The Harlequin Opal, Volume 3 by Fergus Hume

Painted braves came on the war-path, Numerous as the leaves in summer, Decked with feathers and with wampum, All their faces fierce and fearless, Streaked with colours like the sunset, Rage was in their hearts of iron; Spears grasped they, and bows and arrows, And their horses, like the storm clouds, Swiftly swept across the prairies, Till the firm earth shook and trembled 'Neath the thunder of their thousands. Loud they sang the song of battle, Sang the song of war and bloodshed; While the nations, women-hearted, Hid within their walled cities, Like the rabbits in their burrows, When they heard that chaunt triumphal.

Certainly, fate was dealing hardly with the Republic of Cholacaca. One blow followed another, and it seemed as though the final catastrophe would be the triumphal entry of Don Hypolito Xuarez into the capital. Janjalla was in his possession; he now threatened Centeotl, and the two towns of Puebla de los Naranjos and Chichimec had been destroyed by his savage allies. The unexpected death of Don Francisco Gomez put the finishing touch to this series of calamities, and the whole city was pervaded by a feeling of dismay. Disquieting rumours crept among the people that Xuarez had captured Centeotl and Hermanita -- that he was now on his way to Tlatonac -- that the death of President Gomez was due to his machinations. These fabrications, gaining additions as they flew from mouth to mouth, carried fear into the hearts of the citizens, and many were of the opinion that nothing was left save surrender to the insolent conqueror.