"STAR" TALES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10417, 22 March 1912, Page 4

"STAR" TALES.

THE MEXICAN GUNRUNNERS.

(By ANGUS LYNNE.) [All Rights Reserved.]

CHAPTER 1. The little walled town of Guadala la perched on the foothills of the great Sierra Dorangas, Mexico. The river of the same name tumbles through the town on its way to join the Grande del Norte, and tho United States frontier lies due north about twenty milea awnv across the same river. A roug htmil through the Canon del Ignace joins tho town with the ferry and the Custom House at Matatua. To the west lies the country of the iMayalco Indians, and the impenetrable barrier of mountains and precipitous Canons defies the assaults of the poorlypaid troops of Mexico. Now, everybody knows that the -Mexicans have been fighting the Mayalco Indians for many years and have never beaten them yet. True, they have pushed them back among their mountains, but now the war has degenerated into taids made by the Indians on unprotected settlements, and punitive expeditions arranged and carried out in a half-hearted manner by the Mexican Government. One lovely evening in May, three SBars before I left the United States ecret Service, I rode into Guadala on ft jaded mule. The last stage of my J'ourney over the barren plains of San acinto had been particularly trying, and I was glad'to ,seek a cool room at the little inn and throw off my hot, dusty clothes. I was on a mission very distasteful to Jne, and. one which left my feelings very uncertain. While nominally a mining expert and agent for an American syndicate, I was really sent to inquire into a case of filisbutering, and, if possible, to bring the offenders to justice. A complaint had been made at Washington by the Mexican Ambassador that rifles and ammunition had been supplied to the Indians across the United. States frontier, and our Government had decided to act. The details given were very meagre. Borne new rifles had been captured from a band of marauding Indians, and one of these bad been forwarded to our department. I had seen the weapon—a Remchester " '96 model—and had obtained from the makes a list of the tames and addresses of customers who Aad purchased this particular weapon—in lota of more than fifty—during the last two years. In Mexico City I had received every attention, and letters to help out my incognito, and I had picked upon Guaflala rs my headquarters during my campaign against the gun-runners. The first night in the little town I shall never forget. Although the days were very hot, the nights, at that altitude, were bitterly cold. I rolled myf . ln ,^ e blanket on the sheetwLj r n<i ' wlth eTGr y every article of clothing I possessed .pver me, lay and shivered until dawn: i My host was very much concerned. It was unfortunate, he said, that the padrone had been so uncomfortable. Blankets were scarce in Guadala. Perhaps this very fine rug (holding up an unspeakably dirty goat-skin) would keep the .padrone warmer? NoP Then he was desolated, but he had nothing 'else to offer the padrone! After breakfast I wandered down tho twrating street to tho one general store or the town. The proprietor, a large, fat man with a distinctly Jewish cast ot face, welcomed- me at the door. What would the senor wish P Blankets I Ah! wretched man that he was. if it had teen anything else; biscuits, potted meats or fruits, tea, coffee, cigars, even soap, if the senor had even wished soap, the beat American soap, he could have l a .ridiculous price considering the difficulties of transport; but blan- ' ketsl Heaven be his witness that he had none in his shop! Those miserable Indians, despicable wretches, had robbed his mule trains twice, # yes! twice lad the unspeakable ones robbed him of blankets, the best American blankets, us the mule train came through the pass. He had dispatched a duplicate 1 .order for the second time, and if only the soldiers, for which he was so heavily taxed, did their duty, the senor could Boon have the best American blankets at a price so absurdly low, etc., eto. I let him ramble on while I examined his stock, and eventually bought a heavy dressing-gown which, had' somehow got stranded in this out-of-the-way spot, This I ordered to be sent to the inn, then continued my way to the barracks of the three companies of soldiers which garrisoned the little town. My letter of introduction va-s to Captain Zarro, the senior officer, and into lis office I was shown bv an orderly. The captain, a fine-looking dark man," nodded at my entrance, and took ray letter without a word. He read it through, then, dismissing the orderly with a gesture, he turned to me with, a smile, and in the best American said, "I am very pleased to meet you, Mr Brandt. I have had word of your coming, and you may count on my assistance in every way. What will you have'< Vermouth 1 A cocktail?" "Blanketsl" I answered. He looked puzzled, then burst into a laugh which showed all his fine teeth. Ah," he said, "I see old Gonzales [has been getting at you. He's a perfect nuisance with his blankets, or rather without them. How did you start him off? But here's breakfast coming. You must join me. I insist. Now, an aperatif—Vermouth? Good!" Over my second breakfast with the genial captain I told him my woes, and ne at once ordered two fine army blankets, sent from the Government stores to my inn. Then we discussed more important affairs, and it was arranged that I should aooompany him to Matatua the next day on his usual round of inspection. He had been at sohool end college in the United States, and proved himself to be a charming host and an agreeable companion. On .my way back to the inn I called again at the general store to get some cigars. A remarkably handsome girl waited on me, and T soon discovered her to be Miss Gonzales, the daughter of my fat friend. " Will you tell the proprietor," I said as I paid for the cigars, " not to trouble about those blankets I ordered. I have obtained others, and anyhow I don't think I would like those cheap Canadian blankets your father keeps." " Pardon, senor," said the girl, reddening, "my father only keeps the best American goods, lou are mistaken.' ' " Hardly, I think," I answered. " But I am willing to risk tho pric© of -that pretty scarf over there that you are wrong in this case." Her eyes flashed. "Tho senor will lose, for—see." She ran lightly across to the back of the shop, picked up a paper and returned waving it triumphantly. "Here is the letter from cho makers of the blankets acknowledging the duplicate order. "Ah ! but y u must not read—only the heading." She folded back , the sheet. " See—Athabasca Woollen Mills. Limited. Athabasca, Louisiana. Ah, the senor was Wrong." I sighed heavily, then took down the ecarf, and threw it across her thoulders. "Madona, I am sorry, but I could have sworn from those at the inn—but there 1 How much ? Three dollars? Adois, Madona! adois." Later, at the inn, I sat on my "bed with a long type-written letter in my band. The hour of siesta lay on the little town. Not a dog stirred. " Athabasca," I murmured to myself •leepily, as I ran a finger down the page.

CHAPTER 11. "This is the place," said the captain, as we rode together at the head ©f the little troop. " The Indians—according to the muleteers —were hidden fin that wood, and oame out like a flash after firing a volley. The muleteers flpd at one man, and only returned when accompanied by a few of our men !(rtwWr'K»3s iuet t Several of the mules

were found grazing around, here, but their packs Had gone and so had the Indians."

'' Don't you send troops with the mule trains?" I asked.

" Only wliMt the Government sends stores and ammunition over; then the merchants, or most of them, take advantage of the escort and send their goods. Those that send at other times do so at their own risk."

"\V e were riding through the rocky pass of the Canon del Ignace. On each side towered the stupendous walls of rock, broken by deep wooded ravines. The trail wound its way beside a driedup watercourse, and turned and twisted amid huge boulders and water-worn rocks of past ages. Two hours ago we had left Guadala, and were now roughly half-way to the great river and tho crossing at Matatua. A guard of twenty-five troopers jingled at our heels, and Captain Zarro and I rode on ahead.

Presently the captain looked back, then pressed his horse closer to mine. "I would advise you to say nothing of your real--business to the Customs' inspector,'' he said in a low voice. ''To him you are a mining expert and agent. Make an excuse for sending- a telegram or anything to account for your visit." "Thanks," said I. "Could I find accommodation at Matatua for a day or two?"

"Very rough." he replied. "But perhaps you wouldn't niind that. I'll leavo an escort of six men to bring you back." We rode into Matatua about noon, and dismounted gladly in the shade of the Customs House, the principal building of the little town. The Customs' inspector received us literally with open arms. Would we honour his humble house? Would we cat or drink?

The captain answered him curtly, and left me in his charge while he saw his men unsaddle and water their horses in the small square of the town. At lunch I had an opportunity of studying my new host, the Customs' inspector. , He was a small, slight man of about forty-five years of age. Constant prying into packages had given him a ferrety look, and his eyes were never steady. The conversation turned on the latest Indian raids, and the robbery from the mule trains seemed to the inspector the greatest of impertinences

"Old Gonzales has been so fortunate in the past," he said, " that he took big risks. I warned him, but he would have his goods." " Yes," growled the captain as he lit a cigarette. "It used to look as if he had friends among the Indians." " But these last raids have disproved that theory," broke in the inspector. " He must have dropped some money over them."

"There is no insurance then?" I asked.

" Only our good friend Captain Zarro and his brave men,' answered the inspector, with an oily smile.

" I am not sent here to guard mule trains, Senor Inspector," said the captain stiffly, rising as he spoke. "There, 'twas but a jest, Senor Captain, and no offence meant. What a quick temper our good friend' has," the inspector went on, turning to me as the captain marched out. "But"a fine man, a grand man. Is it not so, senor?"

I turned towards him and looked into his eyes.

" That_ may be your opinion, but it is not mine," I said coldly. "There, there!" whined the man. " 'Twas but to see ho# the wind blew. How could I, how could anyone care for _ such a man, an overbearing despotic creature, a soulless dog, a proud, stupid aristocrat? But I see we think alike in this, perhaps in other things. We shall be friends, comrades. You must stay here with me a week, a month, ais long as you like. We shall hunt together; we shall see the Indian girls dance. Holal Jose! Another bottle of wine for the American senor." It was necessary, but it went terribly against the grain to pretend friendship with such a creature.

At 6 p.m. I stood by the captain's horse as he was about to leave Guadala.

"I have left six men for you," he said, as_ we shook hands. " They are at the inn, and are good steady men. Manuel, the corpora'f,\ has orders to obey you as he would me. Don't attempt the trail after sunset. Goodbye, Mr Brandt."

I have taken the liberty of running you the inspector, Captain, I said. "But you understand whv. don't you ?" •

My dear fellow," he answered, laughing. "Poseda has told me to beware of the ' treacherous Yankee,' as he calls you. He snid he didn't think you were a mining man. but a spy, and asked me whether it wouldn't b-s better to have you arrested and shot. Oh! he's a lively one, you'll have to keep your eyes peeled, and watoh him for all you're worth. Goodbye!" and he rode'away, still laughing.

I turned back to the Cusoms House feeling " up ag s ainst it." Three men joined us after dinner that -evening, two Mexicans and a young American from across the ferry. I gathered he was in charge of ,the warehouse and telegraph station on the American side. The Mexicans were brothers and owners of the local store. AYe naturally drifted into a game of five-handed poker, which lasted until, midnight, when I quit, having had enough. I wa.s sorry to see that Walton, the young clerk, lost a good deal, and that Poseda, the inspector, came out away ahead. I finished about even, and the Mexicans were about the same.

I walked down to the ferry with Walton and saw him into his boat. He was only a boy, and showed his ill luck in every word and gesture, but I liked him, for he had played and lost as a man should.

" Walton," I said, as we parted, "do you want to do something to help your Government ?"

The hoy looked startled, and came

close to me. "What is it, Cap?" he sa id. " Let me know when the next consignment of goods for Gonzales comes along."

" Who are you, Cap ?" he asked. "Secret Service," said I. "Not a. word, and you can gamble with my monev next time you come to Poseda's." » The smart boy winked, then he got out his oars and settled into his seat.

" Bet yer sweet life,'' he said, ana as he pulled away into the darkness. I heard a sweet tenor singing " The Banks of the Wabash."

CHAPTER 111. Two days passed quickly. Poseda had very little to do, and spent most of his time with me. We rode and hunted in the mornings, generally returning by eleven or twelve, slept until four, and played cards in the evenings. A lot of Government stores arrived the second afternoon, and Poseda was busy inspecting the seals, and, with his men, getting the packages ready for the next mule train. Poseda, with great and impressiva secrecy, had arranged an Indian dance for the second night, and had asked me as a favour-not to mention it to anyone.

Accordingly, T dismissed the faithful Manuel, who usually accompanied mo everywhere, at eight o'clock, and set out with Poseda and the two storekeepers for the ranch at which the dance was to take place. As usual, r.lthoiigli the distance was but a mile, we rode, and Poseda and his friends chatted volubly all the way.

The dance was, as all native dances are to my mind, very feeble and uninteresting. Six Indian women of ages from twenty-eight to forty, and dressed in trumpery finery, ambled in a hopeless melancholy fashion about the court-yard where we were sitting, to the music of two tuneless guitars and a small drum. Drinks were produced at intervals, and the dreary farce was kept up until eleven, whon I said I had had enough. Poseda said ho was staying all night at the ranch, but I set out with the two store-keepers—who had had all they wanted to drink—about half-past eleven.

We had gone some distance when the Mexicans began showing off their horsemanship, and soon got into an argument as to whether they could pick up a hat from the ground at a gallop without dismounting. This they did to their own satisfaction, but nothing would then satisfy them but to try on my larger horse, and to save unpleasantness I allowed one of them to try. After warning the man not to spur my animal, wJiioh was a splendid white charger of Captain Zarro a, I mounted the little mustang, and prepared to see the sport. The warning was not obeyed, for as soon as he was in the saddle the idiot drove home the spurs, there was a furious clatter of hoofs, and horse and man disappeared down the road in a cloud of dust. Laughing heartily, we prepared to follow, when a furious fusillade of shots came to our ears from the direction of the runaways. - Mv first thought was of the Indians, but I think we both remembered the man in front, for without a wor 1 wo drew our revolvers, and galloped as hard as we could towards the spot. The white horse was standing in the road, and at his feet, the reins still clutched in his left hand, was the store-keeper—-dead.

There was a great excitement in Matatua that night. My six men and a pns9 of townsmen were out all night scouring the country, but no trace of Indians did they discover.

Posedo turned up next morning, redoyecl and white-faced. He had been searching, too, he said, and he would give 000 dollars to discover his friend's murderer.

_ About rioon Walton came across the river to hear the news, and incidentally to let me knew that a bisc consignment of go«d« for Gonzales hud arrived find would be over early the next day. In the afternoon we visited the scene of the murder together returning at eix. "I have arranged a hunt for you to-morrow," said Poseda that night. "I cannot go, as I must inspect some goods that are due, but Manuel, your corporal, knows the way. p.nd your men can accompany you, if you feel nervous," an:! he grinned.

I thanked him, but in the next morning I had a convenient headache and didn't go, but loafed about- the shed, to Poseda's visible annovance. " Those are Gonzales' goods, aren't they?" I asked him. "I wonder if he has any blankets among them." He glanced quickly at me. He would have liked to have lied, but I had seen the? labels.

"Senor," he answerel, "I must beg of yon to leave, me. Already have I lost count of the packages examined, and it means more work for me. You do not mind " "Certainly not," I said, cordially. " As I can be of no use I will wait for you in the office. _ At lunch he was doubly gracious. He begged me not to notice his abruptness in business hours. Certainly the things were Gonzales'. They wero going to Guadala that afternoon by special mule train. The muleteers and mules had just arrived. Had T not better let my men escort them, I asked him. The Indians wore getting so impertinent and poor Gonzales would be ruined if he lost another lot of goods. Ho laughed heartily. Did I not know that all tho hostile Indians were employed against the Government troops sixty miles away? The muleteers had found the pass deserted. It was a month since an Indian had been seen. So we fenced, laughing and talking. Then I forced his hand. ~T should go toGuadala to-day, I said, with my sixmen, nnd we migfit as well go with Gonzales' mule train for company at least.

Ho laughed no more. " I shall be very sorry to lose my charming g;nest." ho 'said. but—'What must bo, must be.' " Would T excuse him, as he would be busy a little lender. At three o'clock the little cnvaleado started from the square. Thirty littlo mules in pairs, each pair with its driver, led the way; the head muleteer came next riding a fine grey nude, and I was to follow with my six men. I waited for Manuel at the corner of the square; the procession had left the town, and I was impatient, when, the corporal dashed up and shouted: " Senor, the men are all sick—ill—drugged—l know not! Oh. senor, my poor men, vhat shall I do?" "Come with ins!" I ordered., and together we galloped to the inn. One glance was sufficient. The five men were poisoned. Their blue lips, their stertorous breath and rigid limbs told mo that. "Hot water! Salt! Mustard!" I yellpd. Then as I fairly got to work, " Make them sick, the sicker the bettar. Don't bo afraid. iNow, Manuel, !>,« for Senor Walton. Give him this note, and. follow me to Guadala as soon as there .'8 a man fit to ride. I must go on." 1 I felt as I left the inn that I had had

all T could stand, so I turned into the general store. " Tlio storekeeper was there alone, gloomy and sad. I went straight to him.

"Do you want to find the murderer of your'brother?" I asked. '"'Dios!" ho replied, "I do." "Well." I rollod three empty brass shells across the counter towards him. " Find the man who had the rifle that takes those, between eleven and twelve on the nisht of the Indian dance, and you have your man."

His black eyes hashed as he caught up the shells and examined them. ''But, senor," he said, "there was more than one man: there were six reports.'' ' " How many empty shells were, in your brother's revolver?" I asked on my way to the door. "Three! -Yes, you are right," he murmured, and I left hira examining the shells. . '

At four I was riding the gallant white charger at a gallop after the mule train of old Gonzales.

CHAPTER IV. The light was beginning to fail when I beard the whip-cracks and the shouts of the muleteers ahead, and eased down my panting horse to a walk. I guessed I was half a mile from the mule train, and we were nearly half way to Guadala, and close to the opening ill the canon where the former robberies had taken place. The trail about hero took a sharp turn, and was hidden by a projecting spur of'rocks; and just at this point my thoughts were broken into by a rattle of rifle shots in front.

Springing from my horse, I threw the reins over his head and climbed the rocky spur. When I reached the top I recognised the place Captain Zarro had pointed out to tne the scene of the last mule train robbery, and there, at my feet, a body of Indians were driving off the mules of the train I had been following, while the figures of the muleteers could be seen running for their lives towards Guadala.

The whole thing had happened in two or three minutes, and the scene was so close to me that I could make out the expressions 011 the Indians' faces. Indeed, had they not been so busy with their work they must have seen 1110 looking down from the rocks. I had no time to think of a plan, but watched intently while the Indians, after getting the frightened mules quiet, started to drive them into one of the wooded ravines at right angles to the trail. One mule, however, refused to move, and, with two Indians alternately pulling and beating, was soon left far behind the rest of the train. My chance had' come. I ran down to my horse, mounted, and galloped furiously down the trail, shouting and firing my revolver. The mule, with a plunge and kick, soon freed itself from its tormentors and bolted off towards Guadala, while the Indians, thinking that a troop of cavalry at least were after them, made for the woods, and I was left pursuing the mule in the direction talien by the muleteers.

We came up with them half a mile away. They were all walking very fast and talking unceasingly. The head man still rode his mule, and ordered some of his men to catch the runaway while lie rode up beside me. " Ah. senor," he oric-d. " Such luck I It is third time these wretches havo robbed my train! Never again will I travel without the escort, and never again will I believe the reports about these Indians. Where are your men, senor, and how did you recapture one of my mules?"

"My men are following," I eakl. " This bravo mulo broke away from the Indians, so you will have something to hand over to Senor Gonzales, anyway!" He made no answer, and we rode along together behind the men and their solitary charge. It was nearly dark when we reached Guadala, and I stopped at the old gateway and whispered a few words to the sergeant in charge of the jjuard, then rejoined the mule train as it made its way through the crowded street. The news of the outrage seemed to have preceded us, for everywhere we heard laughter and taunts. " Gonzales the clever one!" " Gonzales will pay the soldiers next time!" "How much do you get from the Indians?" were the cries which assailed us, and as we pulled up at Gonzales' store the crowd was thick about us.

Someone had slipped a wreath of flowers around the runaway mule's nerk, and as Gonzales appeared at the door the throng parted, and the solitary beast steed before him, patient and drooping under the weight of the only two bales saved from tho disaster.

For a moment Gonzales stood, then before lie could speak a cry of "the soldiers" was caught up on all sides, and Captain Zarro rode up with six troopers and hurst through the crowd. " Sen or Gonzales." paid the captain, T wish you to. ccrae with me- at once to the .Alcalde. Bring the mule along, men, and you. senor "—turning to me —" as you saw the occurrence 1 will want your evidence."

In ten minutes we were all before the Alcalde. The head muleteer told his story, which I corroborated. Then T told how' the mule had managed to escape, and of my small share in the business. " You have more to communicate, Senor Captain ?" said the Alcalde. "I have," answered Zarro, "Pedro, Juan, unfasten those packs from that mule and open them up." Gonzales sprang forward. "Captain, I beg—they contain perishable goods, T protest——" "Senor Gonzales.'' interrupted tho Alcalde, " you will be compensated for any damage or loss." We nil stared at the two soldiers working. Gonzales looked round wildly ; there was a sharp exclamation, and one of the men drew a new rifle from the half-opened pack and, with a theatrical gesture, handed it to Captain Zarro.

The captain took it, and «miled at me; then, clearing his throat, he addressed the Alcalde. "Senor Alcude, 1 wish to formally charge this man. Gonzales, with conspiring against the Government of Mexico, with treasonably supplying arms to those in rebellion, and with defrauding the Customs. T will bring proof of my charges if more are needed than this one before your eyes, and would ask you to have him placed in custody at once.''

The Alcnde turned to Gonzales. "This iff a terrible charge, Senor Gonzales, accuinst a man of your age and character. I hope it can be refuted. 1 fear 1 can do no less than have you confiivd, but will give you every facility tr defend your case."''

Gonzales said no!ling. Tie seemed stunned by the .suddenness of the discovery of his treachery, and followed his guards without lifting his head.

Another rifle and .500 rounds of ammunition were found in the other puck, which was made up of blankets, and we naturally supposed that those stolen by 1 the Indians had similar contents.

That night at mess with Captain Zarro I told him the whole story. The two robberies of blankets had at first excited my suspicion, rnd the name of the manufacutrorrs, obtained from Gonzales' daughter, had rtruck a chord of memory. The list of buyers obtained from the rifle manufacturers had contained the name " Athabasca Hardware C 0.," as large uurcha«&rs during the last two years. The difficulty of getting through the Customs was soon explained by the manner of the Inspector Poseda, which was guilty and very suspicious- The captain's indignation at the account of the attempt on my life and on those of his men knew no bounds, and it would have gone hard with Poseda when he rode over next day to arrest him, had it not been that justice, in the shape of the Matatua storekeeper, had already stepped in, and Poseda, with a bullet through his brain, was gone to his last account.

Tin. [Masoned soldiers wrro, thanks to the eliergk-s of young "Walton, aide to accompany their leader back to