, 1881-02-11

lut Nculch't VI lApSt WIN Ndll tlLtIu-
selves patriots. Under these circum-
stances, notwithstanding your noble deed
this night, it is my duty TO arrest you
aud place you In irons
What would you be gully Of a deed
so vile, Senor?" asked the Cuban, lndig.
nantly.
MY duty, sir, compels me. Senior,
put this man in irons"
A defiant smile crossed the handsome
face OF Enrique Delmonte as the officer
approached and ironed his wrists, but
he made no resistance, and was led away
between decks and placed in state
room, guard being stationed at his
door.
Throwing himself down upon seat,
he murmured:
"Ah! Senior Verona, / know well your
hatred toward me; it il because your
daughter was my promised wife, and you
would rather have me die than see her
one day marry Cuban who was the
enemy OF Spain
The door softly opened, and, looking
up, by the dim light from the ward-room
lamp Enrique Delmonte saw a slendet
form before him-a maiden with face
OF exquisite beauty.
"EnriQuer'
"Consuelow
1t was all they said, and, springing
forward, she threw her arms around his
neck.
"Ob, Enrique, l know all, and how
cruel has been my fatherl' she said, after
q while.
"he says he does his duty, Consuelo."
''Bah! she panders to his hate. l
knew you, Enrique, when / saw you on
board, but | held myself aloof and 1
heard all that passed. Once, four years
ago, when was girl OF fourteen, you
sprung into the sea and saved my life
when wave carried me from the deck,
and tonight you have saved it again
aye, and the lives of two hundred men,
your enemies. Now shall save yoursm
"Consuelo, what mean you?" asked
the Cuban, in surprise.
81 mean that, though your duty called
you to war against Spain, | never sew
cred our engagement, and, loving you
still, Enrique, l will not see you die, for
already you are condemned, and the gar
rote will end your life. No! 1 have ar
ranged my plan. Come"
"But think of your fathers anger
when he discovers"
'"What is his anger to your life
Here, throw this clook around You and
put on this officers cap" and she picked
up q bundle she had dropped, while,
with a key she held i'll ker hand, she
squickly unlocked the irons that bound
him.
He did as she told him. and then drew
her to his heart, saying feelingly
"Consuelo, will you be true to me un-
til peace shall reign between your land
and mine p
Forever, Enrique 1 can live only
with you. But come, 1 sent the guard
off on message and he will soon re-
turn"
She led him from the state-room, up
the companion-way and to the deck.
The wind still howled mournfully
through the trees and the roar of the sea
was terrific to hear, but the steamer was
calmly resting upon the waters, moored
to large rock, and with heavy branches
overhanging the decks.
Against the poop-deck an officer shrunk
from the blast, and forward was the
watch on duty; but no one noticed the
tall form Of the Cuban, as with q nod of
farewell he sprung over the side of the
ship upon the foliage clad rocks, and
fiom view-his life saved by
the woman he loved, and who idolized
him.
Waiting until her lover had time to
reach the forest, Consuelo Verona en-
tered the cabin, where her father sat
writing some letters, and looking up he
said:
Why, daughter, I thought you had
retired"
NO father, I remained up to prevent
your bringing stain upon your proud
name," she answered calmly.
"What do you mean, child?"
"Simply, that had Enrique Delmonte
died at your hands, after his noble con-
duct tonight in thus saving his foes, it
would have been foul blot upon your
honor"
But he was condemned to perish,
and
"And L set him free"
The Spaniad sprang to his feet in
rage kissing forth:
"Girl, how dare you brave me in this
way? Ho On deck there
Hold, father, he has escaped, for
this is his own land near by, and he
knows it we'll; and, more, 1 alone am to
blame, for the guard over him I ordered
away, and, as / often carry orders for
you, he obeyed. In the place of Enrique
Delmonte, lake me your prisoner"
Capt Verona stormed like q mailman,
and reused the whole ship; but it did no
good, for the Cuban had escaped, and in
safety gained the mountains, where he
joined the command of Gen. Jordan, and
won distinction as gallant officer of
cavalry; and through all the weary
struggle in Cuba there were two hearts
l.. 4. ~.