her lights on to the beach, and saw that it was lined with the rebel forces, all under arms. The noise of the firing and the flashing of the lights had attracted the attention of those on shore, and fearing that an attack was contemplated by the enemy, those rebels encamped in front of Janjalla were now on the alert. No one could understand the reason of this sea-fight, as it seemed quite impossible that the torpederas could have arrived from Tlatonac in so short a period. The general in command of the troops of Xuarez did not know what to think, and had to wait till dawn before he could make up his mind what course to pursue.
As the lights of The Iturbide struck the distant town, a long line of walls, surmounted by a crowd, leaped out of the darkness. The search-lights from the forts were flashed on to the ships, and those in Janjalla recognising the Opal flag, cheered vociferously. They saw three boats, each flying the ensign of Tlatonac, and no Pizarro. Then they guessed what had occurred, and were glad accordingly. The rebel soldiers on the beach stamped and swore with rage as they saw their loss, but being without boats could do nothing save parade under arms till dawn, so as to be prepared against a possible attack by the victorious loyalists.
“Bueno!” cried Captain Pedraza, who had his night glass up. “There is one good thing, mis amigos, the Opal flag still flies over the town, so as yet it holds out.”
“What is next to be done, Comandante?” asked Jack, who was standing near with Rafael.
“We must wait till dawn, Señor Americano, and then find out if the reinforcements have arrived at Janjalla. Afterwards we will steam back to Tlatonac, and if possible meet the Cortes and Columbus coming back. In any event, we must go to Tlatonac to report this victory to the Junta.”
“Shall you land these two hundred troops?”
“Caranto! Why not?”
“Because the camp of the enemy lies between the town and ourselves. Two hundred men cannot do much against two thousand.”
“True, Señor. If it is impossible, we will not attempt it. But at dawn, I will signal to General Gigedo to make a sally from the gates down to the shore; our men will land, and effect a conjunction, and so with small loss they ought to get into the town. Especially under cover of our guns, and those of the forts.”
“I don’t see what use that will be, Pedraza,” interrupted Rafael, bluntly.
“Caro, Señor! His Excellency ordered this to be done, so it must be done.”
“Rather a useless task, I think,” said Jack, dryly. “However, I am not sorry, as I wish to get into the town myself. But you, Señor Comandante, what will you do?”
“Wait till these troops are safe with Gigedo, and also ascertain if the reinforcements have arrived. Then I shall sail north.”
“You won’t wait for the warships and transports?”
“Carajo! what use? We shall find those on our way to Tlatonac.”
After this conversation, Rafael and Jack returned on board The Montezuma, the former slightly gloomy in spite of the victory so unexpectedly achieved.
“Caro, Juan!” he said, reflectively; “if we lose this war, it will be through Don Francisco Gomez. He is a good politician, but a bad general. What use is there to sacrifice two hundred men to-morrow?”
“It’s rather like the Charge of the Light Brigade, certainly,” replied Jack, with a smile; “as foolhardy and as brave.”
“What is that, mi amigo?”
Whereupon Jack related the glorious charge to Rafael, and thereby stirred up the excitable Spaniard to fiery enthusiasm.
“Oh, what men are the English,” he cried, stamping his foot. “It is a story worthy of the Cid. But this to-morrow, my friend—it is rare! it is brave! and, like your story, there is no good to be gained.”
“Perhaps Gomez wants to frighten the rebels by showing them how dauntless are his men.”
“Dios! That is not wise. The sinking of The Pizarro will frighten them without risking two hundred lives. However, as it is ordered, it must be done. But you, Don Juan! Will you go?”
“Assuredly, mi amigo. I wish to see the Señor Correspondent and Felipe.”
“But you will be killed.”
“That is as it may be. But no, Rafael. I did not escape the perils of Totatzine to fall in a skirmish before the walls of Janjalla. But see, mi amigo, it is nearly dawn, let us snatch a few hours’ sleep.”
“Bueno!” replied Rafael, leading the way to his cabin; “but first we must call our friends together, and toast our victory once more.”
It was done accordingly.
Chapter XIII.
Without the Walls
Walls of stone like mountains rise,
Grey against the morning skies;
Still the royal banner flies,
Watched with hate by rebels’ eyes.
And around the ramparts grey,
In the mists an army lies.
Set in battle’s wild array,
At the dawning of the day,
Traitors to their sovereign they,
Who would loyal subjects slay.
Hold this city as a slave,
Under democratic sway.
Cannons thunder, banners wave,
As come on the foemen brave,
‘Neath these walls to find a grave;
Yet this city shall we save,
Never let it be the prize
Of the coward, fool, and knave.
Shortly after dawn, Jack went on deck, to have a thorough examination of the coast-line. The situation of Janjalla was peculiar. To the right a shallow river meandered seaward through low-lying, swampy ground, discharging itself sluggishly by several mouths. A desolate plain stretched for leagues on the left to the base of distant mountains, and between swamp and plain the city appeared built on a rocky height. Directly in front of the walls the sandy ground fell rapidly towards the sea, on the extreme verge of which was a compact mass of huts forming a kind of sea-port. The wharf shot out suddenly from this miniature town. It lay along the hollow of the beach, and above it, in the near distance, rose the grey walls of Janjalla from the rocky cliffs. Above these, the domes of churches, the towers of houses, and, highest of all, the expanse of bluish sky grey with the chill mists of morning.
In the beach hollow, the army of Xuarez was encamped, partly in the houses, partly in the tents
