This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: …to the extreme end of the rampart and whistled softly. What–you do not accept my offer? asked Captain Berdejo in amazement. He thought the General Santa Anna was signaling for his boatmen. As indeed he was. It will not be necessary, seflor Capitan, blandly responded the rebel General. And yet I thank you for the service you intended. Two score of fierce-looking Jorocho cavalrymen ascended the ramparts and ranged themselves behind their General. They were all armed to the teeth, their belts stuck full of pistols, and each brandishing a heavy saber. At a signal from Santa Anna they took possession of a battery and turned the guns so that they commanded every approach to the rampart. What does this mean? queried Captain Berdejo fiercely, his hand upon his sword-hilt. It means that there will be no execution to-day, seflor Capitan, smiled Santa Anna, the gleam of the devil in his beady eyes. And he spat upon the papers of the Viceroy and threw them into the sea. Santa Anna is not quite a fool, nor did he trust entirely to the Viceroy. I came prepared for peace or war. The Viceroy has declared war. So be it. This battery commands the powder magazines of the Fortress. Let the Governor proceed with the execution, seflor, and then
And then gasped Captain Berdejo.
Why then we’ll all go to hell together, sneered Santa Anna. He would have said more but that the bell of the castle pealed long and violently. The Governor of the Fortress appeared suddenly upon the ramparts followed by the officers of his staff. The prisoners–guard the prisoners! shouted Berdejo as he rushed towards the group of men. The prisoners! gasped the Governor, tremulous with r…
