The Irish standard., 1891-09-05

( %E&k He must have
- news of some
@NZ illibu tering
< exp g di i O 4
about to land Oh the shores of Cuba on
we would not see him tonight, laugh
tngly exclaimed one of a group OF young
u1en who were lounging about the en-
trance Of the calaboose in the Plaza &!
tAr1nas, Havana, early in the evening a
Few years since.
The company belonged to some organ
azation, it could readily be seen by their
uniformity Of dress, it being seersucke1
coat, with short skirts, girted i'll at the
waist by belt from which were sus-
pended widebladed, Roman shaped
swords, and formidable revolvers.
The garments of some Of the number
were profusely ornanlented with gold
aace. showing their wearers to be
officers, and all had upon their heads
She light Panama hats, whose broad
i1orims were caught up On the left side
iby red and black leathern rosette.
"Perhaps" -suggested q companion
of the first speaker, che has lost all his
ready money at billiards, and feels too
poor to employ a substitute to do his
monthly police duty
"Francisco is an ardent lover of the
cue, but he does not play to lose, " re-
piled the other. "And if he were short
of funds, he would only have to make
his condition known to the cid don to
have his pockets we'll lined with golden
pieces No, no, it is not to the lack Of
money that we are indebted for the
honor Of Senot Ceballos' company to-
night on our watch" Then in 2 louder
voice:
"How, now, friend Francisco, I
thought you had registered an oath
with your patron saint never again to
pat on uniform and do guard 6uty!'
TW::sa't has happened to cause you to
change your mind?"
The desire for little exercise, NAV
De, Senior Hazas," replied the new
conner, seating himself upon a bench in
She most 1ndolent manner, and lazily
mhallng the fragrant smoke Of a cigar
cite that he held between his lips.
"Fehpe Coras, here said the Young
IMAM, n,ischievously. was under the
impression that you were trife short
If money and could not engage your
usual substitute"
If We're should not call upon him
" supply the deficiency, 50" q uiclzly re-
sorted Francisco, with some spirit, dart
Ing an angry look at the individual in
question.
A'Faldes Haas is mistaken, senior,
Il he thought for an instant that I
meant to convey the impression that it
were possible for You to be e1nbar-
:assed financially" answered Coras, in /
! se,vile manner
!; Lob, it matters not" returned the
7oung Cuban, as he raised his hat and !
yiped his brow upon a delicately per- |
su1ned silk handkerchief But who !
1as charge o. our watch tonight, Val |
Ses?' he continued. turning tc.his friend J
ags.zas.
'sSenor Guezala, I believe, was to |
aavc been in command, but we have !
lust received word that it will be i'm
possible for him to serve. SO, as You arey
uext in rank, the duty will probably de-
volve upon you unless the powers that
be- see lit to send an officer frop1' the
reguliers to show the Cuban CT .,zen po-
lice how to perform their compulsory
mad degrading work" ,he latter part
Of this remark was spoken in low
tone, but with cor siderable bitterness.
"A loya + object Of the crown Of
s''s'in s,.'' lid consider no duty that ne
S'A!l Sfs' Aorm for the good Of the govern
SS'ssS' -.r, as degrading" haughtily eS~
claimed Felipe Coras, bending search
4nr look upon his outspoken compan-
aon.
liam glad you are OF that opinion
senor, for the task will consequently oe
less repugnant to YOU, sarcastically re-
marked young Ceballos.
THAT I have never attempted 10
shirk my duty is proof sufficient that 1
am a loyal subject, at least, which Is
more than can be said OF some with
whom 7 have the honor to be associ-
ated," angrily retorted Coras, as ne
turned upon his heel and STROBE into the
guard room. .,
AS the disgruntled officer left the
uror1p those who remained locked at
each other inquiringly, and several Won
dered what was meant by the significant
retort.
Ceballos and Haas paid no attention
to the comments of their companions
but rose from the bench on which they
had been sitting, and with an:
''Adios, seniors, we will return soon,
started out into the plaza, and when
they were again alone began an earnest
conversation, though it was carried OF
In whispers.
s'What is it, Francisco, that is troub
ling you? Fear not to make contidan'
of me-
.sNor do I, for you are my deares
friend. and by the repeated inquiries a
{ to your welfare by my fair sister lsade
/ predict that some day Valdes Haza
win bear closer relati But t