Lauran Paine's The Undertaker!!

"They beat a route army under Francisco Otero"

"Frank, all hell busted loose below the border.

"Santanistas.

"There's been one pitched battle.

"They beat a route army under Francisco Otero.

"Otero's route army numbered no less than six hundred soldiers, mostly on foot but with some lancers.

"No one knew who commanded the Santanistas, but whoever he was, if he could route six hundred regulars, you can bet your last dollar he'll have recruits swarming to his grito from everywhere."

"All hell's loose down there.

"Some bandoleros came up an' made a pass at Rincón.

"Scairt the he*l*l out of people.

"A big band of them."