The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-09-16

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SEATED UPON A LOW OTTOMAN AT his
FEET WAS A YOUNG GIRL.
passed the meridian OF life, although
the piercing eye and erect bearing indi-
Gated that he had not in the least lost
the vitality and fire Of youth.
His face was clcan-shaven, save a
heavy dropping gray mustache, and
his costume was Of somber black. This
was the master of the establishment,
and one Of the most ardent Cuban pa
triots, Manuel CebaHos.
Seated upon low ottoman at his
feet was q young girl, with regular
features, dark, flashing eyes, and hair
the hue of which would rival a ravens
wing. She was not more than seven
teen, but had the grace and dignity of
. woman Of more mature years.
~What is it, father, that is or your
mind? Why rests that cloud upon your
brow? Tell me. is it because your
Isadel is about to leave the house OF her
childhood for that of another?"
ss.No, no, child" quickly responded
Don Manuel, as he fondly stroked the
glossy looks. mo, no; you are to wed g
noble and upright man, one whom l
shall be proud to receive into my fam
;ly. 1t is not that Matters OF political
importance engross my attention. We
are soon to strike blow for liberty.
But on that point keep silent. You
must leave me now, my darling, for
soon some of our noblest citizens are to
ioin me here, and discuss the means
whereby we can overthrow our op-
presSors."
II would that I were a man that l
might be admitted to your council. But,
father, be cautious, for the Spaniards
may have spies in our very household"
Never fear, daughter. None but
true and trusted patriots will be Of our
party. Now hasten to your chamber,
for I hear footsteps approaching
the father bent and imprinted fervent
kiss upon his child's brow.
Isabel returned the salute and left
the apartment just as the door at the
further end Of the room opened and q
man whose features were concealed be-
hind black mask entered
AS Ceballos noted the presence OF the
newcomer, he stepped quickly forward
with extended hand, remar1ing as he
did So:
Welcome, senors And friend Of our
country! For although may not rec
ognize you behind that covering I know
you must be such. else should not be
honored byyour presence here at this
hour"
"You know me we'll, Don Manuel
responded the other. Both As loyal
son Of Cuba and friend OF yourself. !
am Castro Vasquez''-with this, the vis-
itor removed his mask, as he continued:
Nor would have worn this 1limsy
gauze had it not been the general re-
quest. but would have met our COM
patriots open-faced, IS I'see you are
about to do"
mo, no, Castro!' quickly replied Co.
ballos. There may be some among US
tonight who have not been thoroughly
tried. It is better that the identity OF
the faithful should bo concealed from
such, lest their hearts fail them and
they turn recreant in the hour Of need
and expose our leaders. Quick, senior!
Cover those noble features, which I
know you long to reveal openly to our
hated enemy and oppressor. Cover, l
pray, for hear the approach OF others :
Scarcely had VasQuez replaced his
mask when several people similarly
disguised entered the room one at a
time. each Of whom was cordially
greeted by the veteran host =
When the gathering had sweled to
sorne fifteen in number Don Manuel
called the little meeting to order.
~Senors.." he began, in rich, sonorous
tones, the saints know that there Is
not the slightest doubt In my mind
that each and every one Of you belong
to and are faithful to our cause, but, as
! q matter of protection and to carry out
the rules Of the order which we have
sworn to uphold, I am bound TO re-
| quest you to come forward singly and
make the sign upon separate slips OF
| paper, which shall be destroyed at
once.a
In an instant everyone was upon
their feet and eager to press forward to
obey the bidding OF the leader; yet the
perfect docorum beftting such mo-
| mentous occasion was obSerred.
The first patriot who bent over the
table was mono other than tho out
spoken Castro Vasquez, aud he quickly
traced an equi-lateral triangle, with an
apex pointing downward, while in the
inclosed space he wrote LsJertas with o
C beneath. Thus: