We rode on to San Miguel, took Colonel Cabra
prisoner, with his papers, and sent him back under an escort. At
dusk the same day we got on our horses and rode back to where
Pepita's house had stood, and where our captain expected the troops
he had sent for. In half an hour they came up. They had a couple of
hours to rest their horses, and then Rube and I led them straight
to the Mexican camp. No doubt they heard us coming when we were
close, but made sure it was El Zeres, and so didn't disturb
themselves; and it warn't till we had wheeled round and fairly
surrounded them that they smelt a rat. But it was too late then,
for in another minute we were down upon them, and I don't believe
twenty out of the whole lot got away. It was, altogether, one of
the most successful businesses in the whole war. And I think that's
about all the story."
"Oh, thank you very much, Seth. It is a most exciting story. And
what became of Rube?"
"Rube married a year after we got back to the States, and took up a
clearing and settled down. It was then I felt lonesome, and made up
my mind to go south for awhile. I promised Rube that I would go and
settle down by him after a bit, and I've concluded that it's about
time to do so. I've saved a few hundred dollars out here, and I am
going to start to-morrow morning at daybreak to catch the steamer
at Rosario.
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