Part 22 (2/2)

”How will we do it?” asked the girls.

”Here's the way,” explained Evelyn. ”We all get in the street, and start to run--the rebels have their backs this way--they won't see us until we are almost in the river--because from what I can see they have already driven the Federals into the river and are already throwing rocks at them. Well, we run as quietly as possible and burst right through the rebels, and into the river--take the right side of the bridge, it's better--now, do you all understand?”

The girls nodded that they did.

”All right, then let's get going,” as they all started down the street at a trot. They neared the river very quietly then amidst screams and yells they burst through the rebels, leaping into the river like rats from a sinking s.h.i.+p, grabbing at each other, helping each other through the quick-sand, and cold water, some holding on to their bottles of whiskey that they had brought along to give them courage. The few Federals who had not reached the American side, turned back to help the girls, amidst laughing, screaming, cursing, and splas.h.i.+ng of water.

The American soldiers were rounding the Federal troops up the way a Texas cowboy rounds up cattle, herding them into one bunch, while the girls pulled themselves out of the river without the aid of anyone except themselves. When they were out of the river, they went in a body to the street where the General and his aides were.

”This is a h.e.l.l of a note,” said Evelyn. ”A bunch of good American women should have to wade that d.a.m.n river, and no one to even help them up the bank--you don't seem to realize that once in a while a lady needs a little help.”

”You had no business on that side,” said the General, curtly. ”You knew there was to be a battle--the papers carried the news, and all Americans were warned to stay away from there,” he continued.

”Well, just the same, it's a h.e.l.l of a way to treat ladies,” answered Evelyn, as she sat down on the curb of the sidewalk.

”Senoritas--Senoritas,” came the voice of the Rebel General, who had climbed up on the side of the bridge.

”What's the matter with that guy?” said Mickey, as she moved toward the foot of the bridge to hear what he had to say.

”Senoritas--can you hear me?” he called across the river.

”Wait a minute--all right, spill it,” called Evelyn.

”Senoritas--we do not fight with women--you are perfectly safe.”

”h.e.l.l's fire--we know that now--ain't we over here?” answered Evelyn.

”A thousand pardons, Senoritas--but we want you to come back and drink with the victorious--to be our guests for the evening.”

”Now, you see,” explained Evelyn, ”that's what I call a gentleman, a real fellow,” as she walked over to the American General. ”Say old top, would you mind having them gates opened and let us go back on the other side?”

”No, those gates remain closed until this trouble is settled.”

”O. K. brother,” as she went back to the girls, who were waving at the rebels. ”Come on, gang, we'll go back the way we came,” and they started off in the river, with much more enthusiasm than the first time.

”Come back here,” yelled one of the American officers. ”You can't cross that river.”

”The h.e.l.l you say,” called Evelyn, who was already in the water, leading the procession. ”At least, these guys will buy us a drink.”

”Do you think it's safe to go over here now,” Pearl asked Evelyn.

”Sure, and profitable--these guys will open every safe in the town, and all the champagne you can drink. I been through these things before,”

explained Evelyn, as the rebels were wading out to help them.

”You see,” said Mickey, ”these guys will drink so much they will just pa.s.s out all over the place, and you can go through their pockets right and left, in perfect safety, and how I'll go through them is n.o.body's business.”

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