Part 10 (2/2)
”Two!”
”Yes, general,” said Young Glory. ”One of them is the man who lives in the hut.”
”How did it all happen?”
As Young Glory told the story of the marvelous escape of Dan Daly from the firing party, with the subsequent details of the pursuit and eventful safety, the men gathered round and listened with bated breath.
”Senor, it is marvelous!” exclaimed the general, when the recital was ended. ”I had heard something of the extraordinary escape of the American prisoner before. Now tell me of your future plans.”
”That is for your ear alone.”
”Stand back, senores,” said the general, waving his hand, ”except Colonel Mendez, my chief.”
”That is the same as yourself, general,” replied Young Glory, bowing to the officer who had been named.
When Young Glory had told them what his plan was, they were lost in amazement.
”And you mean to do it?”
”Certainly. That's what I'm here for.”
”Do you want any of my men?”
”If you can send some of them on the road with me to point out the way I shall be glad, but they must not go near Valmosa. If they were seen with me that would spoil all.”
”Success to you, Young Glory,” said the general, pressing his hand as he was riding off.
”Oh! then you believe I'm Young Glory now?”
”Caramba! my friend, your deeds show that. There's not another man would do such things. Adios.”
Once more Young Glory was in the saddle with two of the patriots riding alongside him. Under their guidance he made rapid progress.
”We must leave you now, senor,” said one of the men.
”Thank you for coming.”
”Yonder, where you see the lights is Valmosa. Goodness only knows how you will reach it.”
”Leave that to me.”
Once more Young Glory was alone, riding rapidly to the scene of his desperate undertaking.
”Halt!”
It was a challenge by the sentry. Young Glory had, of course, expected this, and he was ready.
”Dispatches from Monterey!” he cried, instantly, thinking by so doing that the sentry would not demand the watch-word for the night.
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