Cook-fires smoldered in the open
glades; cavalry horses grazed in the grassy streets, and wood-
smoke drifted over them.
The second evening brought O'Reilly and Miss Evans safely through,
and at news of the expedition's success a pack-train was made
ready to go to its assistance. Norine's letter from the New York
Junta was read, and the young woman was warmly welcomed. One of
the better huts was vacated for her use, and the officers of the
provisional Government called to pay their respects.
XVII
THE CITY OF BEGGARS
There were other Americans in Cubitas, as O'Reilly soon
discovered. During his first inspection of the village he heard
himself hailed in his own language, and a young man in dirty white
trousers and jacket strode toward him.
"Welcome to our city!" the stranger cried. "I'm Judson, Captain of
Artillery, Departmento del Oriente; and you're the fellow who came
with that quinine lady, aren't you?"
O'Reilly acknowledged his identity, and Judson grinned:
"The whole camp is talking about her and those mangoes. Jove! It's
a wonder she didn't die of fright. Something tells me you're
Irish. Anyhow, you look as if you'd enjoy a scrap. Know anything
about artillery?"
"Nothing whatever."
"I'm sorry. We need gunners. Still, you know as much as the rest
of us did when we came.
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