CHAPTER X.
THE LARCH-TREE HACIENDA.
Though the report made by Quoniam was in every respect true, the Negrowas ignorant of certain details of which we will now inform the reader,because these events are closely connected with our story, and clearnessrenders it indispensable that they should be made known. We will,therefore, return to the Larch-tree hacienda.
But, in the first place, let us explain the meaning of this word"hacienda," which we have employed several times in the course of thisnarrative, and which several authors have employed before us, withoutunderstanding its significance.
In Sonora, Texas, and all the old Spanish colonies generally, where theland is, as it were, left to anyone who likes to take possession of itand cultivate it, there may be found at immense distances, and broadcastlike almost imperceptible dots over the waste lands, vast agriculturalestablishments, each as large as one of our counties. Theseestablishments are called haciendas, a word we improperly translate byfarm, which has not at all the same meaning.
Immediately after the conquest, the Cortez, Pizarros, Almagros, andother leaders of adventurers hastened to repay their comrades bydividing among them the lands of the conquered, following, perhapswithout suspecting it, the example which had been given them a fewcenturies previously by the leaders of the Barbarians, after thebreak-up and dismemberment of the Roman Empire.
The conquerors were few in number, the shares were large; and themajority of these ragged conquerors, who in their own country had noteven a roof to shelter their heads, found themselves all at once mastersof immense domains, which they immediately set to work turning toaccount, laying down the sword without regret to take the pick, that isto say, compelling the Indians who had become their slaves to clear forthem the land they had stolen.
The first care of the new possessors of the soil was to erect, inpositions easy to defend, houses, whose lofty, thick, and embattledwalls rendered them thorough fortresses, behind which they could easilydefy any attempted revolt on the part of their slaves. The inhabitantshad been allotted like the ground; each Spanish soldier received aconsiderable number as his share; arms cost nothing. There was no lackof stone, and hence the buildings were constructed of vast proportions,and of such extreme strength, that even at the present day, after thelapse of several centuries, these haciendas are an object of admirationto the traveller.
Slaves alone, for whom the measure of time no longer exists, and whoseonly hope is death, can undertake and complete these Cyclopeanbuildings, of which we, men of another age, cannot understand theexistence on the globe, where they stand at various spots, like dumb andtouching protests.
At the haciendas, in addition to agriculture, which, especially at thepresent day, has greatly fallen off, owing to the incessant invasions ofthe Indian bravos, the breeding of cattle and horses is carried on to aconsiderable extent. Hence, each of these farms contains an infinity ofservants of all descriptions, peons, vaqueros, etc., and resembles asmall town.
The owners of these establishments are consequently men belonging to thehighest society, and the richest and most intelligent class in thecountry. The majority prefer residing in the cities, and visit only atlong intervals their haciendas, the management of which they entrust tothe major-domo and capataz, who are themselves semi-savages, whose lifeis spent in riding constantly from one end to the other of the hacienda.
The Larch-tree hacienda, but a short distance from the mountains whosepasses it commanded, was therefore of great strategetical value to boththe parties now disputing the possession of Texas. The insurgent chiefsunderstood this as well as the Mexican generals did.
After the total destruction of the detachment commanded by CaptainMelendez, General Rubio hastened to throw a powerful garrison into theLarch-tree. As an old soldier of the Independence, accustomed to theincessant struggles of a people that desires to be free, he had divinedthe revolution behind the insurrection, on seeing that for ten yearspast these insurgents, though incessantly conquered, seemed to grow fromtheir ashes again to return more obstinate and powerful than before, andexpose their chests to the pitiless bullets of their oppressors.
He was aware that the inhabitants only awaited the announcement of asuccess, even though problematical, to rise to a man, and make commoncause with the daring partisans, branded by their enemies with the nameof Border ruffians, but who in reality were only the forlorn hope of arevolution, and apostles acting under a holy and noble idea. Far fromoffering Captain Melendez reproaches, which he knew that the latter didnot deserve, the General pitied and consoled him.
"You have your revenge to take, Colonel," he said to him, for thisgrade, long deserved by the young officer, had just been given him bythe President of the Republic; "your new epaulettes have not yet smeltpowder. I propose giving you a splendid opportunity for christeningthem."
"You will fulfil my wishes, General," the young officer replied, "byentrusting me with a perilous enterprise, my success in which willserve to wipe out the shame of my defeat."
"There is no shame, Colonel," the General replied, kindly, "in beingconquered as you were. War is only a game like any other, in whichchance often declares for the weaker side; let us not despond at aninsignificant check, but try, on the contrary, to cut the comb of thesecocks who, pluming themselves on their ephemeral triumph, doubtlessimagine that we are terrified and demoralised by their victory."
"Be assured, General, that I will help you to the best of my ability.Whatever be the post you confide to me, I will die at it beforesurrendering."
"An officer, my friend, must put off that impetuosity which so wellbecomes the soldier, but it is a grave fault in a Chief trusted with thelives of his fellow men. Do not forget that you are a head, and not anarm."
"I will be prudent, General, as far as the care for my honour willpermit me."
"That will do, Colonel--I ask no more."
Don Juan merely bowed in response.
"By-the-bye," said the General, presently, "have these partisans anycapable men at their head?"
"Very capable, General; thoroughly acquainted with guerilla fighting,and possessing a bravery and coolness beyond all praise."
"All the better, for in that case we shall reap more glory in conqueringthem. Unfortunately, they are said to wage war like perfect savages,pitilessly massacring the soldiers that fall into their hands; indeed,what has happened to you is a proof of it."
"You are mistaken, General. Whatever these men may be, and the cause forwhich they fight, it is my duty to enlighten and disabuse you, for theyhave been strangely calumniated; it was only after my repeated refusalsto surrender that the action began. Their Chief even offered me my lifeat the moment when I hurled myself with him into the yawning abyss atour feet. When I became their prisoner they restored me my sword, gaveme a horse and a guide, who brought me within musket shot of youroutposts: is that the conduct of cruel men?"
"Certainly not, and I am pleased to see you thus do justice to yourenemies."
"I merely declare a fact."
"Yes, and an unlucky one for us; these men must consider themselves verystrong to act thus. This clemency of theirs will attract a great numberof partisans to their ranks."
"I fear it."
"And I too. No matter, the moment has arrived to act with vigour; for,if we do not take care, within a week the very stones of this country,of which we are still the masters, will rise to expel us, and the groundwill grow so hot under our feet, that we shall be compelled to flybefore these undisciplined masses of badly armed _guasos_, who harass uslike swarms of mosquitoes."
"I await your orders, General."
"Do you feel strong enough to mount again?"
"Perfectly."
"Very good, then. I have prepared three hundred men, cavalry andinfantry; the latter will mount behind the horsemen, in order not todelay the march, which must be rapid, for my object is that you shouldreach the hacienda before the insurgents; and fortify yourself there."
"I will reach it."
"I count on you. Two mountain guns will follow your detachment, and willprove sufficient; for, if I am rightly informed, the hacienda has six ingood condition. Still, as ammunition may run short, you will takesufficient with you to last for a fortnight. At all risks, the haciendamust hold out for that period against all the attacks the insurgents maymake."
"It shall hold out, I swear it to you, General."
"I trust entirely to you."
The General walked to the entrance of the tent and raised the curtain.
"Summon the officers told off for the expedition," he said.
Five minutes later the officers appeared; nine in number--two captainsof cavalry, two of infantry, two lieutenants, and two alferez or secondlieutenants, and a captain, lieutenant, and alferez of artillery. TheGeneral looked for a moment searchingly at these men, who stood seriousand motionless before him.
"Caballeros," he at length said, "I have carefully chosen you from theofficers of my army, because I know that you are brave and experienced;you are about to carry out, under Colonel Don Juan Melendez de Gongora,a confidential mission, which I would not have given to others whosedevotion to their country was less known to me. This mission is mostperilous. I hope that you will accomplish it like brave men, and returnhere with glory."
The officers bowed their thanks.
"Do not forget," the General continued, "that you owe your soldiers anexample of subordination and discipline; obey the Colonel as myself inall he may order for the good of the service and the success of yourenterprise."
"We cannot desire a better Chief than the one your Excellency hasselected to lead us," one of the Captains answered; "under his orders weare certain of performing prodigies."
The General smiled graciously.
"I count on your zeal and bravery. Now, to horse without further delay,for you must have left the camp within ten minutes."
The officers bowed and retired. Don Juan prepared to follow them.
"Stay," the General said to him; "I have one final recommendation togive you."
The young man walked up to him.
"Shut yourself up carefully in the place," the General went on. "If youare invested, do not attempt any of those sallies, which oftencompromise the fate of a garrison, without positive advantage. Contentyourself with vigorously repulsing attacks, sparing the blood of yoursoldiers, and not expending your ammunition needlessly. So soon as myfinal arrangements are made, I will march in person to your help; butyou _must_ resist till then, at any cost."
"I have already told you I will do so, General."
"I know that you will. Now, my friend, to horse, and may you befortunate."
"Thanks, General."
The Colonel bowed, and immediately withdrew to place himself at the headof the small band, which, collected a short distance off, only awaitedhis arrival to start. The General was standing in the doorway of histent to witness their departure. Don Juan mounted, drew his sabre, andturned toward the motionless detachment.
"Forward!" he commanded.
The squadrons at once started, and began drawing out in the darknesslike the black folds of an ill-omened serpent. The General remained inthe doorway of his tent for some time, and when the last sound had diedaway in the night, he pensively re-entered the tent, and let the curtainfall behind him, muttering in a low and sad voice--
"I have sent them to death, for Heaven fights on the side of ouradversaries."
And, after shaking his head several times with an air of discouragement,the old soldier of the war of Independence fell into an equipal, hid hisface in his hands, and plunged into serious reflections.
In the meanwhile, the detachment rapidly continued its march. Thanks tothe Mexican fashion of mounting infantry _en croupe_, the troops carriedout their movements with a rapidity that seemed almost prodigious, themore so as American horses go very quickly, and endure great fatiguewithout injury.
The Americans of the South are generally very harsh to their horses, towhich they pay no attention. Never in the interior does a horse pass thenight, whatever the weather may be, otherwise than in the open air.Every morning it receives its ration for the whole day, marchingfrequently fourteen, or even sixteen hours, without stopping ordrinking; when evening arrives, the harness is removed, and it is leftto find its food where it can. On the Indian border, where there is muchto fear from the Redskins, who are great admirers of horses, and displayadmirable skill in stealing them, certain precautions are used atnight; the horses are picquetted in the interior of the bivouac, andfeed on the pea vines, the young tree shoots, and a few measures ofmaize or other corn, which is given with extreme parsimony. Still, inspite of the careless way in which they are treated, we repeat thatthese horses are very handsome, vigorous, remarkably docile, and ofgreat speed.
Colonel Melendez arrived at an early hour in sight of the hacienda, forhis troops had made a forced march through the night. With a rapidglance the experienced Chief of the Mexicans examined the neighbourhood,but the plain was deserted.
The Larch-tree hacienda stood like an eagle's nest on the top of ahillock, whose abrupt sides had never been smoothed, as the steepness oftheir ascent was regarded as a means of defence in the event of anattack. Thick walls turned yellow by time, at each angle of which couldbe seen the threatening muzzles of two guns peering out, gave thisstrongly-built house the appearance of a real fortress.
The Mexicans increased their already rapid pace, in order to reach thehacienda before the gates were opened, and the ganado let out. The scenepresented by this magnificent plain at sunrise, had something imposingabout it. The hacienda, whose roof was still veiled in mist; the gloomyforests in the distance, which ran with almost imperceptible undulationsalong the spurs of the sierra; the silvery thread of a small stream,which wound with capricious meanderings through the plain, and whosewaters sparkled in the hot sunbeams; the dumps of larches, sumachs, andPeru trees, which rose here and there from amid the tall grass, andagreeably broke the monotony of the plain, while from the thickets rosethe joyous song of the birds saluting the return of day--in a word, allseemed to breathe repose and happiness in this abode momentarily sotranquil.
The Mexicans reached the hacienda, whose gates were not opened till theinhabitants were well assured that the newcomers were really friends.They had already heard of the general insurrection occasioned by thesurprise of the conducta de plata, and hence the Major-domo, whocommanded in the absence of Don Felipe de Valreal, proprietor of thehacienda, kept on his guard.
This Major-domo, whose name was Don Felix Paz, was a man of aboutfive-and-forty at the most, tall, well-built, and powerful; he had, intruth, the appearance of a perfect _hombre de a caballo_, an essentialcondition for fulfilling his onerous duties. This Major-domo came inperson to receive the Mexican detachment at the gate of the hacienda.After congratulating the Colonel, he informed him that so soon as hereceived the news of the general revolt of the province, he had broughtall his cattle in, armed the servants, and rendered the guns on theplatform serviceable.
The Colonel complimented him on his diligence, established his troops inthe outhouses destined for the peons and vaqueros, took militarypossession of all the posts, and, accompanied by the Major-domo, made astrict inspection of the interior of the fortress. Don Juan Melendez,being well acquainted with the carelessness and sloth of his fellowcountrymen, expected to find the hacienda in a wretched state, but wasagreeably deceived. This large estate, situated on the limits of thedesert, as it were between civilisation and barbarism, was too exposedto the unforeseen attacks of Redskins and bandits of every descriptionwho congregate on the border, for its owner not to watch with theutmost care over its defence. This wise foresight was at this moment ofa great utility for the siege which, in all probability, they would haveto withstand ere long.
The Colonel found but very little to alter in the arrangements made bythe Major-domo; he contented himself with cutting down several clumps oftrees which, being situated too near the hacienda, might sheltersharpshooters,
who could annoy their artillery men. At each entrance ofthe hacienda barricades were erected by his orders, composed of branchesinterlaced, and outside the walls the arms of all the healthy men werecalled into requisition, to dig a deep and wide trench, the earth fromwhich, thrown up on the side of the hacienda, formed a breast-work,behind which the best shots in the garrison were placed. The twomountain guns brought by the Colonel remained horsed, so that they mightbe transported to the point of danger. Finally, the Mexican flag washaughtily hoisted on the top of the hacienda.
Counting the servants, to whom Don Felix had distributed arms, thegarrison amounted to nearly four hundred men, a sufficient force toresist a coup de main, especially in so good a position as this; therewas plenty of ammunition and food; the Mexicans were animated by thebest spirit, and the Colonel, therefore, felt certain of being able tohold out for a fortnight against troops more numerous and experiencedthan those the insurgents had at their disposal.
The works of fortification were carried on with such great activity,that they were completed within twenty-four hours of the Colonel'sarrival at the hacienda. The scouts, sent out in all directions, cameback without any fresh news of the insurgents, whose movements were socleverly veiled, that, since the affair of the conducta, they seemed tohave disappeared without leaving a trace, and buried themselves in thebowels of the earth.
This complete want of news, far from reassuring the Colonel, on thecontrary, augmented his anxiety. This factitious tranquillity, thisgloomy silence of the landscape, seemed to him more menacing than if hehad heard of the approach of the enemy, whose masses, however, he felt,by a species of secret intuition, were gradually drawing in round thepost he had been selected to defend.
It was the second day after the arrival of the Mexicans at theLarch-tree; the sun was disappearing behind the mountains in masses ofgold; night would soon set in. Colonel Melendez and the Major-domo,leaning on one of the battlements of the platform, were absently gazingout on the immense landscape unrolled at their feet, while conversingtogether. Don Juan had in a few minutes appreciated the loyalty andintelligence of the Major-domo; hence these two men, who thoroughlyunderstood each other, had become friends.
"Another day past," said the Colonel, "and it has been impossible for usyet to learn the movements of the insurgents. Does not that appearextraordinary to you, Don Felix?"
The Major-domo sent forth a cloud of smoke from his mouth and nostril,took his husk cigarette from his mouth, and quietly flipped away theash.
"Very extraordinary," he said, without turning his head, and continuingto look fixedly at the sky.
"What a singular man you are! Nothing disturbs you," Don Juan went onhalf angrily, "Have all our scouts returned?"
"All."
"And still brought no news?"
"None."
"By Heaven! Your coolness would make a saint swear! What are you lookingat so fixedly in the sky? Do you fancy you can find the information werequire there?"
"Perhaps so," the Major-domo replied seriously. Then extending his handin a north-east direction, he said--
"Look there."
"Well?" the Colonel said looking in the direction indicated.
"Do you see nothing?"
"On my honour, no."
"Not even those flocks of herons and flamingos flying in large circles,and uttering shrill cries which you can hear from here?"
"Certainly I see birds; but what have they in common----?"
"Colonel," the Major-domo interrupted him, turning and drawing himselfup to his full height; "prepare to defend yourself; the enemy is there."
"What--the enemy? you are mad, Don Felix; look out in the last gleams ofday, the plain is deserted."
"Colonel, before becoming Major-domo at the Larch-tree hacienda, I was awood ranger for fifteen years; the desert is to me a book, every page ofwhich I can peruse. Watch the timid flight of those birds, notice thenumberless flocks which are constantly joining those we first perceived;those birds, driven from their nests, are flying haphazard before anenemy who will soon appear. That enemy is the insurgent army, whosemasses will soon be visible to us, probably preceded by fire."
"Rayo de Dios, Don Felix," the Colonel suddenly exclaimed; "you areright, look there!"
A red line, momentarily growing wider, suddenly appeared on the extremeverge of the horizon.
"Did the flight of the birds deceive us?" the Major-domo asked.
"Forgive me, friend, a very excusable ignorance, but we have not amoment to lose."
They went down at once; five minutes later the defenders of the haciendalined the tops of the walls, and ambushed themselves behind the exteriorintrenchments. The Texan army, now perfectly visible, was deploying onthe plains in heavy columns.