But there is no way of closing a patio from the
top, and sounds can enter readily that way, when all other
apertures are shut. Long and loud Miss Polly blew the signal on
the silver hunting-whistle.
In the club patio, Raimonda was chafing and wondering, and a score
of his friends were drinking and waiting. That signal released
their activities and terminated the battle of the American
Legation most ingloriously for the forces of Urgante. For the
gilded youth of Caracuna bears a heavy cane of fashion, and
carries a ready revolver, also, although not so admittedly as a
matter of fashion. Furthermore, he has a profound contempt for the
peon class; a contempt extending to life and limb. Therefore, when
some two dozen young patricians sallied abruptly forth with their
canes, and the mob caught sight, here and there, of a glint of
nickel against the black, it gave back promptly. Some desultory
stones rattled against the walls. There were answering reports a
few, and sundry yells of pain. The army of Urgante broke and fled
down the side streets, leaving behind its broken and its wounded.
Most of the bullet casualties were below the knee.
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