Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1888-06-16

resumed our way; soon bright light shone
in our faces, and we could see an open door a
little above us.
Through this door we passed and as It
swung to again upon its massive hinges we
found ourselves between two rows Of soldiers
with drawn swords; the apartment seemed to
be q sort Of guard room or keep.
A few moments after our entrance, during
which time we had remained standing with
out q word being spoken, door in the fur
ther end Of the room opened and an officer,
gayly bedecked with gold lace, entered and
approaching our party took some papers
from the soldier in charge and began to read
them very carefully.
When he had finished he waved an adieu
to those who had arrested me, and they at
ONCE turned and left the apartment by the
same door through which we had entered.
| Then, at the word of command, two SOL
diers stepped from the ranks and began to
search my pockets and clothing, taking every
thing that they could find, even to my hand
kerchief
! Twas next ordered to fall into line with
the guard and was marched Off through long,
gloomy passageways, down flight after fight
Of damp, moldy steps; past strong iron doors
which was easy enough for me to imagine
were closed upon some poor mortals who
were destined never again to breathe the
pure air Of hesfen, but to lie entombed
within this dismal pile Of masonry until vel
come death should release them from their
suffering, perhaps years after their very
names had been forgotten in their own
homes.
Once heard-or thought heard-a low,
distinct moan that seemed to rise from the
stone tagging beneath our feet
Narrower grew the passage as we ad-
vanced, and by the feeble rays of the single
torch carried by one of the guard 1 could
SEQ numberless lizards, scorpions and other
creeping reptiles scamper away at our ap-
proach.
At length, after journey which seemed
to have led me into the very bowels Of the
earth, we were halted before one Of the nu-
merous iron doors, which the officer unlocked
and opened, and without further ceremony
was thrust into a small, damp, fetid cell,
with bare stone walls, floor and roof.
| By the light Of the torch, which streamed
into the apartment before the heavy door
was swung to, could see that it was entirely
empty, save O countless number of those
loathsome creatures which had darted across
Oh, what q feeling of despair came over
me when found myself alone in total dark
ness entombed in this loathsome, subterra-
mean dungeon.
Slowly the remaining hours of the night
wore away, giving me plenty Of time to think
over the incidents Of the past few weeks and
see IL I had done anything to deserve such
treatment.
Easy it was to trace my trouble to the
strange youth who had formed my acquaint-
ance in Boston, but l had committed no
crime in delivering his effects to his family,
save in the act of smuggling them ashore,
| and that in itself was trivial offense.
The more my mind dwelt upon the matter,
the more l was convinced that had allowed
myself to become a medium between the
Cuban patriots and their sympathiZers in the
| United States, and the information or what
ever it was that had delivered must have
been Of great Importance to call forth such q
reward from Gonzalez. Yes, there was no
doubt but what was in for it, and knowing
the irascible temper of the Spaniards l felt
that my death was we'll nigh certain.
After what seemed an age from the time Of
my commitment to the prison, faint streak
made its appearance upon one Of the walls Of
my cell; it was the first break of day.
The small aperture through which the light
struggled was only about five feet from the
floor, and could easily look out.
The slit was too narrow to allow a very ex-
tended range to my vision, but could see
that was confined ON the water side Of the
fort, and directly fronting the shipping But
this fact afforded me little consolation, for
felt sure that should only leave this dreary
dungeon to march to my death.
was gazing wistfully out through the tiny
aperture, when heard the heavy bolt thrown
back and the ponderous door swung open on
its rusty hinges; and turning l was confront
cd by an officer and q file Of soldiers armed
with muskets. The officer, with drawn
sword, stepped into the cell, and in POM
pous manner ordered mo to "fall in, and we
took up our march through the tortuous
passageway to the light of day above.
Issuing from the underground labyrinth
Of corridors we emerged into a spacious
square, across which I was conducted and
placed with my back against the stone face
of wall, while the soldiers were drawn up in
line few PAGES in front Of me.
Several soldiers now appeared carrying d
table and some light camp stools, which they
placed quite near me, but little to one side,
and then retired two Of them almost imme.
aiately returned bearing that grim symbol Of
death, coffin.
That my time had come was certain, but
{ resolved to make q very vigorous protes,
against such summary measures and called
loudly for hearing. But might have savet
my strength, for my protestations were moi
taken the slightest notice Of.
Presently q number of officers appeared
crossing the plaza, and to my unspeakabll
yslief I recognized the American consul Il
their midst.
was then to be granted the semblance o.
triad at least.
The officials wasted no time in further Ger
smony, but seating themselves at the tabl
began at once by one of their number read
ing the Indictment, which was repeated il
English by an interpreter and which &C