Soldiers of the Legion: a tale of the Carlist war

Front matter

SOLDIERS OF THE LEGION jGv? tbe same Sutboc. /.AW OF THE LEGION. Prio .I.V EMPEROR'S DOOM. Prii i CLEVELY SAHIB. Price UNDER THE LONE S TAR. Prio T. Nelson and Sons, London, Edinburgh, and New York. ■ . 1 glance showed me that tht troops did not Mong to th,- Spanish , Soldiers of the Legion A Tale of the Carlist War By HE RBERT HA YE NS -TCs Author of" Under the Lone Star," " Cleve ly Sahib," "An Emperor s Doom,''' &rc. &c. T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York iSgS CONTENTS. I. A TASTE OF CIVIL WAR, .. . .... .... 9 II. A NARROW ESCAPE, .... .... .... ...'. 25 III. TUE FIGHT IN THE VENTA, .... .... .... 43 IV. WE ARRIVE AT VITORIA, .... .... .... 60 V. WE LEAVE VITORIA, .... .... .... .... 76 VI. AN ADVENTUROUS RIDE, .... .... .... 93 VII. DAVID AND JONATHAN, .... .... .... 110 VIII.

THE MARCH TO BR1VIESCA, .... .... .... 126 IX. TIIE ATTACK ON TIIE CONVOY, .... .... .... 143 X. A MISERABLE INACTION, .... ... .... 158 XI. ON THE TRACK OF TIIE SPY, .... .... .... 176 XII. THE END OF THE SPY, .... .... ... 192 XIII. IN DESPERATE STRAITS, .... .... ... 209 XIV. BREAD CAST UPON THE WATERS, .... .... 225 XV. UNDER FIRE, ... ... .... 241 XVI. I RECEIVE PROMOTION, .... .... 257 XVII. A LETTER FROM HOME, .... ... 273 XVIII. THE REPULSE AT FUENTERRABIA, .... ... CONTE \ ES. 6 \1\. MI l'IN\ , ... .... .... 301 x.\. Tin; livrn.u OF AMETZA, ■ ■ 819 wi. with E8PARTKR0 Al' BILBAO, .... ■••■ S35 XXII. THE ATTACK OH THB VENTA, .... .... 86] will. Tin: i'l. v i n OF DOM PHILIP, ... ■ • ■■■• 887 xxiv. \u rrom \nu borrow, •■■■ 888 XXV. BOMB AGAIN, .... .... LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. "A GLANCE SHOWED ME THAT THE TROOPS DID NOT BELONG TO THE SPANISH ARMY," .... ....

Frontispiece " I MADE AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY THE RIDER WAS A GIRL," 102 "'BURN THE NOTE, OR IT MAY BRING MISCHIEF TO BOTH OF US,'" 193 "THE RETURN JOURNEY WAS ATTENDED BY MUCH GREATER DANGER," 2.-i!i "'THIS CAN'T LAST, SENOR,' THE CAPTAIN SHOUTED; ' IF THE STORM DOESN'T GO DOWN, WE SHALL,' " 340 "THE VILLAGERS TURNED OUT TO WELCOME THE YOUNG SQUIRE AND HIS COMRADES," SOLDIERS OF THE LEGION.

Chapter I

A TASTE OF CIVIL WAR. ARE you dead, Mr. Powell ? " I recognized the voice, but the oddity of the ques tion in itself would have revealed the speaker's identity. The night was so dark that I could not see even the man against whose body my head rested, but a pair of strong arms encircled me, as if to prevent my being snatched away. Just at first it was difficult to realize clearly aught of that which had happened, and I lay speculating in a dreamy manner on my novel and decidedly uncomfortable position. I was cold and wet ; my limbs felt like leaden weights, my head was dizzy and ached with a throbbing pain. A furious rain beat down upon my upturned face, while from below came a sound as of angry waters thundering against a barrier of rock. Once or twice I endeavoured to make my voice heard, .; TASTE OF CIVIL WAR. 10 but the words were drowned in the tumult, and my com rade, placing bis lips to mv ear, shouted.

" Easy all, Mr. Powell; now that 1 know you are alive, we can wait for the rest Bui you lay so plaguy still that I was fright ened.' Then I resumed the interrupted reverie, and wondered curiously why I did not go to my cabin. And where was Pym Forrester ' Had he turned in ' This thought unlocked the flood-gates, as it wen-, and memory came flowing in with a rush. I once more stood at Pym's side on the deck ol bis yacht, while the heaving billows Hung themselves savagely upon us, straining the timbers from stem to stern, and tossing the little craft about like a cockle-shell. I could still feel the grip of his hand, and hear his cheery voice shouting, " It's all over, Arthur," as a gigantic wave, lifting tinfrail boat clean out of the water, sent it with a crash against some jagged rocks. At that point all recollection ceased.

Between that event and the question which begins this chapter lay a wide gap, impossible for me to bridge. By some marvellous chance I had escaped an almost certain deatli ; but of the others, save Dick Truscott, the man who held me, there was no sie-n. Again I questioned myself concerning Pym. Was it possible that Dick and I were the sole survivors from the wreck ? Stricken with horror, I stretched forth my hands in the darkness, and called wildly upon my lost friend. A TASTE OF CIVLL WAR. 11 " Steady, sir," cried Truscott ; " another jerk like that one, and we shall both be at the bottom of the Bay of Biscay." Until then I did not know how dangerous was our situation, but at his words I lay passive, waiting with aching heart for the coming of the dawn. It came at length, cold and cheerless ; and as the sullen clouds rolled slowly back, I was more than ever amaze 1 at our providential escape.

We lay on a narrow ledge of rock, to the very edge of which the hungry waves flung themselves, hissing and foaming, as if engaged in a desperate attempt to sweep us from our precarious refuge. Then, too, I gathered a true perception of the service which Dick had rendered me. Throughout the weary hours he had held me firmly in a close embrace, knowing well that one instant's loosening of those friendly arms would have precipitated me headlong into the raging waters. I began to thank him, but he checked me. " No need of thanks, Mr. Powell ; I was only too glad of the chance of dragging you out. But how I managed to get here in the dark is more than I can tell." I turned and gazed at the waste of waters, as if, by dint of straining, my sight would force into being some vision of the wrecked yacht and my vanished friend.

Alas ! over all that sullen, wide expanse nothing living moved. Above our heads a few birds, uttering discordant cries, wheeled in irregular flight; and below, the seething billows made a moaning sound, as if in despair at their failure to engulf us, But of the hapless vessel and her gallant crew nol a trace remained. We looked in vain for a spar, the plank ot' a boat, the cap of some drowned mariner. Nothing rewarded our gaze, save the still angry waves. " No good staying longer, sir," said Dick ; " Mr. Forrester hasn't come ashore lure at all events." "Nor anywhere else,'' 1 answered mournfully, striving to rise. "That's as may he," Dick responded, not cheerfully nor hopefully, but in a quiet, even tone, which jarred terribly upon my unstrung nerves; "it's no good cudgelling our brains; we might aim a hundred shots and never hit the mark.

What we have to think of now is to get out of this place. Cling to that piece of rock and try to stand." I did as he hade me, but without his support I must have tumbled from the ledge ; my legs were devoid of power, and wholly useless. " Raise one foot at a time and stamp on the ground — not too hard at first; the muscles are all tied up in knots." I made a wry face, and Dick, who was rubbing his own limbs, exclaimed encouragingly, " Ah ! that's right. That's what folks call ' pins and needles,' but I expect it bids more like red-hot iron skewers just now. Keep on with it, sir." The pain was in truth very great, and more than once nearly wrung from me a cry of agony ; but I persevered, and at length had the satisfaction of being able to stand upright. " That's better," my companion remarked ; " and now we will make a move."

This was a very good suggestion, but how to put it into practice I could not well conceive. At our feet rolled the sullen waters, above our heads towered menacingly the huge rocks. Up these we must perforce climb ; and Dick, whom nothing ever disturbed, methodically began the perilous ascent. " Take your time, and don't trust your weight on any stone before trying if it is firm," he said. " Some of them are very deceiving. — Ah, there goes one ! " and a big boulder which had appeared to be firmly embedded went spinning and crashing into the sea. Painfully and laboriously we toiled upwards, dragging ourselves from ledge to ledge, from rock to rock, now hanging over the precipice with only the support afforded by our hands, now pausing a moment on some narrow foothold in order to recover breath.

During one of these halts, I was gazing in despair at the distance yet to be traversed, when Dick said brusquely, " Don't look up, Mr. Powell, or down, but keep your eyes on the work in hand. Time enough to stare at those rocks when we reach them. One step at a time — that's the way to get on. Now, are you ready ? I'm going to steer to the right ; it seems easier on that side." Again we moved forward, and surely, if slowly, won our way. About three-quarters of the course had been successfully negotiated, when we struck into a narrow defile lying between two upright cliffs. Here a more rapid rate of progression became feasible, and as the danger of being pre cipitated over the rocks had practically ceased, 1 followed Dick with a lighter hear! By this time it was broad daylight, and both of us were spent with our exertions and famishing from lack of food.

There was certainly much cause for thankfulness in having so wonderfully escaped a violent death, yet the situation was far from pleasant, We had been cast ashore at some point on the north coast of Spain, and stood wet, hungry, and exhausted, without money, and possessed only of the clothes which we were wearing. Even under ordinary circumstances such a position must have proved very disagreeable; but it was the autumn of 1835, and the north of Spain was convulsed by a cruel and devastating civil war Fire and sword, pillage and murder, racked the unhappy land. Life and property were alike insecure, and the flames of burning villages attested the fury of the strife. What chance then had we, unarmed and penniless, of gaining a place of safety ? I was brooding over this question, when my comrade, who had pushed on ahead, halted and made signs for me to approach.

" Here is a beaten track which no doubt leads to the nearest village," he said ; " we will follow it." What are your plans ? " I asked. I have only one, and that is to secure a good breakfast." " Have you considered the danger ? Suppose we fall into the hands of the Carlists." " Well," he said inquiringly ; " what would be the result?" " Simply that we should have no further need of breakfast ; they would destroy our appetite by a dose of lead." " Then we must go to work cautiously, for although we can do without the bullets, the breakfast must be had." This could not be denied, yet it was with extreme re luctance that I continued along the track which Dick had discovered. My anxiety increased when we entered a small wood, through the middle of which the path ran, and I scanned every tree with a nervous dread.

Grief at the loss of a stanch friend, the night's ex posure, acute pain from a wound in the head, caused by beinsr dashed against the rocks, and hunoer, all combined to make me feel low-spirited, and unconsciously perhaps to exaggerate the peril. For nearly a mile we continued the march, and then the trees, all of which wrere small in size, suddenly ceased. We were on a plain, which appeared to be the summit of a gentle hill. Dick, still going first, reached the edge and peered over. " Smoke," he said shortty, " and therefore fire. We shall find a village in the valley, somewhat to the left." A TASTE OF CsVll WAR. 16 While traversing the wood we had each obtained pos sefl8ion of a stout stick, and gripping these lightly we began the descent. The side of the hill was clothed with brushwood, and at one part it dipped abruptly, preventing us from perceiving, until quite close, a large house that stood in the hollow.

Lying flai behind one of the low bushes. Dick stretched out his hand and whispered, " Ib-re is our opportunity, sir. Breakfast or lead' we shall soon know which it is to be. You stay here, while I skirmish round a bit." Without giving me time to answer. Inmoved away, and I waited, half dead with misery and fatigue. No smoke rose from the one chimney within my view : not a sound reached me from the courtyard of the dwelling. I was too fatigued to reason clearly, yet the silence im pressed me by its strangeness, anil tilled me with a dim foreboding of evil. The sight of my comrade's face as he returned deepened the misgiving into certainty. Truscott was one of those men whose features rarely betray the workings of their minds. He may have felt deeply — indeed a later experience showed conclusively that he did — but the results we're not manifest to the spectator.

I had known him several months, and twice during that time lie hail been within an ace of death without ex hibiting a trace of discomposure. Pym Forrester called him the " Cast-iron man," and the term seemed aptly to describe him. When, therefore, he crept back, his face bloodless, and bis (MO) eyes staring with horror, no words were needed to inform me that he had met with an adventure far beyond the ordinary. He flung himself down at my side, and lay still, save that the fingers of one hand alternately unclosed and closed themselves round his staff. " Well ! " I exclaimed, finding that he did not speak ; " what about the breakfast ? " He gazed at me curiously, as if only half understanding. " Ah ! " he answered, after a pause, " I had forgotten. The sight yonder," and he pointed towards the house, " has made me feel silly."

Then in an undertone he added, " And this is called a Christian land." " What is it ? " I asked impatiently ; " what have j'ou seen ? " " Enough to make my blood run cold. But come and judge for yourself." With increasing wonder at his strange mood, I crept behind him, and we descended cautiously to the rear of the building, which evidently belonged to a person of wealth and position. Nothing living made its appearance at our approach ; we heard not the bark of a dog, nor the neigh of a horse. My comrade led me to the front, and here visible tokens of something unusual presented themselves. The stable was open and empty, the door of the house was smashed, a clot of blood reddened the step. Without uttering a word, Dick guided me to a long (_») low-roofed room on the right, and then, halting, placed a finger on my lips as if enforcing silence.

Well was it that he used the precaution Even in spite of the admonition I could barely repress a cry of horror at the spectacle. On a couch at the left side of the room la y a woman, partly dressed, encircling with either arm the body of a little child. Tinlight of day played upon their features, and showed us that they sl-pt peacefully — the last sleep of death. Before the -roup, in an altitude of indescribable niourn fulness, stood a man of middle age, tall, muscular, and with limbs well knit. His hands were red, and the same dye stained the sleeves and breast of his doublet. Ib' uttered no sound, and his eyes were unmoistened by tears, but bis hopeless grief was terrible to look upon. I touched TruSCOtt, intending to draw him away, and at the instant the Spaniard turned swiftly. Whether the movement was due to chance or otherwise, I could not determine ; but he faced us, and I marvelled greatly at the sudden change which his features had undergone.

The grief-stricken man was transformed into a wild animal. His eyes blazed with a savage ferocity, holding me in thrall. With a lightning-like rapidity he levelled a pistol and took aim, while I, spell-bound, continued to watch him. Dick, ever prompt in presence of danger, seizing my arm, threw me forcibly on the ground, and the bullet sped harm lessly over our heads, " The poor fellow will work us mischief," my comrade said ; " he is half crazy with grief." " He thinks we are his enemies ; leave him to me." And before he had time to reload I sprang to my feet, and approached the window. " Pardon our intrusion, seiior," I said, addressing him in Spanish; " we are English sailors — shipwrecked — cast ashore in last night's storm. A little while ago we were be moaning our own misery, now we stand abashed in the presence of yours."

" I accorded you but poor hospitality, Sesior Inglese," he responded gravely. " I took you to be one of those accursed bandits whose handiwork you perceive. This is a house of mourning, and a sad heart makes an indifferent host. But if it please you, enter." " If we can be of any service — or, shall we fetch assist ance from the village ? " Again the Spaniard's features were convulsed with rage, and, turning in the direction of the neighbouring houses, he cried passionately, " The people there are all Carlists ; they would murder both you and me, did they know we were here." " But you must do something," and I motioned signifi cantly towards the couch. His hand stole to his side, and his fingers gripped firmly over the hilt of a long rapier. But although his speech was yet laboured, he had mastered his emotions, and replied to my remark with a certain grave courtesy.

A TASTE 01 CIVIL WAR. 20 "I will dig my dear Mies a grave," be said, -and then join the troops of the queen After that, may my Bight be ken and my wrist stead] ." I begged that lie would allow us to help him, and fur ther suggested that we might then undertake the propo ed journey in company. "I thank you," he replied, and accept tinoffer grate fully. But you are faint, and require food. Alas! 1 do not know if these brigands have left aught in my dwelling. Enter, sectors, and search." To me the idea of eating and drinking in the present f such a tragedy was strongly repellent; but Truscott, to whom I translated the conversation, brushed aside my scruples. "The Don has common-sense on his side," be declared. " What aid can we give in our weak state ? You cannot handle a spade, and 1 am little better.

I will go on a prospecting tour." "Make haste then; I have no mind to be trapped in this place." "No, it would prove awkward, seeing that we are un armed. Maybe the Don has a stock of weapons on hand." While Dick was foraging for food, I explained to the Spaniard, who was plainly a man of importance, that we lacked arms, and were, therefore, practically useless in case of an attack. "That is bad," he said, "as no doubt the wolves will soon be upon my track. But I can furnish you with swords and a couple of muskets. Your comrade looks as if he could use his weapons." He is an old soldier, and true as steel." " And stout-hearted. Ah, you English are brave. My father fought under your great 'Wellington. But you are hurt ; your head is cut ! " " It is a trifle ; my companion will attend to it, From a recess the Spaniard brought forth the weapons, which had been carefully concealed, and laden with these I staggered towards the adjoining room, where Dick was set ting out the provisions which he had discovered.

" That's better," he said cheerfully, coming forward to relieve me of my burden. " With a bit of trusty steel, and full stomach, we need not fear any number of Carlists. Take a draught of this red wine, and then I'll bathe that wound for you." " Thanks," I said, when he had made me more comfortable ; " now we will sit down to our long-waited-for meal." The provisions consisted of bread, a few eggs, and some dried fruits, which we devoured greedily, washing the food clown with the strong wine of the country. When we could eat no more, Dick suggested that we should help our host, and then get away as quickly as possible. The Spaniard approving the proposal, we set to work at once, and in a secluded spot on the hillside dug a deep grave. The task presented little difficulty, owing to the lightness of the soil, and in a short time a rude resting-place for the hapless woman and her little ones had been hollowed out.

Then we carried them to their narrow bed, and Dick and I turned aside to avoid witnessing our host's pathetic grief. Not until the last did he break down, and even then he A TASTE OF CIVIL WAE. 22 exhibited but a momentary discomposure. The tears welled up in his eyes and overflowed, but h.- brushed them aside impatiently, as if scorning such womanish weakness. Be kissed his wife for the last time, and strained the dead children to his breast. Then he turned to us, saying, " Now, sefiors, 1 am ready." Simple words, simply spoken, destitute alike of bravado and weakness; yet they came from a broken heart. Very tenderly, and with great reverence, we laid these innocent victims of a cruel war to rest, the children in tleir mother's arms. Tinpicture is present to me now, inexpressibly sad and pathetic.

The dark clouds of the preceding night had rolled away; the sun beat upon our heads with a fierce power. Behind us rose the walls of the deserted building, in front tinbrush-covered hill, at our feet the open grave. Dick and I, wet with perspiration, leaned upon our spades ; the strong man at our side stood as if cut from stone by the cunning art of the sculptor. Presently his lips moved; he uttered a short prayer, and then, by a gesture, motioned us to proceed. My hand trembled as I lifted the implement, and I laboured with half-averted gaze. When the last sod was replaced, the Spaniard drew a small crucifix from his pocket, kissed it, and placed it ut the grave-head. Dick cast a glance at the beaten soil, and with a heart felt " God have mercy upon you," turned away. I followed slowdy, feeling no shame at the tears which wet my cheeks, and in the court3*ard of the house we were joined by our host.

He spoke no word concerning the strange rite in which we had just borne part, but walked with unfaltering steps into the house. I pressed upon him the advisability of taking food, but he repelled me with a gentle courtesy. " Perhaps to-morrow, sector," he said, " but not now ; the bread would choke me," and the break in his voice revealed how terribly he suffered. Dick advised making preparations for the journey, and when I repeated his remark to our host, the latter promptly acquiesced. " The distance is short, but the dangers are -many," he said. " I will lead you from here to a hiding-place in the hills where we must lie till dusk." With the readiness of an old campaigner, Dick speedily collected a store of provisions, and urged us to make an immediate start. At the last moment, however, the Spaniard raised an un expected objection.

" I have considered the matter afresh, sector," he an nounced, " and honour forbids me to avail myself of your company. Alone it is possible for you to pass safely through the country. Against you the Carlists bear no animosity, and it may chance that they will let you go free. I, on the contrary, am a marked man, a known supporterof the government, and they would shoot me without hesitation. Why should I drag you into peril ? .; easel: OF civil. WAR. 24 Sector, it must not be I will wage my fight unaided. On© you were suspected of bearing friendship towards Philip d'Acaya. the order for your death would go forth." I translated this speech to Dick, whose answer was just what might have been expected. "Tell the Don he's a tine fellow, and I'm proud to be his friend," he said. "As for his precious scheme, it's all nonsense and out of reason.

He can wail for the Carlists lure, or on the hillside, but while he is in danger, Dick Truscott stands by his sideand Mr. Powell, too, I'm thinking." -Most certainly, Dick;" and well pleased, I repeated to the Spaniard my comrade's remarks. Admirably schooled as his features were, he could not wholly conceal his gratification, nor did he attempt seriously to combat the decision to which we had come. " I have warned you of the peril," he said ; " but you are brave men, and belong to a nation that holds danger in light esteem. So be it. 1 accept your aid, and you shall find me stanch as one of your own compatriots." ■ Of that there can be no question," I responded; "and now that the business has been settled, let us hasten." Don Philip, making for the hillside, led the way, while we followed closely in his wake.

At one point he paused, and turned to take a farewell view of his ruined home. For a few minutes he stood silent, gazing fixedly at the deserted house, then with an abrupt movement he resumed the journey, and we were fairly adrift in Spain.

Chapter II

A NARROW ESCAPE. UNDER the guidance of Don Philip, who appeared to know every foot of the ground, we made rapid progress ; but it was not his intention to proceed far, and soon abandoning the open country, he struck southwards amongst a chain of rocky hills. Entering a narrow gorge, he led the way cautiously, warning us to preserve the strictest silence. In single file we crept along, clambering over the boulders, toiling pain fully upwards, until finally our guide made a welcome halt. " Here is safety," he whispered, pointing to a hole in the rock so small that Dick found great difficulty in squeezing through. A few yards inside the ground dipped abruptly, and we let ourselves down into a rocky apartment, the confines of which could not be perceived because of the gloom. The Spaniard informed us, however, that the extent was small, and led the way to a recess on the farther side.

Dick laid down the stock of provisions, and placed his gun handy, in case of an attack ; but Don Philip expressed the opinion that we were not likely to be disturbed. A NIEEOIV ESCAPE. 26 ■ Nevertheless." he added, " 1 will keep watch while you sleep." How long shall we stay here?" Dick asked, through me. "Five hours, or perhaps siv "Then we will take turn and turn about, Mr. Powell, and the Don shall have the first watch. Ask him to waken me at the end of two hours." Our guide readily agreed to this proposal, aud very shortly Dick and I were sleeping soundly. I do not know whether the Spaniard slept at all, but he was wide awake and pacing the cave restlessly when the time cannfor me to ivliev e I lick. The latter, instead of resuming his nap, unfastened the packages of provisions, and 1 earnestly entreated Don Philip to join us.

This he did with extreme reluctance, eating and drinking very sparingly, as though the action caused him actual physical pain. While the meal proceeded, I questioned him as to his plans ; for beyond the fact that the country was in a state of anarchy, I knew little. " At present," he answered, " we are in the neighbourhood of Caboda, and as soon as night falls, I purpose jour neying towards Vitoria. At that place I expect to find General Cordova, who has just been appointed to the com mand of the army." " When do you reckon to arrive ? That is hard to tell. The difficulties are numerous ; the A NARROW ESCAEE. 27 Carlists have posts established everywhere ; their spies are in every village ; probably we shall be compelled to make a wide sweep. But, as our proverb has it, ' Better go about than fall into the ditch.' " " A capital maxim, and one to be commended.

But your speech makes it appear that the Carlists are gaining ground. I always imagined the insurrection to be a trifling one." " Are you talking about the Carlists ? " Dick interrupted. " I remember seeing Don Carlos in London. Trying to make himself king of Spain, isn't he ? " " Yes ; and this part of the country is almost wholly in his favour." " But his claim isn't good ? " " That depends on the view you take. His brother Ferdinand left no son, and, according to the Salic law, his daughter Isabella could not reign. Consequently Don Carlos was the next heir ; and although the king repealed the law, I believe that his brother never acknowledged his power to do so." " Then it is simply a question of Isabella or Carlos." " Not exactly. It is rather a struggle between the new and the old — between Isabella governing as a constitutional queen, and Carlos as an absolute king."