Don Hypolito had disappeared, his army, broken to pieces, was flying in all directions. From the triumphant army massed round the sandhills, rose a roar of joy which made the earth tremble. The wind which had blown away the smoke, shook out the folds of the opal flag, and the Cholacacans saluted the invincible banner with cheers. "Viva el opale! Viva el Republica!" CHAPTER IX. THE TRIUMPH OF THE REPUBLIC. Mars, god of war, Whom we abhor, Hath doffed his helm, And laid his lance and shield aside. He will no more Lay waste our store, Nor overwhelm Our lands beneath his crimson tide. Peace comes anon, Now war hath gone, Her olive bough Of gentleness and quiet she brings Beneath her sway, No deadly fray Can fright us now; From battle plains the harvest springs. Three weeks after that memorable victory at Centeotl, the city of Tlatonac was holding high festival in honour of the triumphant Junta. Every street was illuminated and decorated with flowers. In the principal places, fireworks, so dear to the hearts of the Cholacacans were being let off, and the ships lying in the harbour were brilliant with lights. The populace in their gayest attire walked singing through the streets, visited the pulque shops, and gathered in groups to indulge in their national dances. Bands stationed in different squares, played the Opal Fandango, The March of Zuloaga, and soldiers, the heroes of the hour, were to be seen everywhere, being fêted and caressed by the grateful citizens. Before the Palacio Nacional a dense crowd had collected, and the place itself, brilliantly lighted up, was occupied by a gaily dressed throng. His Excellency the President was giving a ball in honour of the establishment of peace. On one of the balconies Jack and Dolores were seated, watching the varied throng below, and talking of past events. For the hundredth time Dolores was asking Jack about the battle, and all that had taken place thereat. "I am sure, Dolores, you must be wearied of this more than twice-told tale." "No, Juanito! It is a tale of which I never weary. Come, querido, tell me once more. Begin, 'After the battle----'" "After the battle," repeated Jack, humouring her fancy. "Well, the first thing we did after the battle was to search for the body of Don Xuarez. He had been last seen on the summit of the sandhill by his battery. When the reinforcements took that position by storm, Xuarez vanished, and though we searched everywhere for his body, it could not be found." "So then you knew that he had escaped?"