CHAPTER XII
A RISKY UNDERTAKING
Called upon to pass judgment on the two Spanish irregulars who hadattacked the peaceful hacienda in search of plunder and revenge, it waslong before Mr. Brindle opened his lips or endeavored to speak. He drewa chair before them, and, having seated himself with the utmostdeliberation, extracted a long cheroot from a case of woven grass, whichhe always carried in his pocket. Turning it round and round in hisfingers, as if to satisfy himself that it was one of good flavor, he bitoff one end, and striking a match, lit the other very carefully. Eventhen he did not address the prisoners.
"Pull that lamp a little closer, Hal, old boy," he said. "That's it. Nowlift the shade, that I may get a better look at these two--these tworascals."
Hal did as he was asked, throwing a flood of light upon Jose d'Aroustaand his accomplice.
"Senor, you are kind to us," said the former, in the calmest of calmvoices, and with more than a suspicion of irony in his tones. "A stronglight never did the gay d'Arousta harm. On the contrary, he has beentold that it improves him."
He laughed, and, jerking his wide-brimmed hat backward, turned stillmore to the light, showing a handsome face, which would have been quitetaking but for the color and vindictive flash of the eyes, and for theinvoluntary twitch of his lips, which even he, calm though he had forcedhimself to appear, could not entirely control.
"It is a pity, a thousand pities, Jose d'Arousta, that all your deedscannot bear the light," said Mr. Brindle quietly. "I know them well, andyou are aware of it. Rogue, sir, is written on your face--rogue,vagabond, and thief. What have you to say for yourself?"
"To say, senor? Merely that ill fortune has befallen me. But for thisdolt here I should have succeeded, so that I have little more to saythan that I regret my failure greatly, and think myself a fool that Idid not burn the hacienda about your ears. But this young Englishman wastoo clever for me. It is the second time, and the last, I can assureyou, senor, for Jose d'Arousta never forgets nor forgives, and neverneglects to repay his debts in full."
"Exactly so," Mr. Brindle replied dryly. "It _is_ the last time. Now,listen to me. A state of war has commenced in the island, and everythingis disorganized. If I send you into Santiago, you will be set at libertyagain, for your services will be required. Therefore I must take mattersinto my own hands, for men who make an unwarranted attack, and who killmy servants in cold blood, must take the consequences."
"Senor, you are scarcely wise," Jose replied, with unruffled calmness."You mean, I understand, that you will shoot us. Ah, well! do so, andwhat will happen? In these lawless times my countrymen will retaliate,for the news is certain to reach their ears. That will be awkward,senor. On the other hand, you might set us at liberty, and profityourself, for we will engage to leave you unmolested from this dayonwards."
"You will engage? But what is the value of a promise from you?" askedMr. Brindle, with a disdainful shrug of his shoulders.
"That you must decide for yourself," the Spaniard answered calmly.
Once more there was silence, Mr. Bundle sinking his face into hishands, as if in deep thought; while the captives stood in front of him,Jose apparently unconcerned, but for all that narrowly watching; andPedro, with eyes that were full of fear, and knees that knocked togetherin sheer terror.
"Does anyone know which of my servants were hurt?" asked Mr. Brindlesuddenly. "Were any killed, or wounded so badly that they will die?"
"I can answer that question, father," said Gerald, stepping forward."Black Pete is hit badly, though not mortally, and will certainlyrecover: while the others have only trifling wounds."
"Then so much the better. I am glad that a death on my plantation andamongst my hands cannot be placed at the door of these men. Listen, youtwo," he went on, sternly, looking Jose and Pedro in the face. "Do yousolemnly swear to leave me and mine alone in the future, and will youpromise never to molest my overseer? You have threatened all of us, andwe all know the nature of such men as you are. Revenge unfortunatelyholds a high place with you, and you will do much to accomplish an end.Put that aside. Forget that we exist, and declare to me on your solemnword that you will never come near us; for otherwise I shall take thelaw into my own hands, and hang you both to the trees in front of thehacienda."
"We will give you the promise on our honor, senor," said Jose. "See, Ilook you in the face, and I swear to observe this bond between us. Senormust know that a Spaniard never breaks his oath."
"Hum, I have had too little to do with men of your country to be able tovouch for the truth of that," Mr. Brindle answered dryly; "but I haveheard of the saying that there is honor among thieves. Perhaps this isyour case. However, lest you should forget this vow of yours, and comethis way again to trouble me, I will give you a warning. From this daythe man who approaches the hacienda with the intention of committingviolence will be shot at sight. At sight, Jose d'Arousta; remember that.Now you may go, but carry my words with you, I pray. Outside in theclearing lies one of your gang, killed through your action. Break yourplighted oath, and I will bring you to the same end, and this ruffian,too, your accomplice. Now, be off, and never let me see your facesagain."
He gave an impatient stamp, and turned to Hal.
"Set them free," he said. "Let us be rid of them."
Taking a knife from his pocket, Hal advanced to the prisoners, and cuttheir lashings, keeping a close watch upon them the while, for it waswell to suspect treachery from such men. Perhaps from Pedro there waslittle fear of foul play, for he had not the heart to attempt it; butfrom the other anything might be expected, for not for a single momenthad his wonderful _sang-froid_ deserted him. Even now, great though therelief must have been, he did not allow his feelings to betray him, orshow that he had just emerged from an ordeal sufficiently trying to anyman, and which might have ended in an order for his instant execution.
"The senor is wise," he said, with a disdainful laugh. "He has realizedthat it is risky and foolish to harm a Spaniard in these troublous days.Ah, well! the times will change, let us hope; and meanwhile, who can saywhat will happen? Now we will depart, as we have your permission, senor.Senora, buenas noches (good night). I would fain have stayed to pass apleasant evening. Adios, senores (farewell, gentlemen). Had I the power,I would drink to our next meeting."
He swept his cap from his head, and bowed to the floor. Then, with onelook at Dora and a meaning flash from his eyes in Hal's direction, hetramped out of the room with a swagger, and went down the steps,followed closely by Pedro.
"I am thankful he is gone," exclaimed Mr. Brindle. "The air seemsclearer already."
"Yes; I too am glad to see the last of him for this time," said Hal."But we shall have to deal with him again, and that very soon. Listen.What is that?"
They rose to their feet, and went to the window to look across theclearing. It was bathed in brilliant moonlight, which showed everyobject distinctly, illuminating the group of negroes who stood outsidediscussing the affairs of the past few hours in high-pitched voices, thepiled-up rifles, and the dead Spaniard who lay prone in the center, witharms stretched out before him just as he had fallen. There, too, wereJose and his accomplice, entering the fringe of trees. As they did so,the former turned, and, seeing the faces in the window, and the figuresof the watchers showing darkly against the light, he stood there andshook his fist in their direction.
"Hi! you in the room yonder!" he cried. "Listen to Jose d'Arousta'sparting words. Remember this, Senor Brindle, that all is fair in loveand war, and a vow pledged to the enemy is not binding. I give yousolemn warning that I will visit this hacienda again, if it is only tomeet and chat with the adorable senora. Senor Marchant, you know what toexpect. I owe you a great debt, and will repay it."
He shook his fist ominously, and, plunging into the trees, was lost toview.
"And I will take his warning to heart," said Hal quietly, turning to hisfriends. "He says that he will repay, and I declare that if I meet himagain I will shoot him like a dog on the slightest
suspicion oftreachery. He deserves anything, for he has broken his word and hishonor."
"You will be fully justified in doing as you say, old boy," said Mr.Brindle. "But let us hope that he will never come our way again. War issaid to have been declared, and, no doubt, Spain will go to the wall.Then America will look to our interests, and this unfortunate islandwill enter upon a new era of prosperity. Such an act of violence as hasbeen attempted this night will then be out of the question. Now, let usgo to supper; but, Hal, my dear lad, first we must shake you by thehand. I am not going to sing your praises, but I must tell you how wellyou have done, and what you have saved me. The money in your pocketsrepresents a year's savings and hard work, and the total return of theplantation."
And now, while the small family at the beautiful hacienda of Eldoradodiscuss the evening meal, let us turn to America and to Spain, andascertain what had been happening in the meantime, and why it was that,contrary to his previously expressed decision, Mr. Brindle had not sentGerald and Dora back to Florida.
To say that the terrible tidings from Havana, detailing how the _Maine_and her unfortunate crew were blown into the air, produced a storm ofpassion in the United States is to tell only the meager truth. For yearsCuba and the insurrection there had rankled in the hearts of all in thisbig country. Many a time had private sympathizers given men and money toaid the cause of the insurgents, and more than once had representationsbeen made to Spain in order to persuade her to end the condition ofmisery which clouded the island, and ruined the Americans there.
The story of the _Virginius_, though now many years old, was still freshin the memory of the American nation, and the wretched condition of theunfortunate natives herded together in the concentration camps, andother evils, did not tend to let the sore close. No love was felt forthe Spaniard, but only hatred and contempt. Matters, however, seemed tobe mending, and a gallant ship, with a fine crew of officers and men,above whom floated the Stars and Stripes, was paying a friendly visit toCuba. What wonder, then, that the news of its destruction filledAmericans with anger! Treachery was suspected at once, and a searchinginvestigation insisted on. Divers were dispatched to the wreck, whoreported that a mine had been fired beneath the keel. They were notabsolutely certain, but everything pointed to the truth of what theysaid, for the bottom plates of the _Maine_, as well as the keel, weredriven upwards at an angle, while the mud which formed the bed of theharbor beneath her was excavated to the depth of many feet--all going toprove that the explosions were the result of external force.
But, even now, war was not certain, though the nation clamored for it.Nothing definite could be decided upon until Congress met; andmeanwhile, America commenced warlike preparations, while Spain,following her example, beat up recruits and war vessels for the strugglewhich was now imminent. In addition, she began to bestir herself toalleviate the sufferings of the people in the concentration camps inCuba, and at this, the eleventh hour, did her utmost to conciliate thepeople of the States. But the attempt was made too late. Former Spanishpromises had resulted in no improvement in the condition of the island.America, remembering this, called upon Spain to withdraw from Cuba andleave it to the natives.
A decided refusal was given, and on April the 26th a state of warcommenced between the two nations, Spain at once assembling her fleet inhome waters, and making all preparations in Cuba to resist theAmericans; while, at the same time, she held the insurgents in check.This was Jose d'Arousta's opportunity; and we have seen how, accompaniedby Pedro and his irregulars, he rode into the country and attacked Mr.Brindle's house.
Matters, indeed, looked anything but bright for those left in theisland; and as the family sat at supper, Mr. Brindle discussed thesituation earnestly with Hal.
"You see we are placed in a very uncomfortable position," he saidthoughtfully. "Living out here in the country, we must look to ourselvesalone to defend the place. I do not suppose that the Spaniards willtrouble us unless they suspect us of trying to aid America; but when theisland is infested with such scoundrels as Jose and his friends, ourlives and property will never be safe. What is to prevent that rascalfrom returning as he threatened? He failed to succeed this time by themerest chance--a chance, my lad, which you made good use of, though I donot forget that some allowance of pluck was required to bring your planto a favorable issue. He failed, but on the next occasion he will not betaken in so easily. It really is a troublesome matter to decide upon. AmI to stay here, or shall I leave until the war is over? That is thequestion which I continue to ask myself. Supposing I get away from theisland as soon as possible, the estate will be overrun, and I shallreturn to find it a blackened wilderness from end to end, and thehacienda, of which I am so proud, a heap of ashes. If I stay, as I aminclined to do, the place may be burnt over our heads at any moment, andour lives may be seriously threatened. Now, Hal, you have proved sothoughtful and cute before; let me know what you think about the matter?How would you act in the circumstances?"
"It is more or less of a puzzle," said Hal slowly, "but I think youwill do well to stay. When your wounded negroes have recovered, you willhave thirty-three rifles with which to defend the place--that is, ofcourse, counting ourselves."
"I beg your pardon--thirty-four!" exclaimed Dora sharply. "You haveforgotten to include me, sir."
"Quite right! Quite as it should be! Ha, ha, Hal! You have caught itthis time, and let it be a warning to you in future. The girl is aregular Amazon. She can shoot and ride with the best of us."
Mr. Brindle shouted the words across the table, and chuckled to see Halflush red. As for Dora, her pretty lips parted in a smile.
"I'm sure I hadn't thought of it like that," said Hal apologetically."But let us put it at thirty-four. Now, I should advise that all themulattoes be dismissed. You do not require them any longer, for thewinter is at hand; and, besides, what help have they been on thisoccasion? None at all. We have not seen a single one since the rowbegan, and in all probability they were with the gang of brigands. ThenI should at once take steps to replace them from the plantation inFlorida. You could spare them, I should think; and if not, it would notbe difficult to hire more labor over there. The next and most importantquestion to think of is how to defend the hacienda and plantation. Inthe first place, I should cut back the forest so as to obtain a widerclearing round the house. By doing this you will at the same time beproviding material with which to build fortifications. To my mind, asand-bag barricade on the roof would be the most useful defense, and Ishould run up a watch-tower above it. When the hacienda is seen to, Ishould erect small forts at intervals round the edge of the clearing,digging a ditch behind them. Our men could lie in them, and fire on theenemies approaching from the direction of Santiago, or from the otherside; while, should anyone manage to evade them, he must still cross theclearing to get at the house, and would still be exposed to the rifleslying in the ditch."
"Hum! then you think that more men are necessary, Hal?" said Mr.Brindle.
"I do most certainly, and will fetch them for you if you wish. As far asI can see, you have only one thing to think about. You are an Americanby choice, and if your country were in real danger, no doubt you wouldvolunteer your services. But this is not a struggle for supremacybetween two nations, and you will, therefore need only to care for yourproperty. If you make your preparations at once there is no reason whyyou should fear Jose d'Arousta or any of his kidney. If you fail to takeall precautions, you will certainly meet with serious trouble, for thatman will not forget his threat, and he will return here some day andwreck the place, besides doing injury to yourself."
Mr. Brindle did not answer for some minutes. Resting his head on hishand, he stared thoughtfully out of the window, seeming to have fixedhis attention upon the long, dark shadows cast by the trees across theclearing.
"I believe your advice is good," he said at length, "and I will setabout the matter to-morrow morning. We will make out a plan of thesurroundings of the hacienda, putting in all paths and approaches. Thenwe will sketch in the posi
tions most likely to be suitable for defenses.I fancy by using a little care we shall be able to design them to crosstheir fire, or rather, to allow the defenders to do so, without dangerof hitting one another. As to extra hands, if you will do me theservice, I will send a note by you to my overseer at Tampa, leaving itto you to make the arrangements for the transfer of ten men here. But Iexpect it will be a more difficult undertaking than you imagine. Nodoubt you will slip from the island without discovery, but it will beanother affair to return, for the coast-line will be carefully watched.That, again, is a question which you alone can settle; and as it willcertainly have a spice of danger about it, I am sure you will managebeautifully, for when have you failed to pull yourself and others out ofa difficulty? Still, you must consider the probable risk, and tell mewhether you are prepared to take it."
"I have done so, and I repeat my offer," Hal replied, withouthesitation. "So long as the dangers and difficulties are notinsurmountable, I shall enjoy the fun, for it will make the journeyquite interesting."
"Then it is arranged; and as you may fall into trouble, Gerald shall gowith you to help you out. He speaks Spanish and Cuban like a native, andmay very well be of use."
"By Jove, that is ripping, father!" exclaimed Gerald delightedly. "Whenwill we start, old boy?"
"The sooner the better, I should say. To-morrow will not be too early."
"Then all shall be ready for you by daylight," said Mr. Brindle. "Now,Hal, if you will come outside we will go round the place, and discussthe measures to be taken for defense."
On the following morning the sun had scarcely climbed out of the seawhen Hal and Gerald were about, booted and spurred, and ready for theroad. Each carried his revolver and a flask, while two thick rugs wererolled into bundles, ready to be strapped to the saddles one in front ofeach rider. A few minutes later Dora appeared, looking extremely prettyand picturesque, but with a scarcely discernible cloud about herusually smiling face.
"There," she said, with a toss of her head, "here are two parcels offood for you. Boys are always hungry, and no doubt you will be glad ofsomething to eat upon the road."
"That we shall," Hal answered heartily. "Now, Gerald, up you get."
The mules were led forward at this moment, and the two sprang into theirsaddles, Hal gaining his seat with an easy vault which was by no meansas simple to execute as it appeared. But he was a strong and activeyoung fellow, and made little of such a feat. A minute later he hadsecured his stirrups, and had the reins in his hand.
"Good-by, and good luck to you!" cried Mr. Brindle, appearing with aletter in his hand. "Here is the note for the overseer, Hal; I ask himto send me ten extra hands. If need be he will advance you more money,though I believe I have given you sufficient to cover all expenses. Onething more. Remember that while in Cuba you are in the enemy's country,and that the less you come into contact with Spaniards the better. Now,adieu, and let us hope for a speedy return."
"Good-by, and take care of yourselves," cried Dora earnestly, comingforward to shake them by the hand. "Hal, I give Gerald into your care.Bring him and yourself back safely, and I will thank you."
"I will, never fear," answered Hal. Then he lifted his reins, and takinghis hat from his head, turned from the hacienda. "Come along, Gerald,"he cried, and next second was cantering across the clearing.
A minute later both were swallowed up in the forest, leaving Mr. Brindleand Dora standing on the balcony, arm in arm, looking longingly afterthem.
"I do hope that they will come to no harm," said Dora, as if to herself.
"Harm! And so do I. But why should they?" answered her fatherreassuringly. "One of them has a head on his shoulders and a heartbeneath his jacket which will take him through anything. There, come in,Dora, and let us have some breakfast. Afterwards we will go round theplantation, for during the overseer's unavoidable absence you will haveto act in his stead."
Hal and his companion with hearts as light and happy as the morning, andfilled to overflowing with high spirits, cantered along, side by side,in the direction of Santiago. Nothing disturbed their feeling ofsecurity, and they chatted gayly, going once more over the excitingevents of the previous day. At length they emerged from the forest, andSantiago lay exposed to full view, some five miles away.
"One gets a splendid look-out from this level," remarked Hal. "The townis laid out like a map beneath us; and just look at the shipping! Thatharbor with its narrow entrance, is like a bottle, and the fleets ofSpain might lie in there and never be seen, and never fear attack fromhostile ships. Hallo! what are those outside?"
He shaded his eyes, and looked at two dots floating on the water justoff the harbor mouth. A moment later they showed up clearly, even atthat distance, and it was easy to distinguish that they were two long,low torpedo boats, which were steaming parallel to the shore, with atrail of blue smoke blowing out behind them.
"Spanish sleuthhounds," said Hal. "Gerald, we shall have some trouble ingetting away, for those boats are patrolling the harbor mouth, and, nodoubt, have strict orders to stop any craft attempting to enter orleave. But we'll manage it somehow."
"Why not get aboard some merchant vessel?" asked Gerald.
"At any other time, that might do," Hal replied thoughtfully; "but now Ifancy that all ships will be compelled to lay up in the harbor. Besides,the American fleet will be blockading Cuba, and to attempt to leave justnow would be to run the danger of capture. Still, I've no doubt thatsome neutral vessels are down there, and they will be allowed to sail,for there is a clause in international law that makes it possible. Wemust look out for one, and I propose that we ride a little closer, andleave our mules where they can be cared for. As soon as it gets dark wewill make for the town, and enter boldly. We shall be like hundreds ofothers, for all the people hereabouts are dressed in these plantationclothes. I'll keep my tongue quiet, while you can do all thequestioning. What do you say to that, old boy?"
"That it will be the best way out of the difficulty, and, as we havestill some hours to wait before the sun goes down, I vote for some grub.I'm as hungry as a hunter and as empty as a drum. An early start on alight breakfast makes one simply ravenous."
"Just the thing! I'm like you, and awfully peckish," answered Halcheerily. "Here, what's this? The very spot for a camp and a shortsiesta. There is no fear of interruption, and a sleep during the heat ofthe day will do us good. We had precious little yesterday, and, for allwe know, may have none at all to-night. Whoa! Stand, boy. There, now youcan see for yourself. I dare say you are as ready for a feed and a restas I am."
They dismounted, and removing the bits from the mouths of their mules,and loosening the girths, allowed the animals to graze. Then they satdown upon a fallen tree, and discussed the contents of the packetswhich the thoughtful Dora had provided. At six o'clock it was time tostart, and, saddling up, they went forward at a smart canter.
"Do you see that hut over there?" said Gerald, pointing to a tumble-downerection of palm leaves and stakes which suddenly came into view somehundreds of yards in front of them. "That will be the very place toleave our mules, for a trusty native, whom I have known for years willwillingly look after them till we return, even though weeks may pass."
Shaking their reins, they galloped up to the tiny hut, and called loudlyfor the owner.
"We are going into the town," said Gerald in Spanish, when the nativeappeared. "We shall be absent a week or more, and we want you to lookafter the mules. Can you do it for us? We will pay you well."
The man, who was old and crippled, and dressed in rags, willinglyassented.
"For a week or more!" he cried, in a squeaky voice, shaking his head thewhile. "My advice to you, my masters, is to leave the town alone; for ifyou are rash enough to go there, it will be a month at least before youreturn--perhaps, even, I may never see you again. But I doubt whetheryou will be able to enter, for all the gates are closed, and theapproaches guarded."
"But there are other ways in, are there not?" asked Gerald.
"Yes; y
ou might be able to slip in by the side streets," the nativeagreed hesitatingly; "but take the advice of one old enough to give it,and leave the place alone altogether."
He shook his head again, and hobbled away with the mules, leaving Geraldto interpret what had passed between them.
"Perhaps it would be the wiser course not to enter Santiago," said Hal;"but we have no choice in the matter, for we want to get away from theisland, and that is the only manner in which we can arrange it. Comealong, Gerald. We'll decide how we are to act as we go towards thetown."
Five minutes later they were walking towards the rows of lights whichnow twinkled from the houses in Santiago. On arriving close beside thefirst, they halted at a drinking-fountain, which splashed musically,inviting the thirsty traveler to stop and satisfy his wants.
"We want to get in there undetected," said Hal; "and, what is more,we're going to have a good shot at it. The question is, How are we toset about the matter? Now, my idea is to face the thing boldly, and actas if we had as much right to enter as the general himself. If we areseen skulking, suspicion will be aroused, and we shall probably have afew bullets flying about our ears. War has only just been declared, andno doubt the people are very much excited. They will be expectingsomething to happen, but not from this side. The Americans will comefrom over the sea, and therefore it is from the coast-line that dangerand attack will be apprehended. What is there suspicious about us?Simply nothing! I never saw a more innocent-looking couple; and as forbeing different in appearance from the ordinary citizens, I am sure weshould pass all but the closest scrutiny. Come along! We'll strike forthe main entrance."
Gerald jumped to his feet and followed willingly, for he had already hadexperience of the soundness of Hal's judgment, and trusted himimplicitly.
A few minutes later the road which they were traversing narrowed, and,passing through a thick grove of orange trees, ran between two rows ofhouses. At the end of the street a barricade was erected, and a sentry,who stood behind it in the shadow, challenged them loudly.
"Halt!" he cried harshly. "Who goes there?"
"Friends," answered Gerald, in his finest Spanish.
"Then advance, and show yourselves."
Hal and his comrade promptly stepped forward in obedience to the order,for it was too late to turn back now, even if they had wished; and,moreover, the sight of the sentry as he stood out from the shadow of thebarricade, with rifle pointed in their direction, was sufficient to showthem that even to hesitate would mean a report, and the whistle andshriek of a bullet in their direction.
Accordingly they moved forward till close beside him, when they stoppedas the bayonet was dropped to the level of their chests.
"Here are two who wish to enter. Bring a light, one of you," the sentrycried.
"A lantern? Wait, and I will come with one," a second voice answered;and steps were heard as another of the Spanish soldiers approached.
He carried an unlighted lantern in his hand, and, when close beside thelads, placed it upon the top of the barricade, while he fumbled in hispocket for a match. At length he produced a solitary one, and, liftinghis foot, struck it sharply across the sole. But the flash was instantlyextinguished by a puff of wind that came whistling through the trees atthat moment.
"Ah, caramba!" he exclaimed, with an angry stamp of his foot. "It is thevery last that I have, and to get another I must go back to theguard-room. Have you a box about you, comrade?"
The sentry placed his rifle between his knees, and searched in everypocket, but without success.
"I cannot help you," he said crossly. "Get back and fetch a light. I amtired of waiting."
"I cannot be bothered," the other replied. "Who are these fellows?"
"We are friends," Gerald promptly responded.
"Then pass them in, comrade," said the one who had declined to fetch alight. "They are brothers-in-arms most certainly."
Gerald pulled Hal by the sleeve, and, without waiting for more, the twohurried through the barricade and on into the street. Fifty paces awaythe road was dimly lighted by a lamp hanging from a pole. They were justpassing beneath it, and were in the act of congratulating themselves ontheir success, when a company of soldiers marched up, and the officer incharge, happening to catch sight of the two youths, called loudly tothem to approach and declare who they were.