The leader of the troop, a young man whom they learned later was Colonel Julio Lazard, galloped3 up to them with a flourish. The Americans all saluted4 as he pulled up his horse, a fine, black steed, furnished with a high-peaked, chased-leather saddle and bridle5, silver ornamented6.
“Americans!” he exclaimed in fair English. “Gentlemen, this is a happy encounter.”
“It is for us!” exclaimed Herc, in a loud aside to Ned.
“We mistook you for a scouting8 party of the enemy, and were about to fire on you,” continued Colonel Lazard cheerfully.
“Phew! this impulsive9 Latin temperament10 again,” grinned Stanley, behind his hand, to the two boys.
In the meantime Midshipman Stark11 had been responding to the other’s salutations. These formalities concluded, Colonel Lazard informed them that he was at the head of the troops which had been repulsed12 some days previously13 by the insurgents14. He and his staff officers had succeeded in rallying their men after a precipitate16 flight into the mountains, and were now advancing to take part in a daring dash to the relief of Boca del Sierras.
“The infantry17 and artillery18 have gone on ahead,” explained the colonel, “and my cavalry19 are bringing up the rear in order to guard against any flank attack by the enemy.”
“You think there is danger of Boca del Sierras[278] falling?” inquired Midshipman Stark, after Colonel Lazard had explained this much to the adventurers.
“I fear that such a catastrophe20 is in grave danger of occurring,” was the rejoinder. “But with my brave troops——,” he continued grandiloquently21.
“Just as if they hadn’t all taken to the tall timbers the last time they smelled powder,” whispered the incorrigible22 Herc.
“But with my brave troops,” went on the officer, who, of course, had not heard the remark, “we will save them if it is humanly possible to do so.”
“You do not think, then, that the insurgent15 army of the north has united with the other body of troops?” questioned Mr. Stark.
“No,” responded the officer, “and it will be our duty to see that they do not do so. Our scouts23 inform us, however, that the advance on the city is to be made before noon to-day, so that we have no time to lose. I must marshal my forces at the Hill of the Ten Saints.”
The Dreadnought Boys recalled, as he mentioned the name, the location he referred to. It was a small hill outside the city to the north, the value of which, as a strategic position, was at once apparent. Nestling close in under the mighty24 ramparts of the Sierras themselves, it commanded the northern approach to the city perfectly25.
“The battle, if there is one, will resolve itself into a struggle for the possession of that hill,” explained the colonel. “The troops that arrive there first will win the day”—and his brow clouded—“unless the insurgent navy arrives and bombards the city from the sea.”
“Do not worry about that, sir,” Stark assured him. “The navy will not be there.”
“Indeed, you are in possession——”
“Of positive information.”
“Its source, senor?”
“That I cannot divulge26. But I can assure you that the navy will not be there.”
The colonel looked at him curiously27.
“You will pardon my seeming curiosity, sir,[280] but who or what are you and your companions?”
It will be recollected28 that the Americans were in plain clothes. Dust-covered and travel-stained as they were, they might have indeed excited curiosity in anybody who had espied29 them traveling among the war-ridden hills.
For a second the midshipman hesitated, and then compromised by saying:
“You will not misunderstand our motives30, sir, when I assure you that it is from no evil intent that I cannot tell you everything about us. Suffice it to say that we are Americans traveling in the country on business—I think I may add, important business. It is essential that we should be in Boca del Sierras to-day, and for that reason we are traversing this road.”
“I appreciate what you say, senor,” rejoined the colonel. “I respect and admire all Americans. They are the government’s friends. If you wish you may travel with us. We are on the eve of a great battle. By accepting our escort you will have a chance to see what the troops of the republic can accomplish.”
The offer was naturally accepted with thanks by the midshipman on behalf of the party, and a few minutes later the cavalcade31 moved forward. They shortly diverged32 from the main road and struck off upon a narrow trail. So narrow was it that the troopers were compelled to ride in single file in some parts of it. A thick growth of brush screened it perfectly from the view of any one below them—between the mountains and the sea, that is—so that, strategically considered, the colonel had chosen a splendid route for moving his troops.
It was shortly before noon, and the sun blazed hotly down, when they reached a spot where the trail converged33 into the main road. A few rods beyond the ground sloped upward toward the summit of the Hill of the Ten Saints.
“Forward!” shouted the colonel, as he saw that the coveted34 elevation35 was untenanted. “We are the first to arrive.”
But even as he spoke36 the bushes surrounding the junction37 of the road and the trail became alive with men, and a raking fire was poured into[282] the cavalry. The insurgents had prepared an ambush38, into which Colonel Lazard’s cavalry had walked like so many flies into the spider’s web.
For an instant all was confusion. Near to Ned a horse fell to the ground, kicking and struggling in its death agony. Bullets whistled by him, and all about arose the clashing and cries of conflict. The troopers wavered and seemed to be about to seek safety in flight.
“Your carbines!” shrieked39 the cavalry officers.
They spurred their horses hither and thither40, in the crush of panic-stricken horses and men, striking their followers41 with the flats of their swords and fairly driving them into the conflict. After a few moments of this frenzied42 work, the horsemen rallied a little and poured back an answering fire from their carbines. Their cordite-driven bullets did sharp execution in the insurgent ranks, and the ambuscade, having done its work, began to give way, falling back on the main lines of the insurgent troops.
Then came a breathing spell, but the Americans[283] knew as well as the government officers that it was the lull43 before the storm. General de Guzman was far too tricky44 a campaigner to have massed all his strength on that one blow.
“Where are your infantry and artillery?” asked the middy, who, with the others, had remained at the colonel’s side in the skirmish.
“I do not know,” began the colonel, distractedly looking about him. “If they do not arrive soon, we are lost. We dare not move forward without their fire to cover our advance.”
As he spoke there came from below a bugle45 call, which the Americans recognized as the “advance.” In many South American armies the bugle calls are the same as ours, and the Republic of Costaveza was no exception.
“They have disobeyed my orders!” exclaimed Colonel Lazard furiously. “They have taken the lower road.”
To understand what is to follow, it is necessary to comprehend that, at this stage of the engagement, the government cavalry were massed at the junction of the mountain trail and the[284] main road. To the north, on the main road, were the insurgents, with their machine guns. On a lower road still was the government infantry and artillery. It afterward46 transpired47 that they had been compelled to take that route to avoid falling into the rear guard of the insurgents. Straight ahead on the main road lay the Hill of the Ten Saints, but it was commanded from the main road by the guns of the insurgents.
Situated48 as were Colonel Lazard’s infantry and artillery,—without which latter he could not hope to hold the hill, even if he gained it,—they could not be communicated with in regard to the situation. It became necessary, then, to send a scout7 across to them to inform them of conditions, so that a concentrated advance might be begun.
The colonel issued a call for volunteers, but of all that body of men not one would risk crossing the main road. Commanded as it was by the insurgent artillery, it did, indeed, seem to be a fatal mission. The Americans began to chafe49 and[285] fidget. If Colonel Lazard did not soon make a decisive move, the insurgents would begin the advance, in which case the key to the situation would be theirs. With the rebels in control of the city and the approaches, every one of the party from the Beale realized that their chance of rejoining their ship would be remote in the extreme. A drum-head court-martial would be the best they could expect, if their part in the sinking of the Bolivar and the Manueal Calvo were ever known.
A short distance beyond their present situation Ned’s sharp eyes had already noted50 a dip in the road. It was but a slight depression, to be sure, but into the boy’s mind had suddenly come the idea that it could be utilized51. Brush grew close up to it on both sides, so that it would be possible to approach it without being observed from the north. The dip, or so Ned believed, was deep enough to hide the form of any one crawling across. Riding to the side of the midshipman, he confided52 his bold plan to him. It was nothing more nor less than to dismount and attempt[286] to cross the gun-commanded road by the dip. At first Stark shook his head.
“I cannot permit it, Strong. It is far too risky53. I am your officer, and would be responsible for you if anything happened.”
“But I don’t believe anything will happen, sir,” exclaimed Ned. “If I did I would not risk it.”
“Hum,” pondered the middy, “it’s certain that something has to be done. None of these cowards here will make a move, and if the artillery isn’t on that hill within the next few moments it’s ‘good-by,’ republic.”
“Then I can try it, sir?” asked Ned joyously54.
“It is against my judgment55, but—well, yes, but for Heaven’s sake be careful.”
“You can depend upon that, sir,” rejoined Ned.
He slipped from his horse and crept off into the undergrowth before any of Lazard’s cowardly command realized what he was about. Throwing himself flat on his stomach, the boy wormed his way forward through the brush till he reached a point which, he concluded, must be about opposite the dip in the road.
Cautiously he raised his head and saw, to his joy, that only a few yards now separated him from his coveted depression. His heart began to beat thick and fast. Ned knew well that the road which he must cross was commanded from above by the insurgent guns. If the dip were not as deep as he calculated—if it would not keep him hidden—he would be shot down like a dog.
“Now for it,” he whispered to himself, lying flat once more and wriggling56 forward, as before.
Suddenly he stopped dead and listened intently. He had heard a sound in the brush behind him.
As he listened the sound came again, sharp and crackling. Somebody was evidently approaching him and using the utmost caution in doing so. After the first sharp crackling of the broken stems, he heard no more.
Ned reached back and drew his revolver. Then, crouching57 on his knees behind a close-growing bush, he waited the coming of his trailer.
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1
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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3
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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7
scout
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| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
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8
scouting
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| 守候活动，童子军的活动 | |
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9
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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stark
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| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
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12
repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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insurgents
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| n.起义，暴动，造反( insurgent的名词复数 ) | |
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insurgent
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| adj.叛乱的，起事的；n.叛乱分子 | |
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16
precipitate
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| adj.突如其来的；vt.使突然发生；n.沉淀物 | |
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17
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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18
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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grandiloquently
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incorrigible
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| adj.难以纠正的，屡教不改的 | |
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23
scouts
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| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
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24
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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divulge
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| v.泄漏(秘密等)；宣布，公布 | |
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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28
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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29
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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30
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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31
cavalcade
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| n.车队等的行列 | |
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32
diverged
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| 分开( diverge的过去式和过去分词 )； 偏离； 分歧； 分道扬镳 | |
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33
converged
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| v.（线条、运动的物体等）会于一点( converge的过去式 )；（趋于）相似或相同；人或车辆汇集；聚集 | |
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34
coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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35
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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36
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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37
junction
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| n.连接，接合；交叉点，接合处，枢纽站 | |
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38
ambush
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| n.埋伏(地点)；伏兵；v.埋伏；伏击 | |
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39
shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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40
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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41
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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42
frenzied
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| a.激怒的；疯狂的 | |
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43
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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44
tricky
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| adj.狡猾的，奸诈的；(工作等)棘手的，微妙的 | |
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45
bugle
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| n.军号，号角，喇叭；v.吹号，吹号召集 | |
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46
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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47
transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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48
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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49
chafe
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| v.擦伤；冲洗；惹怒 | |
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50
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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51
utilized
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| v.利用，使用( utilize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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53
risky
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| adj.有风险的，冒险的 | |
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54
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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55
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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56
wriggling
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| v.扭动，蠕动，蜿蜒行进( wriggle的现在分词 )；（使身体某一部位）扭动；耍滑不做，逃避（应做的事等）；蠕蠕 | |
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57
crouching
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
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