, where Jack waited four hours to take the train for Newcastle. He reached that town with only 30 cents in his pocket. Half a dozen boys, sitting on fruit boxes, were there to laugh and welcome him. 5 “Well, Norton,” said Tom Martin, as he met him later on the way home, “I am sorry it happened; but haven’t you even 10 cents left for that album?” Jack handed him his 30 cents. GRANDMOTHER’S BIRTHDAY. BY ALICE TEBBETTS. as In the year of 1848 when a Tbv;:t laden with passengers sailed into San Francisco harbor. Among the passengers was a little girl 12 years old. This little girl came from Her name was Muriel Halifax. on. A gg“xo make the story short, Muriel Fletcher, as her nag@e was changed by e, became my grapdma. {iflavrxlsgher old age she told us of her childhood, ndma was a little girl she never had any amusement to amount to anything. Grandma was sitting cozily on a rustic seat in the garden when she said, “I will be 62 years old two weeks from this Friday coming and I never had a birthday party in my life.” , Jessle and myself sald that onsohxa}!')lnhday she should have a party. The girls had planned that grandma should not know a thing about the affair until the day should °°$§h. we waited and waited, and the day came at last with a bright, sun- shiny morning. None of us girls told grandma about the party, as we wished to surprise her. May and I led grandma into the par- lor, where the guests were awaiting grandma's coming. “‘Oh! oh! what does all this mean?"* said grandma. “Your birthday, your birthday,” said May. ‘“What, a birthday party for me? Oh, you dear girls. How kind to think of such an old woman as I. Some day I may be able to repay you for your kindness, I hope.” Then we introduced grandma to the guests. After a repast we all went into the garden and had a nice tim. playing games. Grandma enjoyed herself very much and said that was one of the hap- piest days of her life. The next year grandmea was dead, and we all felt sad when the birthday anniversary came £-1 she wa$ not with us. THE ALLEY BRIGADE. By J. G. LYLE the back yard fence now see g;:’ra ged brigade of *‘de alley.” §oet bave guns, They're wooden ones, And some have swords sawed out of boards. But never mind; Youwll seldom find Heroes ke those in “de alley.” Their band consists of old oil cans, Some broken horns, Some rusty pans! And when this band begins to play ‘Twould scare the boldest “‘don’ away. But never mind; You'll seldom find Heroes like those in “‘de alley.” When they go marching along the street, Keeping Step to the music so sweet, Scaring everything that they meet, ’ Suddenly the “cop” appears! But never mind; Cops ne'er will find Heroes like those in “de alley.”