Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-03-27

were two Of NV men, and the steward handed
down the basket; waving an ndiea to the oh-
Gers we pulled away across TIE bay.
When well over to the eastern shore took
the bag out Of the basket and changed the
course of the boat 30 as TO land on the out
skirts of the city.
Reaching the shore instructed my men to
pull for the cave where they would meet tbs
other captains and deliver the basket to them,
and say that business had called me to town,
but would Join them some time during the
day.
A few minutes later was seated in vo-
lante Cuban CARRIAGE and was being driven
slowly "a Cuban team will never travel fast
in the direction Of the Plaza di POGO.
Turning into the square, in the center of
which were growing rare and beautiful
plants, observed several policemen and
Spanish soldiers lounging about, but as one
cannot take fifty steps in any Cuban city
withou. meeting one or more of these ser
wants Of the crown, paid but little attention
to their presence.
l, however, ordered the carriage to stop
several doors from the house of which was
in search. and. after dismissing the driver,
proceeded on foot.
Number thirteen differed little from il,
neighbors save unusual air Of quiet by
which it seemed to be surrounded. it had the
same large iron gateway leading into the in
closed area peculiar to all Cuban houses; the
same long. barred, open windows, but, like
the ma iority. those were furnished with close
blinds, which ef7ectuaily preciuded the
passerby from obtaining the slightest giirnpst
Of tine interior OF the dwelling.
Approaching the gate raped loudly with
the ponderous knocker and my summons was
quickly answered by an old man who took in
my whole dimensions before dropping tn
fas enings of kie gate, and then not until /
bad repeated the name of Rocleriquez Coma
'ez, Is Plaza di POGO, several times.
Finally, appearing satisfied that | had
right to cali. he opened the gate just tar
enough for me to squeeze in, and then, after
again securing the fastenings, he led the way
across a paved court in the center of which
was playing a miniature fountain, into
large. cool room, and from thence into an
other which was quite dark, but as my eyes
became accustomed to the gloon could see
that it was chamber nicely furnished, and
upon couch in the middle of the apartment
was the outline of a recumbent form which
started up at our approach.
Ny guide spoke a few words in Spanish
and then retired while the person upon the
couch arose and, throwing open one Of the
blinds, allowed a stream OF light to enter the
apartment, and by its aid could see that |
was in the presence OF a fine looking gentle
man somewhat past the meridian OF lie but
with n tall figure still erect and with eyes
that flashed out brightly from beneath pair
of gray brows.
Turning he addressed me in his native
tongue, only few words Of which I could
understand, but by those few know he babe
me welcome and inquired the object of my
visit.
replied in English, asking if had the
pleasure of speaking to Senior Roderiquez
Gonzalez
Il am he he returned in English, which
had but a slight accent. sin what can
serve your
Before could respond his eyes fell upon
the bag Instantly his whole manner
changed Involuntary he sprang forward
and reached out his hand as if to grasp it,
and then collecting himself he looked search
ingly into my face
That bag-where did You get it!' he ex-
claimed, impetuously, but in low, subdued
voice
at is yours" replied, handing him the
sachol; 'at least this is the place where
was instructed to leave it."
Ii the bag had contained the riches of Col
conda he could not have received it more
eagerly.
Excuse me a moment, but remain here"
and with that he hu~ricly left the apartment.
He might have been cone perhaps ten min
utes when he returned, and approaching the
window closed the blind, which left us in
total darknc :, then drawing chair closo to
mine, he inquired eagerly as to how the bag
had come iii my possession
Igaye him the whole story, described the
young Cuban, and showed him the messagr
which had received the morning of sailing.
MY boy, my boy he muimured, and
Sc eral times during the recital he broke IN
upon Inc Us though he was about to tell me
something, but would then quickly check
himself
AT the close OF my narrative arose to so,
when the strange old man requested me to be
seated n few minutes lon -rr, and then again
left the room.
To say that I was surprised at his manner
does not express it. There was certainly
something very mysterious i'll it all, and
was half tempted to sneak ont Of the house
like thief, - wrought H., were my feelings,
when my host AGAIN entered.
"Ca,tain. lac Logan, Won have rendered
a service. the saiac uf which YOU may never
know and thousands vet unborn will bless
you tor It. 1t Is ilurnesiulc Tor me to repay
you for all the risk YOU have run, hut take
tbisr-thrlisting n packet into ny hand-"as
sli hit mcalento of my gratitude. should
invite YOU TO renew this call upon me, but
It would be dangerous to us b0t,l even this
may do you injury. THOUGH trust not" and
pressing my hand nc uncercaoniously pushed
mo before kim throu.h Il series of hallway,
and rooms TO a rear entrance and lcft me be
wil,lerrd u,,on the street with the package in
my hand which had not had the pre,caceo Of
mind to refuse.
For moment stood still not knowing ex-
actly which way to turn, and feeling that
had undoubtedly escaped from call upon
ll-latic, when was startled by the exc,ama-
ton:
'Bonis dos, senor," and looking up rccos
nized the features of an army officer who had
frequently been lettering around tho ship
chambers, the custom house and other places
about the water front where my business
called me.
His appearance recalled me to my senses,
and awkwardly answering the salutatiou, |
turned on my heel and hurried away nor
stopped for anything until seated in a boat
and being pulled of to my vessel. and did
not breathe easy until stepped over tho rail
to the deck. and even then a glance at the
packet which still clutched in my hand was
sufficient to cause me to trenble.
Hurrying through the cabin | entered my
own room, closed the door and broke open
the package and to my surprise out fell sew
eral Unitei States baiii, bills
tCoyrINrED.
CLEAR THE WAY.v